Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Microsoft Opens Up 'Vista' Operating System
The Microsoft Windows Vista operating system logo is seen on a computer monitor, Jan. 26, 2007, at a Best Buy store in New York.
Listen
0:00
Listen
Microsoft is about to unveil its first new operating system in a number of years, amid much fanfare. But a big question remains: Is Vista any good?
Early reviews say the software, which will be available to consumers on Tuesday, delivers some real improvements — especially in the area of security. But it's not likely to cause a stampede at your neighborhood computer store.
Microsoft's newest product launch is relatively low-key, compared to some earlier rollouts, like Windows 95's. There's no Rolling Stones commercial, for example.
Bill Gates is scheduled to appear Monday night on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. And some retailers are holding midnight sales events. But unless those retailers are offering deep discounts, analyst Rob Enderle says, there's no need to stay up that late, just to be first on your block with the new software.
"Don't get me wrong," he says. "I've been using it myself for awhile. It's a good product, but I value my sleep a lot."
Enderle says the graphics of the new operating system are much prettier than older versions. It no longer looks like something from the last decade, he says. What's more, Microsoft has worked hard to make the software less vulnerable to computer hackers.
Enderle says people who are already planning to buy a new PC should be happy with the new operating system that comes with it. But those with older computers might think twice about buying Vista as an upgrade.
Sponsored message
"If you bought a PC in the last year, it'll work fine. I'd just be real sure you that have enough memory. Vista really likes memory."
The most basic version of Vista retails for about $200, with advanced versions selling for twice as much. Technically challenged customers can pay an additional fee to have the software installed by a professional.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. 9(MDA1OTI3MjQ5MDEyODUwMTE2MzM1YzNmZA004))
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
