Living with VistaThe constant negative reviews regarding Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system continue with an unending stream of unflattering articles.
While we aren’t great fans of the latest OS, with a few tweaks, it can be a reliable, secure performer.
1. The unfamiliar screen interface of Vista can be easily changed to “Windows Classic” by the following steps:
Change the menu system by:
• right clicking on the “Start” button
• Select properties
• Select the button for “Classic Start Menu”
Change the desktop by:
• Right click any where on the desktop screen
• Select "Windows Colors and Appearance"
• Select “Windows Classic”
2. If you find the User Account Control annoying with the constant dialog permission boxes, you can turn this feature off (only recommended if you are an experienced computer user) by the following:
• Click on the “Start” button
• Select “Settings”
• Select “Control Panel”
• In the upper left hand corner, click on “Classic View”
• Select “User Accounts”
• Choose your user account
• Select “Turn User Account Control on or off”
• Uncheck the box “Use User Account Control (UAC) to help protect your computer”
• Click “OK”
3. There can be many problems with your peripheral devices, i.e., printers, scanners, phones, mp3 players and a multitude of other tools.
• If the manufacturer of your device has not written a driver that is compatible with Vista, more than likely you will have to buy a compatible replacement device. This alone has created many of the negative comments regarding Vista but really has nothing to do with Microsoft – these manufacturers had 2+ years lead time to write device drivers but chose not to, apparently with the intent of forcing users to buy new products that would be compatible with Vista.
• Be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for updated Vista drivers
Keep the operating system up to date by enabling Windows Automatic Updates.
These easy tweaks can remove a lot of the confusion and frustration with the Windows Vista operating system.
Dominon Repair Service Inc