The trial version of Vista still has errors

Although the latest Vista test version looks "sharp", there are still some compatibility issues.

Through a second trial, Microsoft is realizing the dream of turning Windows Vista into a "good code" and safe operating system, with business and entertainment features. second, Microsoft needs to solve some problems, and we have to wait for Vista-compatible hardware generation, before the operating system is really powerful and more user-friendly.

Switch between windows: Flip 3-D in Vista's Aero interface to browse open application windows. First released in May with the Office 2007 Beta 2, some of the features of Vista Beta 2 from previous test versions were tweaked again, many of which are related to security; detailed search engine; support mobile users; More complex utilities for easier operating system deployment and PC management. Microsoft said that the version of Vista for official users will appear in November, but the version for mainstream users will have to wait until early next year (Vista is preinstalled in the PC sold or the upgrade). Last June, Microsoft downloaded limited test versions of this operating system.

Finally, Microsoft has also made specific hardware requirements for Vista's Aero graphics system. This graphics system has translucent windows and when you hover over the closed window icon below the taskbar, the thumbnail of that window will appear; and the ability to switch between applications in a 3-way flip window range (this feature is called Flip 3-D). To get the Aero interface, you need quite powerful hardware plus Vista for business or advanced users (Vista Enterprise, Business, Home Premium or Ultimate). The low-end version of Vista Basic will run a simplified (Basic) interface that looks a lot like Windows XP, or if your hardware configuration is strong enough to support Aero, the Standard interface will have some of Aero's features. (as a transparent window) but does not have all Aero features (such as Flip 3-D or thumbnail view). Windows Vista Starter, the version intended to be released in developing countries, will only have a Basic interface.

New features

The thumbnail of the closed application appears in Vista's taskbar.

Some promising features of this operating system include SuperFetch to improve memory speed, this feature will remember the tasks you usually do; ReadyBoost will use a Flash memory card via USB to replace the system's RAM; SideShow allows access to data from the PC via a secondary monitor, for example a laptop's small external monitor; and Windows Rally, a line of technology to set up and use smart devices online. The new operating system also introduced the XPS (XML Paper Specification) file format, similar to Adobe's popular PDF format.

Rally and SideShow will not appear until there are products compatible with Vista appear. But the most annoying thing about Beta 2 is the pop-up security dialog boxes (which usually appear as soon as you have finished updating) looking for administrative passwords to run everyday tasks like saving documents The directory is accessible earlier. Obviously lax security in Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6 is a serious problem, but Beta 2's solution seems to be overkill and offensive.

Aero is a great feature, but its transparent window does not appear in all applications and consumes a lot of system resources.

In short, run the test only if you are willing to accept the annoyance of the security prompt boxes that appear at any time. Three weeks after the update, we still couldn't run Photoshop Elements 4 or Rhapsody.

PC World USA 08/2006