Customer Reviews

win Vista Ultimate 64-bit English 1pk

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

First off, this is an OEM software. That means it is intended to be installed on a new computer build NOT upgrade an existing copy of Windows. It is possible to install it on an existing computer by formatting an existing or new hard drive, but that would violate the license for this particular incarnation of Vista. If you want to install it on an existing computer, buy a full retail copy, or an upgrade copy.

I love Vista 64-bit. It is fast, easy to use, and the best Windows to date. Anyone who is still ripping Vista at this point doesn't own Vista, or is an inexperienced computer user, or a Mac fan that just wants to pour oil on a fire. Vista, the much belated and maligned 6th incarnation of the Windows operating system had real problems a year ago. Almost all of those problems have been fixed. Some of what users describe as problems are in fact less a problem with Vista than they are with computer buyer's perceptions and expectations.

So why is Vista beat up all the time? The most frequent complaint I hear is that it is a 'memory hog.' Honestly, this is a perception, not a reality. Vista does require more ran than XP, as XP required more than the previous windows, etc., etc. The reality is that RAM has gotten remarkably cheap, and using RAM liberally is a GOOD THING. The bottle neck in computing has been 4GB of ram on all 32-bit systems, but even with 4GB (3-3.5GB accessible to the system) almost no one will use all of the ram. With the 64-bit version, it is possible to run 8Gb of ram on a decent motherboard, and it is also possible to buy 8gb of RAM for $150! Why, in these days of super inexpensive RAM, don't those who feel Vista is too slow, just buy more? Honestly?

Another complaint is that drivers don't work or are not available for a particular software or hardware. There was a lot of truth to that a year ago. Now, after service pack 1, and over months of running Vista 64-bit exclusively, I can say that I have zero, yes zero, driver issues. Everything runs like a champ. I should note that I have a high end gaming computer, and have a lot of software installed. To not have a single driver issue is amazing, and something I could not say about XP one year into it's release.

If you know about computers, and are ready to make the switch to Vista, there has never been a better time. Most of the kinks are worked out, and while I can't promise you won't have any issues with drivers, it's getting less likely by the day. Programmers are catching on that Vista is not just going to disappear and everyone go back to XP, and that waiting for the next Windows will not put any money in their wallets, and have started to produce software written for Vista. Hardware manufacturers are also getting a clue and releasing solid Vista and Vista 64-bit drivers for their devices.

Frankly, this is the most powerful windows yet. 64-bit computing is hitting it's stride, and in another year or so, we'll all be looking back at 32-bit with the same derision as when the transition was made from 16 to 32 bit computers. 32 bit's days are numbered. It's time to move on.

This version of Windows Vista is the OEM version, which means that it does not come with a box or a manual, just a "Quick Install" guide. This is the FULL version of Vista but another thing that it is lacking is support from Microsoft. Because this version is intended for (as the title suggests) system builders, whoever that may be, they are the people who are supposed to provide the End User Support not Microsoft. It does, however, still include Windows Update so there do not think that you will not be getting updates from Microsoft, because you do. But if you are building a computer for your grandmother, and she BSOD's Vista, its up to you to fix it; Not Microsoft. Another difference between this version and the full 400 $ version is that this version only comes with the 64 Bit version of Windows Vista, but the full version comes with both the 32 and 64 Bit versions. So if you are pretty technology Savvy and you do not need Microsoft's support and you know what type of processor (64 or 32 bit) then the OEM version is the version for you.

Runs most 32bit Vista applications. Programs like system diagnostic software and antivirus software are not all able to run on Vista 64.

Will not run any 32bit drivers. Cell phones, PDAs, webcams, network cards (wired & wireless) and others will not automatically work. If you have something that plugs in to your computer and cannot function with a generic driver, it will not work unless a specific 64bit driver is available for your device. A lot of older hardware (2years+, I know that's not really old) will not work. However, its easy to check. Just go to the manufacturers' website and look for vista 64bit software compatibility.

Vista 64bit can be reactivated if you change your hardware. The downside is that you may have to call in and reactivate it over the phone. I've had to do it twice now and it was painless (I mess with the insides of my computer a lot).

So why should you buy this version?
If you use more than 3GB of system memory, 32bit Vista will not use it to its full potential. You will need 64bit Vista.

(1.) If you have, or if you are anticipating having greater than 4GB of ram, then your *MUST* have a 64-Bit operating system. (2.) Price comparing to newegg reveals no measurable differences. (3.) You will need a different serial number for each individual PC that you intend to install Vista x64 on -- e.g., 2 Distinct Computers requires 2 Distinct copies of Vista. Microsoft requires online activation, and will detect the same serial # being used on 2 or more computers. (4.) Just because this is a 64 Bit Operating system, it doesn't mean that you cannot run applications designed for a 32 Bit operating environment. In other words, all of your 32-Bit applications will continue to run on this 64-Bit OS.

If you're going with a higher end computer, this is undoubtedly the OS of choice. Surprisingly, in such systems (e.g., 8 GB RAM with good video card) this boots and runs faster than XP-Pro (even in super-slick "Aero" mode, delegated to video by Vista). For higher end computers the cost difference is insignificant, whereas performance difference is definitely not (coming from a die-hard XP-Pro fan). 64-bit applications are not yet in abundance but they will be in time...another key factor is RAM, where 32-bit OS (including Vista) can only access 3.2 GB. With the low price of even high-end RAM, the fact that Vista occupies more is of little significance. One nit is that that Vista does have much more "are you sure?" widgets attached, but with any smart mouse (or entering "return") extra "yes's" are accomplished in a flash. Another nit concerns drivers, where MS has done A LOT of improvement via SP1 but there's still some problems, especially for latest components (e.g., using WD Velociraptors or other Raptors in RAID - even top motherboards with RAID don't work for this at present and a RAID card is required...say, the Areca ARC-1200 that gives top performance in any standard PCIe x1 through x16 slot). Finally, note this version is OEM, for new systems or as a replacement OS, NOT a simpler upgrade from an existing OS...at a nice price.

smooth with my amd 5400 black edition. alot better than xp64. I recommended but make sure that your system is powerful enough to run it.

Even spending some hours looking for drivers for my HP Pavillion m9040n, it worths the trouble! Everything worked, but it would be impossible without a second computer connected to the Internet, used to find/download/transfer the basic drivers (at least the NIC driver). Once you connect the target PC to the Internet everything gets easier because the OS points out the drivers you need to install. If you are experient with OS installation I do recommend you this product.

Personally I think that this is Microsoft's best build, but be aware! You have great advantages with the 64bit platform in that you are able to utilize up to 128GB of ram etc but make sure that you have at least 2GB for the OS alone. This OS is a resource hogg but nontheless a great OS. One other note, expect a miriad of blue screens without SP1 installed. I could not get around all the dumps until I installed the SP and after this I have had not even one "blue screen of death". I give this product a 4/5.

Vista 64 flys. Let me tell you if you have a core duo or a quad core you need Vista 64. I have had no driver problems,and really no problems at all. I do wish the browser handled FTPs a bit differently but it's really no big deal. There is also a really annoying security pop up that appears when you install something or change a setting but this can be turned off in the control panel.

Something also to consider with this product is that because it is OEM it has no tech support. I personally never use windows tech support but if you think you may need it at sometime in the future them maybe its better to pay a little more and get the non-OEM version of Vista. If you like to trouble shoot your own problems then there is no reason not to get this product.

While this product is not a bad as its reputation, one wonders why it isn't better. It is pretty, but I can't see where it performs any better than 32-bit XP, which is definitely more stable. The main problems I've had have been hangups while running streaming Internet apps -- the OS suddenly freezes up and requires re-boot. As with all MSFT products, live support is non-existent -- their online support is a ridiculous waste of time.

Why can't (won't) a company with the resources of MSFT do a better job than this?