Windows Vista Turns 1
It's certainly been an interesting year
Thursday, January 31, 2008 by Zoomba | Discussion: WinCustomize News
One year ago today, Windows Vista was released to the public. After a tumultuous development period, users were finally able to get their hands on the next generation of the Windows Operating System. As Vista approached, we all were racing to get ready for it. WinCustomize was rebuilt, we prepared the launch of DeskScapes, and we spent weeks providing in-depth coverage of what Vista was, what it wasn't, and what it could mean for the user.
So 365 days and a reported 100 million licenses later, can Vista be declared a success? Is it everything you hoped for and more?
The first year has definitely been plagued by stability and compatibility issues, performance problems and general frustration at learning a new OS. But it steadily grows in popularity. A service pack is on the way, and with each patch the system becomes increasingly stable. Device drivers are beginning to mature, and software is being updated to properly work.
There are still kinks in the system, such as the UAC still being a supreme annoyance, and the Start Menu remaining an absolute embarrassment. But we've seen, at least here on WinCustomize a very steady growth trend.
In the first month of Vista's release (February '07), Vista topped out at 9.8% of our overall traffic. As the year dragged on, that percentage grew. Today, Windows Vista accounts for nearly a quarter of our daily traffic.
This is probably due to our increased support for Vista in our skinning products. DeskScapes 1.0 put us on the map with many Vista Users with the addition of Dynamic Dreams for Windows Vista Ultimate, and now with the impending release of 2.0, our appeal grows as we invite in users of virtually every edition of Windows Vista, not just the top-end super-expensive SKU.
And over the last 12 months we've updated WindowBlinds, IconPackager, TweakVista, SoundPackager, ObjectDock and more to take advantage of the new tech available in Vista.
So after a full year, where are you on the Vista issue? Have you switched? Have you dipped your toes in the New OS waters? Or are you clinging to XP for your very life, refusing to switch ever ever ever?
AnneMarie
Reply #2 Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:20 PM
Reply #2 Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:20 PM
Very nice article Zoomba 
As for Vista I admit I was one of those that Raced right out and got Home Premium a year ago.
For the first couple of months I was almost regretting not waiting some. I was having Video and other issues. That said though, With the GREAT support of Stardock and other company updating drivers, that issue didn't last long.
Right now I am Loving vista a WHOLE lot and and fully integrated into it. I was kinda sad to see XP go but I had my reasons. As was back then its STILL true today "Vista is Sexy
*
I believe its up to each person when it comes to OS's and I did LOVE XP and have no complaints with XP. I am just fully enjoying my Vista upgraded to Ultimate thanks to ALL the great Stardock App support. I am excited to see what Object Desktop 08 will have instore for it
Keep up the great work
Anne
As for Vista I admit I was one of those that Raced right out and got Home Premium a year ago.
For the first couple of months I was almost regretting not waiting some. I was having Video and other issues. That said though, With the GREAT support of Stardock and other company updating drivers, that issue didn't last long.
Right now I am Loving vista a WHOLE lot and and fully integrated into it. I was kinda sad to see XP go but I had my reasons. As was back then its STILL true today "Vista is Sexy
*I believe its up to each person when it comes to OS's and I did LOVE XP and have no complaints with XP. I am just fully enjoying my Vista upgraded to Ultimate thanks to ALL the great Stardock App support. I am excited to see what Object Desktop 08 will have instore for it
Keep up the great work
Anne
ZubaZ
Reply #3 Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:41 PM
Reply #3 Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:41 PM
In regards to teh start menu . . thanks goodness for ObjectBars menu!
Vista fits me on one of my PCs. Stardock has made it more bearable though.
The thing that bugged (bugs) me the most . . the integrated zip/unzip. How much slower can you get?!?! Thanks goodness for 7zip!
Vista fits me on one of my PCs. Stardock has made it more bearable though.
The thing that bugged (bugs) me the most . . the integrated zip/unzip. How much slower can you get?!?! Thanks goodness for 7zip!
Philly0381
Reply #4 Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:44 PM
Well, I'm one of the folks whose computer is still working fine, was before Vista was announced, and still is after a year of Vista being released.
I'm also one of the ones who never joined one of the sides of the argument. How could I, never tried Vista. Now early on I did post articles that I found on the web in the forums, but I stopped that. People just couldn't stop being one sided or the other. Opinions are fine, facts are good, but folks attitudes sucked. If you upgraded or didn't you were labeled. It was amazing and still is to find, in others opinions, how many stupid people there are using computers. (Not my words)
Plus, in my years of using computers, and in fact being a consumer for a much longer time, I just never jump on the "fan wagon" as it were. Don't get me wrong, I do not consider myself an expert. I usually stay with things until they don't work anymore. Once that happens I look for what will satisfy my needs. Yes I know, not very exciting. Well, not ture. It is fun watching everyone else scurry around trying to be the first with the most and best.
In one of the last posts in the forums dealing with this subject I asked the question "What differences does it make what OS a person uses?". I'd show you the answer I got but, never got one.
I do realize why the question is important to Stardock, you need to know what OS you support with your programs. Makes sense to me.
Will I ever have a computer with a different OS, sure will, when I get a new computer. Well, that's not a bet I would take. I'm 59, this may very well be my last computer. It's just my luck though mine is still working. I suppose I could break it, now that doesn't really make any sense what so ever.
Well those are my thoughts, sorry no ranting and raving from me. Everyone have a great day.
Reply #4 Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:44 PM
So after a full year, where are you on the Vista issue? Have you switched? Have you dipped your toes in the New OS waters? Or are you clinging to XP for your very life, refusing to switch ever ever ever?
Well, I'm one of the folks whose computer is still working fine, was before Vista was announced, and still is after a year of Vista being released.
I'm also one of the ones who never joined one of the sides of the argument. How could I, never tried Vista. Now early on I did post articles that I found on the web in the forums, but I stopped that. People just couldn't stop being one sided or the other. Opinions are fine, facts are good, but folks attitudes sucked. If you upgraded or didn't you were labeled. It was amazing and still is to find, in others opinions, how many stupid people there are using computers. (Not my words)
Plus, in my years of using computers, and in fact being a consumer for a much longer time, I just never jump on the "fan wagon" as it were. Don't get me wrong, I do not consider myself an expert. I usually stay with things until they don't work anymore. Once that happens I look for what will satisfy my needs. Yes I know, not very exciting. Well, not ture. It is fun watching everyone else scurry around trying to be the first with the most and best.
In one of the last posts in the forums dealing with this subject I asked the question "What differences does it make what OS a person uses?". I'd show you the answer I got but, never got one.
I do realize why the question is important to Stardock, you need to know what OS you support with your programs. Makes sense to me.
Will I ever have a computer with a different OS, sure will, when I get a new computer. Well, that's not a bet I would take. I'm 59, this may very well be my last computer. It's just my luck though mine is still working. I suppose I could break it, now that doesn't really make any sense what so ever.
Well those are my thoughts, sorry no ranting and raving from me. Everyone have a great day.
Astyanax
Reply #5 Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:11 PM
I agree, the design is a lot cleaner.
Reply #5 Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:11 PM
It is a wonderful improvement over XP and one of the few things Microsoft actually did right in this OS.
I agree, the design is a lot cleaner.
I.R. Brainiac
Reply #6 Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:24 PM
Reply #6 Thursday, January 31, 2008 1:24 PM
That start menu was the first thing that began my disappointment with Vista...I REALLY wanted to like Vista and it may be a more capable OS in the long run...but as aGUI they went backwards in useability. 
XP til I have no choice.
XP til I have no choice.
gef
Reply #7 Thursday, January 31, 2008 5:15 PM
Reply #7 Thursday, January 31, 2008 5:15 PM
Had Vista from almost the begining and all my programs work OK, ( 32-bit ). Personally I like it much better than XP.
As for the Start menu, I don't find much use for one anyway. With DX, I can access any program or file etc., with just a click of the mouse.
LightStar
Reply #8 Thursday, January 31, 2008 5:21 PM
Reply #8 Thursday, January 31, 2008 5:21 PM
I agree with I.R. Brainiac, I really hate the Vista GUI, start menu and all. I hate the transparency and basically everything about it. I bought Vista Ultimate and run dual boot, but only run XP for the most part. I only boot into Vista every so often to let it do its thing on updates, and the first thing I did was turn off UAC, what a waste of programming that was by Microsoft. I will occasionally attempt to make a Vista style, but not very often as it totally blows me away what Microsoft did with destroying the GUI. It would take me months to learn how to skin it correctly, and I am still waiting for all the bugs, major and minor, to be gone in SKS 6, it needs a lot of improvement.
For me it's mostly XP for life right now also.
For me it's mostly XP for life right now also.
Pugboy
Reply #9 Thursday, January 31, 2008 5:48 PM
Reply #9 Thursday, January 31, 2008 5:48 PM
I have had it on my new machine since September, and LOVE Vista!!! I just like the wow factor of the GUI, and I have encountered NO issues with compatibility. Although, I hated that they TOOK OUT pieces of the OS that some programs need.
SKoriginals
Reply #10 Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:15 PM
Reply #10 Thursday, January 31, 2008 6:15 PM
I got a new PC awhile back and got Vista U. on it. I didn't see a reason in sticking with XP seeing my older machines already had it on there. Now I cringe every time I have to get on one of the XP 'puters. I've had no issues with Vista and actually prefer skinning for Vista over XP now. As to the Vista bashers, I just don't get it personally. I don't want to knock anyone who wishes to stick with XP but Vista isn't all that bad and will do nothing but get better as time goes. XP has had many many years to get refined and I believe has exceeded even MS's initial expectations for the OS, there is no doubt in my mind that Vista will be the same.
Jeffrey Bombard
Reply #12 Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:20 PM
Reply #12 Thursday, January 31, 2008 9:20 PM
I don't think Vista is necessarily bad. However it does have much higher hardware requirements than XP. I use both XP and Vista among others at work, Vista definately take some getting used to and UAC is a pain. However I don't really feel Vista brings much to the table. Especially for a utility junkie like myself who has their PC running like a smoothly oiled machine.
At home, my PC is for work and play, and since I do play games on my PC my spec is more than high enough to handle any work I do. While my home PC could likely handle Vista without too many problems, there is no good reason to upgrade. If the next time I buy a PC it comes with Vista I may keep it as long as gaming meets my performance expectations. That said a video card upgrade can drastically improve game performance these days without buying a new PC, so it is going to be a while before I do a full replacement. The fact of the matter is most of the changes made in Vista, while are good changes and will likely have a significant impact on Microsoft's OSs going forward, they just aren't very sexy from an end-user perspective(well the new look is sexy, but WB users already have that in XP). It will be interesting to see how things come together for Microsoft once they get more of their new server software out the door. If Microsoft fails to get the numbers it wants for Vista we may also see the schedule for Windows 7 accelerated. But then again predicting Microsoft's release schedule, even for scheduled products, is akin to picking the lottery numbers.
At home, my PC is for work and play, and since I do play games on my PC my spec is more than high enough to handle any work I do. While my home PC could likely handle Vista without too many problems, there is no good reason to upgrade. If the next time I buy a PC it comes with Vista I may keep it as long as gaming meets my performance expectations. That said a video card upgrade can drastically improve game performance these days without buying a new PC, so it is going to be a while before I do a full replacement. The fact of the matter is most of the changes made in Vista, while are good changes and will likely have a significant impact on Microsoft's OSs going forward, they just aren't very sexy from an end-user perspective(well the new look is sexy, but WB users already have that in XP). It will be interesting to see how things come together for Microsoft once they get more of their new server software out the door. If Microsoft fails to get the numbers it wants for Vista we may also see the schedule for Windows 7 accelerated. But then again predicting Microsoft's release schedule, even for scheduled products, is akin to picking the lottery numbers.
thomassen
Reply #13 Friday, February 1, 2008 2:09 AM
Reply #13 Friday, February 1, 2008 2:09 AM
What's wrong with the start menu? I find it much better than XP's. I rarely have dig into the list of apps, I just hit a couple of keys for the name of the app or item I'm looking for. Much quicker than scanning the ol' XP menu.
I've used Vista since the betas and I'm very happy with it. Most of my problems has been third parties not supporting it properly.
I've used Vista since the betas and I'm very happy with it. Most of my problems has been third parties not supporting it properly.
bilbo1930
Reply #14 Friday, February 1, 2008 3:35 AM
What's wrong with the start menu? I find it much better than XP's. I rarely have dig into the list of apps, I just hit a couple of keys for the name of the app or item I'm looking for. Much quicker than scanning the ol' XP menu.
I've used Vista since the betas and I'm very happy with it. Most of my problems has been third parties not supporting it properly.
Agree... im use vista more than one year, trying betas too.
I like that, (.. my fist step was uac turn off..)
all my progs work vell, im use full time (im back to xp just need test wb's or any dx stuff's..still dual boot with old xp..)
so, I'm happy with vista..
Reply #14 Friday, February 1, 2008 3:35 AM
Had Vista from almost the begining and all my programs work OK, ( 32-bit ). Personally I like it much better than XP.
As for the Start menu, I don't find much use for one anyway. With DX, I can access any program or file etc., with just a click of the mouse.
What's wrong with the start menu? I find it much better than XP's. I rarely have dig into the list of apps, I just hit a couple of keys for the name of the app or item I'm looking for. Much quicker than scanning the ol' XP menu.
I've used Vista since the betas and I'm very happy with it. Most of my problems has been third parties not supporting it properly.
Agree... im use vista more than one year, trying betas too.
I like that, (.. my fist step was uac turn off..)
all my progs work vell, im use full time (im back to xp just need test wb's or any dx stuff's..still dual boot with old xp..)
so, I'm happy with vista..
RTWright67
Reply #15 Friday, February 1, 2008 1:07 PM
Reply #15 Friday, February 1, 2008 1:07 PM
I bought Vista Ultimate on release day, because for many reasons, I knew time would be limited at one point or another on XP. I also wanted 64bit ability and wasn't wanting to purchase XP64 for it. I consider myself a very knowledgeable computer user, with high level of experience building systems for the past 10 years. So what I have to say next, will probably not go over well with some of the elite types here, but they'll either flame me, or get over themselves one way or the other.
For starters, anyone complaining about the look of Vista has forgotten the use of Desktop Themes in the Customization part of Vista. You can make it look like Windows 98 almost if you so desire, you can change the look of the start menu to a more classic look. If you're so hung up on that look that is, it's still there pretty much. So all of the whining about the looks was to me, moot. Looks does not make the OS, it's only visual eye-candy. Vista vs XP, Vista is a better OS. Now having said that, lets continue...
It's better, but it was far far far cry from perfect at release. Same thing with 95, 98, ME ( Joke on that one ) and XP. Ever single release of windows has the same people crying about the same things, every time. I don't like this change, I don't like that change, my old outdated software wont work in it, my 300baud modem doesn't work with it, I can't find the right drivers.... All kinds of issues that are the same at every release, so why should it have been different at all with Vista? You should expect it by now, it's typical and will always happen. Even the hardware requirements from 3.1 to 95, 98 and so on, all required a heftier system to run it.
What I'm getting at is that it's a year later and a lot of the bugs, drivers and so on have been fixed by and large, still a few remain, thus the Service Patch that is in the works. But the same was true for all the past OS's from Microsoft including NT. Stardock has been here doing all kinds of report topics on Vista, watching it's every move from Beta on. They've also been on the ball getting their softwares up to speed as quickly and efficiently as possible. I commend them for doing so, because now we can get our eye-candy we all so desire.
I for one bought Vista fully knowing I was in for a ride, I never once complained about the issues. Just went on my way to try and figure out ways of fixing them if I could or waiting for patches. A year down the road now, I've got one heck of a system, Intel Core 2 Duo with 4GB of RAM, nVidia 8800 w/ 640MB on an Asus MB P5N32-E SLI and a WD Raptor 150GB HD. My system runs fine, quick as a fox with even the Aero UI. As far as how it looks? That is all a matter of opinion, what I like in looks, someone else wont. But that does not mean the OS is bad. Just means I prefer a different look is all.
I've had no issues at all since I built my new system except I had to go 64bit to fully utilize all of my RAM. That was my plans anyway, so it was not a major issue at all. Vista boots quickly, runs rock solid stable and all of my software seems to run perfectly on it minus a few games that have not updated to work properly inside Vista. That however isn't a fault of Vista, that's the game companies playing catch-up.
Great work Stardock!! I love this site, love the community and the sharing of opinions and facts. I come here often reading these topics you all post, keep up the good work! You're awesome!
For starters, anyone complaining about the look of Vista has forgotten the use of Desktop Themes in the Customization part of Vista. You can make it look like Windows 98 almost if you so desire, you can change the look of the start menu to a more classic look. If you're so hung up on that look that is, it's still there pretty much. So all of the whining about the looks was to me, moot. Looks does not make the OS, it's only visual eye-candy. Vista vs XP, Vista is a better OS. Now having said that, lets continue...
It's better, but it was far far far cry from perfect at release. Same thing with 95, 98, ME ( Joke on that one ) and XP. Ever single release of windows has the same people crying about the same things, every time. I don't like this change, I don't like that change, my old outdated software wont work in it, my 300baud modem doesn't work with it, I can't find the right drivers.... All kinds of issues that are the same at every release, so why should it have been different at all with Vista? You should expect it by now, it's typical and will always happen. Even the hardware requirements from 3.1 to 95, 98 and so on, all required a heftier system to run it.
What I'm getting at is that it's a year later and a lot of the bugs, drivers and so on have been fixed by and large, still a few remain, thus the Service Patch that is in the works. But the same was true for all the past OS's from Microsoft including NT. Stardock has been here doing all kinds of report topics on Vista, watching it's every move from Beta on. They've also been on the ball getting their softwares up to speed as quickly and efficiently as possible. I commend them for doing so, because now we can get our eye-candy we all so desire.
I for one bought Vista fully knowing I was in for a ride, I never once complained about the issues. Just went on my way to try and figure out ways of fixing them if I could or waiting for patches. A year down the road now, I've got one heck of a system, Intel Core 2 Duo with 4GB of RAM, nVidia 8800 w/ 640MB on an Asus MB P5N32-E SLI and a WD Raptor 150GB HD. My system runs fine, quick as a fox with even the Aero UI. As far as how it looks? That is all a matter of opinion, what I like in looks, someone else wont. But that does not mean the OS is bad. Just means I prefer a different look is all.
I've had no issues at all since I built my new system except I had to go 64bit to fully utilize all of my RAM. That was my plans anyway, so it was not a major issue at all. Vista boots quickly, runs rock solid stable and all of my software seems to run perfectly on it minus a few games that have not updated to work properly inside Vista. That however isn't a fault of Vista, that's the game companies playing catch-up.
Great work Stardock!! I love this site, love the community and the sharing of opinions and facts. I come here often reading these topics you all post, keep up the good work! You're awesome!
cavalierex
Reply #16 Friday, February 1, 2008 11:03 PM
Reply #16 Friday, February 1, 2008 11:03 PM
I don't know what's so incredibly bad about the Start menu... but maybe that's because I use ObjectDock for most of my program-launching activity, and my interaction with the Start menu is now limited to searching or accessing the Control Panel or the Run dialog.
I guess a fly-out, cascading menu would be better than the nested list, but I don't consider it THAT bad.
I guess a fly-out, cascading menu would be better than the nested list, but I don't consider it THAT bad.
Bebi Bulma
Reply #17 Friday, February 1, 2008 11:06 PM
You can do that with OD too, that's what I did. There's a run docklet in the OD docklets category. As for the Control Panel, just drag it from the start menu to the dock and it will create the shortcut.
Reply #17 Friday, February 1, 2008 11:06 PM
accessing the Control Panel or the Run dialog.
You can do that with OD too, that's what I did. There's a run docklet in the OD docklets category. As for the Control Panel, just drag it from the start menu to the dock and it will create the shortcut.
Mirical Bernd
Reply #18 Saturday, February 2, 2008 5:38 AM
Reply #18 Saturday, February 2, 2008 5:38 AM
I bought a new Dell-PC just two weeks before the release of Windows Vista and therefore had XP installed and I still have it installed. It runs most of the time smoothly, I use Stardock products to pimp it and I don't see any reason to change the system - never touch a running system. I have seen Vista on some othe computer and I have to say, that it doesn't appeal me enough to install it. That was very different when I changed from Windows 2000 to XP. The GUI enhancements were very important for me at that time.
It might also be because I have several additions like my Logitech Pen or my scanner, where I am not sure, if they run under Windows Vista. Sooooo, I'll stay with XP as long it is still supported by M$. I will maybe change that when buying a new Laptop, which might be this year. But at least I can be sure, that everything on the Laptop will run under Vista.
BTW: I have an update-DVD from Dell here, I could make an update. But that should be done after a clean install of Windows XP. One year with no new install might have left a bit of mess on the harddisk
It might also be because I have several additions like my Logitech Pen or my scanner, where I am not sure, if they run under Windows Vista. Sooooo, I'll stay with XP as long it is still supported by M$. I will maybe change that when buying a new Laptop, which might be this year. But at least I can be sure, that everything on the Laptop will run under Vista.
BTW: I have an update-DVD from Dell here, I could make an update. But that should be done after a clean install of Windows XP. One year with no new install might have left a bit of mess on the harddisk
killajosh
Reply #19 Saturday, February 2, 2008 5:53 AM
Reply #19 Saturday, February 2, 2008 5:53 AM
I'm getting Vista Ultimate in about six weeks. Maybe two months. Best part is, IT'S FREE! I signed up for the MS Windows Feedback Program and got an email today notifying me that I will get the pogram. Yay me! Here I come, dual boot!!!
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Reply #1 Thursday, January 31, 2008 12:02 PM