Vista vs. productivity

A recent study suggests that Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system actually decreases the efficiency of creative users more than Windows XP, despite the Redmond-based company's efforts to offer a smoother interface that is easier to use. The study, conducted by Pfeiffer Consulting, examined a series of independently financed benchmarks that establish how Vista impacts User Interface Friction (UIF) and user efficiency, according to IT-Enquirer. Looking at a number of issues that were considered under-performed in previous versions of Windows, the benchmarks revealed slowdowns in the areas of mouse precision, but especially menu latency and desktop operations (such as opening folders or deleting items).

UIF is a concept developed by Pfeiffer that describes and quantifies the perceived differences in efficiency as well as user experience between an operating system, applications, and digital devices. UIF also defines the observable fluidity and productivity when performing the same operation on different computer systems, programs or devices.

Pfeiffer Consulting is advising creative users to think carefully before migrating or upgrading to Vista, as benchmarks showed that creative professionals may actually become less productive than they would be using Windows XP.

Mac OS X still remains a clear winner with regard to creative efficiency, according to the study.

by MacNN Staff