Posted by TitleGalCA on 10/30/06 10:59pm
Msg #156339

Windows Vista

I need a new computer in the worst way. I'm so tempted to go with a wireless notebook as the idea of sitting at the kitchen table to check email sounds like the equivalent to having Eggs Benedict three times a week without the cholesteral. And I'm tempted to buy one RIGHT NOW.

I've heard some great review of Windows Vista. Over the weekend, Leo LaPort (sp) of KFI said it was just "cool" the way things were laid out in Windows Vista and the security and functionality of it.

I'm thinking I should wait until January/February 2007, for the "installed" version. Yet, all the notebooks I'm looking at say "compatible for Windows Vista". You can download the update later, but it will cost you.

Any opinions from the Techies? Would appreciate the advice, much thanks in advance.

Reply by Larry/Ca on 10/30/06 11:05pm
Msg #156340

I needed one right now as.....

mine died saturday. Bought a Dell and they are giving me a certificate so I can get the Vista upgrade for $10 when it comes out.

Reply by KBLedgard_CA on 10/30/06 11:06pm
Msg #156341

TG, check your email.

Reply by Gerry_VT on 10/30/06 11:23pm
Msg #156347

I'd ask for something in writing that Dell, Gateway, or whatever manufacturer will support the computer after Vista is installed just as they would with XP. Typically manufacturers don't want to support you if you upgrade the operating system.

Reply by Larry/Ca on 10/30/06 11:26pm
Msg #156351

Really, I already bought.....

it and you think that after I install the upgrade the won't warranty it?

Reply by Gerry_VT on 10/30/06 11:28pm
Msg #156354

Re: Really, I already bought.....

Well, if smoke comes out of the back, I imagine they'll honor the warranty, but I'm not so sure about support for any software problems.

Reply by Larry/Ca on 10/30/06 11:32pm
Msg #156358

Guess that's o.k. as I.....

had to get a new one now anyway and I like XP well enough.

Reply by ME/NJ on 10/30/06 11:41pm
Msg #156363

Never ever use a New Microsoft product

Until the bugs are worked out, give it a few months before you upgrade. Plus Vista is for the dual core systems.

Reply by TitleGalCA on 10/30/06 11:47pm
Msg #156364

But, won't the bugs BE worked out?

When it is introduced early next year? I thought that was the purpose of the Beta program.

And - for Windows XP - I recall an exact similar situation. Are you saying not to buy this?

Reply by ME/NJ on 10/30/06 11:53pm
Msg #156365

I would not buy it for awhile I know MS record with OS n/m

Reply by Jason on 10/31/06 9:57am
Msg #156410

Look at MargaretFL posts

re ID theft over last cpl wks.

If I remember right, the info was stolen from the air while she was on her wireless in a parking lot. Correct me if I'm wrong, M.

I've heard reports on NPRadio about ID thieves who just drive around in nice neighborhoods during evenings when people are on their cmptrs.

Scary stuff. Not just for us but also for the brwrs. We have their data on our downloads.

I'm not going wireless tho I'd like to.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 10/31/06 12:49pm
Msg #156442

Wireless is safe...

... as long as you secure your network. That means enabling security on the router, changing the default admin password, turning off file-sharing, etc. A firewall is essential, especially if you're going to be using public wi-fi spots. The one that comes with Windows XP is better than nothing, but it's inbound only - you need something that will also warn you about programs that are trying to get out. ZoneAlarm is a pretty good one, and it's free.

If I remember Margaret's post correctly, she said she found a key-logging program on her computer. How it got there is anyone's guess, but a good firewall would stop it when it tries to phone home with the data it was grabbing. The fact that she was on a wireless connection may have just been a coincidence - you're just as vulnerable wired as you are wireless, unless you take precautions.

The only thing inherently dangerous about wireless is that the manufacturers sell the devices with all security settings disabled, and then don't clearly explain to the user how to properly secure themselves - or why they should bother doing so.

Reply by Carolyn Bodley on 10/31/06 3:39pm
Msg #156462

Re: Wireless is safe...Mike

You're so right Mike. Without setting up the encryption, it's like leaving the chicken house door open for the fox. I have no desire to go into them, but there are two computers in my neighborhood that have no encryption that all my computers can see. I'm assuming they are pretty close, unless I've got one terrific strong signal. I've asked the neighbors on each side of me if their system is called such and such or such and such because I have access to their computers, and they reply in the negative. It would be like taking candy from a baby if I really wanted to see the contents of these computers, but I just let the owners and their computers patiently sit in the background of my own wireless network.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 10/31/06 6:47pm
Msg #156474

Re: Wireless is safe...Mike

I live in a garden apartment complex, and there are at least a dozen wireless networks in range. Only mine and two others have encryption enabled; all of the others are wide open, and most have the default network name ("linksys" or "netgear", which usually means they haven't even changed the admin password.

I have a friend who is a newspaper photographer, and needs to transmit his photos back to the office as quickly as possible. He has a device that sits on his dashboard and alerts him when there is an open wireless network available - he just connects to whatever is available and uses that to transmit his stuff. Nice, huh?

Reply by Jahari Davis on 10/31/06 11:00am
Msg #156424

Sue, regarding your computer...

I'm guessing based on your comment about wireless, you dont have wireless capabilities. which means its likely two years or more old. If you're looking to do it on the cheap, have the hard drive wiped and a fresh install of XP Home or XP Professional installed on it. Get a RAM upgrade and buy a USB wireless adapter. If you're set on a new system, go for a Dell system. Right now they make the best laptop, hands down. If you are looking for a Dell bargain, I highly recommend their Dell Outlet site as there are refurbs, scratch and dent, and cancelled orders for sale there. I'd stick with XP for at least another year because I know Microsoft will release service packs for Vista once its out. I say this because many are still working out issues related to Windows XP Media Center. Once Microsoft gets past SP2 for Vista, you can pretty much bet that most of the serious bugs and overlooked issues are worked out.

Link for Dell Outlet site:
http://www.dell.com/content/default.aspx?c=us&cs=22&l=en&s=dfh

Reply by jlissem on 10/31/06 5:19pm
Msg #156469

You would have done well in the USMC. Always glad to have someone to walk point on missions.