Hawaii Kai Computer Guy

Each week Hawaii Kai Computer Guy consistently receives calls from clients intimidated to move into Windows Vista or blaming it for the very reason they're calling for assistance. I consistently educate our clients to wait at least six to nine months before upgrading to any new significant operating system - on any platform including Windows, MacOS or another.

It takes time for software/hardware developers to become fluent with the changes - most of which are often under-the-hood and unapparent to the general user. This period is required to update their products to optimally perform with the new operating system and vice-versa. So is Windows Vista ready for you to easily enjoy? I believe it has been for a long while.

The issue isn't with Windows Vista solely. Didn't everyone have the same critique of Windows XP when it first arrived into public view like an unsteady rubber monster? Yes.

It actually took about three years (with the introduction of Service Pack 2) for Windows XP to become the strong and stable operating system it is known as today. In fact, I would venture to state that Windows Vista actually has become more stable in less time.

Windows Vista (with Service Pack 1) has been available for quite some time and affords increased speed, efficiency and sturdiness. If you currently do not have Service Pack 1 installed, simply go to START>ALL PROGRAMS>WINDOWS UPDATE to download it.

What did Vista get right? For starters, though the User Account Control feature is like an annoying little sister who constantly nags you, it makes Vista more secure than XP. Vista also surpasses Windows XP in handling mobile devices, networking, multimedia files and photos. On top of that, it has a cleaner, more navigable interface.

For those of you still sitting on the fence waiting to make your transition, I've provided my four favorite features in Windows Vista (when compared to Windows XP) to offer encouragement.

1. In the Interface. Perhaps the best thing about Windows Vista is the most obvious: its new interface. With transparent animated windows that swoosh into place, subtle and elegant colors, a new Start menu, and plenty of other changes, this is the most striking version of Windows you've seen. If you've ever had Mac envy, this is the Windows you want - it's the most Mac-like interface yet.
2. Live Thumbnails. Do you run a lot of programs and visit a lot of Web sites simultaneously? If so, you'll appreciate Live Thumbnails. Hover your mouse over any window on the Taskbar, and a thumbnail of the window pops up with the program and document name or the Web site name just above it. The thumbnails are truly "live," so if a video is playing in a window, you'll see the video playing in the thumbnail, too.
3. Boost Performance With ReadyBoost. Windows Vista includes a quick way to enhance system performance: ReadyBoost. It preloads files and programs you often use into RAM so that they're there when you want them and you don't have to wait for them to load from the hard disk. You can buy an inexpensive USB flash drive and use up to 4GB of cheap RAM to boost your system performance.
4. Parental Controls. Worried that your children may be exposed to inappropriate content online? Want to make sure they're not playing games or instant messaging when they should be doing homework? Parental Controls put you in control. Not only can you determine the kinds of sites they visit and games they play, but you can also enforce rules about when they'll be able to use the computer at all.

Daniel Allen is the Lead Support Specialist for Hawaii Kai Computer Guy. The company provides "LIVE" Technical Support for Any Operating System/Application, FREE On-Site Service and EXCEPTIONAL Customized Computer Education. For more information visitwww.HawaiiKaiComputerGuy.com or call (808) 356-0672. For article suggestions, please email eos@hawaiikaicomputerguy.com.