Windows Vista Update

No matter how much planning goes into a new release of an operating system there is going to be a few snags to be worked out, features that didn't quite make it to the systems release or things that end users won't put into their systems. 

To that end Vista girl has put together a list of features that she would like to see when the next service pack makes it's way to the users of Vista.

1.  Give me an option between Aero interface on and Aero interface off.  Yes, it's cool to have the interface on, but it also takes up valuable resources that I might need when I'm say editing a video, or running multiple applications but I don't want to cut off all of the features all of the time. Scaling the effects is an ability I want.

2.  Stop the pop-up bubbles for warning notices.  I know that a lot of people use the pop up bubbles, but I find them to be a distraction.  It would be better if the messages where broadcast on the top of the screen in a rolling strip message, similar to those you see on the bottom of a news cast. 

It could also be used to give you news about updates and maybe even some click-able links to articles from your RSS feeds, ok, so this might never happen, but hey it's a wish list.

3.  Don't make me set the user account controls from the admin account only.  These are great controls, but some time they need to be changed on the fly.  If my 8 year old is doing a history report on the evils of Nazi Germany I might need to give him access to content that, in another context, I would find too violent.  Right now to change the controls he has to log out, so the admin can log in, change it. Log back in. 

Neither efficient nor convenient.

It would be better if I could unlock access to a specific site with my admin password from Internet Explorer. If you're worried about the kids figuring out the password and gaining access to pornography or the admin account, then make the IE user account controls separate from the log on password, that way it's easy to change, just in case.  

4.  Give me back my ability to use my ability to rotate my picture screen savers when I'm using multiple monitors.  I know that this isn't an issue for the average user, but I had it in XP and I want it in Vista.

5.  More back compatibility with older software, and hardware.  I hate to buy new things when my old ones are working just fine.  As far as I know they haven't made a version of You Don't Know Jack for Vista, so back compatibility upgrades are my only option.

6. Condense the versions. I know that you have a lot of features that you wanted to pack in, and that you were afraid that costs would hurt your market share, but this is a little silly. It seems to me that you're wasting a lot of money packaging the extra editions for home use.

The solution is this: Let everyone buy one version of the home system, similar to the basic version but with 1 or 2 of the features from its more advanced friend. Then let people buy upgrades, available for download a lacarte style, from the Microsoft website.

This will allow you the most flexibility (and lower production costs) while allowing budget conscious home users to pay for only the extra features they need. Conversely, let me take features out if I don't want them to save on space.

7. Give me some new option with the mouse pointer. I've been looking at the same mouse pointer since 1995, and quite frankly, I'm sick of it. If you can put in an advanced graphic interface, then you can give me some options for my mouse.

That's what I would like to see from the folks at Microsoft when they do system updates or release another service pack for Vista.  Some of the suggestions could have a far reaching impact on the windows experience, and some are just pet peeves.  As always, I would love to hear about what you want in the way of Vista updates.

Katie Gatto is an experienced technology blogger, and technophile, who uses both the Mac and Windows systems to manage her online life. She has a M.S. in Information Systems and a B.A. in English.

She has written for several technology sites and writes for a wide range of technology users. From showing Mac users helpful freeware on MacApper, to helping people be more productive through web-ware on AppMag, talking about open source technology on the Alternate Systems blog, she has covered all of the major operating systems.

You can visit her personal blog, Convergent Streams, which covers many lifestyle and perspective issues for dwellers of the computer age, about how to make the most of your life.

Vista Girl Articles

Thursday May 29th 2008: Vista and the Viruses

Thursday May 22nd 2008: My Vista wishlist

Thursday May 15th 2008: Let it be free, software for Windows Vista

Thursday May 8th 2008: Getting your Vista half off

Friday May 2nd 2008: Windows Vista and Spyware

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