The Vista advantage
By Charles Miller

An Atención reader recently asked me about my previous comments in reference to the new Microsoft operating system, Windows Vista. The reader was aware I have recommended against upgrading from Windows XP to Vista but mistook that as a condemnation of the new product.

My comments regarding Windows Vista have to do with the fact that the new system is quite a resource hog; and these previous remarks were intended to discourage readers from trying to upgrade their current computers. Unless you have a brand new computer, lots of memory and a top-end graphics card; you are going to be disappointed with Vista.


But let us look at what you can expect if you do go out and purchase the newest and fastest processor, at least a gigabyte of RAM (preferably two) and an expensive graphics card. Windows Vista will be quite content to run on this hardware and will offer up some real advantages over the older Windows XP as an operating system.


As a technician, I am more impressed with what is under the hood than what the casual user is going to notice. The first thing about Vista that appeals to me is the increased focus on security.

Vista takes security to the next level with Windows Services Hardening. This new innovation prevents obscure background processes from being hijacked and changing your system. Also, IE7 under Vista runs in “protected mode” which limits the ability of malware installing itself as you surf the internet.

Vista now includes encryption which can be applied to the entire hard disk. This will prevent a thief from accessing the data off of a stolen laptop.

User Account Protection is a long overdue innovation which invokes administrator privileges as needed. This makes it much more convenient for users to operate Vista with limited rights, limiting the ability of malware to infect your system as well as accidental user reconfigurations.


Windows Update has been greatly improved to ease the chore of keeping your system patched and up-to-date.

The last word in data security is a good backup of your data. Windows Vista finally includes a dependable and easy-to-use backup program that has been missing from previous versions of Windows.

Enough about security, what about the new bells and whistles? The most conspicuous of these is what Microsoft calls the “Aero Glass” desktop interface.

There is little hope of my being able to verbally do justice to this new feature. The new desktop is a splendid blend of 3D rendering, animation and transparency. Try to imagine papers on you desk that are just transparent enough for you to see what lies underneath. Far from being confusing, this gives depth and context to the screen. The interface is the most intuitive I have ever used. Microsoft has produced a real winner here.

Vista includes Microsoft’s “Desktop Search” feature doing away with the inadequate search function in earlier versions. The new search feature makes searching for all kinds of data easier. Forgetting where you put something in a document, email, fax or spreadsheet is no longer a problem.

I have not yet mentioned other improvements in multi-media, email, parental controls and other.

There is a lot to love about the new Windows Vista. Just do not make the mistake of trying to install and run it on your old hardware.

Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant, a frequent visitor to San Miguel since 1981 and now practically a full-time resident. He can be contacted at 044-415-101-8528 or email FAQ@SMAguru.com.