Now I understand with each new version of Windows there is some (usually small) learning curve to the interface design but it really seems as if when designing vista's shell no one was considering actual productivity especially for power users or even those who are semi computer savvy and like their workflow to be efficient. It's not that I haven't taken the time to understand how to use vista's interface it's just that every task I frequently perform is now frustrating and takes 3 times as long as previous versions and I haven't found a good way to restore the lost functionality.
Examples:
I frequently copy and paste file and directory paths for drilling down , inserting into ini files, scripts, or program options for configuring plug-in and other paths. This used to be as simple as CTRL+C then CTRL+V done. Now with "Bread Crumbs" I have swipe and click the mouse around the general area until Vista notices me desperately flailing my mouse at where the file path used to be and decides to temporarily convert it back to a real path I can edit, copy and paste. I usually see about 4 -5 directories up via "Bread Crumbs" and having a simple up arrow button was quick, easy and intuitive.
It's not that some users might not think "Bread Crumbs" is neat but I haven't found an easy way to disable this annoying feature. Did you ever read Hansel and Gretel? A trail of Bread Crumbs is no replacement for staying on a good path.
Whose idea was it to have Explorer try and guess the folder views automatically? No really I want a name. Somebody is getting a flaming bag of dog poo on their front porch for that one. Could we at least have an easy way to disable this nonsense? It's maddening when you are working in project directories and you have media, program, and scripts files you have to backup, edit re-name and move constantly while testing only to find all your DLL's and script files suddenly represented by giant goofy icons. When you are comparing file creation, modified dates, name and size only to find the info displayed as Artist, Track, Album. Or Date, Taken, Rating, or Number of Children. Children really ? Dose my DLL have a familly all of a sudden? In addition to explorer’s random folder views which are usually wrong, unwelcome, and change constantly (in some cases based on something I can't imagine since I didn't change the view,) we now have 267 detail columns! 267 really? Ooh could 229 of those be ridiculous, please, please.. Why sure here you go because more is always better right? How about you give us like 38, leave out shoe size, RPMs , and marmalade and give us working file copy/move operations that don't fail 50% of the time (needing to click on try again) and take 3 to 10 times as long? Ok I don’t know if shoe size, RPMs , and marmalade are really file detail columns but I wouldn't be surprised. Admit it you had to think about it for a second and were going to check until I said marmalade :)
It's not that these features are bad but as they can be rather counterproductive to many users having them as the default with no way to easily turn them off is a bit much and makes the whole thing feel bloated and annoying.
What happened to the 3 click control panel applets and simple right click access menus? Why must accessing settings require going through the equivalent of a small power point presentation? For the first time since windows 98 I'm browsing Google for 3rd party shell replacements *sigh*. Can't we have a real XP classic theme that turns this junk off if we don't need it (or can't stand it becuase it's so usless and annoying?)
P.S.
Just as for the ease of use, and performance I'm rather disappointed with the apparent security of Vista based on what I'm reading. I Just saw this , and if it's legit you can bypass the logon screen all together and launch explorer with system access in about 5 minutes ...oops *sigh*. Not that Linux discs couldn't always crack SAM accounts on unencrypted disks but this is really just kind of sad.
to gain system access to Windows Vista without logging into Windows or knowing the username or password for any accounts. To accomplish this, the user renames cmd.exe to Utilman.exe — this is the program that brings up the Accessibility options for users without sight or with limited vision. The attack takes advantage of the fact that the Utility Manager can be invoked before the user logs into the system. The user gains System access, which is a level higher than Administrator.
http://www.offensive-security.com/movies/vistahack/vistahack.html
Please hurry on ..Windows v. 7 ! On second thought actually please fix Vista (I already bought Vista ultimate) and take your time ..don't rush the next verson we don't want a repeat of this whole Vista fiasco.