You always think harder is better. Maybe next time I patrol, I should carry bricks and use a stake made out of butter.

Buffy ,'The Killer In Me'


Buffistechnology 3: "Press Some Buttons, See What Happens."

Got a question about technology? Ask it here. Discussion of hardware, software, TiVos, multi-region DVDs, Windows, Macs, LINUX, hand-helds, iPods, anything tech related. Better than any helpdesk!


le nubian - Sep 01, 2007 12:48:04 pm PDT #2556 of 25496
"And to be clear, I am the hell. And the high water."

I have a serious love-hate relationship with Vista. I don't like how many software programs aren't compatible with it. It isn't terrible, but it is inconvenient. I also find it is somewhat less easy to use than XP.


NoiseDesign - Sep 01, 2007 12:54:51 pm PDT #2557 of 25496
Our wings are not tired

For the moment I'm still sticking with XP.


le nubian - Sep 01, 2007 1:27:48 pm PDT #2558 of 25496
"And to be clear, I am the hell. And the high water."

I don't think anyone should switch to tell you the truth. I got a new laptop that came with Vista installed.


NoiseDesign - Sep 01, 2007 1:31:00 pm PDT #2559 of 25496
Our wings are not tired

The software that I use for audio playback under windows still isn't recommending Vista. There are all kinds of issues with drivers for audio cards and things like that.


Typo Boy - Sep 01, 2007 2:59:24 pm PDT #2560 of 25496
Calli: My people have a saying. A man who trusts can never be betrayed, only mistaken.Avon: Life expectancy among your people must be extremely short.

If you are trying to choose between Vista and XP, try this flow chart (PDF): [link]

(It is a bit of humor with a serious point: if you have a choice, just say "no" to Vista.)


tommyrot - Sep 01, 2007 3:06:55 pm PDT #2561 of 25496
Sir, it's not an offence to let your cat eat your bacon. Okay? And we don't arrest cats, I'm very sorry.

There are all kinds of issues with drivers for audio cards and things like that.

Oh yeah - another big reason to stay away from Vista. Although on a new machine I suppose it would at least have drivers for every bit of hardware on that machine....


DXMachina - Sep 01, 2007 3:44:30 pm PDT #2562 of 25496
You always do this. We get tipsy, and you take advantage of my love of the scientific method.

On top of the nasty DRM issues that Tommy mentioned, there's also the whole "Windows Genuine Advantage" set up that treats legitimate users as potential criminals. In XP, if something goes wrong with the system, like, say, the WGA licensing servers go down, you get an annoying message. In Vista, the WGA starts disabling stuff if it can't phone home.

Also, Service Pack 1 for Vista isn't due out until some time next year.


tommyrot - Sep 01, 2007 3:59:48 pm PDT #2563 of 25496
Sir, it's not an offence to let your cat eat your bacon. Okay? And we don't arrest cats, I'm very sorry.

Quick question - recommendations for Windows (XP) packet sniffer? Preferably free....


DXMachina - Sep 01, 2007 4:04:55 pm PDT #2564 of 25496
You always do this. We get tipsy, and you take advantage of my love of the scientific method.

Try here [link] They have links to a lot of free security and hacking tools.


NoiseDesign - Sep 01, 2007 4:11:17 pm PDT #2565 of 25496
Our wings are not tired

So does Vista require a persistent internet connection? If so then it's a total deal breaker for me. Most of the machines I build and install are intentionally kept off the net. Shows running sounds are touring or in installations where nothing about the system will change for years at a time.