I'm beginning to change my tune on Windows Vista.

[MV/Liberace!]

I've bashed Vista into the ground.  Anybody who followed my posts over at UFOShip could tell you that.  I took pleasure in pointing out how slow, unstable, bloated and cumbersome Microsoft's flagship operating system was.  See the following as evidence:  http://ufoship.com/comment.php?comment.news.100

I'm eating my words today.

Anybody who knows anything about computers could tell you that when Microsoft releases a new operating system, you should wait a MINIMUM of one year to install it on your machines.  The poor slobs who DO install a new operating system immediately after its release are going to be used as guinea pigs in the course of Microsoft's efforts to patch and update their new creation.  I personally don't enjoy being a guinea pig, and I'm thinking you probably don't either... and so it was that i waited OVER a year to install and/or use Vista for the first time.   I didn't wait long enough.

My primary machine, an Asus F8SP, is designed for Vista but thankfully, Asus is the world's greatest computer company and they take the time to release XP drivers for their new machines along with the standard Vista drivers.  I "downgraded" to XP and all was well... for the most part, that is.  I was having problems with some of the system function buttons like WIFI on/off, bluetooth on/off, etc..  The drivers behind these buttons, for whatever reason, just WERE NOT working well in an XP environment.  I suffered through it since doing so enabled me to escape the clutches of Vista.  Hell, in order to make sure I could toggle off/on my WIFI, I was disabling/enabling the wireless card in Device Manager.  Heh, yeah, I was eager to stay with XP at any inconvenience.

I finally grew tired of this song and dance about 2 months ago and decided to try Vista again.  I figured after about 9 or 10 more months, Vista SURELY must have made some strides in that time.  My instincts were right.  Vista, it pains me to say, is now what could be called "stable."  It's far snappier than I recall it being in the past.  It now boots more quickly than XP on the same system.  Most importantly, IT RUNS EVERY APPLICATION I HAVE THROWN AT IT.  That's right.  The chief complaint against Vista since its debut has been the lack of software compatibility.  This issue, for me at least, has been resolved.  I run a vast array of applications, some open source and some not.  Everything is fine now.

When I came back to Vista, there were about a zillion new updates beyond those MS released during my first Vista experience.  They appear to have zapped my woes in the course of these updates, and the patches/fixes continue.  As a matter of fact, Vista is on the brink of Service Pack 2.  That's right!  Take a look here:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=dca54ecc-362a-4b4d-b62b-22780e839a7e&displaylang=en 

As you might recall, XP suffered the same disastrous roll-out when it was released in 2001.  It wasn't until Service Pack 2 that XP began to evolve into the stable, tested operating system it is today.  I expect in about a year, Vista will be an operating system all MS users can feel just fine with, and XP will sadly begin to fade away as a distant memory in a fashion reminiscent of windows 2000.

By the way, I'd like to take this opportunity to say the following:  If you're a home user who just wants to check email, browse web pages, etc., use Ubuntu.  It's free, stable, safe and simple.  Don't bother yourself with the unnecessary expense of buying a Mac.  They're overpriced, they support relatively little software, they're the product of a viciously proprietary and controlling company that makes Microsoft look lovable and fuzzy, and they are horrid for gaming.  Unless you're editing video or audio, the Mac is an overpriced piece of crap.  Need proof?  Take a look at this oldie but goodie from UFOShip:  http://ufoship.com/comment.php?comment.news.105

[Sybil]

I know you still have Mac envy.

[MV/Liberace!]

I know you still have Mac envy.

you know something... i didn't have such hatred of apple until i saw how they do business with their ipods and iphones.  i could literally speak about it for probably 30 minutes without pause.

[EvB]

you know something... i didn't have such hatred of apple until i saw how they do business with their ipods and iphones.  i could literally speak about it for probably 30 minutes without pause.

Is it worse than the Microsoft Monopoly dodge?

[puddintame]

Well, Michael, I have to agree with you for the most part.  After all of my bitchin' and moaning, I have gotten used to Vista and have found a lot of good stuff about it.  It probably is only what you get used to.  I learned on Windows 2000 Professional, so Vista has been a little tough to get used to.  Whatever, I am woman, I will survive!

[puddintame]

Well, Michael, I have to agree with you for the most part.  After all of my bitchin' and moaning, I have gotten used to Vista and have found a lot of good stuff about it.  It probably is only what you get used to.  I learned on Windows 2000 Professional, so Vista has been a little tough to get used to.  Whatever, I am woman, I will survive!

OOPS.  Need to modify that post.  I can win only 1-2% of the time on the damn Vista version of Solitaire.  Could they have programmed it that way?  I can win once in awhile elsewhere.   

[EvB]

OOPS.  Need to modify that post.  I can win only 1-2% of the time on the damn Vista version of Solitaire.  Could they have programmed it that way?  I can win once in awhile elsewhere.   

I find both Solitaire and Mine Sweeper a greater challenge on VISTA.  But, that could just be me.

[MV/Liberace!]

Is it worse than the Microsoft Monopoly dodge?

i would have to say that as much as microsoft makes me cringe at times, apple is far worse as a business in my view.

[Sybil]

i would have to say that as much as microsoft makes me cringe at times, apple is far worse as a business in my view.

I dont care how they run their business. LOL!!! I love my MacBook Air! Hee! 

[Selenolycus]

*nix-based OSes still reign supreme. OS X and Linux are just great fun and practical to use.

[Sybil]

*nix-based OSes still reign supreme. OS X and Linux are just great fun and practical to use.

Ooooo!!!! You know what I'm talkin' about baby!

Are you going to Macworld in San Fran this coming week?

I am and it's makin' me moist!>>>biting lip<<< I'm a total Macworld virgin.

I'm going for the ultimate iGasm...a girl has her iNeeds ya know.


http://macworldexpo.ning.com/profile/iMiss

[MV/Liberace!]

Ooooo!!!! You know what I'm talkin' about baby!

Are you going to Macworld in San Fran this coming week?

I am and it's makin' me moist!>>>biting lip<<< I'm a total Macworld virgin.

I'm going for the ultimate iGasm...a girl has her iNeeds ya know.


http://macworldexpo.ning.com/profile/iMiss

haha... classic.  i love your posts.

*nix-based OSes still reign supreme. OS X and Linux are just great fun and practical to use.

i agree completely OSX and linux in general are superior to windows in stability, security and efficiency.  it's just that i don't like apple as a company based on the prices of their computers and the way they've managed the iphone/ipod.  i think they're far too controlling and greedy.  i'm not saying MS doesn't exhibit those same characteristics, because they do.  it's just that it's in a flavor i can stomach.

by the way, Σεληνόλυκος... good to see you around.  you're one of the originals around here.

[Sybil]

haha... classic.  i love your posts.
i agree completely OSX and linux in general are superior to windows in stability, security and efficiency.  it's just that i don't like apple as a company based on the prices of their computers and the way they've managed the iphone/ipod.  i think they're far too controlling and greedy.  i'm not saying MS doesn't exhibit those same characteristics, because they do.  it's just that it's in a flavor i can stomach.

by the way, Σεληνόλυκος... good to see you around.  you're one of the originals around here.

Awwww...shucks>>>looking down<<<thanks Michael!!!

I agree with you about the iPhone. And yes Apple computers are pricey but I would gladly pay more. I was SO FRIGGEN SICK of viruses and freeze-ups and stall-outs and total crashes with PC I almost went mad! A friend of mine encouraged me to get a Mac. I'm glad I listened to her because even though it sounds embarrassingly corny, having a Mac changed my life. Now, I get to spend my time accomplishing things and being creative, rather than trying to coax the computer to work for me in the way it was meant to, or to function at all. Having to restart and god knows what all nightmares, stymied my productivity....just when I'd get a good flow going PC would take a big fat dump on me. I was in a constant state of frustration, spending hours to try to get one tiny little thing done.  I haven't gone through any of that since I got my Mac. I'm just sayin' honestly that switching to Mac has given me a constantly positive computing experience. I use to yell at my computer. I don't any more. I don't have to. And that makes me very happy. As far as I'm concerned, "Once you go Mac, you never go back". I just don't have the patience for PC's fickle ways any longer, I have more important things to do.

[MV/Liberace!]

I just don't have the patience for PC's fickle ways any longer, I have more important things to do.

the pc certainly is a fickle thing.  unfortunate, really.  it's something i've learned how to finesse, and as such, i really do have almost zero problems.  however, i'm a tech so making PCs work well is just kinda what i do.

[Sybil]

the pc certainly is a fickle thing.  unfortunate, really.  it's something i've learned how to finesse, and as such, i really do have almost zero problems.  however, i'm a tech so making PCs work well is just kinda what i do.

Oooh...well awesome, that explains a lot!

You're a tech!!! Oh. Mah. Gawd. And your hawt too! Goddammit!!!
Mrs. Michael is so friggen lucky!!! Nothing turns me on more than a hawt sechzeh techeh guy!!!
That's why I'm goin' to Macworld...raght thar! Geeks everywhere!!! Teh awsum!
I'll be walking around with a sweet girlie bone for a whole week! Indeed!! If they could only hear what I was thinking as I stroll past those booths with an arched eyebrow. Mmmm....ooooo....yeah....well, I better  excuse myself because it's time for me to have a dream sequence....if ya know what I mean.>>wink<<

[slipstream]

I guess there are such things as 'mac geeks'

but

a 'mac tech' is an oxymoron   

[Centurion73]

As I am not a tech guy unless it's Glock, HK, Sig, so any information from all would be helpful because my kind of tech (above) does not really react well with comps. Has anyone tried the Beta version of Windows 7 and did I hear right that it is to replace Vista?

[Sybil]

As I am not a tech guy unless it's Glock, HK, Sig, so any information from all would be helpful because my kind of tech (above) does not really react well with comps. Has anyone tried the Beta version of Windows 7 and did I hear right that it is to replace Vista?

Don't go there!!! Get a Mac already! and BTW.....did you get that email I sent you? It was from my freecake.us@gmail.com account. Perhaps it got stuck in your junk mail filter.

[Centurion73]

Don't go there!!! Get a Mac already! and BTW.....did you get that email I sent you? It was from my freecake.us@gmail.com account. Perhaps it got stuck in your junk mail filter.

Yes my Dear I did get your mail and it is not your cake that I desire or is it? Never would your mails be in the junk pile and if that ever happened the above tech support aids of Mr. Glock,SIG, & HK would be used against the offending PC.

[MV/Liberace!]

Has anyone tried the Beta version of Windows 7 and did I hear right that it is to replace Vista?

my understanding is that windows 7 is going to be built on the vista code, but it is going to be far leaner and faster than vista is/was.  it will consume far fewer system resources.  background services will run only when needed rather than running ALWAYS and BY DEFAULT when the computer is turned on.  i think windows 7 will either make or break microsoft over the next decade and determine their future dominance over the operating system market.  they've really taken a beating over vista, which at this point is a bit unfair since the updates have rendered it a very solid operating system... and after service pack 2 is applied to it in a few months, i think vista will be able to be considered an adult in terms of its development.

in short:  i personally am very excited about windows 7 based on everything i have read about it.  i believe it will be stable at the time it is shipped (as opposed to the debacle that was vista).  it will be more nimble and less resource consumptive.

[EvB]

+i believe it will be stable at the time it is shipped (as opposed to the debacle that was vista).

If it is actually STABLE at first ship -- that will be a new one for Microsoft. Still - Vista has been a disaster  - maybe they are taking extra care with this one.

[Centurion73]

Thank you all for your informed opinion as that helps me a lot.

[MV/Liberace!]

If it is actually STABLE at first ship -- that will be a new one for Microsoft.

you're right.  that will definitely be a new one for MS.  for windows 7, they have supposedly changed the way they are organizing development by completing each component of the OS, one at a time, rather than just throw 1000 new features into a new OS and try to marry them all into the mix of things.  windows 7 is actually ready to ship TODAY.  however, it won't because they are still engaging the process of introducing new individual components into the OS.

by the way... thanks for reminding me to try this.  i'm downloading the beta of windows7 now.  for those of you who would like to give it a try, go here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/beta-download.aspx

better hurry.  they are only allowing 2.5 million downloads.

edit:  by the way, for more information, take a look at the following useless article:
http://weblog.infoworld.com/enterprisedesktop/archives/2008/10/windows_7_oops.html?source=NLC-DAILY&cgd=2008-10-29
after you read this useless article, proceed to the comments below it.  you'll find some valuable insight.

[EvB]

windows 7 is actually ready to ship TODAY.  however, it won't because they are still engaging the process of introducing new individual components into the OS.


better hurry.  they are only allowing 2.5 million downloads.

So - did you install it?  I'm DLing now.  We'll see what happens!

Oh, and, do you know what's up with Vista SP2?

[MV/Liberace!]

So - did you install it?  I'm DLing now.  We'll see what happens!

Oh, and, do you know what's up with Vista SP2?

i did install it in a virtual machine.  i am using virtualbox.  i would like to install it on a real machine.  however, the license expires at (this might be the lorcet talking) the beginnigng of august and i just don't really want to trouble myself to that degree.  MS should stop being a bunch of greedy pigs and just GIVE a free copy to those who take time to beta test for them WITHOUT COMPENSATION!!!  assholes.  god i love software piracy.  feels justified sometimes.

regarding sp2... it is supposed to be released some time within the next few months.  i'd expect it this spring probably.  i actually did install the beta of sp2 on my primary machine just for "shits and grins" as they say.  i quickly removed it.  heh.

[EvB]

MS should stop being a bunch of greedy pigs and just GIVE a free copy to those who take time to beta test for them WITHOUT COMPENSATION!!!  assholes.  god i love software piracy.  feels justified sometimes.

Agreed.

BTW - what's with the uber drugs?  What did you DO to yourself?

[MV/Liberace!]

Agreed.

BTW - what's with the uber drugs?  What did you DO to yourself?

i smashed the end of my pinky finger.  and when i say smashed, i literally mean smashed.

[EvB]

i smashed the end of my pinky finger.  and when i say smashed, i literally mean smashed.

OMG!  Have you ever seen that cartoon figure designed to show the number of nerve endings in various pats of the human body?  Each part is created as a relative size based on tactile reception, not surface area.  Other than the lips - the hands are the most disproportionately HUGE parts of the body.

OUCH!

Here is a model:

[slipstream]

    Vista does seem to have come of age with the service packs.  Still, I think I will go from XP to Win7.  Of course I'll wait for a service pack to be released before upgrading to Win7.  I have friends that upgraded to Vista, and when they find out Win7 is right around the corner they feel had.

@MV best of luck on your pinky.

[Pirate King Atomsk]

I haven't actually tried the 7 Beta yet, but here's generally what I'm hearing: