DigitMemo.com

Windows Vista by default employs User Account Control (UAC) for better security, but it also brings some obstacle when you try to modify(replace or delete) a system file. This can be achieved by taking ownership of the file and then grant yourself full control over the file.

Without turning off UAC, we need to get an elevated command prompt first:

Click for more on HowTo: Modify Protected System Files in Vista »

So over the passing months, the UAC prompt has gone from nice idea (as it was advised) to “not the best solution” to something that admins may actually have to find a way to work around.

The latest version of a well-reviewed third-party security policy enhancement system for Windows Vista claims to solve what its manufacturer characterizes as “not a secure solution” to a critical problem Windows historically had with administrator privileges on programs. But in the announcement of the upgrade earlier this week, a key Microsoft product manager is quoted as having acknowledged Vista’s own take on the solution was not quite enough, effectively reversing his company’s stand on User Account Control.

Click for more on Microsoft Endorses Product That Turns Off Vista UAC Nags »

Everyone is talking about Vista, neowin.net thinks that its pretty good, far better than Windows XP, however, there are still 5 (big) mistakes in Vista.

#1 The UAC.

Solution: Have the UAC be a lot smarter. A simple “Always give permission to continue for this action” checkbox at the bottom of the dialog would be nice. It’s bad enough that changing the IP address on Vista requires 5 clicks to get to (versus 2 in Windows XP) but it adds a 6th click to get past the UAC.

#2 Windows Vista was shipped before drivers were ready.

Solution: This is mostly dealt with now (as of July 26th for nVidia users for instance). But when one considers how much reputation damage this caused Microsoft should really give more care in the future. Release a stable public beta long enough before going gold so that developers can provide adequate support.

#3 The new Start menu.

Solution: Make the All Programs button behavior an option between the classic expanding menu or the new menu container.

#4 Unbelievably bad desktop performance.

Solution: Service Pack 1 is supposed to address this sort of thing more thoroughly but the good news is that Microsoft did officially release some patches that improves desktop performance significantly.

#5 Upgrade Pricing is a joke.

Solution: No solution. They aren’t likely to lower pricing any time soon. Once Service Pack 1 has been integrated into the OEM versions (the ones that ship with new PCs) you’ll see nearly everyone opting for Windows Vista on a new machine while older machines continue with Windows XP.

Source: neowin.net