24 replies to this topic

[NickC]

What's the differences?

[azntechguy]

It really depends who you ask regarding Vista.

Microsoft has its own list of improvements/features found in Vista: http://www.microsoft...es/default.mspx

Others think that Vista is simply a visually tricked out (e.g.: Aero, "Ribbon" interface, etc.), more differentiated (5/8 different editions of Vista out there. 5 if you consider only the US, 8 if you consider worldwide) version of XP.

I'm rather interested to see how Microsoft will force people over to Vista. They did draw the first blood by making DirectX 10 exclusive only to Vista, though there aren't much games/programs out there that relies on DX10. Gotta love sunset policies, y'know!

[NickC]

From the pics I saw from Microsoft, the Vista version of windows seems to be alot more 'user friendly'.
It looks COOLER!

[Transparent Reality]

Vista isn't anything exciting. It's feature set is painfully lacking, especially the lack of WinFS, which Microsoft has been promising for almost a decade now. As for the nifty 'user-friendly' stuff that Microsoft has been boasting about, it's been done. I just think of Vista as a broken OSX. Granted, there are a number of improvements over XP, but at this point in time, it's definitely not a viable option to switch over completely. A lot of applications still remain broken.

The main reason I'd upgrade to Vista is the full support of the x64 architecture; I'd like to finally put my hardware to good use. The multi-language GUI switching is pretty nifty for people like me as well, but that's hardly even a big feature.

My advice: Wait till Vista is really ready to be sold to consumers (service pack 1). You could also get a Mac when Leopard comes out, but I just happen to like Macs.

I'm still going to be trying it out on the free partition on my RAID array though - if compatibility is good, I'll make the switch sooner. I'm also curious about new networking features(problems).

P.S: Please tell me I'm not the only one that thinks the 3D rendering for things like switching windows is garbage.

[Josh]

Transparent Reality, on Jan 17 2007, 10:16 PM, said:

P.S: Please tell me I'm not the only one that thinks the 3D rendering for things like switching windows is garbage.

It's a complete waste of resources.

[z2z007]

Transparent Reality, on Jan 17 2007, 10:16 PM, said:

P.S: Please tell me I'm not the only one that thinks the 3D rendering for things like switching windows is garbage.

You are not the only one. Upgrading is a pain in the neck also.

I didn't know WinFS wasn't included. Oh well, it does not matter for me. I use a Mac.

[Transparent Reality]

Mac's file system is simply amazing. I seriously need to save up for a MBP or Mac Pro.

Oh, on a side note, Microsoft is selling collectible "Signature Edition" Vista upgrade copies on Amazon. Numbered and signed (printed) by Bill Gates himself! Just add ten more dollars to an OS I wouldn't pay over $100 for!

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000M2WPIQ/re...2488076-3246464

Great for laughs though.

[azntechguy]

Transparent Reality, on Jan 17 2007, 10:16 PM, said:

Vista isn't anything exciting. It's feature set is painfully lacking, especially the lack of WinFS, which Microsoft has been promising for almost a decade now. As for the nifty 'user-friendly' stuff that Microsoft has been boasting about, it's been done. I just think of Vista as a broken OSX. Granted, there are a number of improvements over XP, but at this point in time, it's definitely not a viable option to switch over completely. A lot of applications still remain broken.

The main reason I'd upgrade to Vista is the full support of the x64 architecture; I'd like to finally put my hardware to good use. The multi-language GUI switching is pretty nifty for people like me as well, but that's hardly even a big feature.

Well said. A good many of the features in Vista do exist today as standalone products. However, keep in mind that, many of the features that Microsoft touts are available only on the higher end editions (e.g.: Windows Vista Home Premium, etc.)

Quote

My advice: Wait till Vista is really ready to be sold to consumers (service pack 1)

An extremely sound advice. I still recall when Windows XP was that "new, buggy piece of -" O/S that everybody would initially avoid. Rather than service pack 1 (come on man, you know Microsoft's track record!), a more realistic bet is probably 1/2 years after initial release. By then, companies are used to Vista and are making programs/drivers that fully supports Vista.

Quote

P.S: Please tell me I'm not the only one that thinks the 3D rendering for things like switching windows is garbage.

At least it looks cool. Wait, doesn't OS X do something similar (or am I confusing it with Parallels?). I'm more of a Windows/Linux kind of guy surrounded by Mac computers (at Hunter) and Mac friends.

Along (not so) similar lines, can you please tell WNYW that their endlessly rotating FOX 5 News logo is annoying?

[Transparent Reality]

Well, there's a very simple 3D cube transition when you switch users on OSX. It's rather elegant, really.

[NickC]

YES finally Windows Vista came out. I got the upgrade CD, and i want to upgrade my computer to Vista, but one question. In the process, will all my files and data be cleaned and whiped out like a new computer at purchase or will all my files stay and I will be able to do everything but with Vista?

[z2z007]

It'll stay but I hope you checked whether your computer is compatible with Vista with the checker on the Microsoft site. You might need hardware upgrades.

Besides, I don't think it is a wise idea to just get a new operating system when there are so many bugs that are being resolved.

[Charles]

You should definetely check if your computer meets the requirements. They are pretty high for Vista.

[NickC]

On the Windows XP sticker that comes with every computer, says Compatible with Vista. Does that mean its definitely compatible?
and Z2z007, when do you think would be a good time to upgrade to vista? maybe a year later or two?

[Charles]

That must be a really new computer. If it says compatible that must mean its compatible.

[tycoonboy388]

I think most computers made in the past year or two were designed to meet the minimum requirements for Vista. My laptop that I bought for college also has the sticker, "Designed for Windows XP, Windows Vista Capable."

[NickC]

Charles, on Mar 9 2007, 07:15 PM, said:

That must be a really new computer. If it says compatible that must mean its compatible.

Yeah I just got it in the beginning of september as a high school present from my parents.

[Transparent Reality]

Regardless of what you want to do, it's never a smart idea to install a Windows OS over another one. A full wipe is the best way to go.

[JustPlainBob]

I'm pretty sure it'll wipe your computer clean of all files just like it'll do if you reformat your computer, although you might want to do a full system scan to make sure you don't have any malicious software installed and copy everything to a disc so you can reinstall everything back quickly after you switch over to Vista. I recommend sticking to XP for now though, since Vista is still a beta project and full of bugs and stuff.

[NickC]

Whats a Beta Project?

I'm technologically challenged, forgive me.

[z2z007]

A beta software is a software that is in its testing stages. Technically, Vista is not in its beta stages. When it was in beta, it was under the project name Longhorn. Nevertheless, buying a new release of an operating system right when it comes out is typically not wise because numerous bugs get discovered even after the beta stages.