WilksNet

Windows Vista is finally here.  If you were planning on upgrading your computer to the new version of Windows now is the time if you’re bold enough.  Some will wait until Service Pack 1 (SP1) is released later this year, but others like myself wanted to jump right in.  If you’d like some good reviews of Vista here you go:

Windows SuperSite

-Paul Thurrott’s review of Windows Vista is extensive and expert.  He’s been following Vista forever and he knows pretty much everything there is to know about the new OS – highly recommended.

ActiveWin

-ActiveWin’s review is rather extensive as well and they do a great job as well getting right down to it.

CyberNet News 

-CyberNet did an overview review that works really well to just get the basic information across.  He has a lot of screenshot as well.  So enjoy!

Also here’s the prices for the different Windows Vista versions.  The first set of prices are full version retail prices.  The second set of prices are retail upgrade prices and the final set of prices are full version OEM prices:

Retail Full Version; (Retail Upgrade); [OEM]

Vista Home Basic – $199 ($99) [$95]

Vista Home Premium – $239 ($159) [$120]

Vista Business – $299 ($199) [$150]

Vista Ultimate -$399 ($259) [$200]

Microsoft has redesigned their Vista website.  The new site boasts a Vista-like menu bar and a ton of information regarding the new OS.  I particularly enjoy the section about the Top 100 reasons to upgrade!  Check it out, there’s lots to explore.

There is a battle of the blogs right now to determine the Top 10 Reasons to either get or not get Windows Vista, here’s my favorite Top 10 to get it:

PCWorld

APC

BTX

There’s a lot of reasons for both sides.  Some people should not upgrade to Vista yet and are better off waiting until SP1.  I love the bleeding edge though…

My free copy of Windows Vista Business came in the mail on Thursday and it’s pretty exciting.  I have now been able to fully test out the power of Vista Gold Code on my new computer and the combination is fantastic together.  All of my programs and files work perfectly together on the new stable code of RTM Vista and it’s nice to take advantage of the new OS.

It will take a few months to a year for software drivers/programs and hardware to be fully in compliance with Vista but when that happens it will really be running smoothly.  The only problem I’ve had is getting my DVD burner to work with some software but it will work out eventually.

My favorite features so far are the integrated desktop search, the new IE7,  all of the included software, ReadyBoost, the Aero interface, the new file system and shell interface, and the improved security and stability.

I’d say the OS comes out in 2 days but most people who aren’t tech savvy should wait until SP1 is out.   That’s all for now, I’ll be updating about Vista as I find out more information and cool new features!