Review of Microsoft Windows Vista

Now that Microsoft Vista is on sale, many people are wondering if the software is worth the expense. With a suggested retail price of $100 to $389, the cost alone makes it a tough decision. Upgrading from XP or 2000 does not cost a lot; otherwise expect to pay near $300.

The benefits installing Microsoft Vista include:

Ÿ Secure Online Key Backup--Users can store a secure password and encrypting certificate that provides added security to your computer.

Ÿ Windows Movie Maker--For creating home movies in HD.

Ÿ Windows Hold'em--Texas Hold'em is added to the list of Windows games.

Ÿ Multiple Language Support--You can now set up your computer to use more than one language. It is perfect for bilingual households.

Ÿ Backup can now be set to backup your system regularly. You no longer have to remember to do so.

Ÿ Bit locker Drive Encryption--Prevents hackers from bypassing the system and gaining access to your computer.

Ÿ Built-in Diagnostics--The system regularly checks for disk errors, memory problems, network problems, and resource overloads that create those troublesome hang ups, frozen screens, and system crashes.

Ÿ DirectX 10--The latest DirectX program is fully installed giving you the best graphics on the market.

Ÿ Menus and toolbars are all on one screen now. You do not need to wait for an additional menu listing to come up.

Ÿ Windows Flip 3D--All open screens are now stacked like dominos in a 3D manner allowing you to view the screens that are open so that you can quickly find the exact screen you need.

Ÿ Instant Search--The program can quickly find files for you regardless of where they are stored. All you need to know is something about the file (the date it was created, a keyword, or who sent it) and Windows finds it for you.

Ÿ Games Explorer--Windows stores all games together, so you will never have problems locating the game you want.

Ÿ Phishing Filter--Internet Explorer now comes with a filter to block emails that contain phishing scams.

Ÿ Live Icons--All of your files have a live icon that shows up as a screen capture. This makes finding your files incredibly easy.

Do the added features make Windows Vista worth the money? Odds are slim. Already, many users are running into numerous problems getting the software to run. Microsoft has already released a Service Pack to fix bugs that users are running into.

Another issue that users are running into, the product can be installed one time only unless you purchase the business version. Already, some people have discovered that if they need to completely rebuild their system, they may need to purchase a new Windows Vista package. The licensing statements are shady at best.

According to a report from Fox News, users are also having a problem editing files they have created. Those using MS Word find the program refuses to open the .doc file because it may be contaminated. What good is protection software if you cannot even open your own files?

Finally, the issue of software support comes up. Users are finding that the online support system lacks answers to many popular problems. They are then prompted to file a report and so far, those who have asked a question have yet to receive answers. While the software seems to tackle the security breaches of the past, it will not help if the program goes overboard or will not install in the first place.

Overall, you are better off waiting until the glitches have been solved before spending the money on this product.