was a codec that I didn't really need in the first place, that I had installed in a package with other things. Once I fixed that and opened up to a different way of operating (closer to Macs actually) life on Vista is a breeze. The lack of discs doesn't bother me because it's cutting costs, and I don't blame companies for doing so, and you still have the ability to restore it. The directory structure is much simpler than XP, you just have to re-learn it. Extreemely superior is the media center, with it I have the Tivo equivalent (I have a TV card). LOVE IT. The side bar is a gadget that I'm addicted to as well. The UAC dilemma: I quit fighting it and left it on eventually and this is why: I do not run virus protection nor spyware on my PC, and I recommend my clients (except for a select few) not to use them. They use up a vast amount of resourses and slow down the system exponentially (like any evolving programs they are not getting leaner). Some virus protection programs are better than others, but for the most part they'll bog you down and do nothing to stop a virus that most likely are more advanced than your "virus protection". The reason being is that if the virus is spreading, it means it found a way around, so you're screwed anyway. If you use your intelligence and not click on everything that comes