Microsoft took a bunch of XP users on a supposed test of the Next Version of Windows.

The punch line is they were actually testing Windows Vista and Microsoft duped them.

If some of the early reporting is correct Windows Vista got a high approval rating.

This does raise an interesting point that the negative PR that vista gets has tarnished it’s brand name.

Take “Vista” out of Windows and people have a different point of view.

There is one glaring problem with this experiment. They chose one hardware candidate the HP Pavilion DV 2000.

More than 99% of Windows Vista Users use something other than a HP Pavilion DV 2000.

It would have made for a much better experiment if they got those 120 users to bring their own machines in for the test. Then the approval rating would be more realistic.

I suspect this campaign may backfire. Lets wait and see.

I have learned something new….if you want a Windows Vista laptop get the HP Pavilion DV 2000.

Link: http://www.mojaveexperiment.com/

Here is a Windows Vista tip for those that still like going to the command line.

Windows XP had a Powertoy called Command Prompt Here.

This would allow you to open a DOS box at the desired folder location. This was handy as it saved you typing in really long path names.

Example: C:\Documents and Settings\User\My Documents etc

This feature ships with Windows Vista but it buried.

To use it you have to hold down the left hand shift button while you right click your folder you will see an extra option “Open Command Window Here”.

Microsoft have updated their How-to guide for tweaking the performance of Windows Vista.

Almost all of it is just common sense and reading the list most of their suggestions apply to earlier versions of Windows as well.

•Delete programs you never use
•Limit how many programs load at startup
•Defragment your hard drive
•Clean up your hard disk
•Run fewer programs at the same time
•Turn off visual effects
•Try restarting if there’s a problem
•Add more memory
•Check for viruses and spyware
•Check your computer’s speed
•Disable services you don’t need
•Check for updates from the manufacturer

So if Vista performance is getting you down check out the link below.

Link: Optimize Windows Vista for better performance

I received a call from a client last week. We both use Dell XPS M1210 Laptops (and love them).

His M1210 was playing up a bit so I offered to give him mine (they don’t make M1210 anymore).

The short version of this story is after 15 months of being a Windows Vista user I am back on Windows XP (on new hardware).

I use Windows XP everyday anyway but going back to it on my main machine has highlighted how much better Desktop Search has been integrated into Vista.

One feature of search I can’t live without is a fully indexed Outlook 2007. I have 7000 things in my inbox (Yes I know!).

The first time I opened Outlook 2007 on my Windows XP machine I was prompted to download Desktop Search. I did this because I know without it trying to find anything in my e-mail will be near impossible (this is specific to Outlook 2007 earlier versions like Outlook 2003 are unaffected).

Tip: Once you have Desktop Search installed leave it running with Outlook 2007 open so it can quickly build the new search index.

One painful thing is the performance of Desktop Search on XP / Office 2007. When I receive a new e-mail Desktop Search kicks in and adds the new e-mail to the index, this is painfully slow.

Example: I can see a simple 1 line e-mail come in but it might take 15 seconds before I can open it because desktop search is doing its thing.

Other Observations

Actually “Search” is about the only thing I miss going back to XP. Wired and Wireless networking is less convoluted on XP, but nothing major really.

As it turns out I didn’t need to swap my main laptop after all. So I have it back and weighing it all up I would rather be on Windows Vista SP1. I am going to finish the week using XP but its back to Windows Vista for me simply because of its implementation and performance of search.

What this does highlight: if you are a Windows XP / Outlook 2003 user (which had pretty good inbuilt search) you’re really not missing much.

One of the selling points of Windows Vista Ultimate was the dangled carrot of exclusive content called Windows Vista Ultimate Extras.

After nearly a year without anything new from Microsoft they have launched UltimatePc.com a website for Windows Vista Ultimate users.

They have trotted out the existing paltry extras.

Dreamscene, Lanuage Packs, Bitlocker and Hold Em Poker (Game)

There is a rumour that more exclusive content is coming (heard that one before).

In other Windows Vista News the retail cost has recently been reduced.

However my tip is don’t upgrade your existing PC to Vista, if you want Windows Vista  get it pre-installed on a new PC. It will be cheaper to buy and be running on more modern hardware.

I would imagine the new website has been announced for the renewed marketing push post Windows Vista SP1.

The wait for Windows Vista SP1 continues.

Link: http://www.ultimatepc.com/