MOVB-12 Application compatibility

When trying to install third party software under Vista, you can run into the following trouble:

Software would like to disable UAC entirely.

Sample application: EasyBCD

Software needs to be added to DEP exemption list, because it's somehow protected ("packed").

... and the error message will puzzle most (if not all) end-users :)

Sample application: AuctionSentry

Software needs a compatibility pack from Microsoft

I guess compatibility packs rely on the Shim Engine, but I have never dug too deep in those mechanisms. Let's say that it is a database of big hacks to get crappy applications working :)

Sample : March 2007 Windows Vista Application Compatibility Update

You wait 3 monthes for an upgrade

Sample : iTunes [*], Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 [**]

[*] It seems also that iTunes will never be Vista64-compatible.
[**] Visual Studio 2005 still needs to be "elevated" to run properly on Vista.

You wait 3 monthes, but the upgrade is not free

Sample : some Adobe products


Oh yeah, I almost forgot. The software can play nice on 1st try! ;)