So ive finally bought a new laptop......with Vista.

Hi
Ive finally bought a new laptop and it has Vista installed. As this is the first time I have used this OS could someone help me answer some questions I have please?

• Why Can't I put a check mark next to "Special Permissions"?

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Hi
Ive finally bought a new laptop and it has Vista installed. As this is the first time I have used this OS could someone help me answer some questions I have please?

• Why Can't I put a check mark next to "Special Permissions"?

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Hi manicd

It's because you have ''Full Control'' . 'Full Control'' is greater than ''Special Permissions''. "Everyone" on my Vista PC has Special Permissions, which means they can do certain things i have allowed them to.

I can also change those permissions and have even greater control over them but not give them "Full Control", since full control can be abused by people using your network.

'Bob

Hi Manicd… In Vista they changed the steps involved to make changes to the security permissions a little bit. I have no idea why, as they tout Vista as being more "productive." Yet, everything you try to do takes more steps. You have to click "Advanced" before you can change the special permissions. You can't change any permissions on that first screen anymore. You have to click "Advanced", or "Edit." Edit: I noticed that your screenshot is of the C:\users folder. Be warned, in my experience, for security purposes Vista has really locked down this folder. If you start modifying permissions on these folders really weird things start happening. It could've just been the special circumstances I tried it under, but both times I did it in different environments Vista freaked the heck out.

Hi Manicd…

In Vista they changed the steps involved to make changes to the security permissions a little bit. I have no idea why, as they tout Vista as being more "productive." Yet, everything you try to do takes more steps.

You have to click "Advanced" before you can change the special permissions. You can't change any permissions on that first screen anymore. You have to click "Advanced", or "Edit."


Edit: I noticed that your screenshot is of the C:\users folder. Be warned, in my experience, for security purposes Vista has really locked down this folder. If you start modifying permissions on these folders really weird things start happening. It could've just been the special circumstances I tried it under, but both times I did it in different environments Vista freaked the heck out.

Just a note: The permissions are virtually the same in Windows XP Professional. I haven't messed around with them too much in Vista but i can't spot too many differences, however, like you say, there are definately some. The 'Advanced' button is still there in XP Pro and with enough practise, it's not too difficult to navigate your way around and see what effects the changes make.

Vista seems fine for me once the UAC was turned off - but there are circumstances where it's best to leave it on. But that's another issue!

'Bob

Actually the permissions are very different in the "users" folder. I don't remember the exact details at the moment because I don't have a Vista machine in front of me. But, SYSTEM is the only one with access to it. This is some type of security feature that enables UAC to do what it does amongst other things. The user of the system doesn't even have access to it. All access to the folders have to be approved by the "SYSTEM." When you steal that away from Vista all hell breaks loose, IME. But, I only work with Vista when I have to. Which is on a regular basis, but I'm definitely not interested in it enough to find out if there is something simpler smacking me in the face or if there is a work around. It makes me mad enough that I can't do something in Vista the exact same way I did it in XP. One of those things is taking ownership of those files and folders in the "user" folder and modifying the permissions without the O/S puking its guts out.

Hey Manicd, Way to go! A new laptop can be a joy, even when Vista can be hard to become familiar with. Acer does come with a load of proprietary stuff. Some of the proprietary stuff is essential for the operation of the machine. For instance, in their laptops they have a proprietary power management feature. I'd be cautious about what you remove if it is specifically an Acer application or process. You should research each and probably consult directly with Acer or any help forums Acer has. Third-party Trial Products is a whole different story and you can whack away at them. Enjoy

I'm not a "fan" and am looking forward to Windows 7. However, Vista is a solid system that has some good security features that XP should have had. XP also had a flurry of problems with driver additions and new user complaints. Vista has not been any worse and does not deserve the negative press in general. I would not hesitate to own a Vista System, but would prefer Business Premium or above for version. You're asking my opinion and that is my opinion. Doug

Re: Partitioned drive. That's a good thing, not a negative. Keep your data on the second partition and keep the OS and installed programs on the first. You can even move My Documents by simply dragging it from it's current location to the second partition. Makes backup of essential data easier and quicker. Also allows you to backup the OS and software separately from your data, so if the system goes belly up, you can restore just the OS and not lose any of your data.

Is that D:\ partition really empty? Or is it perhaps the pre-installed OS recovery files?

Is that D:\ partition really empty?
Or is it perhaps the pre-installed OS recovery files?

On closer inspection there are a couple of folders which are a few MB's in size????

If Acer created the D:\ partition, they did it for a reason that was important, at least important to the Acer people. Pre-installed back-up for your Vista OS would have heavily restricted access, including warnings. What warnings have presented themselves when you browse that D:\ partition? If it turns out that D:\ is a partition for your OS back-up and recovery, then I would recommend against using D:\ for general file storage and against installation of application files on D:\ . Contact your Acer Manufacturer to confirm information about their use of D:\ Doug

Hi bizarrebob & appleoddity and thanks for the comments.

There also a couple of other questions I would like to ask.

• As this computer is brand new Acer have bundled it with a lot of unnecessary applications and programs. Is it safe to use Revo-Uninstaller" to remove these and also clean up the registry.
• Once again my laptop has has come with a partitioned Hard Drive. Is it safe to allocate more space to the C: Drive from the D: Drive which has nothing on it?
• Is there any Vista specific tips for making the life of my laptop last longer?

Thanks again

Hi manicd,

Personally i'd say, it's probably easier to remove the programs yourself from the add-remove programs list. I never trust applications that help clean up the registry, even 'good' ones since i've had a PC near break before from using CCleaner on the registry to clear it up.

If you remove the programs yourself i wouldn't worry about the registry keys unless it became an issue at a later date and to be honest, you should be fine.

It really depends, as other people have said whether the D partition is there for recovery. I'd not really like to have a say in what you do here. Personally, i'd keep it as it is, and buy an external HDD for storing data on and keep the recovery partition incase one day you really need it.

And as for making the laptop last longer? Just do what you'd do with any PC. Look after it! keep it dust free. Regular anti-spyware and virus updates etc and you should be fine.

'Bob

Since it's new, experiment now, before you have a lot of personal data you don't want to lose. Trey Revo if you want. Just make sure you know how to restore it to it's factory installed state if necessary. Also take a look at PC Decrapifier.

Also, this would be a good time to setup a backup strategy. I'd recommend buying a 250GB (or larger) hard drive and install it in an external USB 2.0 case (with fan). Spend a few more bucks and buy Acronis True Image Home then do a full image backup. That way no matter what happens you can recover easily. Make sure you keep the backup up to date.