Windows XP vs Vista
Most people are wondering whether it is worth the trouble to change from the Windows XP operating system to the Windows Vista system. With a variety of opinions out on the web, I will strive to list the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
First, we should start with some history of Windows XP. With Windows XP Microsoft changes from the Win9x kernel to a much more stable Win NT 5 kernel, which ended problems with many of the crashes that plagued Windows ME. Windows XP also included Clear Type to help improve the display of text on LCD screens, DirectX 7 to increase the quality of graphics and it has a greatly improved ability to integrate anti-virus and anti-spam software with the machine itself. The Windows XP firewall functions well for the average user, while still permitting use of games and other programs. This makes XP a functional and stable platform.
Vista brings even more changes to the Windows platform, although many aren’t vital changes. Vista includes improved versions of Internet Explorer and the Media player to help both programs run more smoothly and use less processor space. It also expanded recognition for speech-to-text programs, allowing easier integration of these new programs with the computer.
Vista’s desktop image is more advanced, with the entire desktop being rendered as a 3d image. This makes the screen look smoother and also helps windows load faster. However, ultimately, this change is purely cosmetic to most users.
Problems with Windows Vista and Windows XP
Windows XP as a platform was the first to use the NT kernel, so this means it has a variety of bugs to work out. The primary problem with XP is its limited security. The increased networking features of Windows XP leave it particularly vulnerable to hackers and it has many open ports that malware users can exploit to harm the PC. Windows XP defaulted to allow new users administrator privileges which opened the system to attacks, and also allows for an inexperienced user to inadvertently harm the PC. XP Service Pack 2 fixed several of the security problems from Windows XP primarily by upgrading the Windows Firewall. Before Service Pack 2, the firewall was essentially useless because it couldn’t differentiate between allowed and unallowed programs. Service Pack 2 allowed the firewall to work with anti-virus programs to block threats and to remind users to update the anti virus software. However, the Windows Firewall still remains marginally adequate for protecting a PC of a heavy internet user. Because of this the Windows XP user will find himself compromised frequently unless they purchase additional virus software.
The Windows Vista platform is significantly better protected. According to the Malicious Software Removal Tool it cleaned 60 percent fewer Windows Vista platforms than other platforms. This is a significant security improvement. The Windows Vista platform works smoothly with anti-virus software and the firewall protects the system from threats.
Windows Vista’s problems come from the stability difficulties with the new platform and incompatibility troubles between Vista and programs being used on older systems. Windows Vista uses new driver models and relies on DRM (Digital Rights Management) provisions which cause the system to use more processor resources and crash more frequently. Manufacturers are creating software and hardware that accepts the new driver models, but it is still a work in progress.
Another problem with Vista is the User Account Control. This system allows administrators more flexibility to assign different powers to other users on the system, however the User Account Control disrupts regular use of the system with it’s frequent pop ups and reminder boxes. Any time a user starts a process that will alter the privileges on the computer; one of these boxes pops up. Even something as basic as copying files will cause the computer to stop and generate a pop up box questioning the privilege management.
So which platform is best?
There is no direct answer to this question. Most programs and games run well on Windows XP for the average user. Currently there are no games on the market that require Windows Vista to run. While Vista has better graphics, the difference is minor for most users. The biggest problem with a switch to Vista is compatibility troubles. Many older programs fail to run or will not be compatible with their Vista equivalents. The programs are not backwards compatible with XP or other platforms, making it difficult to share files when many computer users remain with the XP platform. Windows Vista has improved the look of the desktop and made the user interface easier to interact with, but most of these changes are minor benefits. The choice comes down to the use of the computer. A machine that requires better security should choose Windows Vista, but the average user will see no benefits to changing platforms and may find more frustration when they run older programs.