Some Vista Questions

[SD Nihil]

Does Vista like XP, have the ability to switch between normal start menu and classic start menu? It's in the taskbar window where you select this in XP. And, how much hard drive space does Vista take up?

[JesusIsGonnaOwnSatan]

start menu = yup. you can change it the same way as in xp: right click taskbar> properties> 'start menu' tab> 'classic start menu' option

[SD Nihil]

Thanks.

[SD Nihil]

As far as the menues and where things are, is Vista similar to XP? With the prevous thread I now know that it does have teh similar menues to have classic start menu view. Before I even get my new game computer with Vista Home Premium I want to be a little familar or at least as best as I can be with the new O/S in getting and moving around in it. It would help in that I've already created plans with the other things I've saved on my flash drive. I have plans of whta to put in in what order and what to do next. A plan is always good not only when a computer crashes, but also for coming into a new O/S.

[urluckyday]

In short, YES! If you are at least somewhat proficient with XP, you should be fine with using Vista. The start menu has changed a little bit, but it's actually more efficient. The control panel has a more user-friendly view, but if you're used to using it the old way, you can click "classic view." This isn't the only window like that, but it really is easy to get used to. Not too much has changed in the UI and for what has, it was definitely for the better.
Overall, the entire Vista experience takes a little getting used to at first but after you do, you won't want to look back.

Congrats on making the switch to a superior OS and don't hesitate to post any other Vista questions you may have!

[Astrotoy7]

threads merged, due to their obvious commonality in subject matter

@anyone: feel free to post any general vista questions in here

mtfbwya

[Marius Fett]

And, how much hard drive space does Vista take up?

This can vary. Depending on which version you get, it can take up to 20GB.

[SD Nihil]

20GB. What is that for the Vista Enterprise version? I'm planning to get Vista Home Premium. Also, the family for their computer that they are getting discounted might be a Home Basic. Not sure. But basically the home version. Yes I will be getting a newgame computer for me. They will be geting their computer for their internet and e-mail. It's just time to replace this old computer. It's been around since 1999. I guess I must be doing something right. It hasn't died yet. lol.

Besides, having two computers will help in that we can share the computers. Humm as we've been talking here I thought of another couple quetions. I have a Linksys Router WRT54GS version 5 router. Should I upgrade and get the version 7 or is there much new in it? Anything new security wise or no?

And isn't it true that when yo have a cable modem and your using a wireless router, that when both computers are activly being used for internet that bandwidth is being shared? But when the internet browser of one isn't open the bandwidth is not being shared? Is that correct? The Vista of either I'll use will be a 64Bit.

[Astrotoy7]

Originally Posted by SD Nihil

20GB. What is that for the Vista Enterprise version? I'm planning to get Vista Home Premium. Also, the family for their computer that they are getting discounted might be a Home Basic. Not sure. But basically the home version.

Im not sure about Vista Business but Vista Ulti can indeed take up to 20GB. I myself always recommend having a system partition or drive, just dont make it too small that you cant do anything necssary on it. Either that, or at least have a separate drive or partition for media./photos/docs etc so they wont 'go down with the ship' if you ever need to do a reformat in a drastic situation

Should I upgrade and get the version 7 or is there much new in it? Anything new security wise or no?

Unless you needed more ports or wanted to add gigabit or wireless functionality, dont upgrade merely because of "security reasons" As mentioned in the security thread, the greatest security threat to the pc is the user, not maleveolent external forces in hoods with laptops and magical haxx pow3rz

And isn't it true that when yo have a cable modem and your using a wireless router, that when both computers are activly being used for internet that bandwidth is being shared?

Things vary with what plan you are onn, but anyones internet experience revolves around 3 things:
*speed of your connection
*allocated bandwidth
>>these two depend on what plan you are on

the third factor is
*amount of local concurrent users

hence, any amount of simultaneous users can only use up a combined total of the maximum amount of whatever your connection speed allows. If its just plain browsing, no one will notice it, but for more heavier stuff like youtibe, large downloads etc, then the avialable speed gets divvied up between the amount of users and slowdowns will be experienced with more users jumping on.

Any 'internet activity' can effect what is happening. Apart from browser proggies, you can have windows update, av proggies etc churning away in the background. Merely having the browser on doesnt mean its devouring up bandwidth if its a plain page without alot of flash garbage going on the background.

That being said, some people have insanely fast plans and may never notice anything

All of the above re- networking is regardless of what OS you are using

mtfbwya

[SD Nihil]

Thank you.