Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit for System Builders [DVD] 
Good
20
This version of Windows Vista is the OEM version, which means that it does not come with a box or a manual, just a "Quick Install" guide. This is the FULL version of Vista but another thing that it is lacking is support from Microsoft. Because this version is intended for (as the title suggests) system builders, whoever that may be, they are the people who are supposed to provide the End User Support not Microsoft. It does, however, still include Windows Update so there do not think that you will not be getting updates from Microsoft, because you do. But if you are building a computer for your grandmother, and she BSOD's Vista, its up to you to fix it; Not Microsoft. Another difference between this version and the full 400 $ version is that this version only comes with the 32 Bit version of Windows Vista, but the full version comes with both the 32 and 64 Bit versions. So if you are pretty technology Savvy and you do not need Microsoft's support and you know what type of processor (64 or 32 bit) then the OEM version is the version for you.
5
For the most part its been an OK transition. My recommendation is that you go slow and do your homework first. I'm running a P4, 3.2 GHZ X 800 with 1 GB Ram DDR (upgraded to 2 GB's max for this board),two hard drives, 200 GB (volume 1,2,3,) 160 GB(volume 4,bkf). I wanted a clean load so I backed up on DVD's and formated my hard drives. I chose volume 1 for the operating system alone so in case of problems I could rework it. I put all my programs in volume 2, I had all the original disks to reload if necessary(be careful with this if you have used downloaded software it often has a short time limit of downloading it again, on these I back them up to CD right away and file it for times like this). Volume 3 is for all the data, images, (my Photoshop needs space) ect. Volume 4 is an overflow for volume 3 data and all of my backup and is on a separate 160 GB internal hard drive. For me the time for this planning was well worth it. If you get it done up front it can save you hours or days later. I've learned by my errors. It is also easier and safer to back up data on 3 without having to mess with the rest and if I get a problem which is going to happen the solution is a whole lot simpler. Plus you can lock volume 1,2, in Vista and for the most part keep out all the Cyber bad guys with there Trojans and viruses. On 3, 4 the most I have at risk is the last 2 hours and I can manually adjust that if it is an important project. Vista definitely requires a lot of RAM and space. As you just have to test some programs I good registry cleaner would be a good investment I went with Registry Booster rated 5 out of 5 by Tucows and CNET and I'm happy with it at $29.
The issue of software is likewise interesting, I had less problems than I expected after getting around the "tech support" at the various companies. Example: just bought a top of the line HP printer with the HP wireless printer upgrade. If you go to the HP website at this time it says come back later maybe April or May not compatible at this time. Don't believe what you read. If you push through the maze; you will find in this case a B9180 that the upgraded software and drivers are there just either no one told tech support or they did not want to be bothered. The HP wireless did not work and Amazon took it back which is why I chose to pay a few dollars more on Amazon to get items supplied directly by Amazon. If you know a little about the system you will see that most of what worked on XP with SP2 will work on Vista at least in the interim until that vendor gets an official Vista upgrade.
Pros: I needed the system so I can't say that the transition from XP Pro was a must have and the additions warranted it. Although after the fact I would chose the upgrade to Vista.
The installation was straight forward and by the book. No pun intended because you don't get the book with OEM. I used the Microsoft website, a bunch of forums, and a lot of prayers and found everything that I needed.
Con: My opinion, you can't push the down size of their minimum requirements. You need a whole lot of CPU power, a lot of RAM access, and a good bit of storage.
Many vendors are not up to speed on Vista yet and like always with Vendor tech support even on a good day you are very likely to get the wrong information. I chose not to take NO for an answer and to try my existing programs and then delete and clean the registry as necessary. Don't forget to make a backup first. Sounds dumb like first read the directions, but in this case having a backup copy you can just click on and restore is a big plus and since you can't really read the directions since it doesn't come with anything but the quick start I took a pad and pencil and planned it out.
OEM means OEM, I was building a system and think that I have enough knowledge to get it done. Seems like all is well. If you don't know your computer pretty well, and you are not comfortable in using the Microsoft website, and using outside forums (especially which have good info)this might not be the path for you.
I enjoy being on the cutting edge of tech even if at times I am "slightly tech challenged". Having completed the task I would do it again. A lot of Hype not as difficult as one might think.
2
I installed Vista Ultimate OEM on my Dell XPS laptop with minimal trouble. The basic install had drivers for almost all of my hardware. The drivers for the nVidia graphics aren't the greatest, there are some screen flickers when opening some programs/windows that didn't go away after installing the latest driver. Also, I've had the screen lock up and display only multicolored lines when restarting a paused DVD. I'm pretty sure that this is an issue with nVidia's drivers and not Vista. Hopefully this will be fixed when a newer driver becomes available. My only other real complaint is the lack of support in 3rd party utilities, particularly firewalls. These issues aside, Vista seems pretty stable and to be more secure than XP. The interface is pretty nice, with many small improvements. If you aren't buying a new computer right now or absolutely need to have the newest thing, waiting till Microsoft issues Service Pack 1 for it may be a better option. Hopefully most vendors will have better drivers and better program support by then.
0
Even though a few drivers are not up to pace yet Vista works great with Intel D845GVSR Micro Board and I have discovered that indeed one can install a PCI Video card and just set the BIOs for PCI instead of Integrated. Right now I'm hoping to find a Video Card that supports DirectX 10 and with WHQL Logo for Windows Vista Drivers that aren't too expensive, so if someone finds a good one, let me know please. I don't know how perhaps leave a review yourself.
PS: Brand is not important. Reliable, steady, well made is where it's at for me.
Thanks in Advance.
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Bad
1
As a windows fan, all my hyped feelings were gone after 10-day test drive of this ultimate edition. My current system is P4 3.2GB, 3GB DDR, ATI All-in-Wonder X800, and Creative Audigy 2 Plantium.
1. CPU usage is up to 90% using Aero glass and IE7 opening at the same time, despite 3GB of memory in the system.
2. ATI driver isn't fully compatible yet, the screen sometimes looks horrible after the system waking up from the sleep mode.
3. Music plays are constantly paused due to the high CPU usage & beta sound card driver.
4. Receiving Blue Screen twice with no solution found.
5. Horrible unicode reading from Windows Media Player 11.
