Neowin.net - First Impressions of Windows Vista Beta 1

First Impressions of Windows Vista Beta 1

Posted by Steven Parker on 28 July 2005 - 14:13 · 108 comments & 17593 views

Vista? Yeah, I know that its still 'Longhorn' at beta 1, but the Windows team managed to get the Vista name in the desktop build info. We can safely assume that Longhorn should be used in the past tense; it's Vista from here on in.

What can we expect from Windows Vista? I had the opportunity to attend the Longhorn lab event in Seattle last week and it turned out to be a very interesting and inspiring show, albeit one covered by NDA's. Now that Beta 1 has been released to the very eager beta squad, those of us who traveled to the lab event can spill the beans on our experience.

For those of you who not on the official beta, I can safely say that Vista will be a worthwhile substitution for Windows XP. Many will argue that XP didn't do much over Windows 2000 until SP2 released last summer, Vista will not make that same mistake. An array of new features and a major change in the way we use our personal computers is coming through Vista; a product Microsoft is committed to shipping by Christmas of 2006.

View: Windows Vista Information @ Microsoft TechNet

View: Related Item - Windows Vista Released

Let’s start with what Microsoft told us last Friday:

Its important to note that Microsoft made it very clear to us that Beta 1 does not contain all the end-user features that they have planned for Beta 2. What those features will be is a wild guess because Microsoft declined to tell us.

Upgrading to Windows Vista from previous Windows versions will prompt you to perform an Anti-malware pre-installation setup. Vista now has a full screen domain logon, otherwise known as the "Welcome Screen".

Windows Service Hardening restricts critical Windows services from performing abnormal activities in the file system, registry, network, or any other resources that could be used to allow malware to install itself or attack other computers. For example the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service can be restricted from replacing system files or modifying the registry. Here's an interesting link from Microsoft that explains the process in detail.

Standard user accounts have been updated so they can change system settings (or install programs) by 'unlocking' the setting using an admin password. This may help users decide to use the 'Standard user' rather than an Administrator group account so that programs can't run in the background without authentication. (A Restricted user account remains an option) Microsoft has done away with the Windows guest account that the majority of people disabled or deleted anyways.

Vista will ship with an integrated "Restart Manager" effectively reducing the number of reboots a machine will need to perform. (Up to a 50% reduction) A lot of Windows users have disabled the automatic update features of their OS so as to avoid the annoying and incessant automatic restart pop-ups.

Virtual Folders in Windows Explorer will show a basic visual reference to the content within. If a folder contains music, the virtual folder will change to reflect the content inside. Same goes for pictures and just about any other type of document on your computer. Virtual Folders will even show a preview of content stored within the folder. (here is an example of what I mean). I used Windows Paint to capture this and it saved as PNG by default.

The new Games Browser features Parental controls for content (Games) using the ESRB Rating system.

IE7 will only be made available on Windows Vista Windows XP SP2.

Print Preview in IE7 gas gained a "shrink to fit" option (normally chops off right hand side of page), and an integrated MSN search field has been added next to the address bar. Additional search providers can be chosen, currently they are: AOL Search, Ask Jeeves, Google & Yahoo. On the toolbar there's a new button that when pressed, displays RSS Feeds you can subscribe to. (You can even subscribe to MSN search results)

Beta 1 has limited implementation; Beta 2 will see more interesting end user features. Basically the message from the IE Team here is, "We have a renewed vision in the future of IE, we are back"

Windows Vista truly promises to be something worth upgrading to, and I haven't even talked about the 'eye-candy' yet. I don't really need to, as you have seen the screenshots and countless articles before this on Aero, Glass and even seen concept themes made for Windows XP that emulate it.

Paul Krevs contributed to this article.

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(3 replies) #1 Posted by xMorpheousx416 on 28 Jul 2005 - 15:36: Well, with over 1500 comments in several of the same news articles, not too mention the countless repetitive Windows Vista threads springing to life in the forums, it's hard to keep up with all of them, so I guess I must have missed something somewhere....

With all the screenshots, where is this "newly developed, one of a kind" 3D desktop? Not until Beta 2 I take it? Not at all? So far, all I've seen are all these separate components...and if that's the case, this shouldn't really be called a 'beta' but a more mature 'alpha'.

(15 replies) #2 Posted by SniperX on 28 Jul 2005 - 15:38

QUOTE

"An array of new features and a major change in the way we use our personal computers is coming through Vista"

This is the bit I'm still waiting to see. So far I haven't read any compelling reasons. What is going to make someone who is happy with their XP machine want to upgrade to Vista, especially given the extra hardware demands it makes?

#2.1 Posted by sphbecker on 28 Jul 2005 - 16:37: Vista will run on the same hardware as XP, but doing so may limit you to an XP-like experience.

Here are some of the big things I am looking forward to:
Computer to Computer synchronization
Fast Search
Better ways to organize files so they can be accessed by all users on the computer
Included Backup software that is actually useful
Build-in Anti-virus and anti-spyware
Powerful platform developers can leverage to make impressive apps

Last edited by 74534 on 28 Jul 2005 - 16:45

#2.2 Posted by Daffy_Duck on 28 Jul 2005 - 16:54: You forgot DRM

#2.3 Posted by SniperX on 28 Jul 2005 - 17:01

It might just be that Vista isn't for me then.

QUOTE

Computer to Computer synchronization

Average Joe will use this when.....?

QUOTE

Fast Search

Handy if you're poorly organised I suppose, but I'm not. I can count the number of times I've used search on one hand.

QUOTE

Better ways to organize files so they can be accessed by all users on the computer

Better? Doesn't that depend on how the individual works and organises? Look at it now, a ton of people still throw everything on their desktop.

QUOTE

Included Backup software that is actually useful

Average Joe will use this when.....? We all like to think we've got data impressive enough to need regular backups, the truth is, we rarely do. Aside from that, I currently use Genie Backup, and I can't see how MS can improve upon that.

QUOTE

Build-in Anti-virus and anti-spyware

The chances of me relying on MS to defend me against nasties are less than zero, I have to say.

QUOTE

Powerful platform developers can leverage to make impressive apps

Great, but the average Joe?

My point being that previous incarnations of Windows have always had a killer selling point, (Forget ME) but I don't see one for Vista. I just don't. Look at the difference between 2000 and XP -- Huge.

Now the difference between XP and Vista -- it just sort of leaves me feeling a little deflated. One could argue it's to MS credit that they've made me so happy with XP that I just don't feel the need to leave it. Though, we all know that eventually I'll have no choice as MS will drop support for it and I'll be forced to upgrade anyway.

If anything, given the UI, I see Vista as a step backwards. The thought of having to wrestle with transparent borders to organise the windows leaves me with a headache.

#2.4 Posted by boogerjones on 28 Jul 2005 - 17:22: I agree with you, sniper. Furthermore, they over-hyped the product, proved already that they won't deliver, and now we're going to have to put up with a hopeless PR campaign that will certainly fall flat.

Have you ever seen such lack of enthusiasm over an upcoming Windows release? I know lots of people are interested, but those people would be interested if MS simply replaced XP's grassy wallpaper with a picture of feces and called it Windows Entree.

It's unfortunate, too, because MS really had a chance to impress here.

#2.5 Posted by Joshie on 28 Jul 2005 - 17:39: Criticizing the part about application creation as having nothing to do with the average joe is incredibly ignorant.

After all, probably the most important thing an OS can possibly offer is a place for developers. They are, in case anyone forgot, the people making the software you'll be using so you don't have to use what MS includes. That's about the spirit of everyone who can't stand MS bundling anything but notepad, right?

#2.6 Posted by sphbecker on 28 Jul 2005 - 18:09: Replying to SniperX point by point:

Point one: This will be used when someone has more then one home computer and wants to keep the information consistent. More average Joes have two or more networked computers then you may think.

Point two: Well, some people are unorganized. Also, I have found that searches like this (and MSN Toolbar which I currently use) can pull up a file faster then you can navigate to if even if you know exactly where it is.

Point three: yes, this is better for the average Joe who puts things wherever. Now any user can find any file (as long as they have permission) no matter where the unorganized user put it. If you enjoy creating your own file structure for storage then its doesn't really matter for you.

Point four: I hope the average Joe will use it! Backups are very important if you care about keeping your data. Out of my data my pictures are probably the most important thing I want preserved.

Point five: Your choice to buy 3rd party stuff. I am just glad that the default Windows computer will now have some form of protection (something is better then nothing).

Point six: The average Joe will use this when they start buying software that uses it.

You say the difference between 2000 and XP is huge??? Now from 98 or ME to XP, yeah, but XP is basically just a prettier 2000 with a few added features. So far Vista looks to be a great upgrade that will add far more to the NT/2000 family then XP did. Wait to see if for your self if you can't see the advantage based on the reviews. I will agree that Longhorn was over-hyped and is overdue. The stuff they are shipping in Vista next year should have been ready last summer.

#2.7 Posted by SniperX on 28 Jul 2005 - 18:40

QUOTE

Replying to SniperX point by point:

And without calling me ignorant or any other usual Neowin suspect too. Thanks for keeping it sensible.

QUOTE

Point one: This will be used when someone has more then one home computer and wants to keep the information consistent. More average Joes have two or more networked computers then you may think.

I have to admit, I'm not convinced. It's easy to believe that many Neowin Members have. It is, after all, a technology based website. I haven't seen any stats to reflect my stance or yours so I guess we'll have to just sort of, well, just sort of...

QUOTE

Point two: Well, some people are unorganized. Also, I have found that searches like this (and MSN Toolbar which I currently use) can pull up a file faster then you can navigate to if even if you know exactly where it is.

Also addresses Point 3: I'm going to temp argument here and say that the majority of users don't use a search from one day to the next, in usual everyday computing. Ergo, the benefit of it being faster when they do is going to seem a little flat at best, in my view.

QUOTE

Point four: I hope the average Joe will use it! Backups are very important if you care about keeping your data. Out of my data my pictures are probably the most important thing I want preserved.

Let's look at all the average home-computer users. I'm just struggling to believe that they are going to get wild about being able to backup their data. Those who have, have been without a real MS solution for so long that they, like me, have perhaps found a solution they are happy with, and paid money for too?

QUOTE

Point five: Your choice to buy 3rd party stuff. I am just glad that the default Windows computer will now have some form of protection (something is better then nothing).

Can't argue with that one!

QUOTE

You say the difference between 2000 and XP is huge??? Now from 98 or ME to XP, yeah, but XP is basically just a prettier 2000 with a few added features.

Yes, you are right, my apologies. I meant from 98 to XP which is the route of most home computer upgrades.

I think MS made a mammoth mistake in hyping it up at the start with feature x, y, and z, only then to later drop them. Now it seems like we are getting something that could, or even should have been a resonably decent OS.

In fact, they've actually managed to convince me that I'm better off waiting for the next Windows -- unintenionally I'm sure. I hope to God they learn from shouting about features too soon for the next OS they develop. This one, I just don't see me being enticed into it.

Don't get me wrong, I've been excited about every Windows OS release before today. But this one, I don't know, it just lacks something....

#2.8 Posted by PCyr on 28 Jul 2005 - 19:33

QUOTE

proved already that they won't deliver

Examples?

QUOTE

Have you ever seen such lack of enthusiasm over an upcoming Windows release? I know lots of people are interested, but those people would be interested if MS simply replaced XP's grassy wallpaper with a picture of feces and called it Windows Entree.

Then you obviously know very little (if anything) about things like WPF WCF and WinFX. Not to mention numerous other things they are updating.

#2.9 Posted by Joshie on 28 Jul 2005 - 21:08

QUOTE

And without calling me ignorant or any other usual Neowin suspect too. Thanks for keeping it sensible.

Yesh, oddly the guy who called your comment (not you) ignorant happened to make the same point as sphbecker's point six, the only one you left out of your response.

Hrm.....

#2.10 Posted by xMorpheousx416 on 29 Jul 2005 - 01:15

QUOTE

Though, we all know that eventually I'll have no choice as MS will drop support for it and I'll be forced to upgrade anyway.

Upgrade to what? Keep in mind the advances other operating systems are going thru. By the time XP goes the way of 95, I will put my best guess forward in saying the some Linux distros, or even more overall support for MacOS just might well be worth the switch.

Features of the OS are key. That's your selling point. Security, reliability, and stability are all forms of software creation that evolve on a daily basis, but keep in mind what's in the back room of your OS as well. Do you want DRM? Do you want your chipset to tell you you can't watch that movie because it's protected? Do you want your CD drive to spit out a new CD you want to listen to, because the OS thinks you might try to copy it?

The question I asked, still remains. Why the first release of this so called "beta" if all the selling points of the OS are in three different parts? As I look at the screens, it looks just like my XP using those same themes. In essence, those screens don't do the beta any justice because they all show the same old thing everyone posts when it comes to a new version, and that's shots of version numbers. WOOOOOOOOP te DOOOOOOOO!!

Let's see some screen shots of the OS in action, doing what it's been hyped to do.

As for me, though, I have had my fill with the Windows operating systems. But, repairing PCs, and fixing security issues with third party software on MS based systems, is my bread and butter...so I will be keeping the new OS in my arsenal, and getting to know it as much as I have any of the others. Chances of me blinding switching over to it, are between zero and none....with all hopes on none. I just don't appreciate the govt/industries demands on MS to make this some sort of "FBI" type OS...the whole time others are bedazzled by the fact Windows Media Player can be watched at an angle.

#2.11 Posted by SniperX on 29 Jul 2005 - 04:05

QUOTE

Do you want DRM? Do you want your chipset to tell you you can't watch that movie because it's protected? Do you want your CD drive to spit out a new CD you want to listen to, because the OS thinks you might try to copy it?

For me, you've hit the nail on the head as to the core reason why it's time for MS and I to part company. I just don't remember voting MS as the ones who decide what is best for me and what isn't.

Somewhere along the line they seem to have mistaken themselves for the computing-police who are responsible for deciding what I can and cannot do with my computer -- my exclusive property. Legal or illegal, anything I do is still my decision, unless of course it abuses their EULA directly they should have absolutely no say and no part in it. I'm 36 for goodness sakes. A tad too old for a nanny.

I don't know which is more worrying, the amount of power they want, or the amount of power people seem willing to blindly give to them, so long as it looks pretty. (In the case of Vista, it doesn't even look pretty!)

#2.12 Posted by PCyr on 29 Jul 2005 - 04:36

QUOTE

Let's see some screen shots of the OS in action, doing what it's been hyped to do.

No, because for at least a year it's been known that the "action" doesn't come till Beta 2.

#2.13 Posted by sphbecker on 29 Jul 2005 - 14:14: That is, if all you care about is graphics. I really don't understand people who care nothing about the OS and just want some cool looking flashing desktop.

#2.14 Posted by xMorpheousx416 on 29 Jul 2005 - 21:45: Did I say I cared about graphix? Read the post again. There's nothing in Vista that you can't already get with other third party software. So these early screenshots are nothing but bloated hype.

From Bink's site, you see photos of IE7 next to Firefox, and you'd swear they were twins. You look at Looking Glass, and think that Vista will be twins with that 3D desktop. There's even software to practically bring a 4th dimension feel to it. Wow, transparent windows...can be done with StyleXP for months now. I posted a simple question...let's see photos of what makes Vista so different than XP. Let's see the new security features, let's see some of the newer capabilities that put this OS out in front. All I see are version photos...and their time has come.

#2.15 Posted by mram on 29 Jul 2005 - 22:30: Can you get avalon (WGF) with 3rd party software? No you can't -- you can simulate it, at great CPU cost.

I wouldn't go so far as to say "nothing", that's significant.

(9 replies) #3 Posted by Ambivalancer on 28 Jul 2005 - 15:38

QUOTE

Standard user accounts have been updated so they can change system settings (or install programs) by 'unlocking' the setting using an admin password.

Now that's been a linux feature for a while, no mistaking.

#3.1 Posted by cragdoo on 28 Jul 2005 - 15:43: here we go , windows bashing again

don't you guys realise you'll never convert *ALL* the windows users to Linux and you'll never convert *ALL* the linux guys to windows , and never the twain shall meet

I guess the best operating system is the one you are the most comforatble using and know your way around

#3.2 Posted by Treefrog on 28 Jul 2005 - 16:02: Sorry, where was the bashing? I saw a simple comment that this is a (very well known and long used) feature that Linux has, just to make sure no one is mistaking this feature as being something new to operating systems. A more contructive comment to his would have been along the lines of "Yes, it certainly is. It sure is nice to see something similar come to the Windows operating system.".

#3.3 Posted by aristotle-dude on 28 Jul 2005 - 16:24: It's also been an OS X feature for some time when the application had to install extras in a library folder and you were installing it for "all" users.

cragdoo, nobody was bashing windows, they were just making an observation. Maybe you should stop being such a fanboy and try out some of the alternatives out there. Are you afraid that you might like linux or OS X?

#3.4 Posted by Jason on 28 Jul 2005 - 17:38: NT has had standard user accounts since day 1 and that was back in the ealry 90's

#3.5 Posted by ALUOp on 28 Jul 2005 - 18:53: You don't understand the point, Jason.
Anyway, I am sure Microsoft's implementation of this "su" thing will sure have security problems.

#3.6 Posted by PCyr on 28 Jul 2005 - 19:39: Here's the point: this article isn't about Linux, it's about Windows. Anyone who's just trying to create disruption by bringing up Linux (even if their points are vaild) is just trolling.

#3.7 Posted by Ambivalancer on 29 Jul 2005 - 11:50: So now bringing up a valid point is trolling?

Personally I think that it will be more confusing...I have a little dual boot system and I find the root thing on linux a bit annoying. However, it will stop people who don't know what they're doing making mistakes (on both Windows and Linu because I know a lot of people like to mess....

#3.8 Posted by Julius Caro on 29 Jul 2005 - 14:10: Well I admit the point is valid.
That's been a Linux feature for a while. But honestly, I don't care about "who-got-a-feature-first". If a feature is useful, then good if more OS use it. If this new feature has some sucess, people will have safer systems, I guess. C'mon, how many people here use a regular user account on their PCs?
I'm an admin on WindowsXP, but a regular user in linux.

#3.9 Posted by PCyr on 29 Jul 2005 - 18:24

QUOTE

So now bringing up a valid point is trolling?

The point is valid, bringing it up isn't.

It's no difference than going into a article about IE and saying "Firefox just hit 17 million downloads!"

I suggest you read up on the meaning of trolling. Linux has nothing to do with the article (which is what this comment area is for discussing) and the comment just creates disruption. Therefore it's trolling.

(6 replies) #4 Posted by ShadowPHP on 28 Jul 2005 - 15:59: I dont think i've seen a BSOD for a year or two either.

(4 replies) #5 Posted by Yogurth on 28 Jul 2005 - 16:12: There are few very neat features in Vista, like Stackable files, Virtual folders less so since no WinFS in Vista at release date.

However I see very little reason for now for anyone to switch from XP to Vista....not to mention insane hardware specs for running it.

(8 replies) #6 Posted by jon86 on 28 Jul 2005 - 16:41: I can't see anything that would want to make me switch from XP to Vista. I am happily running Gentoo Linux and XP Professional SP2.

(4 replies) #7 Posted by yukycg on 28 Jul 2005 - 17:37: beta 1 didn't even impress me a bit. I'm disappointed just by the screenshots. Vista beta 1 is like WinXp 1.5

#8 Posted by Joshie on 28 Jul 2005 - 17:42: There's some sort of irony about the probability that most of the people saying they don't see a reason to upgrade to Vista are using pirated copies of XP in the first place.

(1 reply) #9 Posted by betasp on 28 Jul 2005 - 17:44: it is going to be a hard sell for corporate. Most users already are limited and there is little use for DRM. I could see computer-computer syncing helping clone machines easier. Most corps. don't care much about new UI features that won't run on existing hardware, and there will be no upgrading until the current PC lifecycle has been exhausted. At my office, we still aren't WinXP, and probably won't ever be.

(1 reply) #10 Posted by WebMotiva on 28 Jul 2005 - 18:01: Is IE7 KHTML-ready? I saw some screenshots with bad font smoothing. Is IE7 ready for the new web standards like Apple's WebKit?

(1 reply) #11 Posted by VLR on 28 Jul 2005 - 18:02: Is it leaked yet?

(6 replies) #12 Posted by mr_demilord on 28 Jul 2005 - 18:10: I think Vista will be a total flop, who the heck wants a DRM in a expensive OS?
I don't want to let the OS downloading updates I want to do it by myself, just like the acquire licence of WMP, or sending bug reports. downloading automaticly codecs, updating music files, sending unique player ID., sending player usage.
I dont want to let decide microsoft what I want to do with a OS.

It will getting worser with Vista

(2 replies) #13 Posted by Whidbey05 on 28 Jul 2005 - 18:16: I like some of the tools that are coming in Vista, but i find the interface just stupid. I already know I will AGAIN revert it back to 2000ish style. Atleast WinXP had a few 3rd party theme I liked. I guess I will have to wait for some Vista ones to start poping up after its release.

Over all Vista has not impressed me interface wise, and made me minorly eager tool wise. I can skip it and not worry about missing anythign.

(2 replies) #14 Posted by Zolk on 28 Jul 2005 - 18:33: This standard user thing is not going to work. Most users today simply don't understand the importance of PC security. People are not going to know about the difference between an administrator account and standard account. If all Vista user accounts are admin by default, most people will never know to change that.

Furthermore, the average user will just blindly input their password anytime they're prompted and end up installing who knows what on their systems. I hope this isn't Vista's only defense against spyware—they need to make a lot of under the hood changes to prevent spyware from overtaking a system in the first place.

(5 replies) #15 Posted by PCyr on 28 Jul 2005 - 19:49: To all the people complaining about the GUI sucking and/or that you are going to stick with XP because of it: if you don't know what Beta 1 is for, then please do us all a favour and and find out before commenting.