Windows Vista: The Wow Isn't Now

One day after the release of Microsoft's 6 billion dollar operating system, and there are already reports from UK's PC Advisor that the Windows Vista DRM is being cracked by a Canadian kernel developer.

On the eve of the Windows Vista launch, numerous retailers opened their doors at midnight. However, very few consumers actually showed up for the event. The excitement and hoopla surrounding the launch seems to have disappeared.

The Dallas Morning News and numerous other sources are reporting the luke warm response to the official Vista launch.

Upgrading To Vista

Unless you're running Windows 2000 or XP, you won't be able to install "upgrade" versions of Windows Vista Home Basic, Premium and Starter Edition. Microsoft Knowledge Base article #930985 details upgrade installation key issues.

Vista's EULA: Possible Deletion of Programs Without User Consent

It's always a good idea to check the fine print on the EULA (end user license agreement) when you go to install or use Windows Vista. An article in the Toronto Star covers a few of the highlights from the EULA, such as extensive provisions that grant Microsoft the right to regularly check the legitimacy of certain programs, possibly delete those programs without any user consent, and the right to revalidate the software or require the user to reactivate if they make changes to computer components (such as a hardware upgrade).

A copy of the Microsoft Software License terms (in .PDF format) for Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate can be found on Microsoft's web site.

Vista Patches Already Released

The day before the official consumer unveiling of Windows Vista, 6 updates were released to patch the new operating system. This isn't new and not particularly bothersome, let alone unexpected. Information about the updates can be found at ActiveWin.com. Any time a completely rewritten operating system is introduced, it's inevitable that there will be a number of bugs or problems to be worked out.

Vista Compatibility Issues

For anyone who decided to go with the new system, you'll want to check out and install the Windows Vista application compatibility update. It fixes a large list of programs that have compatibility problems with Windows Vista.

Other articles are appearing from several sources about the way Windows Vista is handling online games. YubaNet.com has an article about Microsoft Vista failing 70 million online gamers and developers. It seems Vista isn't compatible with AOL, MSN, Yahoo and Real Arcade games, among others. The update mentioned above is supposed to correct the problem.

Some good news is that some of the major security companies have now released versions of their software that is compatible with Vista.

Tech Republic has a good article detailing 10 reasons you should upgrade to Windows Vista and 10 reasons you shouldn't.

If anyone is thinking about upgrading, make sure you run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, first. There have been several reports of hardware issues with numerous computers due to the under-reported hefty requirements of the new operating system.

With that said, it appears that it will take some time for one of the most expensive operating systems in history becomes accepted among the masses.

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