Microsoft Vista Disgrace

I knew exactly what I was getting into when I updrade to Vista. I actually had more trouble upgrading to XP than I did going from XP to vista.
Having the help of some very knowledgeable people on this forum I have everything upgraded to Vista with one exception.
I was able to get to the HP software and driver department yesterday and was told by one of their techs, we were going to see the drivers and software that will be Vista compatable for HP Printers, Scanners and all in one units by the end of March.? I just hope he really knows what he was talking about.

Hi Ray, I would have been the LAST person to replace XP with Vista, but my computer needed to be replaced. HP chose to install Vista in their new computers and from what I've been reading, most other manufacturers are doing the same. I can use my HP Photosmart 8250 printer with Vista (it's always been temperamental and seems to be more so now). I download from the HP and Sony digital cameras directly to Windows Photo Gallery and just bought an HP LaserJet 1022 and love it. I was so ready to dump Vista after the first week or so, but stuck with it. My biggest question is - what exactly is the advantage of Vista? I haven't found anything that new and exciting yet.

"HP chose to install Vista in their new computers and from what I've been reading, most other manufacturers are doing the same."
This is because of pressure from M$. John

If MS has such total control over what OS manufacturers put on their machines, then why is Dell still selling XP machines and developing support for Linux? Is MS making them do that, too?

Sorry, the facts don't support your conspiracy theory.

Your point (buyer beware) is hardly relevent to the vast majority of folks who just want to buy a new computer for the kids. You guys are CNET readers and obviously are very computer knowledgeable. So your attitude is screw the average Joe Six Pack because if he's too stupid to do a lot of in-depth homework then it's his sad fate to be duped by Microsoft. I would make an analogy: A guy needs a new car for the family. He goes into a Ford dealership and after discussions buys a new sedan. When the car comes, behold!, there is an engine installed that requires a new fuel that is not available in gas stations. When he complains, the dealer (microsft and guys like you) say; "sorry, you should have done your homework. We announced in our website that we were coming out with this new high-tech fantastic engine, and we warned EXXON to make the fuel available, but they didn't so don't blame us".

Microsoft should have to pass through legal hurdles before it can release an operating system? I'm not sure that is a better solution here though you seem bent on thinking Microsoft did something illegal here that I don't see.

To use your analogy for a moment, there are cars that use bio-diesel that may serve as an example where yes someone could buy a car that uses a non-standard fuel and runs into issues. In this case the person could try to return the car, just like someone could try to return or exchange a computer.

If someone goes out and buys a new computer then they have a responsibility to check before buying, "Will this work with my home printer?" at least IMO. Just like if someone was buying a car that would be pulling a trailer regularly and should ensure that the engine has enough power to do it as otherwise GM and Ford should be in trouble if someone tries to use a small compact to pull a trailer since they just didn't know about the issue.

Regards,
JB

(Just asking a few questions here)

HOWEVER there will never be a computer [Operating System} that will work for the person that simply wants a computer to provide high productivity. One reason is that the software is designed by very bright software weenies that cannot think at that low a level.

Did you ever read any of the Microsoft books written by the software designers? They are terrible, the best books are those written by writers that actually use the system for productivity type work.{there is one exception that I have].

As a retired Systems Enginnering manager I learned that in trying to design systems that the GI's could maintain with an absolute minimum of knowledge [yes high school graduates]. Try as I might my Engineers were so knowledgeable that they could actually not comprehend that the GI's wouldn't understand the systems as well as they did. If I had them write white papers to explain issues to the customer, I had to totally re write them. Again when they wrote a paper and then read it over they thought the paper was great, obviously they understood what they wrote, but it certainly would not be understood by our custormers.

Yes Bill Gates had intended his Op Systems to be such easy things to use and keep using without any special knowledge. He failed, but only because of human nature.

...what the customer wants. If you purchase Vista blindly, without enguiring after its usefullness to you and what you can or cannot do with it and purchase it regradless, then you are sending the wrong message to the Market, and manufacturers ruch in to meet the demand. If customers are fussy enough to ask about drivers and compatibility issues and ask to demonstrate the product to see it it works, and the costs involved, then they may think twice about getting Vista. It is ture that it is now almost impossible to buy computers(laptop) without preinstalled Vista; but if customers reject them, then manufacturers will be forced to bring out models with the former OS which can sell. If GM advertize that they have a model which runs on water, you do not go out to buy it without making more enquiries - what type of water ? special treatment necessary ? etc., and at least ask for a demonstration. The fact that you know nothing about automobiles does not excludes you to be responsible for yourself to find out more. So- "Buyer Aware" remains.

Windows ME was the last woeful episode in MS's far-too-long run of unstable and incredibly hackable 16 bit operating systems. That era of MS alienated a lot of people, myself included. XP was a vast improvement, surpassing Mac OSX in stability. I've got experience with both. The issues with Vista compatibility are the responsibility of third-party vendors. They've had ample time and co-operation from MS to develop Vista compatibile drivers, patches, etc. If they haven't by now, it's their fault. Dedicated MS haters and Mac fanboys will never grasp these simple facts.