Windows Vista: More than just a facelift?

Vista: noun. A pleasing view. When it comes down to it, that’s all that Windows XP’s successor, Windows Vista, really is. For some of us, it’s just what we need. For others, it will be seen as no more than a textbook update (i.e. re-releasing the same product in hopes of tricking your customers).

The relatively quiet release of Windows Vista could explain why you look more confused than Clay Aiken at a rap concert. For those who still haven’t realized it, there’s a new version of Windows out called Windows Vista. The reason why you might not have heard of it is because you probably don’t need it…yet.

The most noticeable change in Bill Gates’s new brainchild is the slight facelift that adds a more modern feel to your now-bland XP desktop. Vista is equipped with Microsoft’s latest “revolutionary” interface called Windows Aero, which makes organizing applications and windows much easier with features like Windows Flip 3D, or switching between windows in a three-dimensional display. Aero also makes looking at your computer surprisingly more pleasing due to the glassy, transparent look.

Vista brings with it some clever new features, but nothing that can’t be found on Mac OS X. The fact that it’s Windows, however, is all that really matters.

By far the most useful new feature, and best stolen Mac idea, is the “sidebar.” This rectangle sent from Windows heaven lets you store a set of “gadgets” (for Mac fans, think widgets) to constantly distract you from doing anything productive in life.

These gadgets can range from RSS feeds to weather updates and even constantly running slideshows. Pointless ways to take up your computer’s precious memory? Perhaps, but it’s hard for Windows fans to not get giddy at the thought of having an even more decorated desktop.

Microsoft has also made it easy for users with programming experience to make custom gadgets, which can be posted on Microsoft’s Web site. There are already hundreds of gadgets posted by Vista fans and companies trying to find their way onto your desktop. As long as gadgets don’t become the new way to secretly slide spyware onto your hard drive, they might be one of the most useful new features for Vista.

Thankfully, Vista is also well-equipped in the spyware protection department. Microsoft realized the one aspect of a Mac that any non-technical computer user loves is the fact that they don’t have to worry about viruses. Vista is Microsoft’s first step toward a virus free future. An optimistic thought, but likely to be a failure. Did I say that out loud?

But for those of you who are convinced of Vista’s necessity and are now building Bill Gates shrines at the thought of having a more efficient, eye-pleasing Windows, you should probably ask whether you are even ready for Vista.

While there are several different versions of Vista depending on how “hardcore” of a PC user you are, the minimum requirements may be a bit daunting for some still looking for a reason to update.

The requirements for Windows Vista Home Basic, or the most anorexic form of Vista, are actually quite easy to meet for most PC users, but only because it is devoid of any noticeable graphical updates. In other words, it’s just not cool.

The best option for anyone who passes the minimum requirements is by far the Home Premium edition. It is only missing two features in comparison to the Business and Ultimate editions, but unless file encryption is vital to your MySpacing activities, you might as well save your valuable college dollars.

It’s also important that you know not only what edition to get, but that there is a vast difference between buying an “upgrade” version and a “full install” version.

The upgrade is for those who already have XP and want to simply update their operating system (for the geeks, benchmark tests are showing that the upgrade version surprisingly performs slightly better). The downside is that you have to install XP every time you have to reformat Windows Vista. Not cool.

The full install version is for those who either don’t have XP (somehow) or want to start a new life with cousin Vista, leaving XP to die in the closet. There’s also the joy of never having to install XP every time you reformat.

To put it all into perspective, I purchased Windows Vista Ultimate edition two weeks ago and while I’m certainly pleased to have such a pleasant Windows experience every day, I only realize I have a new version of Windows once a day.

I’ve used the Windows Flip 3D about seven times (all in the same ten minutes) and I haven’t cared to search for more gadgets since the end of the first week.

It’s only human nature to quickly get over the hype and excitement of products we spend hefty sums of money on, and Windows Vista is no different.

But do I love every minute I’m using Vista? You better believe it. Finally, I have the beauty of OS X combined with the ability to do more than point and click on bubbly objects (yeah, I’m talking to you, Mac) and use practically any valuable program on the market. XP is in the closet and I don’t plan on bringing it out ever again.

Vista is a symbol of great hope for Microsoft. It is the “pleasing view” PC users have been anticipating for over a decade. Nevertheless, there’s no need to empty your pockets in the name of William Gates any time soon.