Vista compatibility

Recently there are quite a few disputations about Windows Vista's compatiblity problem. Honestly, I also met some software that don't perform well or can't work at all within the Vista. However, in some cases, the appeared incompatibility actually can be solved with some minor configurations offered by Vista. Basically, there are two options:

1. Administrative privilege
Some programs require administrative privileges when they are being installed or running. This can be fulfilled simply through "right-click the program => run as administrator"

2. Compatibility mode
In fact, this feature is the same as the one in Windows XP for backward compatiblity to legacy Windows OS. The only difference I think is that it doesn't work well in WinXP accroding to my experiences. In particular, for the software like games from DOS or win9x age, if they cannot work with the option OFF, they still cannot work well with the option ON.

For Vista, on the contrary, it functions more effectively although it is just relative. I have two times that software fail to start normally without turning on the mode, but when I switch it to the "WinXP SP2 mode", they work as usually. These software are Rising Antivirus upgrade tool and Mangos (a kind of world of warcraft emulator) which I compile using Visual Studio 2005. the term "relative means Win98 mode might still be useless (I haven't tested it) but for WinXP programs, it does work as illustrated.

To turn on this option, just right-click the program => properties => comaptibility tab. Then, you can find the option there and choose the one working for your case.

In summary, when using Vista, try using different options when the program cannot work normally. You may find that your work-around solutions and become happy with your Vista experience again :) GOOD LUCK!