Topic: Windows Vista Compatibility - All You'll Ever Need to Know

[Amker]

Compatibility has been one of the major problems associated with the Windows Vista operating system ever since the platform hit the shelves on January 30, 2007. Although Microsoft is applauding Windows Vista as an epitome of application compatibility, the reality is quite different. Just because of the fact that this is not a battle for Microsoft to fight alone. The Redmond company needs full support from the ecosystem built around 
its operating  system. And that support simply did not come in time.

As far as applications are concerned, Kevin Turner, Microsoft Chief Operating Officer revealed that, six months after the launch of the operating system, the Redmond company and the software developers building programs for the platform, were still hammering away at compatibility issues.

With the launch of Vista, despite the architectural changes introduced, Microsoft assured end users that XP programs would function on the new operating system with no issues. However, one sign of the fact that the Redmond company was in fact prepared for the worst was the extensive compatibility modes delivered for Vista. Still, in some cases, not even running an application in a compatibility mode for an older version of Windows seems to help.

When I said that the environment orbiting around Vista failed Microsoft, and was late to follow the platform to the market I was referring to the fact that only 650 programs had received the Works with Windows Vista or the Certified for Windows Vista logos by the end of January. By the end of July that number grew to more than 2,000 applications.

Microsoft however is committed to Vista and to delivering compatibility, and in this context, it made available for download the Vista Application Compatibility Training. "This Application Compatibility Training has been delivered worldwide to MCS Consultants, partners and customers preparing to deploy Windows Vista. In this training, you will learn about the most common application compatibility problems found with Windows Vista, and the new native features that help users workaround these issues. We will also present the tools you can use to help enterprises facilitate their application compatibility testing, debugging, and mitigation," stated James Senior, Microsoft UK Technical Specialist.

All you will ever need to know about Windows Vista Application compatibility you will be able to find out through the content offered courtesy of the AE SWAT Application Compatibility Team. "Some of the technologies discussed include User Account Control (UAC), Windows Resource Protection (WRP), Program Compatibility Assistant (PCA), Application Help Messages, Shims, the Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT 5.0), ActiveX Installer Service (AXIS) and much more. In this video, one of our AE SWAT team consultants shares the practical, first-hand experience and collective knowledge of the team drawn from engagements around the world," Senior added.
CW