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System Builder (OEM) Software
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 Customer Reviews
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi, 01 Sep 2008
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi
I had an old Pentium III, 733Mhz PC with 256 MB RAM sat in a cupboard, decided to try loading XP but didn't want to spend a lot on the software. This OEM version is a good price and loaded without issue, also registered with Microsoft without a problem. Ok as it is OEM copy you are unlikely to get technical support from Microsoft.
Windows XP (in my opinion) is by far the best version of Windows, very easy to install, stable and uses a reasonable amount of system resources (unlike Vista). XP Runs well on my old PC, which is now being used to serf the web.
A previous reviewer stated they had problems getting XP to connect to the internet using a wireless network; I've had no issues connecting my old PC using a Netgear WG111T 108Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter key, worked straight away, setup so XP is managing the connection. I have two other newer PCs running XP (Service Pack 2) and they are also connected wirelessly to the internet using a BT Homehub, one has a built-in adapter the other with a D-Link USB key.
Buy Windows XP while you still can.
Wireless user beware, 20 Aug 2008
Easy install, same features but without the extensive list of updates and everything seemed to go well until trying to connect wirelessly to the internet. Netgear seemed to install fine (it doesn't seem to matter which hardware you use - Ive tried) and a good signal received but no connection (!!!). Frustrated I looked on google and found numerous references to similar problems with every kind of wireless connection. Is this Micrfosoft's way of saying 'get Vista'? Perhaps it could be relabelled ' NOT FOR USE WITH WIRELESS HARDWARE ' Definitely a case of caveat emptor.
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Customer Reviews
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi, 01 Sep 2008
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi
I had an old Pentium III, 733Mhz PC with 256 MB RAM sat in a cupboard, decided to try loading XP but didn't want to spend a lot on the software. This OEM version is a good price and loaded without issue, also registered with Microsoft without a problem. Ok as it is OEM copy you are unlikely to get technical support from Microsoft.
Windows XP (in my opinion) is by far the best version of Windows, very easy to install, stable and uses a reasonable amount of system resources (unlike Vista). XP Runs well on my old PC, which is now being used to serf the web.
A previous reviewer stated they had problems getting XP to connect to the internet using a wireless network; I've had no issues connecting my old PC using a Netgear WG111T 108Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter key, worked straight away, setup so XP is managing the connection. I have two other newer PCs running XP (Service Pack 2) and they are also connected wirelessly to the internet using a BT Homehub, one has a built-in adapter the other with a D-Link USB key.
Buy Windows XP while you still can.
Wireless user beware, 20 Aug 2008
Easy install, same features but without the extensive list of updates and everything seemed to go well until trying to connect wirelessly to the internet. Netgear seemed to install fine (it doesn't seem to matter which hardware you use - Ive tried) and a good signal received but no connection (!!!). Frustrated I looked on google and found numerous references to similar problems with every kind of wireless connection. Is this Micrfosoft's way of saying 'get Vista'? Perhaps it could be relabelled ' NOT FOR USE WITH WIRELESS HARDWARE ' Definitely a case of caveat emptor.
Double check if your mp3s and camera are supported first., 05 Oct 2008
I changed my computer and Vista came with it. Many of my favourite digital photo programmes will no longer run, Vista no longer even supports picture it (thier own programme) and instead have a very limited photo programme where you can look at them or print them.
The drivers for my creative mp3 players are not supported nor the programmes that come with the players. The driver and programme for my wife's sony mp3 is not supported. The driver for my digital camera is not supported. This has become a total farce. I guess this would be a reasonable system if you are just starting out new but when you need to replace either the operating system or the programmes and players you already have then I afraid the vista gets evicted and I go back to XP.
Give it another few years and perhaps more stuff will be supported but at the moment it is very limited in what will run.
Good ridance XP Welcome Vista Premium my best friend., 22 Sep 2008
Now im not saying Windows Xp was a bad operating system far from it but it was more prone to attack from viruses and other internet nasties.
I ran it for several years but had to ensure my anti virus software was continually up to date and active.On more than one occasion my computer had to visit the hospitol for expert analysis on sorting out unwanted programmes, and i can well remember a particular pop up that was vertually impossible to remove.Only Windows Defender finally removed it but not from the main computer memory,it was still on the hard drive but was made inactive.
On the purchase of a new desktop computer two years ago which then came with a free upgrade to Windows Vista when it became available i didnot take the plunge straight away far from it.
I waited nearly a year before Xp became slugish once again but this time it was final.I formatted my hard drive completely so it was empty of any data and then tried to install Vista Premium.
The installation was not instantaneous far from it,it took quite a while and several attempts until it was successfully downloaded but the move from Xp to Vista has been a dream.
Nothing so far in nearly fourteen months of Vista use has anything gone wrong,not a single virus or computer crash.The software has been totally trouble free.I have either been lucky or Microsoft has really done their homework on Vista.
It works very much like Xp but looks oh so different with those gorgeous backdrops to your viewing experience.Over those months of excellent use i was using the 32bit software but have now upgraded my computer with Q6700 Quad core processor,Striker Extream motherboard and 8Gb of Ocz memory,and the 64bit software will recognise every last bit of that 8Gig unlike Vista 32 which will only recognise 3.5Gb no matter how much memory is installed.
Vista has and will remain a joy to use and those people who slate it saying its not as good as a Mac or other systems have either not used it or their computer is not modern enough to gain the added benefit of the added toys such as the very usefull Aero facility.
Take the plunge because Vista is a pleasure to use and after extended use you will prabably wonder why you waited so long to try it.
Yes it did have teething problems at the start but the drivers and everything else to operate your system are now bang up to date so there should be no worries.
Excellent but you need to have a decent PC, 31 Jul 2008
Bought Vista for a new build PC. Being new build I have had no compatabilty problems with any of the components installed. I did need a few updates for some games and software but most of this was done automatically with windows updater. This should be expected with a new operating system. As previous reviews have mentioned about drivers, Vista does not have as large a driver database as you are led to believe. This is for both x32 or x64 bit versions so you may well need updates from manufacturer websites if you are upgrading to Vista on an older PC.
Also note that Vista 32 will not support anyhting above 4Gb of RAM and 3Gb or less is the recommended. With the 64bit edition you can support larger amounts of RAM up to what the mother board will support so if this is an issue go for Vista x64 if you need more memory - Though 2Gb+ is more than enough for most users
One let down that I have experienced is that I have had to change my virus softaware. I was using Virgin Media Pc Care as part of my broadband package but this does not support x64, only x32 bit version. They say this is what is shipped with most of the shelf PC's and as such have no plans to support it. This is the only problem I have experienced but got round it with AVG virus gaurd which is free.
A shocking disgrace, 23 Jun 2008
You have to wonder what goes on in Redmond.
Here are the following versions of Vista you can buy on Amazon:
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Windows Vista Business 32-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Business 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Windows Vista Business 64-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Do yourself a favour, buy a Mac.
Windows Vista Home Premium OEM/OEI DSP - 64-bit Edition, 26 May 2008
I bought this sometime ago and was going to install it on my old AMD A64X2 system until it went kaput!
So I bought all new components (£700's worth) and installed it.
Installation was so easy!
Just make sure that you when you goto install it that you tell the computer to boot from your CD/DVD drive by altering the settings in your computers BIOS and away it goes, you may need a little twiddling if you're going to use RAID, but I don't use it and it took about 45' to install.
I've had no driver problems at all, but then all of my components are new, however you may have a little bother if you use older componentry. So it maybe worthwhile checking compatibility before you choose to install Vista 64-bit.
You may find the most irritating thing about Vista is the UAC (User Account Control) keeps intervening, but you can quite easily turn it off in the Control Panel.
Also you may find that high speed wireless connections will only run at 54Mbps (Netgear) so do check if you use WiFi with your router & WiFi card (if applicable) manufacturer before hand if that sort of thing bothers you!
Most software (But NOT all) seems to work just remember there's the odd exception, but that I think is to be expected as XP is now pretty much the standard OS these days.
If you're at all worried about Vista, try doing a dual boot system so you have XP & Vista on your hard drive making the compatibility issue a non issue, just make sure that you install XP first otherwise it can get complicated.
So overall quite happy with the move from XP to Vista, one or two little niggles so I took a star off for those.
Oh by the way if you want to install MORE THAN 3Gb of system RAM then you'll need Vista 64-bit, the 32-bit can't access anymore than that!
Finally. This is the OEM version of Vista as a consequence if you install it on your system it "lives" with it & "dies" with it, if you have any sort of idea about porting it from one machine to another or your motherboard dies then this will die with it. Any doubts buy the Retail Version.
I now have a system which consists of:
A Q6700 Intel processor slightly overclocked to 3.01Ghz
Asus P5K Premium Motherboard
4Gb of Ram
2 Opitarc DVD/CD writers
A Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Soundcard
1.5Tb of Disc Space
A BFG 8800GTS OC Graphic Card
And it all zips along quite nicely!
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Customer Reviews
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi, 01 Sep 2008
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi
I had an old Pentium III, 733Mhz PC with 256 MB RAM sat in a cupboard, decided to try loading XP but didn't want to spend a lot on the software. This OEM version is a good price and loaded without issue, also registered with Microsoft without a problem. Ok as it is OEM copy you are unlikely to get technical support from Microsoft.
Windows XP (in my opinion) is by far the best version of Windows, very easy to install, stable and uses a reasonable amount of system resources (unlike Vista). XP Runs well on my old PC, which is now being used to serf the web.
A previous reviewer stated they had problems getting XP to connect to the internet using a wireless network; I've had no issues connecting my old PC using a Netgear WG111T 108Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter key, worked straight away, setup so XP is managing the connection. I have two other newer PCs running XP (Service Pack 2) and they are also connected wirelessly to the internet using a BT Homehub, one has a built-in adapter the other with a D-Link USB key.
Buy Windows XP while you still can.
Wireless user beware, 20 Aug 2008
Easy install, same features but without the extensive list of updates and everything seemed to go well until trying to connect wirelessly to the internet. Netgear seemed to install fine (it doesn't seem to matter which hardware you use - Ive tried) and a good signal received but no connection (!!!). Frustrated I looked on google and found numerous references to similar problems with every kind of wireless connection. Is this Micrfosoft's way of saying 'get Vista'? Perhaps it could be relabelled ' NOT FOR USE WITH WIRELESS HARDWARE ' Definitely a case of caveat emptor.
Double check if your mp3s and camera are supported first., 05 Oct 2008
I changed my computer and Vista came with it. Many of my favourite digital photo programmes will no longer run, Vista no longer even supports picture it (thier own programme) and instead have a very limited photo programme where you can look at them or print them.
The drivers for my creative mp3 players are not supported nor the programmes that come with the players. The driver and programme for my wife's sony mp3 is not supported. The driver for my digital camera is not supported. This has become a total farce. I guess this would be a reasonable system if you are just starting out new but when you need to replace either the operating system or the programmes and players you already have then I afraid the vista gets evicted and I go back to XP.
Give it another few years and perhaps more stuff will be supported but at the moment it is very limited in what will run.
Good ridance XP Welcome Vista Premium my best friend., 22 Sep 2008
Now im not saying Windows Xp was a bad operating system far from it but it was more prone to attack from viruses and other internet nasties.
I ran it for several years but had to ensure my anti virus software was continually up to date and active.On more than one occasion my computer had to visit the hospitol for expert analysis on sorting out unwanted programmes, and i can well remember a particular pop up that was vertually impossible to remove.Only Windows Defender finally removed it but not from the main computer memory,it was still on the hard drive but was made inactive.
On the purchase of a new desktop computer two years ago which then came with a free upgrade to Windows Vista when it became available i didnot take the plunge straight away far from it.
I waited nearly a year before Xp became slugish once again but this time it was final.I formatted my hard drive completely so it was empty of any data and then tried to install Vista Premium.
The installation was not instantaneous far from it,it took quite a while and several attempts until it was successfully downloaded but the move from Xp to Vista has been a dream.
Nothing so far in nearly fourteen months of Vista use has anything gone wrong,not a single virus or computer crash.The software has been totally trouble free.I have either been lucky or Microsoft has really done their homework on Vista.
It works very much like Xp but looks oh so different with those gorgeous backdrops to your viewing experience.Over those months of excellent use i was using the 32bit software but have now upgraded my computer with Q6700 Quad core processor,Striker Extream motherboard and 8Gb of Ocz memory,and the 64bit software will recognise every last bit of that 8Gig unlike Vista 32 which will only recognise 3.5Gb no matter how much memory is installed.
Vista has and will remain a joy to use and those people who slate it saying its not as good as a Mac or other systems have either not used it or their computer is not modern enough to gain the added benefit of the added toys such as the very usefull Aero facility.
Take the plunge because Vista is a pleasure to use and after extended use you will prabably wonder why you waited so long to try it.
Yes it did have teething problems at the start but the drivers and everything else to operate your system are now bang up to date so there should be no worries.
Excellent but you need to have a decent PC, 31 Jul 2008
Bought Vista for a new build PC. Being new build I have had no compatabilty problems with any of the components installed. I did need a few updates for some games and software but most of this was done automatically with windows updater. This should be expected with a new operating system. As previous reviews have mentioned about drivers, Vista does not have as large a driver database as you are led to believe. This is for both x32 or x64 bit versions so you may well need updates from manufacturer websites if you are upgrading to Vista on an older PC.
Also note that Vista 32 will not support anyhting above 4Gb of RAM and 3Gb or less is the recommended. With the 64bit edition you can support larger amounts of RAM up to what the mother board will support so if this is an issue go for Vista x64 if you need more memory - Though 2Gb+ is more than enough for most users
One let down that I have experienced is that I have had to change my virus softaware. I was using Virgin Media Pc Care as part of my broadband package but this does not support x64, only x32 bit version. They say this is what is shipped with most of the shelf PC's and as such have no plans to support it. This is the only problem I have experienced but got round it with AVG virus gaurd which is free.
A shocking disgrace, 23 Jun 2008
You have to wonder what goes on in Redmond.
Here are the following versions of Vista you can buy on Amazon:
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Windows Vista Business 32-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Business 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Windows Vista Business 64-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Do yourself a favour, buy a Mac.
Windows Vista Home Premium OEM/OEI DSP - 64-bit Edition, 26 May 2008
I bought this sometime ago and was going to install it on my old AMD A64X2 system until it went kaput!
So I bought all new components (£700's worth) and installed it.
Installation was so easy!
Just make sure that you when you goto install it that you tell the computer to boot from your CD/DVD drive by altering the settings in your computers BIOS and away it goes, you may need a little twiddling if you're going to use RAID, but I don't use it and it took about 45' to install.
I've had no driver problems at all, but then all of my components are new, however you may have a little bother if you use older componentry. So it maybe worthwhile checking compatibility before you choose to install Vista 64-bit.
You may find the most irritating thing about Vista is the UAC (User Account Control) keeps intervening, but you can quite easily turn it off in the Control Panel.
Also you may find that high speed wireless connections will only run at 54Mbps (Netgear) so do check if you use WiFi with your router & WiFi card (if applicable) manufacturer before hand if that sort of thing bothers you!
Most software (But NOT all) seems to work just remember there's the odd exception, but that I think is to be expected as XP is now pretty much the standard OS these days.
If you're at all worried about Vista, try doing a dual boot system so you have XP & Vista on your hard drive making the compatibility issue a non issue, just make sure that you install XP first otherwise it can get complicated.
So overall quite happy with the move from XP to Vista, one or two little niggles so I took a star off for those.
Oh by the way if you want to install MORE THAN 3Gb of system RAM then you'll need Vista 64-bit, the 32-bit can't access anymore than that!
Finally. This is the OEM version of Vista as a consequence if you install it on your system it "lives" with it & "dies" with it, if you have any sort of idea about porting it from one machine to another or your motherboard dies then this will die with it. Any doubts buy the Retail Version.
I now have a system which consists of:
A Q6700 Intel processor slightly overclocked to 3.01Ghz
Asus P5K Premium Motherboard
4Gb of Ram
2 Opitarc DVD/CD writers
A Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Soundcard
1.5Tb of Disc Space
A BFG 8800GTS OC Graphic Card
And it all zips along quite nicely!
Windows Vista Home Basic OEM SP1, 27 Sep 2008
In addition to the horror stories I've heard and read about Vista, I'd also read that the Home Basic edition is basically like XP and therefore not worth getting. Though Vista may have been dis-functional in 2007, the 2008 edition of Home Basic with Service Pack 1 is anything but XP! Installation was painless and despite my motherboard manufacturer not offering Vista compatible drivers, Windows Update made easy work of finding current VGA, Network & Audio drivers to run my Motherboard under XP. I've had one program that will not function correctly but it's a specialist piece of Broadcast Software for which a Vista version is available so all in all, no major problems, catastrophe's etc etc. I think the Vista horror stories mainly relate to early releases and general compatibility for programs doesn't appear to be an issue. Ultimately I ask myself if I would go back to XP? The answer: no way, this is the way forward!
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Customer Reviews
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi, 01 Sep 2008
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi
I had an old Pentium III, 733Mhz PC with 256 MB RAM sat in a cupboard, decided to try loading XP but didn't want to spend a lot on the software. This OEM version is a good price and loaded without issue, also registered with Microsoft without a problem. Ok as it is OEM copy you are unlikely to get technical support from Microsoft.
Windows XP (in my opinion) is by far the best version of Windows, very easy to install, stable and uses a reasonable amount of system resources (unlike Vista). XP Runs well on my old PC, which is now being used to serf the web.
A previous reviewer stated they had problems getting XP to connect to the internet using a wireless network; I've had no issues connecting my old PC using a Netgear WG111T 108Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter key, worked straight away, setup so XP is managing the connection. I have two other newer PCs running XP (Service Pack 2) and they are also connected wirelessly to the internet using a BT Homehub, one has a built-in adapter the other with a D-Link USB key.
Buy Windows XP while you still can.
Wireless user beware, 20 Aug 2008
Easy install, same features but without the extensive list of updates and everything seemed to go well until trying to connect wirelessly to the internet. Netgear seemed to install fine (it doesn't seem to matter which hardware you use - Ive tried) and a good signal received but no connection (!!!). Frustrated I looked on google and found numerous references to similar problems with every kind of wireless connection. Is this Micrfosoft's way of saying 'get Vista'? Perhaps it could be relabelled ' NOT FOR USE WITH WIRELESS HARDWARE ' Definitely a case of caveat emptor.
Double check if your mp3s and camera are supported first., 05 Oct 2008
I changed my computer and Vista came with it. Many of my favourite digital photo programmes will no longer run, Vista no longer even supports picture it (thier own programme) and instead have a very limited photo programme where you can look at them or print them.
The drivers for my creative mp3 players are not supported nor the programmes that come with the players. The driver and programme for my wife's sony mp3 is not supported. The driver for my digital camera is not supported. This has become a total farce. I guess this would be a reasonable system if you are just starting out new but when you need to replace either the operating system or the programmes and players you already have then I afraid the vista gets evicted and I go back to XP.
Give it another few years and perhaps more stuff will be supported but at the moment it is very limited in what will run.
Good ridance XP Welcome Vista Premium my best friend., 22 Sep 2008
Now im not saying Windows Xp was a bad operating system far from it but it was more prone to attack from viruses and other internet nasties.
I ran it for several years but had to ensure my anti virus software was continually up to date and active.On more than one occasion my computer had to visit the hospitol for expert analysis on sorting out unwanted programmes, and i can well remember a particular pop up that was vertually impossible to remove.Only Windows Defender finally removed it but not from the main computer memory,it was still on the hard drive but was made inactive.
On the purchase of a new desktop computer two years ago which then came with a free upgrade to Windows Vista when it became available i didnot take the plunge straight away far from it.
I waited nearly a year before Xp became slugish once again but this time it was final.I formatted my hard drive completely so it was empty of any data and then tried to install Vista Premium.
The installation was not instantaneous far from it,it took quite a while and several attempts until it was successfully downloaded but the move from Xp to Vista has been a dream.
Nothing so far in nearly fourteen months of Vista use has anything gone wrong,not a single virus or computer crash.The software has been totally trouble free.I have either been lucky or Microsoft has really done their homework on Vista.
It works very much like Xp but looks oh so different with those gorgeous backdrops to your viewing experience.Over those months of excellent use i was using the 32bit software but have now upgraded my computer with Q6700 Quad core processor,Striker Extream motherboard and 8Gb of Ocz memory,and the 64bit software will recognise every last bit of that 8Gig unlike Vista 32 which will only recognise 3.5Gb no matter how much memory is installed.
Vista has and will remain a joy to use and those people who slate it saying its not as good as a Mac or other systems have either not used it or their computer is not modern enough to gain the added benefit of the added toys such as the very usefull Aero facility.
Take the plunge because Vista is a pleasure to use and after extended use you will prabably wonder why you waited so long to try it.
Yes it did have teething problems at the start but the drivers and everything else to operate your system are now bang up to date so there should be no worries.
Excellent but you need to have a decent PC, 31 Jul 2008
Bought Vista for a new build PC. Being new build I have had no compatabilty problems with any of the components installed. I did need a few updates for some games and software but most of this was done automatically with windows updater. This should be expected with a new operating system. As previous reviews have mentioned about drivers, Vista does not have as large a driver database as you are led to believe. This is for both x32 or x64 bit versions so you may well need updates from manufacturer websites if you are upgrading to Vista on an older PC.
Also note that Vista 32 will not support anyhting above 4Gb of RAM and 3Gb or less is the recommended. With the 64bit edition you can support larger amounts of RAM up to what the mother board will support so if this is an issue go for Vista x64 if you need more memory - Though 2Gb+ is more than enough for most users
One let down that I have experienced is that I have had to change my virus softaware. I was using Virgin Media Pc Care as part of my broadband package but this does not support x64, only x32 bit version. They say this is what is shipped with most of the shelf PC's and as such have no plans to support it. This is the only problem I have experienced but got round it with AVG virus gaurd which is free.
A shocking disgrace, 23 Jun 2008
You have to wonder what goes on in Redmond.
Here are the following versions of Vista you can buy on Amazon:
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Windows Vista Business 32-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Business 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Windows Vista Business 64-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Do yourself a favour, buy a Mac.
Windows Vista Home Premium OEM/OEI DSP - 64-bit Edition, 26 May 2008
I bought this sometime ago and was going to install it on my old AMD A64X2 system until it went kaput!
So I bought all new components (£700's worth) and installed it.
Installation was so easy!
Just make sure that you when you goto install it that you tell the computer to boot from your CD/DVD drive by altering the settings in your computers BIOS and away it goes, you may need a little twiddling if you're going to use RAID, but I don't use it and it took about 45' to install.
I've had no driver problems at all, but then all of my components are new, however you may have a little bother if you use older componentry. So it maybe worthwhile checking compatibility before you choose to install Vista 64-bit.
You may find the most irritating thing about Vista is the UAC (User Account Control) keeps intervening, but you can quite easily turn it off in the Control Panel.
Also you may find that high speed wireless connections will only run at 54Mbps (Netgear) so do check if you use WiFi with your router & WiFi card (if applicable) manufacturer before hand if that sort of thing bothers you!
Most software (But NOT all) seems to work just remember there's the odd exception, but that I think is to be expected as XP is now pretty much the standard OS these days.
If you're at all worried about Vista, try doing a dual boot system so you have XP & Vista on your hard drive making the compatibility issue a non issue, just make sure that you install XP first otherwise it can get complicated.
So overall quite happy with the move from XP to Vista, one or two little niggles so I took a star off for those.
Oh by the way if you want to install MORE THAN 3Gb of system RAM then you'll need Vista 64-bit, the 32-bit can't access anymore than that!
Finally. This is the OEM version of Vista as a consequence if you install it on your system it "lives" with it & "dies" with it, if you have any sort of idea about porting it from one machine to another or your motherboard dies then this will die with it. Any doubts buy the Retail Version.
I now have a system which consists of:
A Q6700 Intel processor slightly overclocked to 3.01Ghz
Asus P5K Premium Motherboard
4Gb of Ram
2 Opitarc DVD/CD writers
A Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Soundcard
1.5Tb of Disc Space
A BFG 8800GTS OC Graphic Card
And it all zips along quite nicely!
Windows Vista Home Basic OEM SP1, 27 Sep 2008
In addition to the horror stories I've heard and read about Vista, I'd also read that the Home Basic edition is basically like XP and therefore not worth getting. Though Vista may have been dis-functional in 2007, the 2008 edition of Home Basic with Service Pack 1 is anything but XP! Installation was painless and despite my motherboard manufacturer not offering Vista compatible drivers, Windows Update made easy work of finding current VGA, Network & Audio drivers to run my Motherboard under XP. I've had one program that will not function correctly but it's a specialist piece of Broadcast Software for which a Vista version is available so all in all, no major problems, catastrophe's etc etc. I think the Vista horror stories mainly relate to early releases and general compatibility for programs doesn't appear to be an issue. Ultimately I ask myself if I would go back to XP? The answer: no way, this is the way forward!
Windows Vista Home Basic OEM SP1, 27 Sep 2008
In addition to the horror stories I've heard and read about Vista, I'd also read that the Home Basic edition is basically like XP and therefore not worth getting. Though Vista may have been dis-functional in 2007, the 2008 edition of Home Basic with Service Pack 1 is anything but XP! Installation was painless and despite my motherboard manufacturer not offering Vista compatible drivers, Windows Update made easy work of finding current VGA, Network & Audio drivers to run my Motherboard under XP. I've had one program that will not function correctly but it's a specialist piece of Broadcast Software for which a Vista version is available so all in all, no major problems, catastrophe's etc etc. I think the Vista horror stories mainly relate to early releases and general compatibility for programs doesn't appear to be an issue. Ultimately I ask myself if I would go back to XP? The answer: no way, this is the way forward!
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Customer Reviews
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi, 01 Sep 2008
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi
I had an old Pentium III, 733Mhz PC with 256 MB RAM sat in a cupboard, decided to try loading XP but didn't want to spend a lot on the software. This OEM version is a good price and loaded without issue, also registered with Microsoft without a problem. Ok as it is OEM copy you are unlikely to get technical support from Microsoft.
Windows XP (in my opinion) is by far the best version of Windows, very easy to install, stable and uses a reasonable amount of system resources (unlike Vista). XP Runs well on my old PC, which is now being used to serf the web.
A previous reviewer stated they had problems getting XP to connect to the internet using a wireless network; I've had no issues connecting my old PC using a Netgear WG111T 108Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter key, worked straight away, setup so XP is managing the connection. I have two other newer PCs running XP (Service Pack 2) and they are also connected wirelessly to the internet using a BT Homehub, one has a built-in adapter the other with a D-Link USB key.
Buy Windows XP while you still can.
Wireless user beware, 20 Aug 2008
Easy install, same features but without the extensive list of updates and everything seemed to go well until trying to connect wirelessly to the internet. Netgear seemed to install fine (it doesn't seem to matter which hardware you use - Ive tried) and a good signal received but no connection (!!!). Frustrated I looked on google and found numerous references to similar problems with every kind of wireless connection. Is this Micrfosoft's way of saying 'get Vista'? Perhaps it could be relabelled ' NOT FOR USE WITH WIRELESS HARDWARE ' Definitely a case of caveat emptor.
Double check if your mp3s and camera are supported first., 05 Oct 2008
I changed my computer and Vista came with it. Many of my favourite digital photo programmes will no longer run, Vista no longer even supports picture it (thier own programme) and instead have a very limited photo programme where you can look at them or print them.
The drivers for my creative mp3 players are not supported nor the programmes that come with the players. The driver and programme for my wife's sony mp3 is not supported. The driver for my digital camera is not supported. This has become a total farce. I guess this would be a reasonable system if you are just starting out new but when you need to replace either the operating system or the programmes and players you already have then I afraid the vista gets evicted and I go back to XP.
Give it another few years and perhaps more stuff will be supported but at the moment it is very limited in what will run.
Good ridance XP Welcome Vista Premium my best friend., 22 Sep 2008
Now im not saying Windows Xp was a bad operating system far from it but it was more prone to attack from viruses and other internet nasties.
I ran it for several years but had to ensure my anti virus software was continually up to date and active.On more than one occasion my computer had to visit the hospitol for expert analysis on sorting out unwanted programmes, and i can well remember a particular pop up that was vertually impossible to remove.Only Windows Defender finally removed it but not from the main computer memory,it was still on the hard drive but was made inactive.
On the purchase of a new desktop computer two years ago which then came with a free upgrade to Windows Vista when it became available i didnot take the plunge straight away far from it.
I waited nearly a year before Xp became slugish once again but this time it was final.I formatted my hard drive completely so it was empty of any data and then tried to install Vista Premium.
The installation was not instantaneous far from it,it took quite a while and several attempts until it was successfully downloaded but the move from Xp to Vista has been a dream.
Nothing so far in nearly fourteen months of Vista use has anything gone wrong,not a single virus or computer crash.The software has been totally trouble free.I have either been lucky or Microsoft has really done their homework on Vista.
It works very much like Xp but looks oh so different with those gorgeous backdrops to your viewing experience.Over those months of excellent use i was using the 32bit software but have now upgraded my computer with Q6700 Quad core processor,Striker Extream motherboard and 8Gb of Ocz memory,and the 64bit software will recognise every last bit of that 8Gig unlike Vista 32 which will only recognise 3.5Gb no matter how much memory is installed.
Vista has and will remain a joy to use and those people who slate it saying its not as good as a Mac or other systems have either not used it or their computer is not modern enough to gain the added benefit of the added toys such as the very usefull Aero facility.
Take the plunge because Vista is a pleasure to use and after extended use you will prabably wonder why you waited so long to try it.
Yes it did have teething problems at the start but the drivers and everything else to operate your system are now bang up to date so there should be no worries.
Excellent but you need to have a decent PC, 31 Jul 2008
Bought Vista for a new build PC. Being new build I have had no compatabilty problems with any of the components installed. I did need a few updates for some games and software but most of this was done automatically with windows updater. This should be expected with a new operating system. As previous reviews have mentioned about drivers, Vista does not have as large a driver database as you are led to believe. This is for both x32 or x64 bit versions so you may well need updates from manufacturer websites if you are upgrading to Vista on an older PC.
Also note that Vista 32 will not support anyhting above 4Gb of RAM and 3Gb or less is the recommended. With the 64bit edition you can support larger amounts of RAM up to what the mother board will support so if this is an issue go for Vista x64 if you need more memory - Though 2Gb+ is more than enough for most users
One let down that I have experienced is that I have had to change my virus softaware. I was using Virgin Media Pc Care as part of my broadband package but this does not support x64, only x32 bit version. They say this is what is shipped with most of the shelf PC's and as such have no plans to support it. This is the only problem I have experienced but got round it with AVG virus gaurd which is free.
A shocking disgrace, 23 Jun 2008
You have to wonder what goes on in Redmond.
Here are the following versions of Vista you can buy on Amazon:
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Windows Vista Business 32-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Business 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Windows Vista Business 64-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Do yourself a favour, buy a Mac.
Windows Vista Home Premium OEM/OEI DSP - 64-bit Edition, 26 May 2008
I bought this sometime ago and was going to install it on my old AMD A64X2 system until it went kaput!
So I bought all new components (£700's worth) and installed it.
Installation was so easy!
Just make sure that you when you goto install it that you tell the computer to boot from your CD/DVD drive by altering the settings in your computers BIOS and away it goes, you may need a little twiddling if you're going to use RAID, but I don't use it and it took about 45' to install.
I've had no driver problems at all, but then all of my components are new, however you may have a little bother if you use older componentry. So it maybe worthwhile checking compatibility before you choose to install Vista 64-bit.
You may find the most irritating thing about Vista is the UAC (User Account Control) keeps intervening, but you can quite easily turn it off in the Control Panel.
Also you may find that high speed wireless connections will only run at 54Mbps (Netgear) so do check if you use WiFi with your router & WiFi card (if applicable) manufacturer before hand if that sort of thing bothers you!
Most software (But NOT all) seems to work just remember there's the odd exception, but that I think is to be expected as XP is now pretty much the standard OS these days.
If you're at all worried about Vista, try doing a dual boot system so you have XP & Vista on your hard drive making the compatibility issue a non issue, just make sure that you install XP first otherwise it can get complicated.
So overall quite happy with the move from XP to Vista, one or two little niggles so I took a star off for those.
Oh by the way if you want to install MORE THAN 3Gb of system RAM then you'll need Vista 64-bit, the 32-bit can't access anymore than that!
Finally. This is the OEM version of Vista as a consequence if you install it on your system it "lives" with it & "dies" with it, if you have any sort of idea about porting it from one machine to another or your motherboard dies then this will die with it. Any doubts buy the Retail Version.
I now have a system which consists of:
A Q6700 Intel processor slightly overclocked to 3.01Ghz
Asus P5K Premium Motherboard
4Gb of Ram
2 Opitarc DVD/CD writers
A Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Soundcard
1.5Tb of Disc Space
A BFG 8800GTS OC Graphic Card
And it all zips along quite nicely!
Windows Vista Home Basic OEM SP1, 27 Sep 2008
In addition to the horror stories I've heard and read about Vista, I'd also read that the Home Basic edition is basically like XP and therefore not worth getting. Though Vista may have been dis-functional in 2007, the 2008 edition of Home Basic with Service Pack 1 is anything but XP! Installation was painless and despite my motherboard manufacturer not offering Vista compatible drivers, Windows Update made easy work of finding current VGA, Network & Audio drivers to run my Motherboard under XP. I've had one program that will not function correctly but it's a specialist piece of Broadcast Software for which a Vista version is available so all in all, no major problems, catastrophe's etc etc. I think the Vista horror stories mainly relate to early releases and general compatibility for programs doesn't appear to be an issue. Ultimately I ask myself if I would go back to XP? The answer: no way, this is the way forward!
Windows Vista Home Basic OEM SP1, 27 Sep 2008
In addition to the horror stories I've heard and read about Vista, I'd also read that the Home Basic edition is basically like XP and therefore not worth getting. Though Vista may have been dis-functional in 2007, the 2008 edition of Home Basic with Service Pack 1 is anything but XP! Installation was painless and despite my motherboard manufacturer not offering Vista compatible drivers, Windows Update made easy work of finding current VGA, Network & Audio drivers to run my Motherboard under XP. I've had one program that will not function correctly but it's a specialist piece of Broadcast Software for which a Vista version is available so all in all, no major problems, catastrophe's etc etc. I think the Vista horror stories mainly relate to early releases and general compatibility for programs doesn't appear to be an issue. Ultimately I ask myself if I would go back to XP? The answer: no way, this is the way forward!
Stable, reliable and easy to use, 31 Aug 2008
Windows Home Server is finally ready with the arrival of PowerPack 1.
The power pack 1 has fixed the data corruption issue also now it is possible to back up Vista both 32 and 64 bit versions.
I have been using it for about 6 months now all of our music, films and photos are now in one place and our computers are regularly backed up full.
Tested restoring one of the laptops and it was really easy.
The great thing about WHS is that you don't have to be a computer expert to be able to use all of it's features.
Yes, you can have most of this functionality for free but the computer backup and the ease of use makes it stand ahead of its competitors.
It runs on the cheapest Dell box with two 500GB hard drives, the box uses 55 Watts and it is set up with remote power up, so it is only turned on when necessary.
Windows Home Server, 19 Apr 2008
Windows Home Server is aimed at anybody with 2 or more PCs in a home network. It basically allows you to do three things:
1. Backup all your PCs
2. Act as a central repository of files
3. Allow you to access your files remotely
With minor tweaking it can also act as a printer server and host websites - it is absurdly simply to set up websites with your photos on them using a freely available addin.
Over the years I've tried various strategies for backing up and trying to remotely access files - all with little success. My experience with a WD MyBook World Edition was disappointing to say the least as the system was cumbersome, unreliable and the hard drive packed it in 18 months after purchase.
However, I've been using Windows Home Server for 3 months or so and I've found it to be reliable and by far the most effective solution to the problem of regular back-ups and central storage.
There are two ways to approach this - by a server with WHS installed or build your own system with this OEM version.
My suggestion (and what I did) is get the evaluation version of WHS. This gives you 120 days to experiment. Get some old hardware (the specs are low so almost anything will do), put together a system and give it a try.
If it works for you, then perhaps get some more up to date hardware and the OEM version and give it a go.
There has been alot of discussion about the 'corruption' bug which can cause a loss of data. I haven't had a problem and my understanding is that this is only a problem with multi-drive systems. So, I've just gone with one 750GB drive for the moment. When the problem is hopefully fixed in a month or two, I'll add more storage then.
There is no doubt that this is early days for WHS and there are some issues around but I haven't found a simpler, more flexible and reliable solution yet.
Released too early, 12 Apr 2008
Prima facie this is a brilliant idea. You have a headless fire and forget box somewhere in your home that backs all your PCs up, and lets you stream media from it, and work off it (much as a server at work would do).
Sadly this was let into the wild before it was ready. There are several glitches. If you directly edit files from any of several programmes (including Outlook) your data on the server can be corrupted. There is no 64 bit support, so if you have Vista/XP 64 bit, this is a waste of time for you, it wont work. It is VERY slow in copying as it duplicates and balances things all over the place. I thought it was my network at first, but no. Oh, you can't back the server up either to DVD or whatever, so if your house floods you are back where you would have been anyway.
A sign of how beta this release is happens with the boot screen - it's Windows Server 2003. In short, its all a bit rushed and amateur looking. Rumour has it that Power Pack 1 (due out in the spring initially) would add 64 bit functionality, and server backup, as well as make some cosmetic changes (like the boot screen). MS put this on hold, and won't release it until the data corruption bug is fixed. That's a baffling decision as that bug can be worked around (don't work off the server) 64 bit functionality can't. It's more baffling, as MS asked if it should be released without the data corruption bug fix on the forums, to a resounding YES only to decide to wait until "June". "June" may be 1 June, may be 30th, or could even be June 2009. In short - for the moment avoid this. When PowerPack One is out (assuming it works) buy it then.
Oh, as with all MS stuff the manual is, er, missing. Get another book to help you out, like the Andrew Edney one (ISBN 978-1-59059-898-6).
Home Server...Wait till the new version comes out!, 18 Feb 2008
This is a product that Microsoft have released too early. It is full of bugs (check the forums) and it is fundamentally flawed. I bought it thinking it would simplify my digital lifestyle needs and found it to be nothing but disappointing. The file transfer speeds are abysmal due to the new clustering technology, and that includes internal data transfers. The files do not like to be amended once they are in there. If you do alter them from certain programs you wcan end up with data corruption. Remote access didn't work correctly either though it may have eventually but after 3 weeks of messing around with corrupted files and slow data transfers I'd lost the will to take it any further. It's also worth noting that there is no way of backing the server itself up! That apparently comes with the Power Pack in spring.
I set up gigabit nics, gigabit switch, new 500gb 7200rpm drives and it was unbelievably slow. I have a good degree of computer knowledge at my disposal but it simply isn't enough to sort out what are essentailly Microsoft development issue. Given that this product is aimed at the home user I would suggest that there are massive problems out there for those with limited knowledge of networks and PC's.
There is a power pack available in spring 2008 but it'll have to be some update to sort out all the flaws in this piece of software.
In summary, nice theory, terrible execution. Mine has now duly been returned for a full refund on the basis that it simply doesn't do what it says on the tin.
Buy it at your own risk. You have been warned.
home server?, 30 Nov 2007
i had the beta version of this to test. i found it very easy to load and use in the home. you will find that you need up to date hardware to get the best out of this software. a fast network is a must. dont bother with wireless if you want to stream films to another pc. i used mine with a homeplug network and i could not find a problem with network speeds. i liked the fact that you could just throw in any old hard drive and it would just get on with adding it to the system. this would get 5 stars if it was half the price. it feels like you are paying for something you never get to use (if you know what i mean!)
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Customer Reviews
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi, 01 Sep 2008
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi
I had an old Pentium III, 733Mhz PC with 256 MB RAM sat in a cupboard, decided to try loading XP but didn't want to spend a lot on the software. This OEM version is a good price and loaded without issue, also registered with Microsoft without a problem. Ok as it is OEM copy you are unlikely to get technical support from Microsoft.
Windows XP (in my opinion) is by far the best version of Windows, very easy to install, stable and uses a reasonable amount of system resources (unlike Vista). XP Runs well on my old PC, which is now being used to serf the web.
A previous reviewer stated they had problems getting XP to connect to the internet using a wireless network; I've had no issues connecting my old PC using a Netgear WG111T 108Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter key, worked straight away, setup so XP is managing the connection. I have two other newer PCs running XP (Service Pack 2) and they are also connected wirelessly to the internet using a BT Homehub, one has a built-in adapter the other with a D-Link USB key.
Buy Windows XP while you still can.
Wireless user beware, 20 Aug 2008
Easy install, same features but without the extensive list of updates and everything seemed to go well until trying to connect wirelessly to the internet. Netgear seemed to install fine (it doesn't seem to matter which hardware you use - Ive tried) and a good signal received but no connection (!!!). Frustrated I looked on google and found numerous references to similar problems with every kind of wireless connection. Is this Micrfosoft's way of saying 'get Vista'? Perhaps it could be relabelled ' NOT FOR USE WITH WIRELESS HARDWARE ' Definitely a case of caveat emptor.
Double check if your mp3s and camera are supported first., 05 Oct 2008
I changed my computer and Vista came with it. Many of my favourite digital photo programmes will no longer run, Vista no longer even supports picture it (thier own programme) and instead have a very limited photo programme where you can look at them or print them.
The drivers for my creative mp3 players are not supported nor the programmes that come with the players. The driver and programme for my wife's sony mp3 is not supported. The driver for my digital camera is not supported. This has become a total farce. I guess this would be a reasonable system if you are just starting out new but when you need to replace either the operating system or the programmes and players you already have then I afraid the vista gets evicted and I go back to XP.
Give it another few years and perhaps more stuff will be supported but at the moment it is very limited in what will run.
Good ridance XP Welcome Vista Premium my best friend., 22 Sep 2008
Now im not saying Windows Xp was a bad operating system far from it but it was more prone to attack from viruses and other internet nasties.
I ran it for several years but had to ensure my anti virus software was continually up to date and active.On more than one occasion my computer had to visit the hospitol for expert analysis on sorting out unwanted programmes, and i can well remember a particular pop up that was vertually impossible to remove.Only Windows Defender finally removed it but not from the main computer memory,it was still on the hard drive but was made inactive.
On the purchase of a new desktop computer two years ago which then came with a free upgrade to Windows Vista when it became available i didnot take the plunge straight away far from it.
I waited nearly a year before Xp became slugish once again but this time it was final.I formatted my hard drive completely so it was empty of any data and then tried to install Vista Premium.
The installation was not instantaneous far from it,it took quite a while and several attempts until it was successfully downloaded but the move from Xp to Vista has been a dream.
Nothing so far in nearly fourteen months of Vista use has anything gone wrong,not a single virus or computer crash.The software has been totally trouble free.I have either been lucky or Microsoft has really done their homework on Vista.
It works very much like Xp but looks oh so different with those gorgeous backdrops to your viewing experience.Over those months of excellent use i was using the 32bit software but have now upgraded my computer with Q6700 Quad core processor,Striker Extream motherboard and 8Gb of Ocz memory,and the 64bit software will recognise every last bit of that 8Gig unlike Vista 32 which will only recognise 3.5Gb no matter how much memory is installed.
Vista has and will remain a joy to use and those people who slate it saying its not as good as a Mac or other systems have either not used it or their computer is not modern enough to gain the added benefit of the added toys such as the very usefull Aero facility.
Take the plunge because Vista is a pleasure to use and after extended use you will prabably wonder why you waited so long to try it.
Yes it did have teething problems at the start but the drivers and everything else to operate your system are now bang up to date so there should be no worries.
Excellent but you need to have a decent PC, 31 Jul 2008
Bought Vista for a new build PC. Being new build I have had no compatabilty problems with any of the components installed. I did need a few updates for some games and software but most of this was done automatically with windows updater. This should be expected with a new operating system. As previous reviews have mentioned about drivers, Vista does not have as large a driver database as you are led to believe. This is for both x32 or x64 bit versions so you may well need updates from manufacturer websites if you are upgrading to Vista on an older PC.
Also note that Vista 32 will not support anyhting above 4Gb of RAM and 3Gb or less is the recommended. With the 64bit edition you can support larger amounts of RAM up to what the mother board will support so if this is an issue go for Vista x64 if you need more memory - Though 2Gb+ is more than enough for most users
One let down that I have experienced is that I have had to change my virus softaware. I was using Virgin Media Pc Care as part of my broadband package but this does not support x64, only x32 bit version. They say this is what is shipped with most of the shelf PC's and as such have no plans to support it. This is the only problem I have experienced but got round it with AVG virus gaurd which is free.
A shocking disgrace, 23 Jun 2008
You have to wonder what goes on in Redmond.
Here are the following versions of Vista you can buy on Amazon:
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Windows Vista Business 32-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Business 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Windows Vista Business 64-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Do yourself a favour, buy a Mac.
Windows Vista Home Premium OEM/OEI DSP - 64-bit Edition, 26 May 2008
I bought this sometime ago and was going to install it on my old AMD A64X2 system until it went kaput!
So I bought all new components (£700's worth) and installed it.
Installation was so easy!
Just make sure that you when you goto install it that you tell the computer to boot from your CD/DVD drive by altering the settings in your computers BIOS and away it goes, you may need a little twiddling if you're going to use RAID, but I don't use it and it took about 45' to install.
I've had no driver problems at all, but then all of my components are new, however you may have a little bother if you use older componentry. So it maybe worthwhile checking compatibility before you choose to install Vista 64-bit.
You may find the most irritating thing about Vista is the UAC (User Account Control) keeps intervening, but you can quite easily turn it off in the Control Panel.
Also you may find that high speed wireless connections will only run at 54Mbps (Netgear) so do check if you use WiFi with your router & WiFi card (if applicable) manufacturer before hand if that sort of thing bothers you!
Most software (But NOT all) seems to work just remember there's the odd exception, but that I think is to be expected as XP is now pretty much the standard OS these days.
If you're at all worried about Vista, try doing a dual boot system so you have XP & Vista on your hard drive making the compatibility issue a non issue, just make sure that you install XP first otherwise it can get complicated.
So overall quite happy with the move from XP to Vista, one or two little niggles so I took a star off for those.
Oh by the way if you want to install MORE THAN 3Gb of system RAM then you'll need Vista 64-bit, the 32-bit can't access anymore than that!
Finally. This is the OEM version of Vista as a consequence if you install it on your system it "lives" with it & "dies" with it, if you have any sort of idea about porting it from one machine to another or your motherboard dies then this will die with it. Any doubts buy the Retail Version.
I now have a system which consists of:
A Q6700 Intel processor slightly overclocked to 3.01Ghz
Asus P5K Premium Motherboard
4Gb of Ram
2 Opitarc DVD/CD writers
A Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Soundcard
1.5Tb of Disc Space
A BFG 8800GTS OC Graphic Card
And it all zips along quite nicely!
Windows Vista Home Basic OEM SP1, 27 Sep 2008
In addition to the horror stories I've heard and read about Vista, I'd also read that the Home Basic edition is basically like XP and therefore not worth getting. Though Vista may have been dis-functional in 2007, the 2008 edition of Home Basic with Service Pack 1 is anything but XP! Installation was painless and despite my motherboard manufacturer not offering Vista compatible drivers, Windows Update made easy work of finding current VGA, Network & Audio drivers to run my Motherboard under XP. I've had one program that will not function correctly but it's a specialist piece of Broadcast Software for which a Vista version is available so all in all, no major problems, catastrophe's etc etc. I think the Vista horror stories mainly relate to early releases and general compatibility for programs doesn't appear to be an issue. Ultimately I ask myself if I would go back to XP? The answer: no way, this is the way forward!
Windows Vista Home Basic OEM SP1, 27 Sep 2008
In addition to the horror stories I've heard and read about Vista, I'd also read that the Home Basic edition is basically like XP and therefore not worth getting. Though Vista may have been dis-functional in 2007, the 2008 edition of Home Basic with Service Pack 1 is anything but XP! Installation was painless and despite my motherboard manufacturer not offering Vista compatible drivers, Windows Update made easy work of finding current VGA, Network & Audio drivers to run my Motherboard under XP. I've had one program that will not function correctly but it's a specialist piece of Broadcast Software for which a Vista version is available so all in all, no major problems, catastrophe's etc etc. I think the Vista horror stories mainly relate to early releases and general compatibility for programs doesn't appear to be an issue. Ultimately I ask myself if I would go back to XP? The answer: no way, this is the way forward!
Stable, reliable and easy to use, 31 Aug 2008
Windows Home Server is finally ready with the arrival of PowerPack 1.
The power pack 1 has fixed the data corruption issue also now it is possible to back up Vista both 32 and 64 bit versions.
I have been using it for about 6 months now all of our music, films and photos are now in one place and our computers are regularly backed up full.
Tested restoring one of the laptops and it was really easy.
The great thing about WHS is that you don't have to be a computer expert to be able to use all of it's features.
Yes, you can have most of this functionality for free but the computer backup and the ease of use makes it stand ahead of its competitors.
It runs on the cheapest Dell box with two 500GB hard drives, the box uses 55 Watts and it is set up with remote power up, so it is only turned on when necessary.
Windows Home Server, 19 Apr 2008
Windows Home Server is aimed at anybody with 2 or more PCs in a home network. It basically allows you to do three things:
1. Backup all your PCs
2. Act as a central repository of files
3. Allow you to access your files remotely
With minor tweaking it can also act as a printer server and host websites - it is absurdly simply to set up websites with your photos on them using a freely available addin.
Over the years I've tried various strategies for backing up and trying to remotely access files - all with little success. My experience with a WD MyBook World Edition was disappointing to say the least as the system was cumbersome, unreliable and the hard drive packed it in 18 months after purchase.
However, I've been using Windows Home Server for 3 months or so and I've found it to be reliable and by far the most effective solution to the problem of regular back-ups and central storage.
There are two ways to approach this - by a server with WHS installed or build your own system with this OEM version.
My suggestion (and what I did) is get the evaluation version of WHS. This gives you 120 days to experiment. Get some old hardware (the specs are low so almost anything will do), put together a system and give it a try.
If it works for you, then perhaps get some more up to date hardware and the OEM version and give it a go.
There has been alot of discussion about the 'corruption' bug which can cause a loss of data. I haven't had a problem and my understanding is that this is only a problem with multi-drive systems. So, I've just gone with one 750GB drive for the moment. When the problem is hopefully fixed in a month or two, I'll add more storage then.
There is no doubt that this is early days for WHS and there are some issues around but I haven't found a simpler, more flexible and reliable solution yet.
Released too early, 12 Apr 2008
Prima facie this is a brilliant idea. You have a headless fire and forget box somewhere in your home that backs all your PCs up, and lets you stream media from it, and work off it (much as a server at work would do).
Sadly this was let into the wild before it was ready. There are several glitches. If you directly edit files from any of several programmes (including Outlook) your data on the server can be corrupted. There is no 64 bit support, so if you have Vista/XP 64 bit, this is a waste of time for you, it wont work. It is VERY slow in copying as it duplicates and balances things all over the place. I thought it was my network at first, but no. Oh, you can't back the server up either to DVD or whatever, so if your house floods you are back where you would have been anyway.
A sign of how beta this release is happens with the boot screen - it's Windows Server 2003. In short, its all a bit rushed and amateur looking. Rumour has it that Power Pack 1 (due out in the spring initially) would add 64 bit functionality, and server backup, as well as make some cosmetic changes (like the boot screen). MS put this on hold, and won't release it until the data corruption bug is fixed. That's a baffling decision as that bug can be worked around (don't work off the server) 64 bit functionality can't. It's more baffling, as MS asked if it should be released without the data corruption bug fix on the forums, to a resounding YES only to decide to wait until "June". "June" may be 1 June, may be 30th, or could even be June 2009. In short - for the moment avoid this. When PowerPack One is out (assuming it works) buy it then.
Oh, as with all MS stuff the manual is, er, missing. Get another book to help you out, like the Andrew Edney one (ISBN 978-1-59059-898-6).
Home Server...Wait till the new version comes out!, 18 Feb 2008
This is a product that Microsoft have released too early. It is full of bugs (check the forums) and it is fundamentally flawed. I bought it thinking it would simplify my digital lifestyle needs and found it to be nothing but disappointing. The file transfer speeds are abysmal due to the new clustering technology, and that includes internal data transfers. The files do not like to be amended once they are in there. If you do alter them from certain programs you wcan end up with data corruption. Remote access didn't work correctly either though it may have eventually but after 3 weeks of messing around with corrupted files and slow data transfers I'd lost the will to take it any further. It's also worth noting that there is no way of backing the server itself up! That apparently comes with the Power Pack in spring.
I set up gigabit nics, gigabit switch, new 500gb 7200rpm drives and it was unbelievably slow. I have a good degree of computer knowledge at my disposal but it simply isn't enough to sort out what are essentailly Microsoft development issue. Given that this product is aimed at the home user I would suggest that there are massive problems out there for those with limited knowledge of networks and PC's.
There is a power pack available in spring 2008 but it'll have to be some update to sort out all the flaws in this piece of software.
In summary, nice theory, terrible execution. Mine has now duly been returned for a full refund on the basis that it simply doesn't do what it says on the tin.
Buy it at your own risk. You have been warned.
home server?, 30 Nov 2007
i had the beta version of this to test. i found it very easy to load and use in the home. you will find that you need up to date hardware to get the best out of this software. a fast network is a must. dont bother with wireless if you want to stream films to another pc. i used mine with a homeplug network and i could not find a problem with network speeds. i liked the fact that you could just throw in any old hard drive and it would just get on with adding it to the system. this would get 5 stars if it was half the price. it feels like you are paying for something you never get to use (if you know what i mean!)
More flakes than a snow storm, 05 Sep 2008
Where to begin... basically don't. The only thing more flakey was the XP64 I bought a few weeks earlier. With only the OS loaded I got blue screens galore. Updates didn't and Windows live this that and the other fell over but then were impossible to remove. I expected it to be better than XP64 which was a nightmare but frankly the improvement was marginal. I am sure you get the picture by now. If you want a 64 bit OS then this is not it.
Be Warned, 29 Dec 2006
I was very disappointed in the 64-bit version and I should have known that if THE major on-line only manufacturer of 64-Bit (Intel/AMD) PC's do not ship (as of Nov 2006) this OS with their 64-bit processors then there must be a reason.
And there was. Make sure you have a 64-Bit version of your ethernet driver (if you are on broadband) or Modem (for dial-up) BEFORE you install this OS.
Whist setting the machine up to work with standard software like MS Office and business printers was no problem, home-based hardware drivers are more difficult to come by.
Whist the OS supports 32-Bit drivers, they do not work in many cases. This is why I feel most disappointed that MS did not get this one working correctly.
I have since downgraded back to 32-Bit OS, losing 1GB of usable memory as well (3GB is the most 32-bit OS's can use).
Why did I buy it???, 07 Nov 2006
I thought that this would go well with my new 4 machine network of AMD 64 machines. I do graphics, animations and astrodynamics so I need a lot of crunch. Drivers are nearly non-existant,the Office spelling checker won't work and neither does the networking, if you have a wireless connect to your modem. Networking works otherwise, sometimes, but you have to keep re-setting it up. All-in-all W2K is better, except that it is not 64bit. Can't win, NOT buying vista under any circumstances. Linux or something else first. I've had enough of being ripped!!!
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Customer Reviews
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi, 01 Sep 2008
Best version of Windows, Works fine with WiFi
I had an old Pentium III, 733Mhz PC with 256 MB RAM sat in a cupboard, decided to try loading XP but didn't want to spend a lot on the software. This OEM version is a good price and loaded without issue, also registered with Microsoft without a problem. Ok as it is OEM copy you are unlikely to get technical support from Microsoft.
Windows XP (in my opinion) is by far the best version of Windows, very easy to install, stable and uses a reasonable amount of system resources (unlike Vista). XP Runs well on my old PC, which is now being used to serf the web.
A previous reviewer stated they had problems getting XP to connect to the internet using a wireless network; I've had no issues connecting my old PC using a Netgear WG111T 108Mbps Wireless USB 2.0 Adapter key, worked straight away, setup so XP is managing the connection. I have two other newer PCs running XP (Service Pack 2) and they are also connected wirelessly to the internet using a BT Homehub, one has a built-in adapter the other with a D-Link USB key.
Buy Windows XP while you still can.
Wireless user beware, 20 Aug 2008
Easy install, same features but without the extensive list of updates and everything seemed to go well until trying to connect wirelessly to the internet. Netgear seemed to install fine (it doesn't seem to matter which hardware you use - Ive tried) and a good signal received but no connection (!!!). Frustrated I looked on google and found numerous references to similar problems with every kind of wireless connection. Is this Micrfosoft's way of saying 'get Vista'? Perhaps it could be relabelled ' NOT FOR USE WITH WIRELESS HARDWARE ' Definitely a case of caveat emptor.
Double check if your mp3s and camera are supported first., 05 Oct 2008
I changed my computer and Vista came with it. Many of my favourite digital photo programmes will no longer run, Vista no longer even supports picture it (thier own programme) and instead have a very limited photo programme where you can look at them or print them.
The drivers for my creative mp3 players are not supported nor the programmes that come with the players. The driver and programme for my wife's sony mp3 is not supported. The driver for my digital camera is not supported. This has become a total farce. I guess this would be a reasonable system if you are just starting out new but when you need to replace either the operating system or the programmes and players you already have then I afraid the vista gets evicted and I go back to XP.
Give it another few years and perhaps more stuff will be supported but at the moment it is very limited in what will run.
Good ridance XP Welcome Vista Premium my best friend., 22 Sep 2008
Now im not saying Windows Xp was a bad operating system far from it but it was more prone to attack from viruses and other internet nasties.
I ran it for several years but had to ensure my anti virus software was continually up to date and active.On more than one occasion my computer had to visit the hospitol for expert analysis on sorting out unwanted programmes, and i can well remember a particular pop up that was vertually impossible to remove.Only Windows Defender finally removed it but not from the main computer memory,it was still on the hard drive but was made inactive.
On the purchase of a new desktop computer two years ago which then came with a free upgrade to Windows Vista when it became available i didnot take the plunge straight away far from it.
I waited nearly a year before Xp became slugish once again but this time it was final.I formatted my hard drive completely so it was empty of any data and then tried to install Vista Premium.
The installation was not instantaneous far from it,it took quite a while and several attempts until it was successfully downloaded but the move from Xp to Vista has been a dream.
Nothing so far in nearly fourteen months of Vista use has anything gone wrong,not a single virus or computer crash.The software has been totally trouble free.I have either been lucky or Microsoft has really done their homework on Vista.
It works very much like Xp but looks oh so different with those gorgeous backdrops to your viewing experience.Over those months of excellent use i was using the 32bit software but have now upgraded my computer with Q6700 Quad core processor,Striker Extream motherboard and 8Gb of Ocz memory,and the 64bit software will recognise every last bit of that 8Gig unlike Vista 32 which will only recognise 3.5Gb no matter how much memory is installed.
Vista has and will remain a joy to use and those people who slate it saying its not as good as a Mac or other systems have either not used it or their computer is not modern enough to gain the added benefit of the added toys such as the very usefull Aero facility.
Take the plunge because Vista is a pleasure to use and after extended use you will prabably wonder why you waited so long to try it.
Yes it did have teething problems at the start but the drivers and everything else to operate your system are now bang up to date so there should be no worries.
Excellent but you need to have a decent PC, 31 Jul 2008
Bought Vista for a new build PC. Being new build I have had no compatabilty problems with any of the components installed. I did need a few updates for some games and software but most of this was done automatically with windows updater. This should be expected with a new operating system. As previous reviews have mentioned about drivers, Vista does not have as large a driver database as you are led to believe. This is for both x32 or x64 bit versions so you may well need updates from manufacturer websites if you are upgrading to Vista on an older PC.
Also note that Vista 32 will not support anyhting above 4Gb of RAM and 3Gb or less is the recommended. With the 64bit edition you can support larger amounts of RAM up to what the mother board will support so if this is an issue go for Vista x64 if you need more memory - Though 2Gb+ is more than enough for most users
One let down that I have experienced is that I have had to change my virus softaware. I was using Virgin Media Pc Care as part of my broadband package but this does not support x64, only x32 bit version. They say this is what is shipped with most of the shelf PC's and as such have no plans to support it. This is the only problem I have experienced but got round it with AVG virus gaurd which is free.
A shocking disgrace, 23 Jun 2008
You have to wonder what goes on in Redmond.
Here are the following versions of Vista you can buy on Amazon:
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
Windows Vista Business 32-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Business 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit Upgrade
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit
Windows Vista Business 64-bit
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM
Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Business 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit OEM SP1
Windows Vista Home Basic 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Business 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit OEM SP1 (3 pack)
Do yourself a favour, buy a Mac.
Windows Vista Home Premium OEM/OEI DSP - 64-bit Edition, 26 May 2008
I bought this sometime ago and was going to install it on my old AMD A64X2 system until it went kaput!
So I bought all new components (£700's worth) and installed it.
Installation was so easy!
Just make sure that you when you goto install it that you tell the computer to boot from your CD/DVD drive by altering the settings in your computers BIOS and away it goes, you may need a little twiddling if you're going to use RAID, but I don't use it and it took about 45' to install.
I've had no driver problems at all, but then all of my components are new, however you may have a little bother if you use older componentry. So it maybe worthwhile checking compatibility before you choose to install Vista 64-bit.
You may find the most irritating thing about Vista is the UAC (User Account Control) keeps intervening, but you can quite easily turn it off in the Control Panel.
Also you may find that high speed wireless connections will only run at 54Mbps (Netgear) so do check if you use WiFi with your router & WiFi card (if applicable) manufacturer before hand if that sort of thing bothers you!
Most software (But NOT all) seems to work just remember there's the odd exception, but that I think is to be expected as XP is now pretty much the standard OS these days.
If you're at all worried about Vista, try doing a dual boot system so you have XP & Vista on your hard drive making the compatibility issue a non issue, just make sure that you install XP first otherwise it can get complicated.
So overall quite happy with the move from XP to Vista, one or two little niggles so I took a star off for those.
Oh by the way if you want to install MORE THAN 3Gb of system RAM then you'll need Vista 64-bit, the 32-bit can't access anymore than that!
Finally. This is the OEM version of Vista as a consequence if you install it on your system it "lives" with it & "dies" with it, if you have any sort of idea about porting it from one machine to another or your motherboard dies then this will die with it. Any doubts buy the Retail Version.
I now have a system which consists of:
A Q6700 Intel processor slightly overclocked to 3.01Ghz
Asus P5K Premium Motherboard
4Gb of Ram
2 Opitarc DVD/CD writers
A Creative X-Fi Xtreme Gamer Soundcard
1.5Tb of Disc Space
A BFG 8800GTS OC Graphic Card
And it all zips along quite nicely!
Windows Vista Home Basic OEM SP1, 27 Sep 2008
In addition to the horror stories I've heard and read about Vista, I'd also read that the Home Basic edition is basically like XP and therefore not worth getting. Though Vista may have been dis-functional in 2007, the 2008 edition of Home Basic with Service Pack 1 is anything but XP! Installation was painless and despite my motherboard manufacturer not offering Vista compatible drivers, Windows Update made easy work of finding current VGA, Network & Audio drivers to run my Motherboard under XP. I've had one program that will not function correctly but it's a specialist piece of Broadcast Software for which a Vista version is available so all in all, no major problems, catastrophe's etc etc. I think the Vista horror stories mainly relate to early releases and general compatibility for programs doesn't appear to be an issue. Ultimately I ask myself if I would go back to XP? The answer: no way, this is the way forward!
Windows Vista Home Basic OEM SP1, 27 Sep 2008
In addition to the horror stories I've heard and read about Vista, I'd also read that the Home Basic edition is basically like XP and therefore not worth getting. Though Vista may have been dis-functional in 2007, the 2008 edition of Home Basic with Service Pack 1 is anything but XP! Installation was painless and despite my motherboard manufacturer not offering Vista compatible drivers, Windows Update made easy work of finding current VGA, Network & Audio drivers to run my Motherboard under XP. I've had one program that will not function correctly but it's a specialist piece of Broadcast Software for which a Vista version is available so all in all, no major problems, catastrophe's etc etc. I think the Vista horror stories mainly relate to early releases and general compatibility for programs doesn't appear to be an issue. Ultimately I ask myself if I would go back to XP? The answer: no way, this is the way forward!
Stable, reliable and easy to use, 31 Aug 2008
Windows Home Server is finally ready with the arrival of PowerPack 1.
The power pack 1 has fixed the data corruption issue also now it is possible to back up Vista both 32 and 64 bit versions.
I have been using it for about 6 months now all of our music, films and photos are now in one place and our computers are regularly backed up full.
Tested restoring one of the laptops and it was really easy.
The great thing about WHS is that you don't have to be a computer expert to be able to use all of it's features.
Yes, you can have most of this functionality for free but the computer backup and the ease of use makes it stand ahead of its competitors.
It runs on the cheapest Dell box with two 500GB hard drives, the box uses 55 Watts and it is set up with remote power up, so it is only turned on when necessary.
Windows Home Server, 19 Apr 2008
Windows Home Server is aimed at anybody with 2 or more PCs in a home network. It basically allows you to do three things:
1. Backup all your PCs
2. Act as a central repository of files
3. Allow you to access your files remotely
With minor tweaking it can also act as a printer server and host websites - it is absurdly simply to set up websites with your photos on them using a freely available addin.
Over the years I've tried various strategies for backing up and trying to remotely access files - all with little success. My experience with a WD MyBook World Edition was disappointing to say the least as the system was cumbersome, unreliable and the hard drive packed it in 18 months after purchase.
However, I've been using Windows Home Server for 3 months or so and I've found it to be reliable and by far the most effective solution to the problem of regular back-ups and central storage.
There are two ways to approach this - by a server with WHS installed or build your own system with this OEM version.
My suggestion (and what I did) is get the evaluation version of WHS. This gives you 120 days to experiment. Get some old hardware (the specs are low so almost anything will do), put together a system and give it a try.
If it works for you, then perhaps get some more up to date hardware and the OEM version and give it a go.
There has been alot of discussion about the 'corruption' bug which can cause a loss of data. I haven't had a problem and my understanding is that this is only a problem with multi-drive systems. So, I've just gone with one 750GB drive for the moment. When the problem is hopefully fixed in a month or two, I'll add more storage then.
There is no doubt that this is early days for WHS and there are some issues around but I haven't found a simpler, more flexible and reliable solution yet.
Released too early, 12 Apr 2008
Prima facie this is a brilliant idea. You have a headless fire and forget box somewhere in your home that backs all your PCs up, and lets you stream media from it, and work off it (much as a server at work would do).
Sadly this was let into the wild before it was ready. There are several glitches. If you directly edit files from any of several programmes (inc | | |