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I just updated to Vista from Windows XP. I find XP easier to navigate, but perhaps its because Ive had years of experience with XP and have only recently been introduced to Vista. I am sure I will get more comfortable with Vista in time.

Vista does run very smoothly and I love the desktop sidebar, to which we can add numerous little gadgets, like a clock, calendar, weather reports. So handy. I wonder why they didn’t think of that earlier. I had been desperately searching for such features for my XP before running into it on Vista.

My only complaint about it is the compatibility issues I’m having with a few things. I am sure that eventually, this will cease to be a problem. I cannot install my Palm desktop to sync my Palm T/X. I cannot use my American Greetings subscription to print out cards. I cannot install the XACTI camcorder software. It’s frustrating, because it seems like everything can run on XP.

Not everyone wants or needs to use parental controls, but I happen to like them. I finally have controls not just on browsing, but on the whole computer experience, down to how much time is allowed on the computer, what age rated games may be played, which websites can be visited.

I tried out Windows Movie Maker and it is very nice, but my camcorder records in mp4 format; and Windows Movie Maker doesn’t support that. Wish it would. I rather like what I saw. Movie making is quick and easy, easier than my Cyberlink DVD Suite.

Overall, Windows Vista is easy to use and has some terrific new features, like parental controls and the sidebar, but some compatibility issues still need to be worked out. The Movie Maker has potential; but I just can’t use it easily, because it doesn’t support mp4 files. I recommend waiting, if you are buying Vista as an upgrade. As part of a new computer package, it’s fine, but I’d wait for the issues to be resolved, if paying for just the operating system.