I just installed Vista (actually re-installed it) on the wifes new laptop last night.
I, for one, like eye-candy (that is one reason I married my wife! ) and I think, so far, that Vista is a decent OS.
XP is good too, but will not be supported for too much longer, just an FYI.
but will not be supported for too much longer, just an FYI.
You mean what I haven't been able to get for several years now is called SUPPORT!!
I've just gotta find a business where I can create blotted cr@p and just blow off anyone that needs help the way these folks have. Is this in the Hot Section?
Best,
Dave
If need be, buy a new boxed XP on eBay. I just saw XP Home for $81 and XP Pro for $130. I'm sure spending money isn't preferred but if loss of use of existing peripheral equipment and software is an issue, that may be the only resort. I'm sure it's cheaper than an upgrade to newer software and equipment. I'm curious, though. How old are these items?
If need be, buy a new boxed XP on eBay. I just saw XP Home for $81 and XP Pro for $130. I'm sure spending money isn't preferred but if loss of use of existing peripheral equipment and software is an issue, that may be the only resort. I'm sure it's cheaper than an upgrade to newer software and equipment. I'm curious, though. How old are these items?
I too use Linux...but know this, even in the *nix world, unless you are using Debian, there are finite "support" windows for most *nix distros, and in some cases they are shorter than Microsoft has for its products.
Just food for thought.
Actually, I've found support for every problem I've had on the internet through forums or just a google search. I could be lucky, but I've had my fair share of problems (mostly PEBCAK, admittedly), but have always found the solution, including a really weird issue with APCI on my laptop.
Actually, I've found support for every problem I've had on the internet through forums or just a google search. I could be lucky, but I've had my fair share of problems (mostly PEBCAK, admittedly), but have always found the solution, including a really weird issue with APCI on my laptop.
True...I was thinking more of those that do not wish to wade through forums looking for fixes or some question to an esoteric problem.
What do they do right now to fix a Microsoft problem?
Ummm..call support? Not trying to be a smart ass, but most "regular folk" call someone to help or get someone over, they do not spend tons of time online trying to find a fix to a problem they barely understand.
Call Microsoft support? They won't support 99% of computers out there.
Any computer that is built by an OEM (Dell, HP, Compaq, etc) will not be supported by Microsoft. Operating system support is in the hands of the OEM.
Oh you mean call your OEM? You can do that I guess but you'll be speaking to some idiot in India. Unless you problem consists of something simple (plug your mouse in) you'll find yourself digging around on Google and internet forums the same as you do for Linux, which was my point.
OK ...whatever. You have your view, I have mine. I just do not have a hardon against Microsoft like so many others.
Here is a clue for the average user...a computer is NOT a toaster. It is NOT a VCR/DVD player...it is more of a car, sometimes you have to get under the hood to tinker with it or get a mechanic to do so.
Linux is a great OS, but it is NOT the panacea so many seem to make it...it has its bugs, it OS obsolescence, software/hardware incompatibility issues just like Microsoft.
However, there is another option. Before you wipe the hard drive, I would try installing virtual PC which is available for free from microsoft here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/virtualpc/default.mspx
Virtual PC allows you to install other and/or previous operating systems which run in a window on top of Vista. You'll still need a good copy of XP but you won't have to wipe your drive or lose anything that you're using now. When you need to use your legacy hardware, load a virtual PC window, start XP and do what you need.
Final suggestion? Ubuntu Studio Feisty. That's my OS of choice (this was typed in Windows only because I'm testing PilotFreeStuff in Windows).
What's the differences with Feisty? I'm still running Edgy .. but have a
cd here for Feisty I got a couple weeks ago at a conference.
One thing I haven't been able to do is get it to find a 5250 emulation
program to connect to our iSeries. If I could get that I'd probably
dump Windoz on most of our work computers and make a CD for them
to boot from in the stores so they can't mess up the computers putting
crap on them.