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Don’t like the glassy look of Windows Vista ? No problem. Like Windows XP, you can also use custom visual styles in Windows Vista. This is achieved by patching some system files which allows you to apply third party visual styles. You can patch your system files by replacing them with these files.

Here are 5 minimalistic visual styles for Windows Vista.

1. Download Transblack V2

A black VS for Vista can’t get better than this. An all black visual style for Windows Vista which does not compromise on usability yet delivers a great visual experience.

2. NV3-Suite Final

A complete suite to give your Windows Vista and your various apps an uniform look. Comes with a slim taskbar and skins for Miranda, CAD and more ….

3. Axis.VS

Available in black and white variants, this one makes your Vista look like a designer OS.

4. Nervosa VS

Yet another marvellous VS which lays stress on minimalism and usability.

5. The Emerald Forest

A black VS with Aero elements for a cool look.

P.S. – A small fact. Of the 5 visual styles featured here, 3 are from the same person, invaderjohn from DeviantArt. Do take a look at his other creations. He never ceases to suprise ….

That is it. Enjoy these cool visual styles.

Finally… After much testing and releasing new builds, Microsoft has finally made available Windows Vista SP1 final to customers starting today.

Just open Windows Update on your Vista PC and check for new updates. You will see Windows Vista SP1 available there. You can also download the standalone package of Windows Vista SP1 from Microsoft Download Center here.

Windows Vista SP1 Pre-install check-list

1. Uninstall any pre-release version of Windows Vista SP1 (the Beta or the RC) that you have installed.
2. Update all your system drivers. If you have an incompatible driver then Windows Vista will not show up on Windows Update. Microsoft has a list of known incompatible drivers here.
3. SP1 is available in these 5 languages: English, French, Spanish, German, and Japanese. If you have any other language installed, SP1 will not be offered to you. (You might not even know if you have an additional language installed! Check the Language control panel to see what languages you have installed)

Go install Windows Vista SP1.

Windows Vista Team Blog : Windows Vista released to Windows Update

Download Windows Vista Service Pack 1 for x86 systems

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 for x64 systems

Microsoft has released Windows Vista SP1 RC to the public today. You can download it through Windows Update or as a complete package from Microsoft Download Center. SP1 contains changes focused on addressing specific reliability and performance issues, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several new technologies. SP1 also addresses some management, deployment, and support challenges. Microsoft has also published documents on how SP1 will affect Vista performance and what are the changes it brings to its operation.

If you have a prior version of SP1 Beta installed, you will have to uninstall it prior to installing RC. Windows Vista SP1 RC will no longer operate after June 30, 2008 and should be uninstalled prior to that date.

Download Windows Vista SP1 RC

Complete list of changes in Windows Vista SP1 RC

Did you try SP1 RC ?

Linux is for geeks. That is the worst cliche I have ever heard. In fact I think that Ubuntu Linux is far more easier to work on compared to Windows Vista.

Now that I have ditched Windows Vista in favor of Ubuntu Linux, I though I would write a post on why Ubuntu Linux is better than Windows Vista.

5 reasons why you should be using Ubuntu Linux instead of Windows Vista

1. Rock solid stability and better responsiveness

I don’t remember a day when Windows Vista had not crashed on my laptop. Running a Bit-torrent client (any one) will show a BSOD every time on my system. On the contrary I do not remember a day when Ubuntu had stopped responding or crashed.

2.Third-party software just a click away

No more clicking through endless UAC dialogs and Next screens to install the software. In Ubuntu Linux just go to Synaptic Package Manager, search for the software you want to install and click the small checkbox next to it. Then click on Apply. Your software will automatically be downloaded and  installed.

3. The wow is here

If you though Vista’s animations and effects were good, you must try Compiz fusion. It is bundled by default in Ubuntu Gutsy Gibbon. Provided you have a decent grahics card, you just need to turn on the effects in System —> Preferences —> Appearance —> Effects.

4. Tune thy Ubuntu

There is absolutely nothing about Ubuntu Linux that you cannot change. Do not like the theme, the icons etc. , just download a new theme  from Gnome Look and drag-drop it on the Appearances dialog box. Your new theme is installed.

5. No antivirus, anti-spyware, firewall required

Damn Windows Security Center and anti-virus software. If Vista is not slow enough for you, then install some anti-virus. Cut to Ubuntu, no such thing needed.

That’s it. So when are you going to try Ubuntu Linux.

P.S. – Reason #5 is there just because I wanted to round off things.