Vista, Microsoft’s operating system introduced in 2007, is still slightly controversial, although many of the problems seen when it was first released have been fixed. If you decide Vista is the OS you want on your PC, Bright Hub articles cover many basic issues to get you comfortable with Vista.
Are you going to put Windows Vista on your computer?
The most basic decision you need to make is whether to get Microsoft Vista. In The Good and the Bad in Windows Vista , Profacgillies looks at both sides of the issue. Read his evaluation of what has changed for the better in Vista, and what still needs improvement.
In the series Comparison between Vista Basic and Vista Ultimate Editions , Warren Hiyashi takes you through exactly what is included in every edition of Microsoft Vista. You can decide which optional features you want to have in your version, and make an informed decision which version to buy.
Rebecca Scudder looks at How Much Will Vista Ultimate Cost , and finds out that it really depends on how you decide to purchase Vista Ultimate, and what Windows OS, if any, you are upgrading from. Check out the best way to purchase a copy if Ultimate is the version you want.
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Windows Vista: Preparing for the operating system
Upgrading from XP Home to Vista Home Premium by Warren Hiyashi discusses the steps you should take to ensure your upgrade goes smoothly. He recommends you run Microsoft’s Vista Upgrade Adviser to make sure your computer is ready for the upgrade.
Basic Hardware Requirements for Windows Vista by Lantern covers the hardware required to upgrade or install Windows Vista on your PC. Microsoft provides a Minimum Hardware Compatibility List, but the minimal components will not give you a pleasurable experience from your new Vista operating system. He tells you the hardware upgrades necessary to utilize Vista so it satisfies you.
Warren Hiyashi’s article Installing RAM to Improve Vista’s Performance discusses the minimum RAM Microsoft recommended before you should install Windows Vista on your system- and the minimum you need to get optimal performance from Windows Vista.
Once Vista is installed
Joli Ballew’s article New to Windows Vista? Check out the Welcome Center goes over the window that opens up the first time you start Windows Vista. In it, the Welcome Center offers ‘Get Started With Windows’. There are also other icons that help you get acquainted with Windows Vista. She briefly reviews what each icon will cover. It is a quick way for you to find out where to access the information you want to know first.
Jesma has written a two part series on 10 Tweaks for Better Vista Performance which will help your conversion from other operating systems go more smoothly. Her tweaks will help make Vista perform and feel better.
Sammy’s article series Taming Windows Vista has a number of articles which can help the beginning user of Vista get more from their Operating System. First in the series is Taming Windows Vista- Poor Performance Tweaks . Covering everything from Optimize Your Windows Interface , User Account Control , and Windows Updates through Sample Registry Tweaks , it gives you an overview of much of the Vista Operating System.
Configuring Vista to suit yourself
Steve Mallard writes on Sharing Files and Folders in Vista , so you can share information with other computers on your network, and lets you know how to do it without compromising your security.
The Vista Sidebar is a feature new to the Windows Operating systems, and is in every version of Vista. Jodi Ballew gives you tips and tricks which will help you get the most out of this new addition. You learn how to install gadgets, and how to use the tools option to configure them to your liking.
And if you decide you don’t like the sidebar, or want to increase Vista’s performance by disabling it, Dianna Monda Dill explains how to Disable Vista’s Sidebar and gadgets . The original three gadgets in the sidebar use 12MB to 20MB, and if you added additional gadgets, they consume additional RAM.
In How to change Your Home Page in Your Browser to any Page You Want , Rebecca Scudder explains how to change the default page on your Internet browser to the page of your choice. She covers the five most commonly used browsers, letting you set the browser to your own preferences.
Meryl Evans tells you What You Need to Know About Vista fonts . She explains how fonts work in Windows Vista, and how to install and uninstall fonts to suit your preferences.
Options to improve accessibility
Dianna Monda Dill writes How to Configure Accessability Options in Windows Vista . This new Ease of Access center allows increased productivity as well as improved access for children and people with disabilities. There are four configurable tools: Magnifier, Narrator, the On screen keyboard and High Contrast. She explains how to set up the tools and toggle them on and off.
Bright Hub hopes these articles help you find using Vista easier.
