Comments on: How Long Should You Hold Out With Windows XP? http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/ Helping Normal People Get Their Geek On Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:17:25 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: john http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-11549 john Tue, 01 Jul 2008 01:17:44 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-11549 Vista is a slap in the face to consumers. The reason it's so resource intensive is the ungodly vista DRM system which comprises the #1 bigest deference from XP. These servieces must authorize your video and audio subsystems 30 times per second , monitor titlt bits the vendors must build into thier hardware to be licensed as vista complatable. Tilt bit's can be anything from a minor voltage fluxuation to god knows what and looking at the pinball anology it's designed to dump the relted subsystem , yes they would prefer to crash rather than risk any possible , change that you are say watching video on an unsupported device at full resolution with out full DRM compliance. Also to be compliant the vendors software must be closed source. I recently found that I could not longer play , DVD's or watch netflix instant watch movies as MS revoked DRM right's insisting I upgrade my graphics card driver and then I must according to netflix and MS "reset my DRM" a process which means I may never play any content I purchased from amazon unboxed and many of my other media will be lost for ever. MS knowledge base politly suggests that while I may not be able to watch my previously purchased content ever again I will be free to enjoy future protected content and ends in "this behavoir is by design" another word buy your content again and again and do so at our whim. If you think it's even about protecting copyrights your wrong as those who steal movies on P2P are unaffected and those who rip HD dvd video (the encryption was cracked in less than a week when a programer found he could not play his new store bought DVD on Vista incidentaily) Microsoft like many comapanies has run out of things to add to their software to justify a new purchase and wishes to move to a subscription based sales model for future versions of windows (they filed a rather unerving patent on this) Core windows os cheap or free but want dircet x and hardware video acceleration ? Purchase the 3D gaming module only $7 a month. Want to use all of your hard drive it will cost you ? Welcome to the world where your own hardware is held for ransom until you pay to enable it's features, and where you rent your software and your computers hardware and software environment is constantly analysed for licence compliance. We are seeing the beginings of this technology today and while it seems harmless the day is fast aproaching where the sofware creators dictate how you may use your PC and will revoke your right to use your hardware at will. Also anything they can claim as being a content protection system is illegal to turn off , analyze or attempt to circumvent under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copy right Act) I'm dumping MS for Ubuntu as Microsofts tactics will soon escalate to the unreasonable. Your already paying in rscources for hog of an os designed to police you at your expense. it's less stable and more restrictive ( more secure who told you that one, just wait until a virus author decides to shake those hair trigger tilt bits and you have a DOS attact where security proffesionals and AV software legally can't stop your computer from blacking out, better reinstall your OS after you get permision to have your license activated again that is) Wait Vista has UAC yay. The equivilent of doing an XP "runas command" while running as a non admin or like when using the unix root account for a non privleged account (that ones been around for like what over 10 years ?.) This is new ? Direct x 10 is vista only huh oh better upgrade for that since there is nothing of value in vista that could not have been added or dose not already exsist in XP. They are beting on the fact that they own the market and users are dumb. A little PR spin, a shiney new set of OSX like icons and half assed clones of OSX features, and a faux security model for stupid users that can't under stand what to do and not do on their own to be secure, and they can blatently rape their customers and most of them never even realize it. Just how far is too far ? As far as we the consumer will allow them to go and the longer we abide blindly the harder , and more painfull it will be to say no that's the line , you crossed it I will not buy your product even if it mean's I can not play X game or watch x movie or use x application so long as it's on windows and windows is an insulting consumer nightmare I will demand alternitives and be willing to pay for them on another OS. Vista is a slap in the face to consumers. The reason it’s so resource intensive is the ungodly vista DRM system which comprises the #1 bigest deference from XP. These servieces must authorize your video and audio subsystems 30 times per second , monitor titlt bits the vendors must build into thier hardware to be licensed as vista complatable. Tilt bit’s can be anything from a minor voltage fluxuation to god knows what and looking at the pinball anology it’s designed to dump the relted subsystem , yes they would prefer to crash rather than risk any possible , change that you are say watching video on an unsupported device at full resolution with out full DRM compliance. Also to be compliant the vendors software must be closed source. I recently found that I could not longer play , DVD’s or watch netflix instant watch movies as MS revoked DRM right’s insisting I upgrade my graphics card driver and then I must according to netflix and MS “reset my DRM” a process which means I may never play any content I purchased from amazon unboxed and many of my other media will be lost for ever. MS knowledge base politly suggests that while I may not be able to watch my previously purchased content ever again I will be free to enjoy future protected content and ends in “this behavoir is by design” another word buy your content again and again and do so at our whim. If you think it’s even about protecting copyrights your wrong as those who steal movies on P2P are unaffected and those who rip HD dvd video (the encryption was cracked in less than a week when a programer found he could not play his new store bought DVD on Vista incidentaily) Microsoft like many comapanies has run out of things to add to their software to justify a new purchase and wishes to move to a subscription based sales model for future versions of windows (they filed a rather unerving patent on this) Core windows os cheap or free but want dircet x and hardware video acceleration ? Purchase the 3D gaming module only $7 a month. Want to use all of your hard drive it will cost you ? Welcome to the world where your own hardware is held for ransom until you pay to enable it’s features, and where you rent your software and your computers hardware and software environment is constantly analysed for licence compliance. We are seeing the beginings of this technology today and while it seems harmless the day is fast aproaching where the sofware creators dictate how you may use your PC and will revoke your right to use your hardware at will. Also anything they can claim as being a content protection system is illegal to turn off , analyze or attempt to circumvent under the DMCA (Digital Millenium Copy right Act) I’m dumping MS for Ubuntu as Microsofts tactics will soon escalate to the unreasonable. Your already paying in rscources for hog of an os designed to police you at your expense. it’s less stable and more restrictive ( more secure who told you that one, just wait until a virus author decides to shake those hair trigger tilt bits and you have a DOS attact where security proffesionals and AV software legally can’t stop your computer from blacking out, better reinstall your OS after you get permision to have your license activated again that is) Wait Vista has UAC yay. The equivilent of doing an XP “runas command” while running as a non admin or like when using the unix root account for a non privleged account (that ones been around for like what over 10 years ?.) This is new ? Direct x 10 is vista only huh oh better upgrade for that since there is nothing of value in vista that could not have been added or dose not already exsist in XP. They are beting on the fact that they own the market and users are dumb. A little PR spin, a shiney new set of OSX like icons and half assed clones of OSX features, and a faux security model for stupid users that can’t under stand what to do and not do on their own to be secure, and they can blatently rape their customers and most of them never even realize it. Just how far is too far ? As far as we the consumer will allow them to go and the longer we abide blindly the harder , and more painfull it will be to say no that’s the line , you crossed it I will not buy your product even if it mean’s I can not play X game or watch x movie or use x application so long as it’s on windows and windows is an insulting consumer nightmare I will demand alternitives and be willing to pay for them on another OS.

]]> By: Jerry Koske http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-8727 Jerry Koske Sat, 15 Mar 2008 15:41:18 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-8727 I am running 64 bit Vista on my main desktop. It allows me to address all 4 GB of memory in the machine. With a 32 bit OS (XP or Vista) I could only use a little over 3 GB memory. I do need to use virtualization to run apps that will not run on Vista, So I am running a virtual XP machine using VMWARE. So far, this seems to be a good solution for me. I am running 64 bit Vista on my main desktop. It allows me to address all 4 GB of memory in the machine. With a 32 bit OS (XP or Vista) I could only use a little over 3 GB memory. I do need to use virtualization to run apps that will not run on Vista, So I am running a virtual XP machine using VMWARE. So far, this seems to be a good solution for me.

]]> By: Gifin http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-8668 Gifin Thu, 13 Mar 2008 02:59:26 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-8668 The real answer is: until you can get Linux working for you or get a Mac Pro with OS X delivered. I have finally made the break. I am tired of Microsuck delivering half finished, slow, bloated operating systems that are as secure as a sieve and require a mini-mainframe to work. Vista basic, what a joke. They want us to keep paying them to re-invent the wheel. Sorry, time to move on, I am really impressed with the Dell I got with Ubuntu pre-installed. I also like the Mac Pro, which I will probably turn into a server. OS X has all the control of a UNIX box and the GUI for my more timid associates, what a deal. It even runs my XP copy using Parallels, which I like better than the Mac bootcamp, but it works well also and may change my mind. I have one box with Vista and I am scrapping together the drivers to run either XP or 2K if I can, if not I will run through the Linux distributions until I find one I like. The real answer is: until you can get Linux working for you or get a Mac Pro with OS X delivered.

I have finally made the break. I am tired of Microsuck delivering half finished, slow, bloated operating systems that are as secure as a sieve and require a mini-mainframe to work. Vista basic, what a joke. They want us to keep paying them to re-invent the wheel.

Sorry, time to move on, I am really impressed with the Dell I got with Ubuntu pre-installed. I also like the Mac Pro, which I will probably turn into a server. OS X has all the control of a UNIX box and the GUI for my more timid associates, what a deal. It even runs my XP copy using Parallels, which I like better than the Mac bootcamp, but it works well also and may change my mind.

I have one box with Vista and I am scrapping together the drivers to run either XP or 2K if I can, if not I will run through the Linux distributions until I find one I like.

]]> By: wjperry http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-8611 wjperry Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:12:41 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-8611 How long will updates through Microsoft be available for Win XP? For me that's the major concern. I would just as soon stick with XP forever, well almost ever!!! How long will updates through Microsoft be available for Win XP? For me that’s the major concern. I would just as soon stick with XP forever, well almost ever!!!

]]> By: Peter http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-8607 Peter Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:34:21 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-8607 I've been supporting PC's since the heady days of DOS 2! Vista is the first Windows OS I've installed before SP1 and I LOVE IT! I've fully upgraded here at the office to Vista Business (25+ PC's) and at home to Vista Ultimate. So far, we've had not one problem with hardware and only one application that can't run under Vista - AIB Business Banking, which I have a dual boot system for. PC's are godd spec, not fantastice - Dualcore P4 2 or 3 GHz, 1 - 2 GB RAM, 80+GB SATA HDD. I can honestly say that the number of support calls from my users (who are not techno-philes!) has dropped by at least 50% since I put up Vista. I suggest that anyone who is thinking about Vista go for it. It works and it's much more stable than XP. I’ve been supporting PC’s since the heady days of DOS 2! Vista is the first Windows OS I’ve installed before SP1 and I LOVE IT! I’ve fully upgraded here at the office to Vista Business (25+ PC’s) and at home to Vista Ultimate. So far, we’ve had not one problem with hardware and only one application that can’t run under Vista – AIB Business Banking, which I have a dual boot system for. PC’s are godd spec, not fantastice – Dualcore P4 2 or 3 GHz, 1 – 2 GB RAM, 80+GB SATA HDD. I can honestly say that the number of support calls from my users (who are not techno-philes!) has dropped by at least 50% since I put up Vista.
I suggest that anyone who is thinking about Vista go for it. It works and it’s much more stable than XP.

]]> By: Technology http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-8555 Technology Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:18:04 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-8555 Windows Xp is good and stable windows for normal and average pc's .Vista requires a highly configured computer which most people dont hav they have to upgrade their pc for that Windows Xp is good and stable windows for normal and average pc’s .Vista requires a highly configured computer which most people dont hav they have to upgrade their pc for that

]]> By: Craig http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-8506 Craig Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:31:05 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-8506 I'll do like I did with my old OS 3.1 before I upgraded to XP, I'll run it till I cann't run it anylonger and then I will switch to the latest OS on the market. Hopfuly it won't be Vista!! I’ll do like I did with my old OS 3.1 before I upgraded to XP, I’ll run it till I cann’t run it anylonger and then I will switch to the latest OS on the market. Hopfuly it won’t be Vista!!

]]> By: garth http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-8501 garth Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:36:30 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-8501 like lots of people i have my pc installed as a dual boot, i used to do 50/50 between xp and vista, and used xp for my games, but its mostly 90/10 vista now, now i've got a ps3 10% only accounts for code testing and apps that dont work on vista due to some driver issues or syntax change or what not like lots of people i have my pc installed as a dual boot, i used to do 50/50 between xp and vista, and used xp for my games, but its mostly 90/10 vista now, now i’ve got a ps3

10% only accounts for code testing and apps that dont work on vista due to some driver issues or syntax change or what not

]]> By: krisia2006 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-8487 krisia2006 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:28:40 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-8487 Tried Vista, went back to XP for my games. I'd wipe XP/Vista from my puters today, if more games would support Linux. :) Tried Vista, went back to XP for my games.
I’d wipe XP/Vista from my puters today, if more games would support Linux. :)

]]> By: KEN PFITZER http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/comment-page-1/#comment-8480 KEN PFITZER Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:07:18 +0000 http://www.pcmech.com/article/how-long-should-you-hold-out-with-windows-xp/#comment-8480 I BUILT MY COMPUTER ABOUT 10 MONTHS AGO AND I AM DUAL BOOTING WITH XP AND VISTA. WAS MAINLY USING XP UNTIL RECENTLY. WITH DDR2 MEMORY SO CHEAP I UPGRADED TO 4 GIGS AND AM NOW USING VISTA REGUARLY. SINCE MICROSOFT RELEASED SOME COMPATABILITY PATCHES I CAN USE ALMOST ALL OF MY OLD SOFTWARE, AND THE ONES THAT DONT I ONLY USE RARELY. I BOUGHT THE RETAIL VERSION SO I CAN GET VISTA 64 BIT FOR JUST SHIPPING BECAUSE MEMORY REQUIREMENTS ARE SLOWLY PUSHING US PAST THE 4 GIG LIMIT IN A 32 BIT OS. IM SURE THE NEXT WINDOWS WILL BE 64 BIT ONLY. VISTA RUNS EXTREMELY WELL WITH 4 GIGS OF MEMORY AND IS VERY STABLE TOO. JUST MY 2 CENTS. I BUILT MY COMPUTER ABOUT 10 MONTHS AGO AND I AM DUAL BOOTING WITH XP AND VISTA. WAS MAINLY USING XP UNTIL RECENTLY. WITH DDR2 MEMORY SO CHEAP I UPGRADED TO 4 GIGS AND AM NOW USING VISTA REGUARLY. SINCE MICROSOFT RELEASED SOME COMPATABILITY PATCHES I CAN USE ALMOST ALL OF MY OLD SOFTWARE, AND THE ONES THAT DONT I ONLY USE RARELY. I BOUGHT THE RETAIL VERSION SO I CAN GET VISTA 64 BIT FOR JUST SHIPPING BECAUSE MEMORY REQUIREMENTS ARE SLOWLY PUSHING US PAST THE 4 GIG LIMIT IN A 32 BIT OS. IM SURE THE NEXT WINDOWS WILL BE 64 BIT ONLY. VISTA RUNS EXTREMELY WELL WITH 4 GIGS OF MEMORY AND IS VERY STABLE TOO. JUST MY 2 CENTS.

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