Thread: Windows Vista--Thumbs up or thumbs down?

I remember sticking with 98se up until a year ago when I got my first laptop. Of course a year ago 98se wasn't even thought of being packaged with new systems with it's death-day around the corner. I still use 98se for simply roaming the Internet - no real fear of viruses, who targets 98se anymore?
If I tickled the thought of more leisurely activities like graphic design, and got really into it, I'd choose Vista. Until that day comes...
That being said, I'll probably stick with XP until it's discontinued. Stability is a major issue with me and I know that any new-fangled contraption is wobbly straight from the gate. Personally I'd stick with XP.

windows .........









-Until Lou arrives
-whatever (TM)

I'm using XP Media Center. Have heard bad things about Vista, from corporations having it installed for 3 days before uninstalling it and going back to XP because their software didn't work with it, to a owner of the Genealogy chat where I hang out having all sorts of problems (java being the first that comes to mind). I agree, stick with 98se or XP for a year or two longer before you make the jump. I've already decided that this is my last windows os, next computer will be a Mac.

Originally Posted by steve

windows .........









-Until Lou arrives
-whatever (TM)

sucks!!!

-thanks for that, Steve!

-whatever

-Lou

I have vista an haven't had any issues yet, been running it for a couple of months. I went from 98 to vista broadband wouldn't run on 98 or I would still be there. I skiped XP. At work the won't go to vista due to a multitude of DOS based apps. I also hear Ipod and Itunes have issues.
Don

I've been going over this subject for a while now, the problem with vista is its not a "New" operating system its just an upgraded XP, its like the difference between windows 2000 and ME one was the full version one was the newer upgraded version. There a lot of bugs with vista right and im happy with XP and Linux.
Heres an article to read about where Microsoft is going with its O/S.
http://www.informationweek.com/news/...leID=192501131

Okay...this is perfect....just freakin' PERFECT....after posting the above response, I was in the process of entering a more thoughtful, insightful and thouroughly entertaining (if I do say so myself) response...I was working on my fourth paragraph, when my Windows XP locked up. blinked twice and REBOOTED...all of my hard work, my inspiration, my furthereance of the world's body of knowledge with regards to Windows....gone.....poof!...AAARRRRGH!!!!!

So, for the benefit of all my friends here at SRP and the world at large, I shall TRY to reconstruct the posting, but be forewarned.....technical/informative/creative writing is a lot like sex, in that, once interrupted, it's difficult to pick up where you left off and get going again....(actually, in reflecting upon it, sex isn't like that at ALL....restarts take, what?...nano-seconds????)...anyhoo, try to keep up...
==============================

It all started on Sunday...the modem in my Dad's Windows '98 laptop finally gave up the ghost, and, with Father's Day peeking over the horizon, Mom said "Just go get a new laptop, and we'll call it your Father's Day present". She gave him a budget of $1000.

So, being a man wise beyond his (considerable) years, he called me to ask for advice (yeah, I know....I couldn't believe it either!). I unloaded with both barrels...told him EXACTLY what I thought of anything Windows, and strongly recommended a Mac laptop (which would give ME the opportunity to get some 'hands-on' Mac time). So I did a little research, and the closest place that carried Macs was BestBuy in a town (Coeur d'Alene) about 45 minutes away. The cheapest one was $1100...hmmmm, a little over the budge, but hey, what isn't right? Plus, it was Mom's money we were spending, anyway.

So, Monday after work, the old boy picked me up and off we went on a technology field trip.

Our first stop was at a Radio Shack so Dad could pick up an amplified telephone for Mom...while he was paying for the phone, I went over and browsed their (rather limited) display of laptops...and there, on the top of the heap, was a Compaq laptop....$549. Good Grief...a lbrand new laptop computer for $550!!! Since the only one they had left was a display model, they said they would give us an extra year of warranty....

...as much as I hate Windows, I just couldn't bring myself to recommend that he/she spend an extra $550 (ie TWICE the price) to go with a Mac. Dad forked over the dough, and we marched home with a laptop loaded with Vista....I haven't had a chance to play with it, but I'm pretty sure, it will probably suck too, but hey!....we saved Mom $550.

Actually, the ONLY thing that Dad does is cruise the financial sites on the internet...no applications....he occassionally prints up a page or two, does a little email and saves pictures of the grandkids, but that's about it....so he's probably safe there...but, damn, I sure would have liked the opportunity to play with a Mac!

I'll check out the Vista and get back and let you know just how MUCH it sucks...but, be assured, suck it shall!

-whatever

-Lou

Lou,

Hilarious--thanks for adding your insights. I think I can honestly say that in five years of using XP, I can't remember ever having my computer lock up or shut down. Individual programs, like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, yes. Quark XPress--heavens, yes.

Maybe it's your hardware that sucks.

Josh

maybe it's my....dare I say it....computer skills that suck....







....naaaaaaah!!!...it's WINDOWS...

-whatever

-Lou

The jury is still out on Vista.
I use Vista64 ultimate at home. It is great for things like surfing, mailing, working with Office2007 and things like that.

But for development I still prefer XP because Visual Studio does not run natively in 64 bit mode. That will be for the next release.

The reason that corporations and small store owners don't like Vista is that a lot of the legacy software they use does not run on it, but that does not mean Vista is bad.