The Vista Compatibility Dance Begins…

Each time Microsoft releases a “bigger and better” operating system, it seems that someones favorite program is obsoleted because it is not compatible with the latest version of Windows. While Microsoft’s efforts at improving the compatibility mode settings in Windows Vista will help programs, many others will simply not work with Windows Vista.

A new Wiki posted on www.iexbeta.com lists a number programs that work well with Windows Vista. However more importantly, it also lists programs that have minor issues with Vista, or that are completely incompatible. I have compiled a short list of some of the more popular programs that appeared on their list here. Is your favorite program Vista compatible?

Compatible, but has issues:

• PKZIP
• Adobe Photoshop CS2
• Intervideo WinDVD 7 Platinum
• Trillian
• Firefox 2 Beta 2

Currently Not Compatible at All

• AVG Anti-Virus Free
• Avast! Home Edition
• Ahead Nero v6.6.0.13
• Ahead Nero v7.2.3.2b
• Ahead Nero v7.2.7.0
• SimCity 4 (64-bit versions)
• ACDSee v6.0 and above
• GameSpy Arcade
• Microsoft Money 2006
• Symantec/Norton Partition Magic

By no means is this a complete list, and there are many other programs listed on www.iexbeta.com that have issues with Vista. I have tried to pick out some common ones we see on our customers’ computers.

Also keep in mind that the current Release Candidate 1 is not the final version of Vista. Microsoft releases these candidates so people can bring any issues to their attention before the operating system is set in stone. The bottom line I would give to one of my customers interested in Vista in January would be to wait a couple months and let some other pioneer take the arrows first. Once workarounds and patches have been made and delivered, then you can jump in with both feet.