Why I Don't Want Windows Vista
Wednesday, April 19, 2006 by geekinthecity | Discussion: Windows Vista
I’ve got a confession to make I’m one of the computer users on Microsoft’s hit list. I’m hanging on to Windows 2000. Microsoft has been running has been ads on television and in print still promoting Windows XP despite the fact that it will be replaced by Windows Vista in early 2007. When promoting a new upcoming release of Windows Microsoft promises the most revolutionary change to desktop computing since Windows 95. When Windows Vista is released at the start of 2007 Millions of people will be running out and buying it but I will not.
I skipped Windows XP because I am really bugged by product activation. While Microsoft has the right to do what they need to prevent people from stealing it’s products, but I have the right to not want to turn over certain information about my computer to Microsoft. Car buyers are under no obligation to tell the auto makers about the automobiles that they are buying and aftermarket upgrades they install. With more and more anti-piracy measures built into Windows it seems like the less and less that Microsoft trusts the people buying their products.
With previous releases of Windows Microsoft has packed more and more features then the preceding version but was the number of features in the operating system have increased, so too has the price. A copy of Windows 95 could be bought for about eighty dollars when it was released. Currently I have seen Windows XP Professional selling for over four hundred dollars. If Windows Vista costs more than Windows XP, which it probably will, that will be a paying a lot of money to get a lot of features that I’d never use.
One of things that is certain when it comes to the Windows operating system is that every new release will require more processing power than previous versions. I don’t feel like sinking yet more money into more RAM, a new video card and faster CPU. My computer should not become a money pit just because Microsoft releases a new product.
Microsoft is promising to put digital rights management (DRM) embedded into Windows Vista, this takes control of data away from a PC owner and can give it away to any third party. DRM technology can be used as an essential security tool for protecting sensitive data for corporations or government departments. If sensitive documents are leaked out of company or government because of a security breached they can’t be opened. DRM however is probably will be used by the entertainment industry to restrict how people use digital media. If I record my TV shows on my desktop PC, and then copy it to my laptop so I can watch at a more convenient time and place I should be able to without Microsoft or anybody else trying to dictate to me that I can’t do with my computers what I want.
My computers do a good job doing to the tasks that I do, I have absolutely no need or desire to spend yet more money on a new version of Windows just because Microsoft releases it. If I feel this way then other people feel the same way and maybe selling Windows Vista will be an uphill battle for Microsoft.
I skipped Windows XP because I am really bugged by product activation. While Microsoft has the right to do what they need to prevent people from stealing it’s products, but I have the right to not want to turn over certain information about my computer to Microsoft. Car buyers are under no obligation to tell the auto makers about the automobiles that they are buying and aftermarket upgrades they install. With more and more anti-piracy measures built into Windows it seems like the less and less that Microsoft trusts the people buying their products.
With previous releases of Windows Microsoft has packed more and more features then the preceding version but was the number of features in the operating system have increased, so too has the price. A copy of Windows 95 could be bought for about eighty dollars when it was released. Currently I have seen Windows XP Professional selling for over four hundred dollars. If Windows Vista costs more than Windows XP, which it probably will, that will be a paying a lot of money to get a lot of features that I’d never use.
One of things that is certain when it comes to the Windows operating system is that every new release will require more processing power than previous versions. I don’t feel like sinking yet more money into more RAM, a new video card and faster CPU. My computer should not become a money pit just because Microsoft releases a new product.
Microsoft is promising to put digital rights management (DRM) embedded into Windows Vista, this takes control of data away from a PC owner and can give it away to any third party. DRM technology can be used as an essential security tool for protecting sensitive data for corporations or government departments. If sensitive documents are leaked out of company or government because of a security breached they can’t be opened. DRM however is probably will be used by the entertainment industry to restrict how people use digital media. If I record my TV shows on my desktop PC, and then copy it to my laptop so I can watch at a more convenient time and place I should be able to without Microsoft or anybody else trying to dictate to me that I can’t do with my computers what I want.
My computers do a good job doing to the tasks that I do, I have absolutely no need or desire to spend yet more money on a new version of Windows just because Microsoft releases it. If I feel this way then other people feel the same way and maybe selling Windows Vista will be an uphill battle for Microsoft.
 |
|
Page 3 of 3 | |
|
|---|
Jafo
Reply #42 Saturday, May 6, 2006 7:42 PM
Reply #42 Saturday, May 6, 2006 7:42 PM
| My view is, if I bought XYZ from the store I can do what ever I want. I can make my own rip's, I can take several movies and make thes into what ever I want because I have purchased the Licence Rights. RIAA, you can kiss my rosey read ass all the way to hell and back; |
Quaint 'view'...but simply wrong.
You may like to actually READ those 'Licence Rights' you claim to have purchased.
You haven't, and you didn't....
agentlemon
Reply #43 Monday, May 8, 2006 11:16 PM
Reply #43 Monday, May 8, 2006 11:16 PM
The only downside of Vista, it seems, is the fact that I'll have to buy new parts for my computer to run it 
xNeMeSiSxi
Reply #44 Wednesday, May 10, 2006 3:23 AM
Reply #44 Wednesday, May 10, 2006 3:23 AM
When I see a line of people purchasing Vista, you'll see me in that same line, with a copy of MS-DOS. 
Not only that but I am going to ask the cashier if it comes on CD and DVD.
Not only that but I am going to ask the cashier if it comes on CD and DVD.
PGHammer
Reply #45 Friday, February 2, 2007 2:05 PM
Reply #45 Friday, February 2, 2007 2:05 PM
People are thinking they have to replace the computer (that is already running XP) to be able to run Vista. I seriously have to ask: are they *that* thumb-fingered and/or hamhanded that they are unable to properly use a screwdriver? Or did they make a major error when originally buying that computer and went with integrated (onboard) graphics, sound, networking, etc.?
CPU: P4 2.6 or better or Athlon XP/64 3000+ or better (despite what you think, Vista runs just fine on even this old workhorse)
Graphics: AMD/ATI: 9600 Pro/X1300 Pro or better (AGP/PCI/PCIe)
nVidia: GeForce 6xxx series or newer (AGP/PCI/PCIe)
The only reason I am recommending the GeForce 6xxx series as opposed to the FX 5xxx is *driver support*: nVidia's Vista driver doesn't support the FX 5xxx and lower.
RAM: 1 GB or more (If you don't have 1 GB or more in your PC, even if you're running XP, I have to ask *why not*. Upgrading RAM is easily the *easiest* way to breathe new life into a seeming-old PC; what's more, it's still relatively cheap.)
All the above recommendations make perfect sense even if you decide to stick with Windows XP, so you can't keep using *that* excuse forever.
CPU: P4 2.6 or better or Athlon XP/64 3000+ or better (despite what you think, Vista runs just fine on even this old workhorse)
Graphics: AMD/ATI: 9600 Pro/X1300 Pro or better (AGP/PCI/PCIe)
nVidia: GeForce 6xxx series or newer (AGP/PCI/PCIe)
The only reason I am recommending the GeForce 6xxx series as opposed to the FX 5xxx is *driver support*: nVidia's Vista driver doesn't support the FX 5xxx and lower.
RAM: 1 GB or more (If you don't have 1 GB or more in your PC, even if you're running XP, I have to ask *why not*. Upgrading RAM is easily the *easiest* way to breathe new life into a seeming-old PC; what's more, it's still relatively cheap.)
All the above recommendations make perfect sense even if you decide to stick with Windows XP, so you can't keep using *that* excuse forever.
PGHammer
Reply #46 Friday, February 2, 2007 2:13 PM
Reply #46 Friday, February 2, 2007 2:13 PM
Office is certainly used by home users (I'm a home user, and have *long* used Microsoft Office at home). Microsoft actually used to have a product geared *specifically* toward home users called Microsoft Works; however, the problem with Works was that compared to Office it came up far far short! Also, like Windows, you can purchase Office as OEM software (and, in fact, from most of the same resellers) but how many people dare to even *look* for Office OEM at their favorite e-tailer?
XX
Reply #47 Saturday, February 3, 2007 1:55 PM
Reply #47 Saturday, February 3, 2007 1:55 PM
"I honestly don't see the problem with this. Don't most people want a better faster PC anyways? I mean if you seriously want a new OS why not have a better PC parts to use it? It makes no sense to have say Vista if your PC is not up to it. If you PC does what you need it to do with the parts you have currently and the windows it has does what you need I don't see why you would need to consider Vista at all. I don't know it just makes no sense to me. "
Guys. Even if it's just parts that's a ton of pollution.
Guys. Even if it's just parts that's a ton of pollution.
sid0
Reply #48 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 12:25 PM
Reply #48 Tuesday, February 6, 2007 12:25 PM
Hmm. Who says Vista needs a really powerful computer? I'm running it on a PC which doesn't meet Vista Capable requirements in memory and graphics (it's from 2001), and it runs just fine. Sure, I've had to disable the search index, and no Aero or DVD/Movie Maker for me, but everything else works as advertised.
(The only thing which it isn't able to do as well as XP is play video on WMP. It ends up with an error if I try jumping around too much.)
Don't believe me? I'll post a screen shot if necessary. To me the whole "buy Vista, buy a new computer" thing is just plain misinformation and FUD.
(The only thing which it isn't able to do as well as XP is play video on WMP. It ends up with an error if I try jumping around too much.)
Don't believe me? I'll post a screen shot if necessary. To me the whole "buy Vista, buy a new computer" thing is just plain misinformation and FUD.
Lotherius
Reply #49 Thursday, February 8, 2007 2:52 AM
Reply #49 Thursday, February 8, 2007 2:52 AM
Agreed. While my desktop system is über, I would not say so much about my laptop, which is actually running Vista also (albeit a test copy, whereas I've gone full conversion on the desktop). Doesn't sound like such a big deal unless you consider that my laptop is an 800mhz P3 (min spec for Vista) with ATI Rage Mobility M1 graphics (not even a driver available, I "tricked" a driver for the closest ATI card there is on), no driver for the sound (But I managed to get the XP driver from HP on), no driver for onboard ethernet (but I managed to use a generic 3com), no driver for the PCMCIA Wireless card (but I managed to use a generic Atheros)... windows update actually provided a modem driver. AND - once I got everything working - the only place slowness really shows up is in bootup speed - it is a bit off on that part. But once booted, it runs very well - almost as well as XP.
The laptop is an Omnibook 6000, Pentium-III 800mhz, 512mb ram and an upgraded 80gb hard drive. I've put money into upgrades in it over the years I admit, but it is *still* an ancient beast at heart with a 1.0 "Experience Index" score - and it actually runs Vista better than many computers used to run Win95! So I don't know what all the bitchin' is about.
ERM.... has anybody noticed that this thread has been necromanced?
The laptop is an Omnibook 6000, Pentium-III 800mhz, 512mb ram and an upgraded 80gb hard drive. I've put money into upgrades in it over the years I admit, but it is *still* an ancient beast at heart with a 1.0 "Experience Index" score - and it actually runs Vista better than many computers used to run Win95! So I don't know what all the bitchin' is about.
ERM.... has anybody noticed that this thread has been necromanced?
aufisch
Reply #50 Thursday, February 8, 2007 7:14 AM
I am really wondering why anyone would run a half-disabled OS on an old Machine instead of running XP (which has been stable as anything).
You could even play your videos on WMP with it!
As long as XP is still supported by Microsoft and still receives security-updates, I don't see the need to jump on the bandwagon. In fact, if Win95, and 98 were a bit (ok, lots) more stable, and still would receive security update, they would be perfectly sufficient for the computing needs of most of the people.
Somtimes this year I will most likely have to purchase a new computer as my laptop starts to fall appart at its seams. Vista will most likely come preinstalled with this computer and I will accept it the same way I accepted Win98 after Win95. But I will certainly not go out now, spend 400.- on an OS and force it on my old machine.
Yes, this thread has been resurrected, but it is probably more relevant now than it was last year.
Reply #50 Thursday, February 8, 2007 7:14 AM
Hmm. Who says Vista needs a really powerful computer? I'm running it on a PC which doesn't meet Vista Capable requirements in memory and graphics (it's from 2001), and it runs just fine. Sure, I've had to disable the search index, and no Aero or DVD/Movie Maker for me, but everything else works as advertised.
I am really wondering why anyone would run a half-disabled OS on an old Machine instead of running XP (which has been stable as anything).
You could even play your videos on WMP with it!As long as XP is still supported by Microsoft and still receives security-updates, I don't see the need to jump on the bandwagon. In fact, if Win95, and 98 were a bit (ok, lots) more stable, and still would receive security update, they would be perfectly sufficient for the computing needs of most of the people.
Somtimes this year I will most likely have to purchase a new computer as my laptop starts to fall appart at its seams. Vista will most likely come preinstalled with this computer and I will accept it the same way I accepted Win98 after Win95. But I will certainly not go out now, spend 400.- on an OS and force it on my old machine.
Yes, this thread has been resurrected, but it is probably more relevant now than it was last year.
Gideon MacLeish
Reply #51 Friday, February 9, 2007 11:28 AM
Reply #51 Friday, February 9, 2007 11:28 AM
meh, I run four operating systems (NT4, 2000, XP, Vista) and soon to be five (Ubuntu...doing the setup as we speak), and, frankly, can see the pros and cons of each. I don't like all of the nanny features of XP and Vista, but I enjoy the overall Windows environment (and don't get me started on Office 2007...I put together my first ever powerpoint in about 5 minutes with absolutely no trouble at all...I LOVE it!). Judging from the calls I'm getting asking Vista questions, it hasn't slowed down consumer interest at all
(for the record...OEM versions of Vista home can be had for about $105....just 20 bucks more than the XP counterparts, so even expense for the EU who doesn't plan on massive hardware upgrades is not a legitimate concern).
(for the record...OEM versions of Vista home can be had for about $105....just 20 bucks more than the XP counterparts, so even expense for the EU who doesn't plan on massive hardware upgrades is not a legitimate concern).
seldomseen
Reply #52 Friday, February 9, 2007 11:41 AM
Reply #52 Friday, February 9, 2007 11:41 AM
Thanks, aufisch and G.M. for the comments on Vista. Although XP PRO SP2 works just fine for me, yes, at some point I'll of course upgrade. Just not soon, I hope.
dcyphure
Reply #53 Saturday, February 10, 2007 11:31 AM
Reply #53 Saturday, February 10, 2007 11:31 AM
blame the big media companies for DRM, microsoft was forced to have it in order for licensing..however licenses are granted to windvd and powerdvd creators, therefore you can watch blue ray in full definition if you use those video players. as far as anything else i had no trouble recording content and watching it elsewhere, i even anydvd'd a movie and burned it so i can watch it on the go without worry of scratches, so i see little to complain about drm. users should start getting used to the obvious fact that all content creators, wether its games or ebooks are protecting their investments and rightfully so...how would some of you feel to risk say a years salary on software and see it pirated by the millions?..you'd start thinking, hey i couldve retired off that. wouldnt ya..be honest you know you would
whats the big deal with activation? during install i hit auto activate and update...activated instantly without me having to see or do anything, its transparent, if you care about that then either you have some mental issues that should be dealt with somehow or you have "pirating" on your mind. use linux if you want to complain.
Price? dont buy it then, plenty of windows options, even basic oem is very cheap. or theres linux.
uses more power does it? ever since i can remember back in the tandy 5000 days all software upgrades gradually used more and more power.
whats the point in having such powerful hardware just to have it sit idle 51%+ of the time, upgrade the hardware to balance out more power to those apps and games then, if you cant stick with xp or something but they have to make it future proof and dont complain about bloat when theres basic edition...then fill it with all those 3rd party apps so its just as bloated but in your mind it wont be.
on top of that people complain when a game requires more hardware....why not just have technology stop completely and go back to commadore 64 hardware forever n ever?
these complaints are not fully justified, no one is seeing the real world perspectives, only selfish ones. nothing can be done so just go out and make your own linux distro and be happy.
whats the big deal with activation? during install i hit auto activate and update...activated instantly without me having to see or do anything, its transparent, if you care about that then either you have some mental issues that should be dealt with somehow or you have "pirating" on your mind. use linux if you want to complain.
Price? dont buy it then, plenty of windows options, even basic oem is very cheap. or theres linux.
uses more power does it? ever since i can remember back in the tandy 5000 days all software upgrades gradually used more and more power.
whats the point in having such powerful hardware just to have it sit idle 51%+ of the time, upgrade the hardware to balance out more power to those apps and games then, if you cant stick with xp or something but they have to make it future proof and dont complain about bloat when theres basic edition...then fill it with all those 3rd party apps so its just as bloated but in your mind it wont be.
on top of that people complain when a game requires more hardware....why not just have technology stop completely and go back to commadore 64 hardware forever n ever?
these complaints are not fully justified, no one is seeing the real world perspectives, only selfish ones. nothing can be done so just go out and make your own linux distro and be happy.
thomassen
Reply #54 Saturday, February 10, 2007 12:25 PM
But then again, you don't really get people pirating automobiles, do you?
I bought my computer in 2003. It has a Vista Performance rating of 4.2. I get all the flash and bangs possible. You don't need the very latest überPC to run vista.
The thing is, if you computer works fine as it is now, then good for you. IT it's not broken, don't fix it. Windows is mostly sold with new computers anyway and you'd have to look hard to find a new computer sold now which isn't up to handle Vista.
Reply #54 Saturday, February 10, 2007 12:25 PM
Car buyers are under no obligation to tell the auto makers about the automobiles that they are buying and aftermarket upgrades they install.
But then again, you don't really get people pirating automobiles, do you?
One of things that is certain when it comes to the Windows operating system is that every new release will require more processing power than previous versions. I don’t feel like sinking yet more money into more RAM, a new video card and faster CPU. My computer should not become a money pit just because Microsoft releases a new product.
I bought my computer in 2003. It has a Vista Performance rating of 4.2. I get all the flash and bangs possible. You don't need the very latest überPC to run vista.
If I feel this way then other people feel the same way and maybe selling Windows Vista will be an uphill battle for Microsoft.
The thing is, if you computer works fine as it is now, then good for you. IT it's not broken, don't fix it. Windows is mostly sold with new computers anyway and you'd have to look hard to find a new computer sold now which isn't up to handle Vista.
dcyphure
Reply #55 Saturday, February 10, 2007 9:57 PM
Reply #55 Saturday, February 10, 2007 9:57 PM
people complain as if ms should never made vista and just keep xp forever...the one that the majority keep default settings and complain about malware, the one with the quite outdated kernal.
starkers
Reply #56 Sunday, February 11, 2007 9:32 AM
Reply #56 Sunday, February 11, 2007 9:32 AM
I don't want Vista anymore, either....got it (Ultimate) and have absolutely no regrets as I find it to be as stable, reliable and functional as XP ever was. Yeah, I had a couple of inconsequential proggies that didn't install properly, but that's minor and I'm still able to do all I ever did on XP and more. 
Musical-Mayhem
Reply #57 Monday, February 12, 2007 3:18 PM
Reply #57 Monday, February 12, 2007 3:18 PM
I installed Home Premium a couple of weeks ago, after runing XP Media Center Edition for a year, and have to say after a couple of hiccups, it works better than XP. now if only Creative would hurry up and update the drivers for my external soundcard...I'll be away laughing 
...I've been able to run 99% of the progs I used on XP with no probs whatsoever.....at this stage, it's highly unlikely I'll go back to using XP
...I've been able to run 99% of the progs I used on XP with no probs whatsoever.....at this stage, it's highly unlikely I'll go back to using XP
David Overton
Reply #58 Wednesday, February 14, 2007 8:36 AM
Reply #58 Wednesday, February 14, 2007 8:36 AM
On the Office front - have a look at Home and STudent Edition - about £90-£100 in the UK. This version can be installed on 3 PCs in the one home, so ideal and when worked out per PC - great value.
Works is still there too and the suite includes AutoRoute, Word (older version), Picture Editing and other tools.
ttfn
David
Works is still there too and the suite includes AutoRoute, Word (older version), Picture Editing and other tools.
ttfn
David
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
|
|
Page 3 of 3 | |
|
|---|
Reply #41 Saturday, May 6, 2006 2:03 PM
WOW!
It sounds almost to good to be true. We are losing alot of things that will require a period of adjustment.
I am conserned about:
1) Firewire being removed and no mention on how B. Gates is getting around his 51 Million Dollar House, know Multiplexor or anything;
2) The problems that "Microsoft is promising to put digital rights management (DRM) embedded into Windows Vista, this takes control of data away from a PC owner and can give it away to any third party" in conjunction with RIAA requirements that you need to have purchased rights for two downloads, one for the system and a second for output to your iPOD. If not you will be charged $3,500.00 for each event and they take your matchine! My view is, if I bought XYZ from the store I can do what ever I want. I can make my own rip's, I can take several movies and make thes into what ever I want because I have purchased the Licence Rights. RIAA, you can kiss my rosey read ass all the way to hell and back;
3) With these concerns why can't we just remove this functionality, I saw no mention of this being required for Multimedia Content or for Windows Media Player 11;
4) Perhaps I should get a router and keep this system now, as it looks like these things are going to make having a good time very difficult with my legacy system that are not concerned with Who, What or Why in Media, it plays, no problem.
If I have something misspelled, oh well, that means I'm not an elephant.