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General discussion

Will you be installing Windows Vista on your system?

Feb 1, 2006 8:32AM PST

Will you be installing Windows Vista on your system this year?

Yes, as soon as the final version is released.
I'm already on the beta version. (How do you like it?)
After it's been out for a few months. (How long will you wait?)
No way! (Why not?)
I will buy a new system with it already installed.
I don't even have XP yet!
I'm on a Mac and will never go to the dark side.
Don't know yet.

Discussion is locked

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Vista
Feb 3, 2006 6:28AM PST

No way, windoze (misspelling is deliberate!) is a relic. Go with the latest Linux distro from SUSE or Redhat. Why give Bill Gates any more money for 2nd rate os?? Wink bb

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Now taking bets on number of security flaws...
Feb 3, 2006 6:32AM PST

I'm willing to bet that M$ didn't learn their lesson with XP. I'm betting on at least 5 major exploitable security flaws in the first year, not including all the minor fixes.

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Nope,running Ubuntu GNU/Linux Breezy Badger release.
Feb 3, 2006 7:45AM PST

Hiya,

Good luck to you all and ive nothing against MS or its new OS.I hope those who use it get to like it as much as i do GNU/Linux.

Windows 98se is still installed on this machine but rarelly used.

Waiting for the next release of Ubuntu though,due April 06.Running the 5.10 Breezy Badger release till then.

Best Wishes to you Chris.

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Only until I get my Mac
Feb 3, 2006 7:53AM PST

I will upgrade from MCE2005 to Vista on my current laptop, until I get a MacBook Pro. Then I will use Mac OSX (and dual boot with Vista if possible incase I need to use it on a rare occasion).

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Windows XP
Feb 3, 2006 8:46AM PST

I have just received my new computer 12/01/06 Windows XP, as I have been using 98 windows, this new XP is very different to use, and I'm using all my brains to work it out, I have no graphics, no clip art, no publisher, can you help me with free downloads of these items please.
My Address:
Peterco Entertainment Promotions
Radio F.M.Country 97.4 FM
PO box 3038, Tuross Head, NSW, Australia 2537
Signed by Dave Peters.

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Two things...
Feb 3, 2006 9:20AM PST

First, this thread is concerning the poll of whether or not you plan on upgrading to Windows Vista when it comes out this Fall. For questions concerning Windows XP it's best to post them in the Windows XP forum by clicking here.

Second, I'm not sure what you mean by graphics, but am assuming (correct me if I'm wrong) you're referring to Microsoft Clipart and Microsoft Publisher, components of Microsoft Office. These are things that are not included in Windows, be it 98 or XP. You may have purchased them and installed them on your old computer or the manufacturer may have thrown them in for free, but normally you must purchase them. Since your new computer did not come with them you have a couple of options:

* If Publisher is a retail copy you can uninstall it from your old computer and install it on your new one using your CD.
* If it came with your computer it is an OEM (not retail) version which most likely cannot be used on another computer.
* If you do not have a retail license, you must purchase Publisher and/or Microsoft Office. Publisher 2003 costs $169 USD and Microsoft Office costs $400 USD and up, depending on the version.
* Since it is copyrighted software no one can give it to you for free...that would be illegal. However, you can download/order a free trial of the software by clicking here.

Hope this helps,
John

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Windows Vista
Feb 3, 2006 8:47AM PST

I really hate to say this but Microsoft XP with updates SP1 SP2 and then further updates. I have had to download so many updates for both, using two different computers. I have to run 3 anti-virus and two firewalls just to make sure my computer is secure. I have to defrag (not really have too) but I do, at least once every other week.
I still enjoy Microsoft but the constant updating is beyond the point of comprehension.
My son bought a Mac about a year ago, no updates and hardly any thing that resembles an anti-virus.
So as far a Vista is concerned I will wait until they have all the bugs out. Probably in the year 2010. That will be when they come out with the new (OXYMORON)Microsoft Works? And the only reason that I will change is because they will no longer give tech support for XP.
As much as I hate to say it Mac is really a good system, but for me old habits die hard.
I wish the two would work together and maybe they could come up with a system that is; and does work without all the hangups.
Don't give up on XP they will get it right sometime. With as much research and work that they have put in Vista, I hope it does work. If it goes the first year with out problems then maybe I will upgrade. However I will wait and let all the new Vista users find the problems.

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Installing a vista
Feb 3, 2006 12:14PM PST

The first question is do I need it. Will it be worth spending on system upgrade and software upgrade. I use my system to do my interior designs, drafting letters, browsing the net and making estimates and sending mails.
Then as for the word processor and spreadsheet apps, I use the open office.
So once again the question will be what difference will it make for me by making this investment. Will I get the value for money. Otherwise I am perfectly happy with windows xp and open office.

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Stick with XP...
Feb 3, 2006 1:17PM PST

Most of the features promised in Vista are going to come as addons (they fell behind so they're leaving large chunks out of the initial release in order to make the deadline) later on down the road for both Vista and XP, meaning Vista will offer little to make the average consumer want to pay $200+ for the upgrade. However, I love the new graphical scheme, want the additional security, and can't wait for all the little intangibles to fill my computer. (Yes, I am a geek. Happy) In any case, Microsoft has recommitted itself to Windows XP, promising support and updates for it for years to come, so there's not a problem if you wish to stick with XP until you purchase a new computer that has Vista pre-installed.

Hope this helps,
John

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A very slight possibilty
Feb 3, 2006 12:36PM PST

But I all ready own the super advanced, non breaking, service pack 5+ version of Vista, its called OS X. I do have a pc with Win xp on it,because I was windows raised and bred, but can't stand to touch it after buying a Mac. . Sorry Bill your software is not bad but its not great either. Keep trying, Windows xp finally caught up to what a mac could do in 92. I knew about Apple then, yet was dumb enough to happily be hacking away in Dos. No more.

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Vista
Feb 4, 2006 5:48AM PST

I don't like the way that ms always changes systems and stops supportion older systems. I was forced to change from ME to XP because of this. I don't like XP as well as ME for me it worked a lot better, but a had some corrupt files over time and could not restore it. I could not get it fixed through MS and had to up grade (or should I say down grade) to XP and have had problems ever since. The up grade doesn't go as easy and smoothly as they say.
I also will never go back to a mac eather, after meny lost files and lost work thanks to the allmighty mac I just wasnted to take a sledge hammer to it. I work with photos and have lost many projects thanks again to mac, at least with Windows I can recover what was losted to systems limbo, imposable with mac.
The main thing that I have aganst MS is that they forse you to ge new systems when you were happy with the old one. When you are on a disability as I am an on a fixed income this is impossable to keep up with and realy hurts. These companys are just to greedy and give nothing back to their customers.

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A Vista with tons of fog
Feb 3, 2006 12:43PM PST

I will definitely not be installing Vista because I am a Mac user and like my iBook the way it is, and I decidedly do not want a Dell. Three words: Piece of crap.

From what I have seen, though, Microsoft just prettied up XP a little, and the wait was most certainly the time it took for Microsoft to hack OS X and steal ideas. I even heard a (silly) rumor that "Longhorn" was to be called Windows Tiger.

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Why
Feb 3, 2006 2:21PM PST

Do i hve to go back in time to use that thing?

I am on MacOSX and i am too happy to even bother with the things Vista has that i have been using for years now.

As almost everything Msft does it has to be a piece of crap!

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I am installing as soon at the next beta comes out. IPv6!!
Feb 3, 2006 2:57PM PST

Im looking forward to testing out some of these network speeds they are getting with vista machines running the new network stack. On channel 9 blog the workers said they have seen up to 40X increase. I love windows and every other OS. They all have something to offer and I refuse to hate on someones hard work and initiative. If you hate it so much make your own.

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Converting to linux
Feb 3, 2006 10:30PM PST

I've already started converting to a linux based OS. It's fast, efficient, and gets the job done; without the constant risk of a viral attack and other nuisances that the undesirables attack windows users with. Of course I will definitely keep my winxp going so I can play Guild Wars!! Wink

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Whats wrong with XP ??
Feb 4, 2006 1:35AM PST

I'm currently using a Linux box ( Ubuntu ) and a Windows box XP and can't think of any reason other than a few bells and whistles to get me to change. The linux machine does all the grunt work and the Windows for all my games and fun stuff. No reason for change. Besides Linux is the way of the future, jump now or be left behind.

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no way.
Feb 4, 2006 1:46AM PST

No way. I'm tired of MSFT's licencing schemes, DRM initiatives, and security problems. I've become a die hard Linux user (Ubuntu 64bit) and haven't looked back since. As far as games the XBox, X360, and even PS2 are more than adequate for that.

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Don't Know Yet
Feb 4, 2006 8:10AM PST

I recently installed MS IE7 beta (say it quietly) or it will come out of the shadows and get you! Seriously folks, this may be an indicator of future possible BIG bugs in the system and I would rather wait and see what MS does to suprise the computer world with the release of Vista aka Longhorn. I would really wait to see what happens in the first release and get the major bugs out if any. It seems there may be possible conflicts with the diferent versions of SP1, and SP2 on WinXP. Lets just wait and see.

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No. I dont see anything significant XP doesnt offer.
Feb 4, 2006 12:11PM PST

No I wont be upgrading. I will stay with XP. I dont see anything that Vista will offer that XP currently doesn't besides increased DRM restrictions, less ownership of my own PC and bloated system requirements.

I do plan on purchasing a notebook this summer and most likely will go with an Apple simply for a change of pace. OSX just looks sooo nice.

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No Vista for me
Feb 4, 2006 2:46PM PST

I intend to go to Linux. When ? Well soon, or sooner if Bill and Co start with this "Trusted Progam" idea when then detirmin what will work and what won't work on my Computer.
Bruce Sinton

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Go figure (the cost in $$$)
Feb 5, 2006 3:27AM PST

It seems to me that with each new release of Windows, we need to spend more money hardware to support this product. I'd think that less is better but silly me, that would not help the economy nor MS. I look for alternatives such as going with the Firefox browser. I could ever for one to the new Apple computers with Intel inside. To stay on the cheap side, I would consider updating to a 64 bit processor and starting to move away from Microsoft products. I just don't see it as being cost effective to buy into the new MS Vista release.
RichM

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In a Couple of Years, I Will Wear My Husband Down or Rebell
Feb 5, 2006 7:07AM PST

I am not interested in using a beta computer program as I have enough problems with the hit-or-miss knowledge I have acquired about computers. Now my husband is a regular dinosaur. He never installs a program upgrade, heaven forbid one he must pay for.

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What's the rush?
Feb 6, 2006 10:19AM PST

I am unclear about the jump to 64 bit processor. What's up with that, and does Vista address this? I think I'll wait till the dust settles on that, and the price of 64 bit PC's drops. Of course it may depend on whether my XP Dimension holds out that long. Right now I'm satisfied with XP. Jimmy.

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Windows Vista!
Feb 6, 2006 9:14PM PST

I run a stable win XP pro., my motto is, if it aint broke, don't fix it. Therefore I have no plans to install vista.

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Not right away
Feb 7, 2006 11:28AM PST

I am one of those that doesn't jump directly to new products just because they're new and supposedly cutting edge. I'll wait until the bugs are worked out or at least so that I know which ones are the most problematic for the early adapters.

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yes
Feb 8, 2006 12:40AM PST

yes deffinately i will be installing windows vista butt is that free.

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I prefer to wait this one out .
Feb 8, 2006 7:36AM PST

just recently i downloaded the i.e.7 on my own risk and the browser was flying fast that i like buut i couldn't go into wmp#10 to see videos and audio either some what buggy how ever being that it's still in testing i decided i should wait and see what has been covered with vista no problem here,being that im not a techie prone or need some experience to understand what im diving into.Thanks

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XP is working for me
Feb 10, 2006 1:23PM PST

I am enjoying XP. Haven't had any huge unexplainable crashes. Running XP Pro at work and XP home on personal laptop and home desktop. Just built up new home desktop from a ebay purchase of a Dell and trying out XP Pro Media Center on dual boot with XP Home on a Dell Pentium dual core. With Sound Blaster Audigy 2 Platinum, Cambridge Soundworks 4 point surround, 24" flat panel, XM satellite radio... I'm a happy camper in my office. This home office rocks!

I will wait and see what Vista has to offer. I didn't sign up for beta. Don't have time to fool around

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No way!
Feb 11, 2006 11:13PM PST

I made the switch to Linux and am very happy.

I use Microsoft Windows for one reason--like Microsoft, I make money off of it--in my case, it's on the tech support side.

I'll get Windows Vista when I have Windows Vista users that need support. And even then, it will be on another hard drive and in my GRUB boot menu list.

I'd buy a Mac with OS X Tiger (basically BSD customized by Apple), before I'd buy a new PC with Windows Vista. And, since I build PCs, that won't be happening anytime soon. LOL

Novell Linux vs. Microsoft Windows

There's a recipe for competition and real innovation (and we all know how much Bill Gates loves to throw the word 'innovation' around). His idea of innovation seems to be locking you in with proprietary file formats and undocumented proprietary file structures--a la NTFS.

IF you can compete in an open source world along with Novell and IBM, then I dare you to show us, Microsoft!!

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Always wait with new tech
Feb 13, 2006 4:03AM PST

I always wait until new tech has a chance to work out the bugs before I buy into it. I will NOT purchase Windows Vista when it comes out, but I will most likely upgrade by the 1st service pack. This goes for the new MacIntels also. I'd wait for the 2nd or 3rd generation MacIntels before upgrading to them.