I on the weekend had a thorough test of Windows Vista Home Premium. And to be honest I didn't see any reason to upgrade anyway, and it amazes me how people get brainwashed into advertising campaigns such as Microsoft's Show us your "WOW" really makes people think Windows Vista is the best of the best Operating system ever and is a must have. NOT!!.
I don't like the fact Vista is bloated with features I don't need like Media Centre, while people argue that I can get Vista Basic instead, Vista Basic skimps on features that I need or want. Now Aero Glass, while pretty it didn't take my breath away, and is only a minor improvement in 3D graphics but not good enough (of course it might be years when graphics are fully 3D) On an other note Vista Aero glass isn't that glassy after all and I can detail all the little pixels in it which really spoils the experience. The new start button is annoying and harder to use. Also there are too many versions of Vista unlike XP's Home and Professional. However I do like how Microsoft uses proper names such as "Business" or "Ultimate"
Also Windows Vista's price tag is a joke and when you convert the price currency in Australian dollars. Vista Ultimate is $751.00 for full version and $495.00 for upgrade while Home Premium is $455.00 for full and $299.00 for upgrade, joke isn't it. I can't upgrade so the next best option is the OEM version, the OEM version is the same as the boxed versions but only without a manual but who needs a manual when it functions like XP?
Security has improved but already has been classed as "unreliable and half baked" from various sources, so it tells me Windows Vista security features are really breakable by hackers. Windows defender is crap since I've learned and is a memory hog from what I have discovered on my home PC. I really hate User Account Control and is one thing I really loathe.
Everything is mostly the same except improvements made on the interface (eg interface inconsistencies such as Windows 95 icons on Windows XP etc are now gone almost) Apps are quite stable as well. Windows Vista is very stable, but I didn't experience only 1 crash.
Now this doesn't mean I hate Windows Vista but from my observations Vista IS a Service Pack 3 for Windows XP, and if it were a service pack, it would definitely be worth the upgrade. But because this a major release that I can't afford anyway I am really happy with Windows XP. Just my observation.

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