Fresh Start or no Fresh Start

CTOing a Z590 and deciding whether or not to Fresh start. As I understand things, 1. The thread on how to semi-clean install accomplishes the same as Fresh start and 2. The Fresh start option costs 50 bucks and includes the xp downgrade but with people installing Windows 7, who needs xp? Opinions?

 

Windows 7 is a beta which will expire in August (or in 30 days, with some of the invalid keys floating around), before you can purchase a new version. You will have to change back to a clean Vista or XP install when it expires.

As for Fresh Start, it doesn't cost $50 and doesn't include XP downgrade. Fresh Start is free, but requires that you make certain software selections. XP downgrade is also free, but only available with Vista Business.
And "Fresh Start" isn't a fresh start. Sony removes some of the crapware from the computer, but far from all. My "fresh start" Z-590 still came with crippled versions of Roxio and Intervideo software, and the IE home page set to AOL.

 

fresh start is only worth it if you use vista business. i enjoyed turning on the computer without all the internet services etc. however u still have smart wi and vaio control center etc

 

So what I'm getting so far is, Fresh Start isnt that Fresh. Can I skip Fresh Start and use the semi-clean install technique in its place....Also, since I'm just an average Joe, what would I need Vista Business over Vista Home?

 

Home premuium has more multimedia functions. stay away from basic. Utlimate has all the features of business and home premium. windows aero.
business has more documents ability to fax etc. heres a comparision http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/default.aspx

 

OK, based on the comparisions, Home seems a better fit for the average consumer(me). Thing is, Sony's choices for the CTO are Home no Fresh start, or Business with XP downgrade and Fresh Start... Which would be best for a multimedia guy?(me)

 

ultimate or home premium. aero, media center, create movies etc.

if your gonna spring for the Z you might as well go ultimate. if your going to buy the best go for the best software

 

What I see from the comparison charts, when it comes to multimedia, Ultimate doesnt have anything more than Home premium.. Am I wrong?

 

The main reason for choosing Business, apart from the downgrade to XP, is IMHO that you get SFC.

What, I hear you cry, is SFC? The ability to cache files that reside on a network share locally, and access the local copy. This is both much faster, and you also get to use the files when disconnected from the network.
You can both specify that files are to always have an offline copy, or leave it up to the OS -- in which case it will cache the most recently accessed documents. Several gigabytes by default, but it can be adjusted.

For someone who isn't a business user, this is still useful. I keep all my MP3s and FLACs on a central server, and play them through network sharing. When I'm away from the network, I still have access to the files, without having to manually copy them, or remember to update whenever new files are available on the server. It all happens automatically. Yes, Vista Business is worth it.

Another good feature is being able to encrypt files without having to decrypt them or give a password before using them -- it's totally transparent to the user (except that the file name shows up in green in Windows Explorer). But other users on the same system -- even if administrators -- won't be able to read the files.

 

Now this is interesting! I use the fingerprint reader to encrypt files and I play my VOB movies over a local network.....Sounds like Business would be great for those uses.. What about burning DVDs and Windows Media...Not in Business?

 

Fresh start is simple. Get it if you want to save time.

If you want to save money I think that the semi fresh start method is fine. If you go semi fresh start be prepared for some quirks. Ie. my event service and wlan drivers had to be reinstalled.

Doing a semi clean install will take you over and hour so depending on the number of times you are going to reformat your hd it might be worth the extra cash.

 

from what you have told me. you should go for no fresh start and with home premium. enjoy your Z.