Is there a list of freeware applications compatible with Windows Vista?

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Is there a list of freeware compatible with Windows Vista?

Vista Freeware - the only up-to-date, authoritative list of applications compatible with Windows Vista is the one published by Microsoft. Microsoft lists two categories of compatibility, "Works with Windows Vista" and "Certified for Windows Vista", and each has different qualifications. Ref: Microsoft Article (includes lists for 'Certified' and 'Works with')

Compatibility Mode - a feature in Windows Vista which enables Vista to emulate a previous operating system for a particular application. Compatibility Mode may provide a solution for you until a particular application is Vista compatible. Note, however, that Microsoft does not recommend Compatibility Mode for system applications. Programs that interact with your system at a deep level, such as anti-virus and firewall applications or disk and backup utilities, typically depend for their full function on a close integration with the operating system, thus the use of such in Compatibility Mode can result in stability and security issues. How to run an application in Compatibility Mode

Compatibility Status - Microsoft has issued designation for two levels of compatibility, the highest designation is 'Certified for Windows Vista', indicating the application has 'passed a rigorous testing program on computers that are running Windows Vista'. The second compatibility level is 'Works with Windows Vista', to receive this designation 'software companies test their applications to make sure that the applications meet the program's guidelines'. Ref: Microsoft Article (includes lists for 'Certified' and 'Works with')

The Long Run - eventually most all freeware applications will be Compatible with Windows Vista. To survive, applications simply must stay current with the latest Windows Operating System, applications that don't are forgotten, after all how many people are looking for freeware that runs only on Windows 95?

Practicalities & Priorities - the big software developers are typically first to ensure compatibility, they have the most to lose if customers can't use their software on upgraded machines, and they have the greatest personnel resources to rapidly carry through programming changes. Obviously, a software developer's commercial software products for Windows Vista are a priority. Freeware may lag behind.

Windows Vista Realities - the code change from Windows XP to Windows Vista is extensive, for many developers this requires a substantial overhaul of existing products.

Upgrade Advisor - get the Microsoft Upgrade Advisor, helps Windows XP users identify software and hardware compatibility issues prior to upgrading.

Final Thoughts - some applications will install on Windows Vista but will run poorly, meaning they run with some functionality missing or impaired - for these you may be able to use Compatibility Mode as noted above, or simply wait, Vista compatibility upgrades are well on the way for virtually all applications, check with the software company at their website.