Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 64-bit for System Builders - OEM

Pros: -64bit is the future
-Works fine with all my software, no driver or compatibility problems
-I have an 8800gt, a Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Gamer and I play games like Oblivion, Bioshock and Assassin's Creed and I have had no problems w/ 64 bit.
-Auto-detects upon installation your 32bit and 64 bit programs and seperates them accordingly (Program Files x86 and regular Program Files)
-Very sleek and homey....very easy to use after you get used to it.
-Works great with 4gigs of DDR2 800mhz and a Q6600. Nvidia System monitor reports I'm only using about 31% of the memory on idle.
-Stable!

Cons: Um, let me think. Hmm... the UAC (User Account Control) can be quite annoying with all the many pop ups asking you for your permission to open a program after you just double-clicked to open it (or after you start Windows)... but I disabled this through Account Settings and now it's not an issue... so not really a con.

It would be very helpful though if you could set up an option to allow certain or new programs to ask for your permission, and set others that you use regularly to don't ask. I have not found this feature yet, and I don't think it exists after searching in Security in the Control Panel. I hope they implement this in the future.

Overall Review: WARNING!!!! For everyone considering buying Windows Vista (or any OS) from a third-party retailer.... don't! Before coming to Newegg and buying Vista I tried to buy it through a third party (new condition) on Amaz0n. After I got it, the front of the box looked completely legit... but after opening it everything else was bogus! It wouldn't install correctly and the CD key wouldn't work! I contacted Microsoft and they told me that the holograms on the disc, the placement of the CD key, the manual (which had over 50+ typos in it), a bunch of scratches on the back of the DVD, and a couple other things were all a tell-tale sign. It was pirate-ware. I would never have known by looking on the outside of the box after breaking the fake OEM seal.

Fortunately after contacting the seller, and then explaining the situation to Amaz0n, I was reimbursed in no time at all and I didn't even need to send it back.

Never, ever buy an operating system from a Third-Party! I've learned my lesson!

Pros: I enjoy the benefits of 64 bit vista multitasking and photo manipulation.

Cons: Very annoyed with the compatibility issues of vendors not updating their drivers.

Overall Review: If you have older equipment you like to use, check for compatibility. Also note whether the software is compatible and not just the hardware.