25 Shortcomings Of Vista
But what are some things to watch out for with the new OS? The CRN Test Center compiled a list of 25 items that VARs should bear in mind when using and deploying Vista.
1. SMB2
Vista introduces a new variant of the SMB protocol called SMB2, which may pose problems for those connecting to non-Microsoft networks, such as Samba on Linux.
2. Hardware
For Vista to perform adequately, PCs may need significant hardware upgrades.
3. Antivirus
Vista does not bundle an antivirus application, and most third party antivirus applications are not yet compatible with Vista.
4. Driver Support
Vista includes thousands of drivers, but most have been created directly by Microsoft. Many hardware manufacturers do not yet have drivers available for Vista.
5. Compatibility
Vista does a good job of running most common applications, but many third-party applications are not yet fully supported.
6. Memory
Vista loves RAM, but more is better. Plan on 2 Gbytes to meet real-world needs.
7. Five Versions
The array of Vista editions could prove to be three too many, and upgrades between versions remain an unknown.
8. Activation
The need to activate the product via the Web could prove to be a time-waster during mass deployments.
9. Storage Space
With Vista taking as much as 10 Gbytes of hard drive space, big and fast hard drives will be a must.
10. Backup
See No. 9. Backing up desktops will take a great deal of space.
11. Urgency
Unlike Windows XP and Windows 95, there seems to be no must-have reasons behind Vista.
12. Learning Curve
Vista is just different enough from XP that technicians and users will need training.
13. Cost
Moving to Vista can prove to be expensive when one considers the price of the OS, the cost of hardware upgrades and the cost of migration.
14. Hardware Vendor Support
Tier-one and tier-two hardware vendors seem to be taking a slow approach to offering "Windows Vista Capable" systems.
15. Windows Backup
Vista's backup application is even more limited than XP's, forcing users to select third-party backup applications.
16. Windows Meeting Space
Lacks so many features that it's all but useless. No VoIP capabilities or shared whiteboard.
17. User Access Control Center
Lacks intelligence and forces users to approve the use of many native applications, such as a task scheduler or disk defragmenter.
18. Buried Controls
Many options and controls are further buried, requiring a half-dozen mouse clicks or more to get to. Network settings and display settings are offenders here.
19. Installation
Can take hours on some systems. Upgrades are even slower.
20. HHD
Hybrid Hard Drives. These are potentially a huge performance booster, but there's little information and support is available (even though should be available).
21. 50 Million Lines Of Code
Even with the five years of development and long beta test period that went into Vista, undiscovered bugs are sure to turn up.
22. Volume Activation 2.0 (VA2)
New volume-licensing technology limits installations or requires dedicated key-management servers to keep systems activated.
23. Missing Features
When first envisioned, Vista promised a new file system (WinFS), virtual folders and many other features that have just plain disappeared.
24. Some Protocols Eliminated
Vista does not include support for IPX, Gopher, WebDAV, NetDDE and AppleTalk.
25. WordPad
Ability to open .doc files has been removed.