Several simple Vista questions

[ibex333]

1) Which version is "right" for an average user/gamer?

a)32bit edition
b)64bit edition

2)What kind of people need 64bit edition if it's not for average users?

3)What is the Dreamscene addon? What does it do? I heared it allows to have a "movie" desktop. If that's the case, how is that useful? A system hog and a useless toy?

4)Finally, what edition is should an average joe buy? Ultimate? Home? What's the exact "name"? There's so many of them.


PS: Yes I know that getting Vista atm is not a good choice. I just want to know what are my options for the future.

 

[mechBgon]

You may find some leads on this page. I'd go 64-bit, after first running the Vista Upgrade Advisor to make sure your hardware and peripherals have drivers for 64-bit. That opens the door for 4GB+ of RAM, which at the rate new games use RAM, could be beneficial over the long haul. Other software may benefit from lots of RAM too. 64-bit also gives you some additional security features.

Dreamscene is what you said: movie wallpaper capability.

 

[Maximilian]

1. Windows XP

2. Unusual types that run 64 bit software or simply need to have 32 bits more than everyone else

3. Dreamscene turns a .wmv or .mpeg into your desktop background, like a movie playing in the background. I think it only comes with ultimate edition, i imagine it will use system resources but it shouldnt exactly bring the system to its knees, fine for a modern/semi modern pc.

4. Windows XP

 

[mechBgon]

To put some numbers on Dreamscene performance demands, the creekbed video takes about 12%-15% CPU time on an Athlon64 X2 3800+ at 1280 x 1024 resolution. Picking the CellFactor promo video can push it into the 30%-40% range with peaks around 50%.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Soviet
1. Windows XP

2. Unusual types that run 64 bit software or simply need to have 32 bits more than everyone else

3. Dreamscene turns a .wmv or .mpeg into your desktop background, like a movie playing in the background. I think it only comes with ultimate edition, i imagine it will use system resources but it shouldnt exactly bring the system to its knees, fine for a modern/semi modern pc.

4. Windows XP

Remember: he's buying something with a 10-year lifecycle. Two years ago we thought 1GB of RAM and a 6800 Ultra was hawt Now it's 2GB of RAM and an 8800GTX. And in two more years? Four more years? He might want to get a version of Windows that doesn't draw the line at 2GB of RAM and DirectX 9. Just an idea...

(not even touching on the security aspects)

 

[fierydemise]

On my C2D 6300+ (stock) Dreamscene maybe uses 5% CPU, that said an animated desktop doesn't do that much for me and I have a really nice wallpaper anyway so I don't use it.

Also I disagree that Vista is not a good choice at this time, I've been nothing but happy with my Vista system. So far the only incompatibility problem I've had so far is VLC which has to switch to basic interface when playing videos. I don't know what the quality of the current nVidia Vista drivers are so I'd be cautious on that but otherwise you'd see a very nice boost moving to Vista. Generally speaking Vista feels snappier then XP on newer systems (like yours) and less snappy on older systems.

 

[AdamSnow]

Dreamscene does use some CPU power, but it's not priority 1 with the OS... while playing a game, or running other CPU intensive tasks, it will turn itself off and resume when you can see the desktop again... although you don't see that happening. It will not affect performance of your computer when you need it.

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: fierydemise
Also I disagree that Vista is not a good choice at this time, I've been nothing but happy with my Vista system. So far the only incompatibility problem I've had so far is VLC which has to switch to basic interface when playing videos. I don't know what the quality of the current nVidia Vista drivers are so I'd be cautious on that but otherwise you'd see a very nice boost moving to Vista. Generally speaking Vista feels snappier then XP on newer systems (like yours) and less snappy on older systems.

Really, I have no issues with VLC when playing a video on my Vista machine. I believe it's an issue with having two Direct3D instances running at once... one being Vista, the other being the video (since video players tend to use DirectMedia layers when displaying videos). There's a similar thing with Trillian and Aero at the same time. Although, I am running a DX10-based card (8800GTX)... I need to read into this more.

 

[poiZin]

Here is an article about DreamScene, and in the same article is a link to the windows vista edition guide, helping you decide which one is right for you and the price you can get it for.

Source: http://nostasolutions.com/2008...mate-extra-dreamscene/

Enjoy, merry christmas!

 

[sswingle]

1. 64 bit
2. Everyone will need 64 bit. The days of 2-3.5 gb of memory are coming to an end. 4gb+ is where its at.
3. Never tried it
4. I would say get Home Premium or Ultimate. Although home basic is also fine, just depends on what addons are important to you.

PS, Getting Vista ATM is a GREAT choice vs XP.

 

[Jeff7181]

Geeze... talk about resurrecting an old thread...