Finally, although file permissions problems related to UAC have been tweaked since RC2, people who install Vista in a dual-boot arrangement may find that some folders they created on their XP drives may not be accessible from Vista without complex file and folder security-permissions changes.

In particular, if you store user files (such as downloads, programs, or system drivers) in user-created folders hanging off your root directory -- instead of placing them somewhere in the Windows-prescribed user folders, like Program Files or My Documents -- you could find that the operating system will prevent you from opening files or folders. In the very late pre-release version of Vista tested for this story, the first indication that Microsoft may have reduced this problem was apparent. Because it was a seemingly random problem in earlier builds, it's tough to say for sure. But hopefully, this problem has been rectified.

Networking

Microsoft has a long, sad history of getting networking wrong.

Until Windows Vista, that is. The new operating system represents a breakthrough when it comes to Windows and networking. For the first time, it's easy to get a quick overview of your network at a glance, manage multiple wireless networks, make new network connections, set up file sharing and more.