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Vista Ultimate 64, how stable is it and is it worth getting?
- Thread starter AmineD
- Start date
I haven't seen a blue screen in eight months, since I installed Vista HP x64.
As to Server... I don't know. I'd figure you'd want Server 2003/2008 to run a server but who knows. It's generally not suggested to run Server as a desktop OS here but people have and still do.
As to Server... I don't know. I'd figure you'd want Server 2003/2008 to run a server but who knows. It's generally not suggested to run Server as a desktop OS here but people have and still do.
Cookie Monster
Diamond Member
Havnt crashed once (4 weeks of usage so far). Vista Ultimate 64bit definitely is the way to go. Aero, bitlocker, backup utilities, and other loads of stuff + dream scene is just the icying on the cake.
Just make sure to install in this manner.
Install Vista.
Install all the updates + SP1.
Install Chipset/motherboard drivers.
Install Video card driver.
Install Av programs.
This is to make sure that you dont get any conflictions between drivers/updates that could cause crashes and other irritating bugs.
Just make sure to install in this manner.
Install Vista.
Install all the updates + SP1.
Install Chipset/motherboard drivers.
Install Video card driver.
Install Av programs.
This is to make sure that you dont get any conflictions between drivers/updates that could cause crashes and other irritating bugs.
QuixoticOne
Golden Member
Vista 64 seems overall pretty stable and usable as a desktop OS.
I've run Home Premium and Business and Ultimate in 64 bit mode and I've basically found them (after SP1)
to meet my basic expectations of them for functionality as compared to XP with the obvious benefits of
64 bit (access to > 3GB RAM and a couple of slightly better technical security features which may be
somewhat dubious according to recent reports).
I strongly disagree with the way that Microsoft has created the different editions of the OS;
I think it is a disgrace, frankly, and that's the main problem. If they had Ultimate for about the
cost of Home Premium (along with a few more fixes / additions) I'd have no trouble saying that is
the best Microsoft solution to get.
As it is, Ultimate is WAY overpriced and over-restricted (OEM edition that I can't use after I replace
a motherboard? Give me a break!).
Home Premium is broken lacking good user based security and file security and so on. If having better
security / control of file sharing and disk files isn't relevant to you, I'd say Home Premium is your best bet.
If you want something a little more like a 'server' OS at least in the extent that they didn't cripple
file / user security settings, go with Vista Business, but realize that the Media stuff is all crippled.
If you want file/share security, DVD playback, Media Center (which is pretty pathetic especially given
the cablecard and HDTV fiascos), go with Ultimate, bend over, take out your wallet, and be prepared to
get .......you know.
If you really want 'server' like capabilities and don't want to do gaming or whatever, and run a minimum
of high profile Microsoft oriented software, consider LINUX.
I'd like to slap the idiots at Microsoft who decided to break Vista apart into all these broken editions and leave Ultimate as the only one that has everything (and which is still so very lacking in so many fundamental ways). I don't mind having geniunely high value 'add ons' being channeled for a premium / expert edition / feature pack, but they set the bar WAY too low as to what is 'Premium' / 'Ultimate'.
Bitlocker encryption? They should've had that as a free service pack for XP and included in every version of Vista. In this age of laptop loss/theft, spyware, malware, et. al. good basic security practices like encryption, file access control aren't elite enterprise features, they're probably even MORE relevant for home use -- they should be ubiquitous. And considering that there are excellent free programs like LINUX, PGP, TrueCrypt that do the same and better, it hardly merits being a very expensive premium feature.
Real file security, ACLs, group policies, meaningful distinct privacy / security settings for different logins on the same PC? Again, these are BASIC features, not premium ones, just as relevant for home use as business use. They should be in all editions for the same reasons as above.
DVD playback? DVD authoring that actually works (Vista's doesn't -- you can't even burn an ISO image) Come on this isn't 1980. These are basic features. If you want to inflict onerous DRM on us at least give us some decent integrated media features like full DVD / HD-DVD / Blu-Ray playback and good integrated DVD / CD / MP4 / WMV playback and authoring. Not a "Premium" feature, this is basically what should be in everything "Home" and up. Anyone who doesn't need this stuff probably didn't want anything past XP / Win98 anyway.
Media center? Ditto. MythTV is WAY better than Vista Media Center and it has been free for years; pathetic. TV / HDTV / Media Center support is a basic home feature, not a premium one. After all there is supposed to be some reason for people to WANT to upgrade from XP to Vista, right? Better media experience and better security and built in media authoring / basic office applications would've done that.
No DVD playback in "Business"? What the heck? Don't they EVER play training / promotional videos or send people on business trips with a laptop at Microsoft? It is as much needed for Business as Home.
No useful accessory applications? This is 2008. It was long overdue to have meaningfully better applications than MS Paint and WordView, MS Mail, and Notepad. OpenOffice / StarOffice, Thunderbird, Eudora, et. al. have been free for YEARS and they give the full MS Office suite a good competition. Having nothing better than pathetic 1980 era accessories for document authoring / viewing and image processing and email is pathetic.
So a working / full featured version 'Ultimate' cum better media / image / office / PIM / GIS applications is probably what we'd have expected from Microsoft's much hyped next generation OS, but they did disappoint in both features, price, and bugs / incompatibilities. The main advantage is really 64 bit itself, and even that they screwed up and made difficult to get/use. With SP1 the bugs are more under control and I'd say it'll work OK for you compared to XP as long as you don't have much hardware without good Vista 64 signed drivers (scanners, wireless networking, sound cards, old GPUs, et. al.). It is just a question as to whether it is worth it financially to you.
Vista Business would be a better compromise than Server 2003 if you really do want desktop application orientation but still some resemblance of no-nonsense security control.
Server 2008 wouldn't be bad, but it is unreasonably priced for individual home usages IMHO, and is too incompatible with desktop / media type software you may want to run in a workstation role.
I've run Home Premium and Business and Ultimate in 64 bit mode and I've basically found them (after SP1)
to meet my basic expectations of them for functionality as compared to XP with the obvious benefits of
64 bit (access to > 3GB RAM and a couple of slightly better technical security features which may be
somewhat dubious according to recent reports).
I strongly disagree with the way that Microsoft has created the different editions of the OS;
I think it is a disgrace, frankly, and that's the main problem. If they had Ultimate for about the
cost of Home Premium (along with a few more fixes / additions) I'd have no trouble saying that is
the best Microsoft solution to get.
As it is, Ultimate is WAY overpriced and over-restricted (OEM edition that I can't use after I replace
a motherboard? Give me a break!).
Home Premium is broken lacking good user based security and file security and so on. If having better
security / control of file sharing and disk files isn't relevant to you, I'd say Home Premium is your best bet.
If you want something a little more like a 'server' OS at least in the extent that they didn't cripple
file / user security settings, go with Vista Business, but realize that the Media stuff is all crippled.
If you want file/share security, DVD playback, Media Center (which is pretty pathetic especially given
the cablecard and HDTV fiascos), go with Ultimate, bend over, take out your wallet, and be prepared to
get .......you know.
If you really want 'server' like capabilities and don't want to do gaming or whatever, and run a minimum
of high profile Microsoft oriented software, consider LINUX.
I'd like to slap the idiots at Microsoft who decided to break Vista apart into all these broken editions and leave Ultimate as the only one that has everything (and which is still so very lacking in so many fundamental ways). I don't mind having geniunely high value 'add ons' being channeled for a premium / expert edition / feature pack, but they set the bar WAY too low as to what is 'Premium' / 'Ultimate'.
Bitlocker encryption? They should've had that as a free service pack for XP and included in every version of Vista. In this age of laptop loss/theft, spyware, malware, et. al. good basic security practices like encryption, file access control aren't elite enterprise features, they're probably even MORE relevant for home use -- they should be ubiquitous. And considering that there are excellent free programs like LINUX, PGP, TrueCrypt that do the same and better, it hardly merits being a very expensive premium feature.
Real file security, ACLs, group policies, meaningful distinct privacy / security settings for different logins on the same PC? Again, these are BASIC features, not premium ones, just as relevant for home use as business use. They should be in all editions for the same reasons as above.
DVD playback? DVD authoring that actually works (Vista's doesn't -- you can't even burn an ISO image) Come on this isn't 1980. These are basic features. If you want to inflict onerous DRM on us at least give us some decent integrated media features like full DVD / HD-DVD / Blu-Ray playback and good integrated DVD / CD / MP4 / WMV playback and authoring. Not a "Premium" feature, this is basically what should be in everything "Home" and up. Anyone who doesn't need this stuff probably didn't want anything past XP / Win98 anyway.
Media center? Ditto. MythTV is WAY better than Vista Media Center and it has been free for years; pathetic. TV / HDTV / Media Center support is a basic home feature, not a premium one. After all there is supposed to be some reason for people to WANT to upgrade from XP to Vista, right? Better media experience and better security and built in media authoring / basic office applications would've done that.
No DVD playback in "Business"? What the heck? Don't they EVER play training / promotional videos or send people on business trips with a laptop at Microsoft? It is as much needed for Business as Home.
No useful accessory applications? This is 2008. It was long overdue to have meaningfully better applications than MS Paint and WordView, MS Mail, and Notepad. OpenOffice / StarOffice, Thunderbird, Eudora, et. al. have been free for YEARS and they give the full MS Office suite a good competition. Having nothing better than pathetic 1980 era accessories for document authoring / viewing and image processing and email is pathetic.
So a working / full featured version 'Ultimate' cum better media / image / office / PIM / GIS applications is probably what we'd have expected from Microsoft's much hyped next generation OS, but they did disappoint in both features, price, and bugs / incompatibilities. The main advantage is really 64 bit itself, and even that they screwed up and made difficult to get/use. With SP1 the bugs are more under control and I'd say it'll work OK for you compared to XP as long as you don't have much hardware without good Vista 64 signed drivers (scanners, wireless networking, sound cards, old GPUs, et. al.). It is just a question as to whether it is worth it financially to you.
Vista Business would be a better compromise than Server 2003 if you really do want desktop application orientation but still some resemblance of no-nonsense security control.
Server 2008 wouldn't be bad, but it is unreasonably priced for individual home usages IMHO, and is too incompatible with desktop / media type software you may want to run in a workstation role.
The Keeper
Senior member
I've been running Vista Home Premium x64 SP1 for six months and I wouldn't go back to any previous iteration of Windows. If you haven't yet purchased Vista, make sure you buy a box with SP1 included. Most if not all boxes should have SP1 version by now.
IMHO it's kind of stupid to go with a server OS if you are a home user who plays games, and I suppose you do based on your system specs. Server OSes are optimized for server usage, not games. There are plenty of applications that simply refuse to install on server OS. They want you to buy server edition of their software. And we don't pirate software, do we? Right?
I agree with QuixoticOne about different Vista Editions. I think they have seven different editions. Three would have been enough; Home, Professional and Ultimate.
IMHO it's kind of stupid to go with a server OS if you are a home user who plays games, and I suppose you do based on your system specs. Server OSes are optimized for server usage, not games. There are plenty of applications that simply refuse to install on server OS. They want you to buy server edition of their software. And we don't pirate software, do we? Right?
I agree with QuixoticOne about different Vista Editions. I think they have seven different editions. Three would have been enough; Home, Professional and Ultimate.
Scotteq
Diamond Member
Been using Vista 64 for the last year. When I made the change, I applied the common sense "Don't Run Old Crap On New Crap" rule, and have been rewarded with the most stable environment I've had on a PC.
I disagree with the tone of Quixotic's post, and there are a few factual errata - i.e. the licence agreement with Vista is exactly the same as XP, and you very well *can* change whatever components, including your motherboard, if wanted/needed. If the licencing software gets kicked off, a 2 minute call to Microsoft gets you a new key. Vista even gives you the number.
Onerous DRM? Can't say I've noticed it at all - IF it even exists as claimed. Regarding the OS itself, it's the same as we've had for the last 8 years with XP... Regarding content?? If your audio/video is legitimate, then you have no troubles. It Allows You To Play DRM Protected Content If it doesn't have DRM (i.e., you burned your own CD, or whatever), then it doesnt' run in DRM mode at all. In short: Everything You've Read About Vista DRM is Wrong... (In Three Parts)
In a general way, though, I do agree that it isn't necessary to have *so* many versions. And that Vista Ultimate doesn't really deliver on it's promise. And that ripping on Microsoft is fun to do. Besides that? Vista works fine, and is priced the same as XP was when that was the top OS. So meh..
Regarding 2003/2008 server? Way overkill for a home computer, WAAAAAY expensive for a home computer (Unless you have a full TechNet Subscription - In which case, I doubt you'd have bothered to post), and for a gaming system you'd be stuck adding in the Codex's and adding/buying/installing the Apps needed to play music, videos, and games anyhow.
Regarding which version:
Let me ask a question - Do you use Other Than Microsoft® applications for media?? I other words, are you likely to replace Media Center and Movie Maker with something else?
If so, then you might want to consider the Business edition.
Why? Well.. You would pick up automated/complete backup and restore functionality, some half-decent system management tools, remote desktop... (and fax...). And since you would be installing your own media apps, you would now have the functionality of Ultimate, except for BitLocker encryption. Just a thought, yah?
If the answer is 'No Scott, Media Center and Movie Maker do what I need and I'm not planning on replacing them..." then you should be plenty well served by Home Premium.
I disagree with the tone of Quixotic's post, and there are a few factual errata - i.e. the licence agreement with Vista is exactly the same as XP, and you very well *can* change whatever components, including your motherboard, if wanted/needed. If the licencing software gets kicked off, a 2 minute call to Microsoft gets you a new key. Vista even gives you the number.
Onerous DRM? Can't say I've noticed it at all - IF it even exists as claimed. Regarding the OS itself, it's the same as we've had for the last 8 years with XP... Regarding content?? If your audio/video is legitimate, then you have no troubles. It Allows You To Play DRM Protected Content If it doesn't have DRM (i.e., you burned your own CD, or whatever), then it doesnt' run in DRM mode at all. In short: Everything You've Read About Vista DRM is Wrong... (In Three Parts)
In a general way, though, I do agree that it isn't necessary to have *so* many versions. And that Vista Ultimate doesn't really deliver on it's promise. And that ripping on Microsoft is fun to do. Besides that? Vista works fine, and is priced the same as XP was when that was the top OS. So meh..
Regarding 2003/2008 server? Way overkill for a home computer, WAAAAAY expensive for a home computer (Unless you have a full TechNet Subscription - In which case, I doubt you'd have bothered to post), and for a gaming system you'd be stuck adding in the Codex's and adding/buying/installing the Apps needed to play music, videos, and games anyhow.
Regarding which version:
Let me ask a question - Do you use Other Than Microsoft® applications for media?? I other words, are you likely to replace Media Center and Movie Maker with something else?
If so, then you might want to consider the Business edition.
Why? Well.. You would pick up automated/complete backup and restore functionality, some half-decent system management tools, remote desktop... (and fax...). And since you would be installing your own media apps, you would now have the functionality of Ultimate, except for BitLocker encryption. Just a thought, yah?
If the answer is 'No Scott, Media Center and Movie Maker do what I need and I'm not planning on replacing them..." then you should be plenty well served by Home Premium.
HardWarrior
Diamond Member
I'm having a very positive experience using VU64, which pretty much says it all if you don't have any specific questions. I would add, though, that you should make the final decision on what flavor you buy based on what YOU want after some personal research. Good luck in whatever you choose. :thumbsup:
I decided against the server and stick to Vista. However, im wondering if i should go with 32 or 64. Iv read on some review sites that even with4g of ram you should just use 32 because it still seems to be overall faster for gaming and certain other things. What do you guys think?
lxskllr
No Lifer
I would get Vista64. It may be faster/slower depending on exactly what you're using, but it isn't enough to make a difference either way. I used Vista32 for 10 months, then switched to 64. If somebody had done that while I was at work, I wouldn't have known the difference. My experience has been identical with both versions.
HardWarrior
Diamond Member
64bit works fine for the games I play.
Modelworks
Lifer
I have just last week put a workstation in use with vista64 installed. I had used it as a dual boot occasionally but never made the move to using it full time on workstations because of issues with some of the software I use.
Most of the issues I had have been fixed with the service pack, driver updates, and software developers patching the products.
So far it has about 75 hours of usage on the workstation running Autodesk Maya & 3dsmax, as well as the new SoftImage 7.0 . These are demanding applications that easily gobble up 4GB of memory. So far the only issues I have had are mainly annoyances. Having to run programs as administrator being the main one. Some display issues when using windowed applications running Direct3d were resolved by running them in OpenGL.
Yeah I know, seems weird that aero is using d3d but the applications didn't like d3d in windows with it on, but with OpenGL they work okay.
I have turned off prefetch and indexing as I have no use for either one.
I'll give this workstation a few more weeks before I make it the full time OS for everything.
Most of the issues I had have been fixed with the service pack, driver updates, and software developers patching the products.
So far it has about 75 hours of usage on the workstation running Autodesk Maya & 3dsmax, as well as the new SoftImage 7.0 . These are demanding applications that easily gobble up 4GB of memory. So far the only issues I have had are mainly annoyances. Having to run programs as administrator being the main one. Some display issues when using windowed applications running Direct3d were resolved by running them in OpenGL.
Yeah I know, seems weird that aero is using d3d but the applications didn't like d3d in windows with it on, but with OpenGL they work okay.
I have turned off prefetch and indexing as I have no use for either one.
I'll give this workstation a few more weeks before I make it the full time OS for everything.
Modelworks
Lifer
Because my applications can go from using 300MB one second to 3GB the next second.
I need that memory right then and don't want to wait for windows to swap it out.
Program loading times is the least of my performance problems.
QuixoticOne
Golden Member
64 is the best unless you have incompatible hardware / software. Mostly 64 is good. If you have 4GB using
64 is the natural thing to do.
64 is the natural thing to do.
Rhonda the Sly
Senior member
Unless you have some exotic plugins Vista shouldn't require Maya to be run as an administrator, almost no program should requires administrator rights. Right now the only programs I have requiring administrator rights that I use regularly are FFXI (MMO) and the Windows defragmentation utility.
And turn Search/Indexing back on, just use it for a short while... it's bloody amazing. It let's you eliminate dragging through explorer to find things, its much more efficient than... anything else?
Modelworks
Lifer
When I said swap out I did not mean to the hard drive.
It does affect performance for me.
If I am working on a scene , programs like 3dsmax may only be using 200MB at the time, now if superfetch is using 1GB of ram and I go to render a scene that instantly needs 3GB, there is a delay while vista makes that ram available. As soon as the render is finished for that frame , the memory can drop back down to 200MB while it gets ready for the next frame where again it spikes to 3GB or more.
The memory usage over time goes up and down like a square wave. How long does vista wait before it uses free memory for superfetch ?
Modelworks
Lifer
Actually I have several programs that require admin rights. Maya requires it to do scripting in vista , otherwise every time I run a script Maya complains of errors. If I enable admin rights, the errors go away. Cinema 4D will not let you use help files if the program is not run with admin rights. Vray requires admin rights or the server will not work. Backburner will not run without admin rights.
I have something far superior to windows indexing, alienbrain.
This is not a gaming system. It is a workstation. I need every bit of cpu and memory focused on the current task. There is not even antivirus on the pc. It doesn't need it because nothing is installed except the software that comes on the dvd's. It doesn't do email or web browsing or anything else but run the programs I use.
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