Is Vista All It's Cracked Up To Be?

[rollinthunder]

I don't know enough about computers to know what's good or bad about Vista. I have it on this laptop but my other laptop has XP. The only Problem I have with it is I want to play my flight simulator games on this big wide screen and so far I haven't found a joystick that lists vista as being compatable....can I even load and use a game like that on vista?

[Gorehound]

I have no doubts Microsoft Flight Simulator will have no problems running on Vista. ;)

The few controllers I clicked on here (http://www.saitekusa.com/usa/prod/pcgc.htm) are Vista compatible.

More great flight simulator joysticks. Link (http://www.chproducts.com/)

A great source to get information for Vista compatible games. Link (http://www.gamesforwindows.com/en-US/Pages/index.aspx)

[pooker]

wait for windows 7

[Fotno]

Windows 7 gonna have a Linux or BSD kernel or something?

[Gorehound]

There's nothing wrong with Vista. This happens every time Microsoft releases a new O.S. (And I've seen them all going back to Windows 3.1)
People panic because their five year old printer stopped working and want to blame Microsoft, when it fact it's the vendor who makes the five year old printers fault for not developing new drivers. Microsoft is NOT in the driver business. They can not possibly be expected to develop drivers for the millions of devices out there. If you have a device that doesn't work with Vista, call the manufacturer of that device. It's not Microsoft's fault it doesn't work.

[bpitt]

Vista came on my daughters pc we got her for Christmas. We really haven't had any problems, yet. We've had one older game that wouldn't run on it, but I downloaded a .dll file and it has ran fine since.

[Fotno]

There's nothing wrong with Vista. This happens every time Microsoft releases a new O.S. (And I've seen them all going back to Windows 3.1)
People panic because their five year old printer stopped working and want to blame Microsoft, when it fact it's the vendor who makes the five year old printers fault for not developing new drivers. Microsoft is NOT in the driver business. They can not possibly be expected to develop drivers for the millions of devices out there. If you have a device that doesn't work with Vista, call the manufacturer of that device. It's not Microsoft's fault it doesn't work.



Is that you Mr.Gates?

[bpitt]

Is that you Mr.Gates?

Now THAT was freakin' funny!

[Gorehound]

Is that you Mr.Gates?If only. I'd love to have .1% of his money.

[Guru]

I have a buddy that has two computers now, the result of his older but not old computer crashing.
The story:
The original latest computer crashed and he was having problems where he lives in getting it fixed.
He just emails and surfs a bit but really enjoys downloading music.
He bought a new computer that came with Vista.
The new Vista computer would not do all his music downloading stuff and he could not find the updates yet that would be compatible for Vista from the manufacturers.

He then got PO'd because he could not do the music thing, finally found someone to fix the XP Pro computer and got it working.
He now has the new Vista computer sitting in his workshop back in the original box it came in sitting over in the corner and has not been used again.

[rollinthunder]

I have a buddy that has two computers now, the result of his older but not old computer crashing.
The story:
The original latest computer crashed and he was having problems where he lives in getting it fixed.
He just emails and surfs a bit but really enjoys downloading music.
He bought a new computer that came with Vista.
The new Vista computer would not do all his music downloading stuff and he could not find the updates yet that would be compatible for Vista from the manufacturers.

He then got PO'd because he could not do the music thing, finally found someone to fix the XP Pro computer and got it working.
He now has the new Vista computer sitting in his workshop back in the original box it came in sitting over in the corner and has not been used again.

Thats the kind of feedback I've been getting from other Vista users. The little problem I had with flight simulator games and controlers...and your friend with music downloads...might not seem to be a problem at all to people who don't use computers for that...but if you use your computer for spacific things and buy one with the newest thing on the market installed on it....you'd expect it to work for you. What do you do...run down and spend ANOTHER foot tub full of money for another program...or wait for updates....I guess you put it back in it's box and wait...I have an old laptop with XP...I still fly.........

[Gorehound]

I have a buddy that has two computers now, the result of his older but not old computer crashing.
The story:
The original latest computer crashed and he was having problems where he lives in getting it fixed.
He just emails and surfs a bit but really enjoys downloading music.
He bought a new computer that came with Vista.
The new Vista computer would not do all his music downloading stuff and he could not find the updates yet that would be compatible for Vista from the manufacturers.

He then got PO'd because he could not do the music thing, finally found someone to fix the XP Pro computer and got it working.
He now has the new Vista computer sitting in his workshop back in the original box it came in sitting over in the corner and has not been used again.
There's two ways to get music off the internet. The legal way (iTunes, Microsoft's music store..etc) and the illegal way (BitTorent, Kazaa..etc)
iTunes and all the other (well all that I've seen) have updated for Vista. Not to sure about the torrents or the kazaa's but I can't think of any reason why they WOULDN'T work. Most likely he needs to turn the securities off in Vista that will allow the downloads to start (firewalls and such)

[Guru]

Thanks, I'll mention this to him the next time we get to talk. I think mostly his deal is that software companies had not updated their programs at the time. A couple of guys at Best-Buy told him and me that it takes a half year and sometimes a couple of years for all the software applications to catch up with new offerings.
I bought a new computer for my Mother last Christmas and had them remove the Vista and install XP Pro just to make sure everything worked. I didn't want her to have any issues or she would prolly throw it out the back door. :D

[Fish-Bait]

hell no it ain't all it's cracked up to be....windows sucks worse than overcooked steaks.

[pooker]

Windows rocks

[pooker]

limewire torrent and kazaa work with teh vista

[Fotno]

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii231/FOTNO2/Screenshot-1.png

[Fotno]

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii231/FOTNO2/tux_vs_ms_butterfly_big.jpg

[Wayward]

I don't know enough about computers to know what's good or bad about Vista. I have it on this laptop but my other laptop has XP. The only Problem I have with it is I want to play my flight simulator games on this big wide screen and so far I haven't found a joystick that lists vista as being compatible....can I even load and use a game like that on vista?
Bottom line ... in my view. If you're running Windows XP, there is no reason to upgrade. If Vista comes on a new computer it should be fine. But as some folks have indicated, there may be lingering compatibility issues with some older hardware and software. Reasonable solutions are usually available but Vista has generally experienced slow adoption in the corporate world.

I'm a happy XP user. ;)

[Nana]

Me too Wayward and if it ain't broke--leave it alone. :D

[TheCapitalist]

There's two ways to get music off the internet. The legal way (iTunes, Microsoft's music store..etc) and the illegal way (BitTorent, Kazaa..etc)
iTunes and all the other (well all that I've seen) have updated for Vista. Not to sure about the torrents or the kazaa's but I can't think of any reason why they WOULDN'T work. Most likely he needs to turn the securities off in Vista that will allow the downloads to start (firewalls and such)

I use bittorrent. I only download music that is legal to download. That is, the band, or its management, has explicitly allowed their music to be taped and downloaded. I only frequent sites that honor this policy. Your post implies that bittorrent files are illegal. I am saying this is not the case.

For a prime example, see here:

http://bt.etree.org/

or the live music archive here:

http://www.archive.org/details/audio

Many touring bands have seen this as a way to get their music out and expand their fan base. I support these bands by going to see them and buying their cds, merchandise, etc.

Just clarifying the situation...

[Gorehound]

Bottom line ... in my view. If you're running Windows XP, there is no reason to upgrade. If Vista comes on a new computer it should be fine. But as some folks have indicated, there may be lingering compatibility issues with some older hardware and software. Reasonable solutions are usually available but Vista has generally experienced slow adoption in the corporate world.
The corporate world is ALWAYS slow to adopt new operating systems. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the O.S. I've been around the computer industry for a LONG time and I know this for a fact. Offices will not implement a new O.S. until they absolutely have to. It's too much work. The server may need to be updated, all the users information needs to be backed up, new version of software like Office most likely have to be installed as well. It's just a big pain in the butt to do.

[Wayward]

Bottom line ... in my view. If you're running Windows XP, there is no reason to upgrade. If Vista comes on a new computer it should be fine. But as some folks have indicated, there may be lingering compatibility issues with some older hardware and software. Reasonable solutions are usually available but Vista has generally experienced slow adoption in the corporate world.

I'm a happy XP user. ;)

The corporate world is ALWAYS slow to adopt new operating systems. That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with the O.S. I've been around the computer industry for a LONG time and I know this for a fact. Offices will not implement a new O.S. until they absolutely have to. It's too much work. The server may need to be updated, all the users information needs to be backed up, new version of software like Office most likely have to be installed as well. It's just a big pain in the butt to do.
Agreed, gorehound. There's nothing wrong with Vista other than the pain of converting, updating, learning new mouse click sequences, etc. It's always time consuming and expensive, particularly in the corporate environment. I've never wanted to be the first guy on the street to play with the new electronic toy. Let the other folks find the bugs. ;)

If you absolutely need a new feature or it comes on a new computer ... no problem. If XP does what you want done ... that's also fine. :thumbsup:

[Gorehound]

New mouse-click sequences?

[Wayward]

New mouse-click sequences?
Sure. Have you used Vista? If so, I'm sure you've had some fun trying to find some Windows features.

A very simple example ...

XP - To shut down click the Start button and Turn Off Computer is right before your very eyes.

Vista - To shut down click the Windows logo button where the Start button is on XP. Turn Off Computer options are nowhere in sight. Click on the unnamed triangle button at the right bottom of the pop-up window ... and you'll find the the shutdown options.

Very minor example but one of many. A number of key features are in different locations resulting in ... new mouse click sequences. ;)

Many detailed step by step procedures now need to include the mouse click menu sequences for both XP and Vista in order to avoid confusion.

[Gorehound]

They changed that because fewer users are shutting down in favor of sleep modes.

[Fotno]

I prefer not to use Vista because 1).I don't need it,2).My OS is absolutely free(as in no money needed,and bug free also).
I tried Vista and it was really bloated and annoying.
The screenshot I posted earlier was my desktop running compiz-fusion.3-D effects and all.All
I have is an integrated Intel graphics chip.I couldn't run half of the crap Vista calls 3-D or Aero or whatever.Linux doesn't hog every possible resource my machine has.
I am not nearly as prone to viri,spy-ware,and trojans as Vista users are.
After 7 years of development I expected the guys from Redmond to come up with something better than this.

[Wayward]

...
After 7 years of development I expected the guys from Redmond to come up with something better than this.
I tend to agree. :shrug:

[pooker]

vista rox

[SoMissTV]

vista rox

Mac OS X rox.

[Wayward]

vista rox

Mac OS X rox.
rox, huh? How 'bout the real rox??

ROX is a fast, user friendly desktop which makes extensive use of drag-and-drop. The interface revolves around the file manager, or filer, following the traditional Unix view that `everything is a file' rather than trying to hide the filesystem beneath start menus, wizards, or druids. The aim is to make a system that is well designed and clearly presented. The ROX style favours using several small programs together instead of creating all-in-one mega-applications.

Read about ROX.
(http://rox.sourceforge.net/desktop/static.html)
:shrug:

:D

[pooker]

dud3 , wayward dont you know leet speak. I was just saying I love vista :D

[Wayward]

dud3 , wayward dont you know leet speak. I was just saying I love vista :D
pooker ... don't you know "tongue-in-cheek"?

rox is pretty well known as "rocks" or great stuff, or whatever. The post about the ROX desktop was really a joke ... sort of a play on words. That's the reason for the :shrug: and :D smilies.

In any event ROX, is a pretty good desktop for someone into Linux and I know it has nothing do with rox as in rocks.

:D (again)

[pooker]

oh ok hey do you like to play snake?

[Gorehound]

For you Vista lovers. I just burned SP1 RTM to DVD and will start loading it.
I hear it takes about an hour (or more) to load.

[Fotno]

They told me to switch to Vista and I said NO!,NO!,NO!.

[pooker]

What do you not like about vista Fotno, come on now its not that bad ? I like it, what about xp, You gotta atleast give a little credit to windows server huh ;)

[Goobersmooch]

windows server = crap

ive done enough design and development in the .NET environment to make someones eyes bleed and i can assure you....there are much better ways of doing things

in THEORY the .NET way is best...but in practice...it just doesnt work

it works a lot like communism

[Fotno]

I use XP at my office on the rig cause I have to.
Most of our critical devices use embedded Linux though.

[bpitt]

Well, we've been toying with the new desktop since Christmas. So far, no real troubles with Vista. I'm with Wayward, though, they did 'move' some stuff around, like shutting the thing down, etc. It seems ya gotta 'dig' for some things now, just some minor changes from XP. I've yet to have a compatibility issue save one old game that was designed for like Win 95/98. Of course, the computer came with a printer, so I haven't even tried our older printer on it yet, no need too.

It did come loaded with a lot of crap I don't need/like. Like BigFix, I dont' need it, though it can be helpful for those not affluent with a computer. Also, Windows Defender, kinda a pain, though, again, helpful if you don't know to keep your firewall/antivirus updated, etc.

[katzeyez]

I'm new to Vista. I recently invested in a new PC. I was really hesitant, because all the feedback I heard was about how terrible Vista was, but I haven't had any problems--thus far.

I'm definitely a music girl, but I do it all legally.

I don't know if it's been posted yet, but a friend gave me a drivers website that you can update drivers if needed. I hope it's helpful.

http://www.driverguide.com/

[rollinthunder]

Well I'm starting to get more and more updates for vista now...but internet explorer still shuts down a lot...

[Guru]

RT, go ahead and download yourself a version of Mozilla Firefox as a browser and breathe a sigh of relief.
I also downloaded a version of Opera and like it but I find after several weeks of comparing them that Mozilla is still faster.
No shut downs or stalls like Internet Explorer.

[rollinthunder]

RT, go ahead and download yourself a version of Mozilla Firefox as a browser and breathe a sigh of relief.
I also downloaded a version of Opera and like it but I find after several weeks of comparing them that Mozilla is still faster.
No shut downs or stalls like Internet Explorer.

Thanks...I WILL do that. Fotno hooked me up with firefox on my other laptop and I like it...I just haven't downloaded it here...It makes me wonder about internet explorer anyway because it shuts down a lot on my laptop with XP...I guess I was hoping there was some magic update that would fix it but I guess Firefox is the way to go.....Thankya.....

[Guru]

I use IE at work and because of the fast fast puter speeds there it seems to be ok but when I get home it just crawls like a snail.

[katzeyez]

I haven't had any issues with IE. *knocks on wood*

[Fotno]

JJMacey DOT NET:

Vista SP1 kills and maims security apps, utilities

Another Vi$ta horror story. When will the fun never end with M$? Glad I went to Linux.

Hey, I actually own a copy of Vi$ta, just to try it out.

Anyway, here’s an article by Kelly Fiveash, his post is here.

Microsoft has admitted that Windows Vista service pack one (SP1) renders useless a number of well-known third party security products.

Redmond said in a knowledge base article yesterday that due to “reliability” issues with Vista SP1, it has been forced to prevent some security products from running after the service pack is installed.

So, customers who currently have versions of Jiangmin KV Antivirus or Trend Micro’s Internet Security on their Vista computers will no longer be able to use the software, which are suppose to safeguard their machines against hackers and malware, after SP1 is installed.

The two other security products deemed by Microsoft to make Vista SP1 “unreliable” are versions of BitDefender AV and Zone Alarm Security Suite.


It added that it has put a block on Fujitsu’s Shock Sensor utility, which protects laptop hard-drives against sudden shocks.

Microsoft also pinpointed a number of products that simply won’t work after the service pack, which is expected to be available for download to everyone by the middle of next month, has been installed.

Versions of Iron Speed Designer, Xheo Licensing, and Free Allegiance software are on that particular blacklist.

Meanwhile, Novell’s ZCM Agent and the New York Times reader software are among the products listed as having severely reduced functionality post Vista-SP1.

Microsoft said in the article: “A program may experience a loss of functionality after you install Windows Vista SP1. However, most programs will continue to work as expected after you install Windows Vista SP1.”

This latest embarrassing ****-up comes just days after Microsoft snatched back a key pre-requisite update for Vista SP1 from its Windows Update website.

It was forced to suspend distribution of its servicing stack KB937287 update after customers complained that their PCs wouldn’t boot up properly once it had been applied. ®

You have to love those M$ products!

Living, and loving Linux, and all those open source alternatives to M$!

[carsalesguy]

which reminds me fotno- i got the laptop back so you can install linux again.....

BTW it has an intel graphics card.

[Guru]

I wonder if Microsoft will pay the users for those programs that were bought but will not work anymore? Don't turn purple.

[Fotno]

Vista Gets Price Cuts to Urge Upgrades

http://www.internetnews.com/breakingnews/article.php/3731271

[Guru]

It cost me $250 to get that mess removed from my Mother's new computer and get a decent XP Pro installed.
Reminds everyone not to buy anything off the shelf.

[Fotno]

I could've done that for you for free.

[ran]

Just say no to vista!!!

[Fotno]

Vista prices fall even further

http://www.news.com/8301-13860_3-9883961-56.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20