Filed under: OS Updates, Features, Windows, Microsoft, DLS Podcast
Switching to Vista: Download Squad Switcher Podcast #3
Microsoft threw a curve ball to PC users who have spent the last five years getting to know the ins and outs of Windows XP. Windows Vista promised enhanced security, new and improved graphics, and a redesigned start menu and file explorer.But Vista also suffers from backward compatibility problems and some design changes that seem to value flash over function.
Is it worth upgrading your computer, or are you better off waiting for Service Pack 1, or Vienna, the next version of Windows due out in 2009?
We put that question, and many more to Download Squad's David Chartier and Ryan Carter.
Show Notes
- Microsoft Windows Vista home page
- How to reduce the amount of disk space Vista uses for system restore
- How to temporarily disable User Account Control warnings without rebooting
- Download Squad poll from November, asking when will you upgrade to Vista?
- Download the podcast as an mp3.
- Subscribe to this podcast series to automatically download future episodes.
- Subscribe to our feed in the iTunes Store.
With Halloween fast approaching, it's a great time to get in some practice defending your territory against zombies. In Graveyard Shift, you take aim at zombies and other creepy-crawlies, blasting them into splatters of cartoony green guts. It's a casual first-person shooter, and it's very easy to get the hang of - use the mouse to aim, click to fire. Graveyard Shift has at least 15 levels, and it might even have some secret stages I haven't unlocked yet.
They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MDB said 12:38PM on 6-21-2007
I tried Vista Ultimate (the final version, not a beta). Honestly, I wasn't too impressed. At all. All of the "advantages" it has I can have on XP using third party software. Surprisingly enough, my CPU (E6600) ran fast using XP and third party apps then Vista. Go figure.
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westudi said 12:38PM on 6-21-2007
I've had the exact opposite experience. I've used Vista on a couple of boxes, and I really like it. Everything has run smooth (save for some driver issues from nVidia early on that are now history), and the "flash" has added a nice touch and opened up a wider array of personal customization.
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gadlaw said 12:52PM on 6-21-2007
not bad. I was sort of waiting for the moment of truth there where you guys were ready to give your recommendations after the honest lukewarm impression Vista gave you all. It would have strained credulity if you decided to tell folks to run out and get it but you didn't. A bit of discussion about the DRM issues with Vista would have been good though. Other than that, nice, conversational and honest discussion. Good podcast.
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Claudiu Spulber said 8:24AM on 6-22-2007
Come on, a new Windows due out in 2009? Who believes that? That's a statement for the shareholders.
Plus don't get me started on the Vienna name. It's a brand thing, the recommendation is always to use simple words, avoiding the use of double-letters. So they won't use that for sure.
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Diaspar said 10:38AM on 6-22-2007
I used Vista Ultimate for a while now and would honestly recommend it to everybody, I like it a lot.
The install went without a hitch, when it came up everything just worked! Honestly, the only thing I had to set up was to tell it how to connect to my wireless.
All the eye candy in my opinion adds to the joy of using the computer. part of the reason people are so thrilled with the mac is IMHO that it is just pleasing to look at, and Vista brings the same level of experience.
Other than that I had absolutely no compatibility problems. When I move back to XP it feels like i'm using Windows NT again.
Yes, it does take a while to get accustomed to where some things moved to (settings are not where they used to be), and I do have some pet peeves that I am not too hapy with at times (The programs in the new start menu :( not a big fan at all, considering going to old start menu, even though the search function helps, by principle i'm not supposed to search, i should just hover and get to all my programs).
Overall very pleased. I do not work for microsoft, this is just a personal opinion, but I would recommend it to everybody and everybody I talk to about it I tell them not to hesitate and upgrade.
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Dave Chartier said 9:00AM on 6-24-2007
Thanks a lot for the kind words everyone! We had a good time making this podcast and we're glad it helped at least some of you.
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