Posted by Sandra Clark on 5/12/09 10:58am
Msg #288126

Techie question

Read in my local paper that Windows is going to replace Vista with a system named Windows 7 sometime around the holiday season. Wanting to purchase new computer but...with changes coming have to decide now or later. Have any you techno smarties heard anything about this and if so, what's the scoop?

Reply by MistarellaFL on 5/12/09 10:59am
Msg #288127

PAW knows it all about this

He's mentioned it a few times.

Reply by Gary_CA on 5/12/09 11:01am
Msg #288129

I'd wait

Vista is a horrid operating system. Windows 7 can't be any worse and there are signs and rumors that it might be much better.

Of course when it first comes out it'll be buggy too, until they get the first Service Pak out.

Reply by jba/fl on 5/12/09 11:03am
Msg #288130

Yes, this is true. It is to be much better than Vista. The beta version has been with many gurus for a while now, bugs worked out according to actual usage of program(s). Vast improvements according to my guru.

Reply by Sandra Clark on 5/12/09 11:09am
Msg #288131

I figured I should wait. I dreaded the thought of buying a new one because of Vista - so now I'm glad I waited.

Reply by PAW on 5/12/09 12:13pm
Msg #288142

Yes, the next version of the Windows OS will be "Windows7". (It might get another name between now and it's official release.) Win7 should be a hybrid OS combining all the good features of Win XP with Vista. It is scheduled for release in late fall to early winter timeframe. However, with Mickeysoft's track record of releasing stable and complete OSes, I wouldn't hold my breath.

If you're looking for a new computer, I suggest getting one with Vista Business (32-bit, not the 64-bit version) that also has an installed downgrade to Windows XP w/SP2. They should be upward compatible for Win7 installation when the time comes. The one I'm looking at to purchase now is HP dc5800 NV378UA Desktop Computer. It runs XP Pro with the Vista Business discs in the box.

Reply by Sandra Clark on 5/12/09 12:57pm
Msg #288150

PAW as usual you have outdone yourself in giving a brief synopsis that understandable by me (a computer challenged, know enuff to be dangerous lady) and I'm sure many others on the boards. I am comfortable in checking out the system you're looking at because my puter is acting up and need to buy sooner than later. Again, many thanks for your time and expertise in responding.

Reply by Vince/KS on 5/12/09 1:03pm
Msg #288151

I’ll go out on a limb and say that I recently built a new system with Vista Ultimate 64 bit. The system uses an Intel I-7 processor and has 6gb ram installed and a really good video card. The system is fast and better than anything I’ve had to date. It’s not perfect. Many programs are not compatible with the 64 bit Vista, but that was known before purchase by visiting the compatibility website. I feel really archaic with the new system and it takes time to adjust to where things are (then again - I liked the simplicity of DOS and Unix).

As the system is on a network (two have Vista Home Premium [one 32 bit one 64 bit] and one XP Pro), it doesn’t necessarily play nicely with the other computers. To keep reasonable print speed on all printers, they are no longer networked as the drivers for each do not communicate as well as they should between operating systems. Instead, I’ll send the file over to whatever computer is attached and print it from there or use a thumb to print directly.

The primary work programs used on the new system are the full Windows Office 2007 (mostly Outlook, Word, Power Point and Excel), Laplink Gold (latest version), WordPerfect Suite (yes it’s redundant, but some customers use it instead of Word), Adobe 9 Pro, Norton Internet Security, and Internet Explorer 8. Gone, but really missed is Lotus 123. The grand-kids tell me it’s awesome for games when they are here on the weekend.

My neighbor is an IBM mainframe engineer and talks with pc hobbyists about the Windows 7 beta version being tested by many. So far, since it is not a full version, it is unknown how it will handle all the various software out there, but the early reports have been reasonably good - with many fixes sent on the two beta versions used so far. How drivers are loaded has been a frequent reported problem with the beta version.

Reply by Steven Pearce on 5/12/09 1:40pm
Msg #288157

Get a Mac, you don't have all these

lousy programming problems. I quit Windows and went to Mac about two to three years ago and have never had any problems.

I have also saved money by not having to buy constant upgrades or downloading patches. Plus, all those viruses out there don't bother Macs.

Reply by PAW on 5/12/09 1:46pm
Msg #288159

Re: Get a Mac, you don't have all these

Another point of view - http://tinyurl.com/5kxfvw

Reply by Steven Pearce on 5/12/09 2:03pm
Msg #288161

Yes, sooner or later that was bound to happen

but as a convert, I still maintain that Macs are a superior product to the Windows, much like betamax is superior to VHS.

Windows went after market share while Mac built a quality system.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 5/12/09 10:17pm
Msg #288216

All due respect, Steven

As a purchaser of the first Mac system ever offered to the general public in mass, and a continuing owner of a G4 (just for play, at this point), the Apple system at the beginning was superior. Marketing made the difference. Because Windows is still the system in 92% of all computers, that is what the virus writers write for. Talk to a programmer, it takes a lot of work to write a virus and these people want their efforts to affect the most people. If you are never attacked, then you don't have any issues. Look at it this way. If you had a twin brother and you both stood side by side and I started beating on you and your brother was left alone, who would look better at the end of the day. Also, If I continued beating on you, who would learn to defend himself better, you or your brother? If I came back in a month, I bet you would be better able to defend yourself, so I might begin attacking your brother, who is probably still a whimp. So it is with PC and Mac.

Windows has gotten really good at defending itself, while Apple is kind of resting on it's reputation for not being bothered by viruses and Apples programmers are paying more attention to iPhones and iPods than security for their operating system. Because Windows is getting so good at defending themselves, the virus and spyware writers are beginning to turn themselves to a practically defenseless prey. I just helped my son in law rid his Mac of a virus especially written for Mac that wiped his hard drive. Fortunately, he was using the new Mac version of Carbonite (at my recommendation) and once we reloaded his OS, then we were able to restore his data.

So pay attention to PAW's article, and get that antivirus for Mac. Just like Windows in the early days, when the storm hits, there will be problems. Actually, if you hit the Apple boards you will begin to find some of the issues that are beginning to arise. And Apple really does not have any experienced soldiers in place to fight the battle. Like my son in law, about all that is available right now is to make sure you are backed up to something and watch your surfing habits.

Personally, my mainstream computer is a PC. Lots more gagets for the money. When I surf the 'net I am usually running Linux. I have it set as a dual-boot, so even if something gets on there that affects Linux, I can just re-boot from my Windows hard drive.

Good Luck. You'll need it if you don't watch out ....

Reply by MW/VA on 5/12/09 2:41pm
Msg #288168

FWIW, I needed a new computer last fall & purchased a Dell Vostro Desktop with WinXPProf.
It's the first Dell I have purchased, as I was pretty much HP all the way. I could "build" the Dell just the way I wanted on the website. They are one of the few that offer the alternative to Vista, and I have not dealt with Vista at all. I don't know anything about Macs, but have heard many go that route to bypass the all the MS empire issues. My 1 1/2 cents.