Windows Vista Bugs

While I agree that those of us who are "early adopters" bear some of the responsibility for our own frustrations, it isn't on us that there are so many issues with basic equipment. Perhaps most damning to MS, however, is the fact that Vista isn't even compatible with older versions of its own software, e.g. Office 2003! Whether early adopting or not, you should expect that the new OS you're taking on will at least be compatible with the programs you own that were written by the same company as the program your buying.

The fact that several pieces of MS's own software doesn't work with Vista isn't my fault, though it certainly is my problem.

Know something about the OS before you condemn it.

I've used "compatibility mode." It doesn't always take care of the issues. Besides, as several others have noted, even MS tech support answers with "upgrade to 2007 to solve all your issues with Office." That's the part that bothers me, when the people who are supposed to help you solve problems with the software try selling you a different software. My experience here isn't unique.

Common to a lot of vendors. But the most annoying one I experienced was when Apple tried an upsell when my Mac was breaking down.

You should be fine with that system. You don't need to get the ultimate version. You can actually get the Vista Business Version and that has the fax and scan capabilty. As for the issues you are reading about Vista. I find that most of them are unwarranted. If you are purchasing a system that has Vista pre-installed it should work fine. Just check for your drivers if you are purchasing a separate printer or any external device you plan to use with it. Before all the other "experts" here begin to attack my reply please not I have been in the IT (Information Technology) field for about 20 years. I am continually educating myself on the latest developments. I am currently working in the US Government and we have deployed Vista Business on several networks that include over 200 Work Stations. Granted some are new but the majority are systems purchased a year ago and we have upgraded them with no major issues. I would just warn you that there are know issues with a few networked printers.

I haven't read all these replys but I believe most of those that are having problems, outside the drivers issue, are those that are doing upgrades and not doing an initial install. What I am suspecting is that some of the problems are carryovers from their previous system. Doing an update has never been the best idea. I do admit it is the easiest though. However, your quirks are carried forward

US Government or Starship Enterprise - whatever..

I wouldnt want to make your 20 yrs expertise in IT sound minimalist if I wished to make it look insignificant I could, and so could quite a few of us who are also working in IT (a lot longer than you son!) and 'RELATED' industries ( and I should remind you NOT to boast of your 'sensitive' employer status - young man!), - just as I can easilly make IT nerds sound either very informative or completely irrelevant depending on WHICH statistic I wish to illustrate as a "relevant" qualification - I can say I have more than your 20yrs !

So whatever you chose to put on "the pedestal"
let's see =
that's you talking about pre-installed O.S. - ummm? !You've missed the point already - "son"

Avoidance of the details:-
You have conveniently ignored the fact that you didnt mention the likelihood that any pre-installed system doesnt guarantee similar or absolute compliance or compatibility with the owner's 'other' accessories and anxillary equipment... much like ignoring the fact that the world doesnt just evolve around a laptop... many punters also use many other bits
- like a bluetooth device (there are hundreds to consider),
and wireless broadband routers, etc...

and of course the very item THAT matters MOST to this buyer...

his/his wife's SCANNER/FAX device

- which he had said she(wifey) wants to - scan and fax...

seemingly obvious to me you have 'avoided' asking any useful questions about the enquirer's specific concerns about scanning and faxing...

Did you actually say anything about fax or scanner equipment that's of use to the enquirer? Answer that please?

I dont think he wanted to hear another person (thats you) bolster up a (new) O.S. system which WILL have it's flaws at any inception period...

and this is the inception period of the "new" Vista system.... or have you not read any of the other contributors' listing of other devices having compatibility problems (not issues! they ARE problems) ... that's what this thread is all about.... compatibility - I dont think everyone is as clinically convenient as you... ignoring the specifics - it's nice to be generally approving of any O.S. , just not what the enquirer wanted to hear....

We have agrrement too!
I can also agree with you that ANY LAPTOP with a preinstalled O.S. - (no matter which Windows Operating system you care to pick) will have no problem with it's resident devices... otherwise the retailer couldnt possibly sell it ! OK?

- so making another reassurance about the resident devices - it's like stating the obvious once again...

Perhaps you have some useful contribution to make regarding the enquirer's "scanner and fax"... that will make a refreshing start in trying to ANSWER his concerns...

False sense of security:- You have achieved one thing - I give you that!
Perhaps you'd better act quickly cause you may be the reason for this poor guy's incorrect decision to buy that Toshiba... I wonder what he will say IF he should be so unlucky as to have one of those HP items, that has been touted about by the others....

Do ya still wanna compare our credentials, chum ? !?

Gladly take any US Government personnel on! - if you carry on like this will the rest of the guys in the FBI or the NSA also state their credentials? - Notice I have not mentioned CIA - for obvious reasons...
have you got the message yet?

I've used it. Not sure about fax. Dig into available info to find out.

You need to check that the printer/scanner you're going to be hooking up to this new computer has drivers available for Vista and that there are no known compatibility issues that have not been resolved. If you have existing printer/scanner, check your manufacturer's website's support page before making your purchase. You may need to buy new stuff or wait until your current device is up to speed.

Here's a really great example of someone who has read the enquirer's concerns - and such useful practical advice is what we the punters are looking for... not what mr (hey look at me- I have more years of experience than you clowns - "thesim2b" s reply...

If only that man from the US Governement (" thesim2b")who is so proud to have installed just 200 workstations, and wants to fend off the rest of the mere mortals like you and I, could read your reply ... I would suggest that he takes his incredibly high brow advice, and keep it to himself and his merrymen (at that US Governement dept - specifically) ...

It's no wonder there's so much bad publicity about people who work in IT for corporations... you guys need to learn how not to put yourself on some high perch, and declare that YOU "know it all" ... so have some humility and just accept other's comments...
they all have their relevance, whether it comes from a person who's about to buy his next system with only minimal experience... or someone like you (mr "thesim2b" ) who wants to frighten off everyone else to just "shut-up-& say no more" -

Guess what - this is a forum for contributors ... its not meant to discourage people from writing in?

So thanks once again to this ("xiape") contributor's manner and matter of fact! You've given everyone the right advice, and I hope the Toshiba laptop potential buyer will heed your advice,
and not the one from "thesim2b"
(he's dangerously misleading! 20yrs experience or otherwise - get real ok? 200 workstations in any network environment dont equate to one laptop in a plausibly domestic or small business environment - anyone in IT networks will tell you - each network has different operating devices and compatibility requirements)

Keep it going buddy!

Also change one link in the chain of equipment, that is computers and peripherals and you get a non-functioning network. thesim2b has not had all that much experience as far as I am concerned. Compared to some of us he just a youngster in the field of computers and operating systems. My own experience goes as far back as unit record equipment, using an IBM 360/20 to simulate the individual pieces of unit record equipment. How old was I at the time? All of 16 years old, I am now 56. But there is one thing that I have learned nothing is certain when it comes to computer equipment and operating systems.

My own opinion is the equipment manufacture and Microsoft are at fault. Equipment manufactures for not be prepared with drivers for Vista. Microsoft for not making the specifications available to build drives. Microsoft for almost making their Windows Operating system out of reach for the home computer user and independent software developer. Maybe it is time that as users we maybe ought to be thinking Linux operating systems. Even commercial companies will only take so much before they say, "Ease of use or no ease of use, come time to go on to something else." I also think William Gates ought to think about dumping his stock before it becomes too late to dump it. It will not be too long before even the Gates Foundation won't be able to be so philanthropic for lack of stock and lack of money if Ballmer keeps going like he is put out faulty merchandise.

I did not intend to offend anyone. I was not putting myself on a high horse or perch. I was just stating that so that you can have some background one where I was coming from. I was merely stating that all of the issues people are having is not something to blame on MicroSoft. Also saying youngsters.... LOL I didn't say that you did. All I am saying is that for every complaint and mishap there is also a success story. Lets stop putting the blame and find a solution. No matter what system you are upgrading some of us will have mishaps and some won't. The thing that I would like to mention as I stated before. If you walk into a store or order online and the system comes with Vista on it. Chances are 9 out of 10 the system will work with Vista because most PC makers would not put their tails on the line for massive recalls and returns. If he/she is buying a Toshiba laptop that has Vista ... it will work... if it does not then he/she calls Toshiba and if you don't get a good reply take it back and get your money. spend your cash where you are respected as a consumer and stop giving money to companies that won't support their equipment. Now if you already have a printer or some other device its up to you to find out if there are current drivers.. (oh by the way MicroSoft does not write the drivers for your equipment the pc makers and hardware makers are responsible for doing that) would you buy a car from the dealer and then ask gas station to install the gas tank you get the idea....

I Quote "vista compatibility
by Liquid_Silicon - 3/25/07 7:49 PM
In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photoham

who made vista, m$, then it was up to them to make it compatible, all software manufacturers and hardware manufacturers take backward compatibility very seriously, M$ is the only company who feels they can make a product that doesnt work with anything and everyone will conform, this might very well be the straw that breaks the camels back
Post 946 of 946

--------------------------------------------------------------
If we do this where would the new innovative ideas come from. I mean get real. Do you really run software that is frm 1990 or 1988 on y our new system. Do you realize that all versions of Windows since 95 come with a compatability module that lets you run it as if it were the previous version. As for hardware that is the most ignorant thing I have heard of. Hardware has to evolve... backward compatability okay so lets make motherboards with AGP slots, PCI slots, PCI-e slots and the old ISA slot lets not forget the old micro channel slots. yeah lets do that and see how fast the computer will be.... NOT FAST at all because the newer equipment would never reach its full potential because it has to be cycled to the lower speed and performance of the lowest common denominator. IF we go by your rules we will still be running 8-bit hardware. You are a funny person...LOL

May I make a real life suggestion - Mr know IT all - try talking to anyone else outside of IT - but in related industries - ok? especially those which DO USE computers to create services and products -
When you find someone who's willing to talk some sense to you, you'll then learn something very sensible -

They will all tell you that it's the "old stuff" which really works, and ARE RELIABLE - never mind if it is truely backwards compatible or not,
I work also in the Broadcast Industry with Web Streaming as 100% of my work - DAILY - just in case you wanna boast about your US Govt bit all over again!

And in the Broadcast Environment No one cares if its still ISA or PCI or AGP - as long as it works = 100 % yesterday, today A N D tomorrow
- Anyone who wants to bring about change - they'd better be able to bolster up with their own money to prop up any industry - Bill Gates will never have a 'foot in' to this Industry exactly because of your kind of bravado short sightedness kinda talk!

With no one else being adequately informed of the Vista platform, NO ONE is gonna take this kind of risk and say - sod it, we'll try the VISTA platform, and throw away all our present tools
Lets all re-equip, and never mind the millions we're gonna cost to prop up another PC wind-up....

Ask Spielberg, or ILM ( that's Industrial Light and Magic for your benefit) - are these two players educated and experienced enough to shut you up now?

Compatibility is important - stop bringing in another red herring (or do you not understand this phrase) and compatibility isnt just about backwards compatibility - all the other manufacturers are NOT standing still, nor just producing goods for yesteryear... they are a few more steps ahead of MS... compatibility means being able to work with other components.. and time isnt a relative factor... compatibility has to demonstrate capabilities beyond the present as well as the past .

Have you ever heard of the Ford GT,maybe the Viper? or the Lambo, or maybe a Vanquish - these all have to be 'compatible' with the world of tranportation - in style and speed...

I dont see any magically fast LPG fired speedster or Va Va voom in the frame - do you?

Now that the dust has settled from this thread's exposure in the Cnet weekly newsletter, I'm going to say it has run its course and close this thread before it turns into a debate of knowledge and comebacks.

Thanks to all those who participated.
John