First and foremost let me make it clear that my ‘skill level’ with computers is best characterized as being an average power-user. To clarify that term for those unfamiliar with its exact definition, a power user is a user who can utilize advanced functions and programs that are outside the reach of normal users due to the complexity and advanced knowledge required to perform these tasks. This article isn’t going to cover every new feature in Vista or give details on the new architecture of this operating system. I’m going to cover the basics of Vista and what I think it means for the average and slightly above average computer users (i.e.; the bulk of this sites readers).

Part I – My Vista History & PC Specs

My history with Vista in brief

I have been using Vista, lightly, since it first appeared in Alpha form a few years ago. The first time I really used Vista hard-core was around RC1, though I did play and experiment with the early Betas as well. The PC I used for all of the installations is probably best described as the average desktop PC of 2005-2006. It’s 3.1GHz Intel Pentium 4 with 1GB of RAM running x86 Windows XP. It also now has a 9550 Radeon Card (capable of displaying Vista’s new Aero interface) and a Creative Audigy 4 video card. Windows Vista installed flawlessly on this machine each time, and was especially quick to install when doing a clean installation (more on that in Part II of this series). In general my desktop always ran Vista very nicely. Earlier versions naturally seemed a little buggy, but as the builds edged closer to the final copy, the better the experience. Currently I am running Vista RTM (final build) on both my desktop and a brand new laptop, so I’ve completed the journey so-to-speak.

PC specs do make a difference

Vista will mean a lot of changes in the PC world. For starters it will require users to adjust to its new interface and functionality (it’s a fairly significant change from XP). But more noteworthy is the fact that the OS has fairly hefty hardware requirements. And for many, that may mean upgrading isn’t their best option. For others, Vista is exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

My one initial complaint from the start was perhaps the speed of Vista. Vista LOVES RAM. The more you have, the better. To run it adequately (or perhaps I should say more optimally) I had to upgrade my RAM (512MB to 1GB). Overall my desktop ran Vista very nicely after the upgrade. The reason I bring up the RAM issue so early in this series is because I figure its better to let you know upfront now, in advance, IF you can even run Vista before I talk all about it.

I’ve read a lot about Vista experiences from various users and many have said that Vista runs best with a minimum of 1GB of RAM. In fact, I wouldn’t even try less – I’d stick with XP if you have under 1GB of RAM and/or don’t feel comfortable with the ready-boost concept (more on that in Part III of this series). Vista will be much slower than XP for users not utilizing higher RAM amounts. If you have 1GB of RAM or slightly above, you’re likely going to experience Vista much in the same way you do XP. The speed and reaction time of each OS will seem similar. Now that statement alone should not discredit all the new features Vista offers, for Vista does indeed offer several appealing upgrades over XP. My point is, don’t expect Vista (with all its new features and brand new interface) to be faster than XP if you’re using less than 2GB of RAM. And that brings me to my last point. If you are using a PC with 2GB of RAM or more, then Vista will truly feel like the upgrade to XP you’ve been waiting for (both in functionality and speed). 2GB of RAM will make Vista zoom-zoom-z… well, you know.

My second hardware-related complaint was related to my old video card. Since I wanted to take advantage of the new Aero interface (which is hands down the best GUI Microsoft has ever produced) I had to upgrade to the 9550 Radeon. I can say with some certainty that many users (non-gamers in particular) who want to run Vista on their current machine, can likely expect to upgrade their video cards if they want to run Aero. If Aero isn’t a concern for you, then no worries. You might even want to consider Vista Basic (which doesn’t have Aero to begin with). Early on the alternative to Aero was a very ugly interface in Vista. Luckily Microsoft improved that by the RC releases. So even if you cannot use Aero, Vista still is visually appealing. But most users (myself included) who see Aero don’t go back, which is saying a lot coming from me. Even after months of use, I still enjoy the Aero look and feel. Initially I felt the same way about XP, but that changed quickly. XP was a little too fluffy for my tastes. Aero is much sleeker and really gives the OS a modern feel.

As I noted earlier, I have been fortunate enough to test RTM Vista on both my desktop and a new Ferrari 5000 laptop (yes the one’s from Microsoft, Acer, and AMD). The later having the following specs. An AMD Turion 64 X2 Processor, 160 GB hard drive, 2 GB of RAM (max capacity), dual-layer/multi-format DVD burner; built-in 54g wireless; Bluetooth wireless, four USB, one FireWire, 5-in-1 memory card reader, HDMI/VGA/S-Video out, integrated Web cam, and a Bluetooth VOIP phone. It’s probably an obvious statement, but the higher end laptop runs Vista incredibly. In fact, it changed how I view Vista entirely.

Merging the two experiences of Vista

So at this point I think it’s appropriate to say that my initial thoughts on Vista have to take into account both my history with the OS on my desktop AND my experience with the new laptop. I think somewhere in the middle I can find common ground all users can relate to.

I will say this for now. On machines built for Vista (look for that snazzy new sticker - shown to right), this Operating System is worth the upgrade (take your pick of six editions). On older computers, Vista may not be worth the time or trouble. I won’t lie and tell you Vista will run great on your PC from 2004 – chances are, it won’t. Vista is the latest and greatest in the OS world from Microsoft. In general, expect your PC hardware requirements to be at least late-2005 technology forward. Only then will Vista truly shine.

Stay tuned for Part II of this series (Installation & Noteable Vista RTM Changes).

John C. Derrick
Founder