Windows Vista: Should I wait for Windows 7 or move on to Vista now?

Knee Deep In The Mudd

Member prefernone, I am sorry to hear about your frustrating experience but perhaps I can shed some light and provide some useful info that may help with your current situation as well as possible future buying decisions.


The FIRST issue is that your OS is 64-bit rather than 32-bit. It's the wave of the future but in the meantime (even though Microsoft is pushing this issue) 64-bit is not as well supported especially as regards Software applications.

In many cases the older, established 32-bit version is ported to a 64-bit version but it is not a clean re-write so some "bugginess" may exist. Add to this the strong likelihood that the application was also ported from XP to Vista (again not a fresh re-write) and consequently another layer of "bugginess" is added. One manifestation of this is the execution of certain processes within the application that require elevation to administration privileges. Some ported XP apps are not revised to issue the UAC prompt so Vista doesn't elevate the program's privileges. Vista by default run in a non-admin mode (for increased security) even if your ID has admin privileges. The privilege status/level is only elevated when required and properly accessed.

This leads into the SECOND issue - Admin privileges. Vista has much tighter controls (hence greater security) but this can become frustrating very quickly especially when you are accustomed to much greater freedom in previous versions of Windows. The key here is to get the appropriate version of the OS which in your case would be Vista Business (in functionality it's essentially the equivalent of Win XP Pro). The Home versions have limited admin capabilities and flexibility (forget Home Basic). When working with certain system files there is even a further step that is required called "Taking Ownership". A Vista Business admin can do this but it's rarely, if ever, required even by power users.

The THIRD issue is driver updates. This is perhaps the greatest bane of Vista. Though the situation is getting better, EOMs have been slow in producing stable and efficient drivers for their hardware devices. Again, though Microsoft have been pushing, real traction of this front, particularly with 64-bit versions, has just started since the release of SP1. Consequently, the rule of thumb is to frequently check for updated versions of your system and peripheral drivers - the performance difference can be huge! There is a very good free online scanner available from PC Pitstop called Driver Alert that can assist with this (but I haven't tested it for 64-bit drivers).

The FOURTH issue may be the quality of your system despite the impressive hardware specifications. My own experience as well as some of the practices that I have read about over the years, have caused me to place Gateway near the bottom of my list. In truth, I have not really scrutinize the company in the past few years beyond the fact that it was acquired by Acer. Despite losing some of its luster, Dell is still the company to beat on quality affordable Desktops (laptops are another matter) especially if you spend a little time searching for an ecoupon - saves hundreds.

The FIFTH issue is merely a personal observation since I have had very limited hands on with these machines. I have not been very impressed with the early Intel Quads at all. I expected blow-you-away performance but it was mediocre even lethargic. I have to believe this is a tuning issue but I have no idea if or when a 'fix' will be forthcoming.

In conclusion, I suggest very strongly that, where possible, you ensure that all your applications and hardware drivers are 64-bit compliant and certified by Microsoft. Vista Certification by Microsoft requires 64-bit compliance. In addition, frequently check that you have the latest drivers install for all your hardware devices.

Hope this helps.