Windows Vista

[jayadev]

Anyone here have used Windows Vista Beta 2. What are your views regarding Vista. Are the changes only cosmetic or there are some very significant developments done.

[keith]

Why is everyone so excited on getting Windows Vista. First of all, can your system really handle it? If not, then just stick to XP, otherwise you'll probably end up frustrated because things are going to run so slow. Moreover, there'll be lack of drivers since Vista is new to the market.

[lexia]

I've used Vista and there are a lot of changes in it. And I'm not being biased here, either! First off, the UI is considerably different. But, as Keith rightly points out, be sure that your target system can handle the OS demands. MS have an upgrade advisor tool (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/default.mspx) that you can download and it rates your hardware vs. Vista demands.

It's more secure - as a user you are prompted more to control comms to and from your system.

The Instant Search box that you can use to launch apps or search for a document (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/features/foreveryone/searchorg.mspx#more), right from the Windows menu.

[Al]

I'll probably install it when it first comes out as I'm a sucker for new fancy GUIs. I've just ran the Upgrade Advisor and my system is suitable but there's a fair bit of software and drivers that will need upgrading. Surprisingly a lot of the software that isn't compatible is from Microsoft, including Active Sync and SQL Server.

[tater03]

I really don't like to use things like this until they are out for awhile. I have had way to many problems with issues or bugs in general when downloading a newer product. Would just rather wait a few and then decide after it has been out for awhile.

[palefrost]

Im not interested. I just tried the IE8 and hated it i had to uninstall the sucker. Not to mention it kept conflicting with other software in my system. :mad:

[keith]

Im not interested. I just tried the IE8 and hated it i had to uninstall the sucker. Not to mention it kept conflicting with other software in my system. :mad:

Is there IE 8?

[CompWizard]

I have not used Windows Vista b4, but from the delay they had done and all i have gathered from the windows Vista Site, It should be one of the best operating systems ever. Just like lexia said, u will need some serious upgrade and it will be worth it.

[Scott]

I'm sure I'll upgrade, like others I love a new toy/GUI
Next year though for me.

[AzHisoka]

I used Windows Longhorn a year or so ago in a friend's computer. Looked very sleek but had some minor bugs, hoped Windows fixed them before release

[Case]

using Vista Bizz and Ultimate for the last 3 months

Like and don't like it... let me put it this way... Vista has a huge over head and unless you have a great system you miss out on a lot

its actually sad how fast it was cracked not to mention how unsecured it is compared to what they claim... even with the so called NSA help.

[girl]

i try to be the last to be on the vista cause i know how unstable the first versions are....

[Case]

Its not "unstable" at all actually its extremely stable, te 32 bit versions off vista have no problems at all. The only issues that you can crop are

Over head - Typical older systems will run slower than they should I would like to recommend ram alone 2gb or better for those using a system for recreational use multimedia ect.

2. Software incompatibility, some games and some apps wont run in vista because of some major changes. the list is small but if you run some thign specialized this may become a issue for you.

3. x64 Drivers are still a bit hard to find and not perfect. Making x64 versions of Vista not as stable as it should be but this is not vista's fault its the hardware vendors. Right now id stay away form the x64 version of Vista until we get better x64 driver support from hardware vendors.

Other than that vista is stable and runs just as good as XP as long as you have the hardware to fuel it.

We are looking at up to a 20% sales increase on retail systems because of vista because of its overhead.

[Ommadon]

I've didn't try yet Vista. I have enough of XP. But all in all I think I'll try it soon :))

[Carter_23]

I've use Vista already a week. Well I like it. I think my games now run better :))

[Al]

I saw a demo of Vista last week at CES and I must admit the slickness of the GUI impressed me. I know I really shouldn't/don't need to upgrade but I might just have to :).

[keith]

The slickness must be due to a real powerful video card installed. Anyway, it just a suggestion that if anyone is interested in getting a Vista, make sure a good video card is the priority, otherwise the effect won't be as impressive.

[Case]

The slickness must be due to a real powerful video card installed. Anyway, it just a suggestion that if anyone is interested in getting a Vista, make sure a good video card is the priority, otherwise the effect won't be as impressive.


Actually your wrong... The gui is indeed DirectX accelerated but the GUI is not a video game it does not need a top of the line video card.... your mistaken if you think this... a card with 256 or better is plenty in fact 128mb card is fine...

Just be sure that there are drivers for it. a Card released within the last 2 years will be ok. If you are gaming of course you want a much newer card but if your doing office apps having any thing from a Geforce 7 Series up is not a problem, Even a 6 series should be ok.

[proxops-pete]

GUI needs DX9 capable video card. But still, unless you can grab Vista thru some kind of discount, the pricing is ridiculous. I'm gonna have to wait...

[koen]

I'm being told that you need one of the most expensive versions of Vista of you want to run it under Apple Intel. Not that I was actually about to get it :cool: , it just made me feel....: :mad: mad.

[Case]

I'm being told that you need one of the most expensive versions of Vista of you want to run it under Apple Intel. Not that I was actually about to get it :cool: , it just made me feel....: :mad: mad.

Thats not true... at all matter a fact...

[Taggart]

As for re-installing Vista if you had to, I've read that it comes with only two digital keys, so you're limited to two installations.

Is that true?

[Al]

You should be able to re-install on the same PC as many times as you like, but if you want to install it on more than one PC you'd need to but more licenses.

[Case]

As for re-installing Vista if you had to, I've read that it comes with only two digital keys, so you're limited to two installations.

Is that true?

you can reinstall on the same system as much as you want. What you are referring to is upgrades Vista takes a fingerprint of you hardware details and only allows two major hardware changes IE Mobo, Processor, or a combination of 4 major items IE Vidcard, Ram, Soundcard all in one upgrade.

it is part of their anti piracy BS

[Scott]

I've been running Vista for a few days now, installed the 32 bit Ultimate upgrade and no major problems at all, quite like it actually.

A couple of programs needed tweaked to get them working, all my software apps work now.

Had to remove & reinstall AVG
WS FTP Pro stopped working but they have released a temp version that works through their support.
iTunes needs to be run in compatibility mode for XP SP2
Battlefield 2 needs to be run as an Administrator

All other SQL tools,programs are fine and I upgraded keeping all files/settings in place which was harmless.

[Al]

Did you actually pay for the upgrade Scott or did you get it as an coupon offer with your PC?

[Scott]

No I paid for it, through the nose too.
Tax year end coming up in April and hardly any expenses so {shrug} £250 I think it was.

[Mark_HTC]

i have to say, i installed windows vista Ultimate last night, and i am EXTREMELY pleased with it, i had NO issues whats so ever while installing. no hardware or software issues ( except live messenger, but it works perfect)

it is an awful lot like mac os.. wonder why that is :p

[Al]

I've succumbed and just order Vista Ultimate, like Scott I'm using the end of the tax year as my valid reason (yeah right).

[Case]

i have to say, i installed windows vista Ultimate last night, and i am EXTREMELY pleased with it, i had NO issues whats so ever while installing. no hardware or software issues ( except live messenger, but it works perfect)

it is an awful lot like mac os.. wonder why that is :p

I think its a mistake to say its like OSX when its not it may have some Styling but the OS its self are two different things... Thats like saying the Zune is like the ipod if it came in a white/chrome version.

the Gui is still drastically different.

[Mark_HTC]

i hear what your saying, by saying its like OSX, i mean it has many of the same features, i was implying its finally caught up with apple in terms of stability.

i like vista :D

[Al]

Mine's currently in transit with an estimated delivery of Mar 14th, so that's one day I'll not be getting any work done.

[keith]

Mine's currently in transit with an estimated delivery of Mar 14th, so that's one day I'll not be getting any work done.

Aren't you worried that you might be "spied" by Microsoft? Hehehe....

[Al]

Aren't you worried that you might be "spied" by Microsoft? Hehehe....

Well it's only fair to let Microsoft know as much about me as Google do.

[Al]

It's just turned up now so if you don't see me again the upgrade wasn't exactly smooth.

[Scott]

It's just turned up now so if you don't see me again the upgrade wasn't exactly smooth.

Hehe, as long as you have a laptop or some way of gooling if things go t*ts up :) I believe that going 64 bit means a fresh install from what I could gather so I went 32 bit ultimate upgrade.

Best of luck Al!

[keith]

It's just turned up now so if you don't see me again the upgrade wasn't exactly smooth.

Good luck, Al... hope to see you soon.

[Al]

It's installing now, so far it's at 38% gathering files, sorry 39% no I mean 41% ok I'll stop the live reporting now.

[keith]

Congrats!! I see that you are still "LIVE" online. hehehe... I guess, by now your system is fully converted to Windows Vista?

[Al]

I'll be doing a big ranting post on this later, it's the first time I've seen a BSOD in a long time. Not fun.

[keith]

I'll be doing a big ranting post on this later, it's the first time I've seen a BSOD in a long time. Not fun.

Haha.... Oh yes, please do (in detail). I'd really love to get a feel of your experience with Windows Vista.

[Al]

Haha.... Oh yes, please do (in detail). I'd really love to get a feel of your experience with Windows Vista.
Keith you're a sadist, any how here's my Vista rant (http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20070313/rant-vista/).

[keith]

Keith you're a sadist, any how here's my Vista rant (http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/20070313/rant-vista/).

Come on, Al. You know me, I aren't that bad *wink* hehehe :P

But, after reading your rant post, I guess that Vista isn't really advised for the moment. May have to wait for a year or 2 for it to mature.

[Case]

First of all Al your first mistake was doing a upgrade... you should know by now from any past experience the best upgrade is a CLEAN INSTALL, no OS upgrade goes flawless. So im going to leave that alone being its the root of most of your problems of Vista.

I have vista x32 running on 4 systems now all home built with the exception of a dell M50 Workstation laptop. OLD AS THE HILLS. Yet every thing runs flawlessly on two of the 4 systems also has the x64 version installed also flawless.

The only issues that crop up is driver support depending on the situation but more so in x64.

There is several problems with doing a Vista Upgrade from a older OS and it just creates so may issues it just does not make any sense AT ALL to do anything but a fresh install.. I will never profesionaly do a "upgrade" and i will never personally do a upgrade on my own system. If a client ever asked for a upgrade i just wont do it its just my policy as well as many others i know.

There is a reason the whole "upgrade" thing with vista came around on /., gizmodo, engadget, and the rest of the mass blog media 100 times over with the consistent issues that it would create..

My install rough check list:

1. I recommend to have your flavor of vista on a DVD ready to go. Prior to the install get every single Vista driver you can on a DVD/CD stuff like printers you don't all ways find a vista and can get away using a XP driver in x32. Make sure your BIOS is up to date and every thing is configured properly. I would also do a Scandisk and a defrag if your going to dualboot off the same drive.

2. Boot the PC with the Vista installation DVD. At some point, the setup program will ask you to insert a product key. Click "Next." Setup will now ask you if you want to insert a key at this point.

3. Those of you who want to do the activation than you want to do this now... The paranoid and people who hate MS that did buy a copy (im not posting this or encouraging piracy) but there are plenty reasons for those to avoid activation. This is were you DON'T want to enter a key by saying no and the more tech savvy users will go to the "crack" later in the OS that i WILL NOT ELABORATE ON after the install finishes.

5. When Vista first boots, you want to get right into installing drivers for your motherboard and core components don't worry about video card right away its no where as important to get most of the core hardware on the first past before a reboot. Once you get all your drivers installed and rebooted enough times to make you slap happy your set to start installing software and importting old settings and files from your old OS. Remember XP has a feature to export and backup your settings MORE REASON NOT TO DO A UPGRADE.

6. At this point if your one of the people who don't like the activation processes and don't want to do the activation this is that time you take care of that issue... again don't ask me to tell you how i wont tell you.

----

Now am i saying the OS is is omg must get? no... I my self am dual booting for evaluation purposes by September with out a doubt all system's will have vista running on them for me at the latest and earliest middle of this year.

If buying a new computer and you have the option for vista, GET IT. If you have a system and running XP and no real reason to upgrade (IE: OMG I NEED DX10 FOR XX GAME or im a Trend whore and need to have the latest greatest) well theres no reason to run out and move over to vista right now.

The OS is pretty, it adds a nice lace thong to your OS from Victoria secret if you will, some thing only the OSX fanbois had for a long time. It adds a few neat features, i love the Ctrl+tab feature but its not going to make me work any better just more fun. It has some "neat" features but again nothing to warrant any joe shmoe to run out and upgrade unless you care about looks.

I can understand if you have a office that runs Vista now and need to sync a laptop or home system with the new Remote desktop and calibration features than great go out and upgrade.

If your like Al and just want to get it now because of a money thing a deal or some thing than buy it and let the box collect some dust till SP1 or you have a real reason to install it other than being bored and wanting some thing new.

[Al]

Thanks for the very long hand slap there Case. I do agree and normally I would never do an upgrade, I just rushed into things some what and couldn't be bothered to re-install all my apps.

Touch wood things do seem to of settled down now though so hopefully I'll stop complaining.

[Case]

lol I just hate doing things wrong im a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to some things i guess..

[keith]

Brilliant advice, Case :)

[Case]

no not really... Brilliant advice would be to borrow the sledge hammer i have constructed from rebar (yes that was a fun DIY Project) and smash the vista CD with it... and install Gentoo... that would be brilliant... but why would any one be brilliant? to hell with that..

[stocky]

lol...lol...

[terryshaw09]

i am using vista also and i like it more than xp.

[amyjones09]

I hate Vista, i just got a memory upgrade for my vista machine and now vista wants me to acquire a new windows license.

[kiko]

yaeh, i also like some new gadgets, i think it is worthy to upgrate it

[armasravi]

When I got my new laptop it came with vista, but I quickly replaced with XP since there where too many problems.

This was before the service pack, but I don't really feel like trying it again in the near future.

[mike007]

Hi jayadev well yea i have used windows vista beta 2 , well i think the graphics are very nice but i stil like xp. its very fast and i like to do my work on x.p....