When Vista Shifts Into Low Gear

Joe Wilcox This morning I saw Windows Vista's performance-adjusting feature in action, when the operating system switched the user interface from "Aero" glass to "Basic."

Unlike its predecessors, Windows Vista adjusts--and even turns off--some features based on the PC hardware or software. For example, Windows Vista will turn off the "Aero" user interface for computers with insufficient graphics accelerators. Today, I experienced this capability for the first time with a software application.

Late yesterday, I downloaded Trillian as part of my testing applications for Windows Vista compatibility. Upon starting the application this morning, Windows Vista issued warning: "The color scheme has been changed." The pop-up message explained that Trillian had "performed an action that requires Windows to temporarily change the color scheme to Windows Vista Basic." The Aero scheme returned immediately after exiting Trillian.

Making Hard Choices
Microsoft made some hard choices by putting in the performance-tweaking feature. Compatibility has been a longstanding Windows design priority. The quest for backward compatibility, however, forced Microsoft to make some compromises when releasing earlier Windows versions. The performance-tweaking feature is supposed to let Windows Vista embrace the past, while extending to the future.

I didn't find the shift down to Basic from Areo to be that jarring, although the latter, glassy look is much more appealing. The question is how confusing will it be for enterprises trying to deploy Windows Vista? Some older computers may run Windows Vista, but without the snazzy Aero UI.

IT organizations deploying Windows Vista should ask how important the Aero user interface will be to their employees' productivity, weighed against hardware costs. Aero offers other benefits besides the glassy look. Rule of thumb: If Aero isn't a big deal for basic-task PCs, Microsoft's minimum system requirements should be sufficient. My recommendation, however, would be to buy as much as the budget allows. Windows Vista isn't the only consideration, particularly for shops largely standardized on Microsoft software. Office 2007 and new server-side Office features or products will tax systems, too.

Microsoft's Windows Experience Index rating system is a good benchmark for evaluating what's good enough. I have a tablet PC with rating of 2.0 which runs the important features, including Aero, although performance is slow even with 2GB of RAM. Another (loaner) notebook, which rates 4.6, delivers exceptional experience. While Microsoft designed the Windows Experience Index with consumers in mind, it has a place alongside enterprise Windows Vista deployment tools.

The Windows Experience Index also offers opportunities for channel partners, system builders and OEMs. PC manufacturers can place a "view ways to increase your rating" link for selling components that would raise the rating score. Another link, to Microsoft's Windows Marketplace, will eventually lead to software rated by the same index. So, if, hypothetically, digital editing software requires a 4, but Windows Vista only rates a 2.9, the computer could be accordingly upgraded.

The Me-too Syndrome
Office politics is a consideration, when evaluating performance, particularly with Aero. "Hey, how come his computer looks better than mine!" could be one common complaint.

Microsoft is betting on something else--that the oohs, aahs and new Windows sounds coming from one office cublicle will draw the attention of people working in others. Last week, during Windows Vista's business launch, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spoke about the importance of the "basic end-user experience." Vista offers new features designed to appeal to IT organizations. But Microsoft expects Windows Vista to appeal to end users and through them create sales pull.

Who knows, maybe getting a new Windows Vista PC could be as good a perk as a new office with a window. Would you like a window or Windows?

Create, Communicate, Collaborate with IT Professionals at Ziff Davis Enterprise IT Link.