how do you rate vista?

fritzi93 · #16 08-15-2007, 12:26 PM

Correction: It seems that evidence is mounting that Vista's DRM (HDCP) isn't quite as bad as is commonly believed. Look here:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=284&tag=nl.e539

So the argument about excessive system load may be overstated.

Nevertheless, it DOES have higher hardware requirements, especially RAM.

I ask myself what an OS is for. It's not an end in itself. Throwing impediments in my way and checking up on me is an unjustified annoyance. For the time being, I'll stick with XP, it does all I need it to. The only reason I haven't switched to Ubuntu completely is the finding of equivalent video apps for Linux. They do exist, but the learning curve to familiarise myself with them is time I haven't been able to spare. BTW, the Beryl desktop blows Vista's Aero away.

Miz · #17 08-15-2007, 07:00 PM

Keep in mind that Vista was written with "the worst case user scenario" in mind. Those with more computer knowledge can just disable UAC and go on.

I think that Microsoft finally realized their operating systems were getting blamed for the problems caused by malware. It's the popularity of their operating systems that caused Windows to be targeted by the malware writers but most users don't know that and don't want to know that. They just want to turn the computer on and it works. When it doesn't work, Windows, and Microsoft, gets the blame. It was to Microsoft's benefit to address the malware problem...finally.

What is percieved by some as "throwing impediments in my way" and "checking up" is viewed by people like me with customers like mine as, hopefully, a godsend.

Since I don't charge return customers for phone help, I tell them to call me at the first sign of a problem (or what they percieve to be a problem). If they'd do that, nine times out of ten, it can be fixed over the phone.

However, the only thing that seems to stop them from indiscriminate clicking on and deleting "stuff" they don't understand is a Windows warning message popping up. Vista's UAC throws out enough "warnings" that perhaps they'll stop, think and call for help before clicking on more "stuff" and creating their usual FUBAR.

fritzi93 · #18 08-16-2007, 12:40 AM

Yeah, for the majority of users, no doubt you're right. But I find their term "improved security" to be rather Orwellian. Part of it is, of course, for their benefit, not that of the end user. Limited Functionality Mode, for instance; what's in that for me? You've read some of the horror stories, change some hardware, go on vacation, come back and your OS is crippled or dead. No doubt all that stuff about a "kill switch" has been overstated, but there you are.

I'm no pirate. But WGA always irked me, so I went the Windizupdate and Autopatcher route. Security I can handle myself, although of course there are millions of users out there without a clue.

Anyway, as the article states, most of Vista's problems have been due to immature/glitchy drivers. The "average" user will get along okay after the first service pack.

As to DRM/HDCP , perhaps some of the problems with WMP 10 and 11 are attributable to DRM. So, a crummy player is now even worse. [shrugs]. I try to keep up with the latest developments on doom9 (pro video site), and make no mistake, if something can be played, it can be copied. I've busted DRM myself (shhh!) just to verify it can be done and even without that, there's always the analog hole. Pirates will not be deterred by DRM. Yes, make copying a little tougher and the average user won't try to circumvent it. So admittedly there's a useful purpose to DRM from the view of the copyright holder.

Vista is a "no sale" for me, but obviously my own attitudes have a lot to do with it.

The OS on my computer must have only one master: me.

fritzi93 · #19 08-20-2007, 03:49 PM

The article below addresses some of my gripes:

http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=696&tag=nl.e550

I also feel Vista is grossly overpriced. M$ has such a dominant market share that they can pretty much dictate the price. Not a good thing in the long run for customers.

fritzi93 · #20 08-28-2007, 07:13 AM

Eh, since I linked to the Ed Bott article above, might as well link to the Gutman document. He's the guy George Ou and Ed Bott have been crossing swords with lately.

http://www.cs.auckland.ac.nz/~pgut00...ista_cost.html

Some of what the guy says should be taken seriously. For instance driver revocation, S/PDIF shutoff, etc. However, his phraseology gets emotional at times, which tends to lessen one's credibility. As an example, he says that Microsoft has fought a superpower to a standstill. Huh? Is he referring to the antitrust suit? I had no idea it was an existential, geopolitical struggle.

Anyway, for those interested, there it is.

Monty007 · #21 08-29-2007, 02:32 AM

Well I have had it running on my machine for 5 months and in a VM b4 that, it will improve I would wait till SP1 is released and also a fast PC with 2 gig of ram is sweet!

Airem23 · #22 08-29-2007, 09:45 PM

My PC has 2 gigs of ram and runs vista flawless. Well Almost.

i have no sound damn it.

lol

fritzi93 · #23 08-31-2007, 10:33 AM

I'm curious, anyone reading this networking on Vista? How is it working for you? I've read some discouraging things about it:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2170276,00.asp

tomo123321v2 · #24 09-01-2007, 03:42 AM

it ran fine on my p4 3.4ghz with 2gb ram and nvida 8400ogs with scsi hdd.Infact it was even a bit quicker than xp = ).(disabled uac and a few pointless services)

biggles007 · #25 09-24-2007, 04:13 PM

Vista is trash. The O N L Y reason we have Vista is to give Bill Gates
an extra €10 billion . What is wrong with xp. Maybe the thought there was
weapons of mass distruction hidden in XP

Monty007 · #26 09-27-2007, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fritzi93

I'm curious, anyone reading this networking on Vista? How is it working for you? I've read some discouraging things about it:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,2170276,00.asp

Im running SBS server with 5 PCs 4 xp and 1 Vista. TThe Vista machine works fine on the network. Depends what you know about networking???

Generator · #27 09-27-2007, 08:27 AM

heres the new vista add...:-) http://www.vistax64.com/general-disc...ta-advert.html just click on the arrow to load.

fritzi93 · #28 09-27-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Generator

heres the new vista add...:-) http://www.vistax64.com/general-disc...ta-advert.html just click on the arrow to load.

That's damn funny.

mgcwnd · #29 10-17-2007, 04:57 AM

I am new to this forum, so I may be missing something. I could be the only person here who likes Vista and has no problems using it... other than "cannot rename folder" ... but after much research and much hair-pulling, I was able to resolve that problem. The only big problem I have had is a driver problem for my Epson printer but, when I finally located and installed the updated driver, all is well again. I am extremely careful what is downloaded to my laptop, and a lot of time is spent toward the end of no spam, no viruses. Some call me paranoid, but I try to research everything before it gets to my laptop, not after!!

The biggest problem I have had with Vista is getting used to the "new, better, and improved" look. During the first few days of using Vista, I set everything possible to "classic look." After those few days, I decided, "If you can't lick 'em, join 'em."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Perseverence... no looking back.

fritzi93 · #30 11-22-2007, 03:43 AM

According to the page below, re Vista uptake among IT pros, 90% have "concerns", and 50% have no plans to migrate to Vista:

http://www.computerworlduk.com/manag...fm?newsid=6258

I'm not arguing for or against the validity of the article. Some of the comments/disputes at the bottom of the page are pretty fierce.