Windows Vista, Mac OS X Leopard, & Ubuntu "Edgy Eft"

[MugenVTEC]

There are more bugs in Ubuntu than you think.

I don't have a single one. If people get bugs into Linux, they don't know how to use a computer...

 

[dougiemeats]

I don't have a single one. If people get bugs into Linux, they don't know how to use a computer...

Linux, and the distributions based on it, are far from perfect. It's hardly the users' fault if there are bugs/security holes in the system.

 

[GT4_Rule]

1. Firefox installs and runs fine. No problems there.

2. Windows Live Messenger installs fine. I don't normally use this instant messenger, but I had a brief conversation with my brother and everything seemed to function as they should. There were a couple things I noticed though. I don't know if this is normal, but I couldn't drag the window to the top of the screen (does it do the same with XP?):


Another thing, after I exited messenger, this appeared:


But this happens on XP with various applications after closing them, so probably nothing of concern. Other than those two minor things, I'd say Live Messenger performs well.

3. iTunes and Quicktime install fine. One strange thing about iTunes is the desktop and Quick Launch icons are blank:


Also, I have read that iTunes and Quicktime act strangely with Aero glass. I believe Windows changes to the Basic Interface when the applications are in use. I don't have Aero enabled so iTunes worked without problems for me.

Those were just my initial reactions, but I'll use them more and report back if I run into any problems. I'm disappointed that nothing has broken or crashed yet (IE7+ has yet to crash!). That's usually the fun part about testing. I think I need to experiment some more and see if I can break this thing.

Sorry, I haven't had a chance to get on computer yet...that's why the reply's sorta late

Anyways, thanks for trying it out for me. The Windows Live Messenger window thing is perfectly normal.

It's good to know that Firefox and iTunes work properly. I need Internet Explorer, Firefox, iTunes and Messenger to live

From what you've said Vista seems really stable.

 

[dougiemeats]

The Windows Live Messenger window thing is perfectly normal.

They should fix that. It drove me nuts.

It's good to know that Firefox and iTunes work properly. I need Internet Explorer, Firefox, iTunes and Messenger to live

From what you've said Vista seems really stable.

Compatibility is really good. I got more Live Messenger error messages, but only after exiting. There were some performance issues at times, but Vista is stable for the most part. Although I never really pushed it; just basic browsing (as in, lots and lots of tabs open in IE7), music, and trying out the new apps.

A few more thoughts:

* I was able to connect to my iMac, and my iMac could connect to the Dell.
* Desktop search is huge improvement over XP's mediocre search function.
* I didn't care too much for Windows Sidebar, but I will admit it's better than Apple's Dashboard.
* Performance was surprisingly good, for an OS that's supposedly "bloated" and a "resource hog" (but I didn't have Aero enabled, so that's probably why).
* The Basic theme is ugly. But they changed it and we won't see the hideous gray theme in RC1 or the final product.
* Vista seems to send a lot of information back to Microsoft. I know this is a beta so they need the information, but I hope this isn't the case with the final product.
* Windows Photo Gallery and Photo Gallery Viewer is not bad, but for basic picture viewing, Windows Picture and Fax Viewer is much quicker and has smaller buttons so you see more of the picture (I want it back, MS).
* The UAC is annoying. But in the quest for a secure Windows, we need it.
* I appreciated the little things. The "cookie-crumb" style address bar for Explorer, the live folder icons (shows the contents inside the folder), the polished buttons, the new thumbnail look, and just the overall feel of the system.

I really wish they didn't drop so many features. Vista could have been great. It's definitely an improvement over XP, but it seems like there should be more due to the fact that it's been almost 5 years since the launch of XP. Although I had a good experience, I might skip Vista altogether and wait for Fiji or Vienna. Now it's back to Ubuntu 6.06 since school will start soon.

 

[GT4_Rule]

Your system use basically describes how I use my PC - lots of tabs open (6 tabs alone for GTP! ), music and games.

- I never used the search function so that won't worry me.
- the basic interface is gray?
- I hope Microsoft doesn't steal our Internet Explorer History or have a peek at our system - now that's a breach of privacy.
- What's a UAC?
- I don't know the cookie-crumb adress bar for Explorer, as well as live folder icons - but I definitely like the polished buttons.

and

- what noticeable features has been dropped from Vista?

 

[dougiemeats]

- the basic interface is gray?

See Giles' screenshots; that's the Basic interface.

- I hope Microsoft doesn't steal our Internet Explorer History or have a peek at our system - now that's a breach of privacy.

Well, XP already phones home (daily?) to confirm that you're running a legit copy. Vista will probably do the same, but hopefully nothing more. Search for Windows Genuine Advantage - many are claiming that this is technically "spyware."

- What's a UAC?

User Account Control. Installing, deleting, changing the time, or making any changes in general will most likely prompt the UAC. It's fine at first, but it will get to you. You'll get very angry...

- I don't know the cookie-crumb adress bar for Explorer, as well as live folder icons[...]

* Cookie-crumb address bar: It makes it very easy to navigate back. Just click the folder name in the address bar to go to the folder.



* Live folder icons: It shows the contents of each folder. So if you have pictures in a folder, you will see them in the folder icon. (Edited to make sense)



- what noticeable features has been dropped from Vista?

* WinFS - probably the most notable dropped feature
* Monad - command line interface
* EFI - replace the 20 year old BIOS technology
* PC-to-PC Sync - sync files and folders between Vista machines

Those are just a few, but there are more. Some we may see 3-5 years down the road, while others have been dropped completely.

 

[GT4_Rule]

I'm defintely liking the cookie crumb for Explorer.

Edit: Vista Build 5472, 5456 and Beta 2 - I do know there are some differences between the three like colors and UI - is it possible to download the Build 5472 which is the latest, since I read on Microsoft TechNet that Beta 2 was bug-laden.

 

[dougiemeats]

Actually, Build 5487 is the latest, but it's not available to the public. Unless you're a member of Windows Vista TAP, an MSDN subscriber, or a TechNet subscriber, you'll probably have to wait until RC1 for the latest build.

There are minor differences between the builds:

* new Basic theme
* better anti-aliasing in Flip 3-D (Aero)
* different icons
* improved Sidebar gadgets
* speed and stabilty improvements

 

[Sage]

MmmmMMMmmm…

And the best part is, they’re still keeping a few things top-secret. I’m guessing a GUI overhaul would be one of them.

 

[GT4_Rule]

Actually, Build 5487 is the latest, but it's not available to the public. Unless you're a member of Windows Vista TAP, an MSDN subscriber, or a TechNet subscriber, you'll probably have to wait until RC1 for the latest build.

There are minor differences between the builds:

* new Basic theme
* better anti-aliasing in Flip 3-D (Aero)
* different icons
* improved Sidebar gadgets
* speed and stabilty improvements

Aww, that's too bad....



There's a new Mac OS X already? Wasn't it just around a year ago when they introduced the OS X Tiger?

 

[DuckRacer]

There's a new Mac OS X already? Wasn't it just around a year ago when they introduced the OS X Tiger?

Well, I think Apple throws out new OSXs like rabbits. I personally won't be upgrading to this, I'll wait for 10.6.

 

[dougiemeats]

Apple has a more active release schedule for their operating system than Microsoft. Here's a brief history of releases:

Mar 2001 - 10.0 Cheetah
Sep 2001 - 10.1 Puma ~5 month wait (free update)
Aug 2002 - 10.2 Jaguar ~11 months
Oct 2003 - 10.3 Panther ~14 months
Apr 2005 - 10.4 Tiger ~18 months

Spring 2007 - 10.5 Leopard ~2 years

Some people will criticize Apple for rapidly releasing versions to take advantage of upgrade purchases, but if you do the math, the costs of buying OS X and the following upgrades could be cheaper than buying XP Pro and upgrading to Vista Ultimate.

* XP Pro - $300
* Tiger - $129

* Vista Ultimate - $400-$500?
* Leopard - $129-$149?

Someone buying Windows XP Professional Edition at its initial price and upgrading (clean install) to Windows Vista Ultimate Edition will cost that person $700-$800.

Someone buying Cheetah and upgrading during every 10.x release all the way to Leopard will cost that person $645-$665.

Of course, this is not taking into account any student discounts or special deals. It would also be cheaper to buy Windows XP Home Edition and upgrade to Windows Vista Basic, but the lack of features would make it a poor comparison to OS X.

 

[Burnout]

For people with fast(er) hardware and a decent card; It might interest you to install Xgl/Compiz on top of Ubuntu. It gives you fun effects such as transparency, wobbly windows, etc., as well as very useful effects such as Mac's awesome Exposé feature.

I was just wondering if anyone here has tried this.. Seems like it'd be pretty sweet if it all works.

 

[dougiemeats]

I was just wondering if anyone here has tried this.. Seems like it'd be pretty sweet if it all works.

It really doesn't have high requirements and will work with integrated graphics. I'd like to try it out, but I don't know how complicated the install procedure is. A lot of people claim that it works perfectly for them and it's improving, but some have had issues such as playing videos on a media player, slow effects, etc.

I believe Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop (SLED 10) has Xgl and Compiz preinstalled.

 

[Burnout]

A bit later today I'm throwing together a couple extra systems for use here at the office - I'll be putting a couple OSes on one of them: XP Pro, Vista Build 5456, Linux (Ubuntu 6.06), and hopefully OS X.

 

[dougiemeats]

I'm waiting for Apple to announce their "top-secret features" so I can finally do a showcase of Mac OS X Leopard.

One thing that bothered me about WWDC 2006 was the banner that said "Redmond has a cat, too. A copycat." Don't get me wrong, I like to make fun of Windows just like everyone else, but it was a strange thing to say when some Leopard's features were already in Windows and Linux.

One example: Spaces

Here's the Leopard screenshot of Spaces:



Now here's a Windows XP screenshot of Microsoft Virtual Desktop Manager:

 

[Seanman]

However, looking at the Spaces demo, you have to admit that the Virtual Desktop Manager is nowhere as easy to use.

 

[dougiemeats]

However, looking at the Spaces demo, you have to admit that the Virtual Desktop Manager is nowhere as easy to use.

I'll agree with you there. I wasn't really productive using Microsoft Virtual Desktop Manager. But still, Microsoft beat Apple to the punch there.

I don't know how useful Spaces will be for me, since Exposé is already there. I actually have trouble working with Windows or Linux without the Exposé function. It's probably my favorite feature of OS X.

Edit: My favorite, next to the 'Genie Effect' of course. It still amazes me...

 

[GT4_Rule]

Vista news -

I tried running Vista using Microsoft Virtual PC 2004 but it wouldn't boot up - so after a long debate with my dad about the external HDD, I just went out and got one. Just came home.

Now, I'm going to back up all my data and try installng Vista Beta 2 on my PC. Hopefully it works.

By the way, dougiemeats, did you make a separate partition for Vista or did you do an upgrade install?

I'm going to try to install Vista onto an external HDD so that it can boot from the external. Anyone know whether if this is possible?

 

[dougiemeats]

By the way, dougiemeats, did you make a separate partition for Vista or did you do an upgrade install?

I just went ahead and formatted the whole drive and used Vista as my only OS. BTW, don't do an upgrade install, whether its the beta or the final product. It's generally not a good idea.

I'm going to try to install Vista onto an external HDD so that it can boot from the external. Anyone know whether if this is possible?

Insert the DVD and when you get to this screen:



...check to see if your external drive is there. I suggest a quick search through Vista-specific forums to see if it's possible (I don't see why not), or if there are workarounds if it doesn't work. Sorry for the bad picture... that was a quick Google search. Good luck 👍

 

[GT4_Rule]

I just went ahead and formatted the whole drive and used Vista as my only OS. BTW, don't do an upgrade install, whether its the beta or the final product. It's generally not a good idea.

So you chose the other option? (it gives two options...forgot the other one was called)

 

[dougiemeats]

So you chose the other option? (it gives two options...forgot the other one was called)

Yup. The picture I provided in my last post is actually the screen after choosing the clean install option.

I'm actually using Vista Beta 2 again. I reinstalled XP after using Vista the first time, but it felt like it was lacking features. One of them was desktop search; Google Desktop Search + Sidebar just didn't cut it.

 

[GT4_Rule]

So basically then you have two OS on your PC now, right?

I'm going to try this tomorrow.

Edit: nvm, my external HDD needs to be brought back to Best Buy again. It looks like it's a refurbished product (has lots of scratches) but it wasn't advertised as refurbished.

 

[HondaRacer]

After running Win2k for a few months, and then upgrading to a less-than-legal copy of XP (automatic updates off = no WGA crap) I finally decided to try Linux. And what an OS. It's awesome. Since my computer has terrible specs (P3 500mhz, 192mb RAM, 6gb HD) I use Xubuntu, and I'm loving it. I even stuck it on an old iMac with just 96mb of ram, and it runs fine for internet and AIM.

-Is your computer Vista ready?
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. No.

-Will you upgrade or just wait until you purchase new PC that already comes w/ Vista?
I can't forsee myself buying Windows... my next computer will probably be a Mac.

-Are you running XP, or still running a previous version of Windows?
I was running XP until I discovered Xubuntu.

-Do you use any other OS?
Yup. My main computer is Xubuntu only, but there are also several Macs (2 with OSX and one still on OS9) and a Windows XP machine in this house.

-Have you checked out Internet Explorer 7 Beta, Windows Defender, or Windows Media Player 11?
I used WMP11 when this computer was still running XP. It was quite nice actually.

-Have you already used a developers' build of Vista? If so, what did you think of it?
I'm sorry to say that I haven't touched Vista at all. The eye candy looks nice, but hey, OSX and Linux have that too nowadays.

 

[GT4_Rule]

News...

I installed Vista Beta 2 on my main HDD after restoring the system. It went fine without a hitch; however it wiped out my Windows XP Home and installed Vista Ultimate over it, so now I reformatted again and am now back on XP.

My wireless card driver won't work with Vista. I tried several times, it won't install. So basically I'm left without an internet connection while I'm using Windows Vista. (How do you connect to internet, dougiemeats....)

I must say the User Account Verification or whatever it's called is pretty damn annoying sometimes but I didn't turn it off.

The grey (or metal) basic theme is pretty nice, but it could've been more attractive.

I find the new stuff like the CPU Meter for example very useful.

So my first impression? Really good. I'm downloading Partition Magic 8 so once I make a new partition for my main HDD to avoid Vista installing over XP Home, I'll be able to spend more time on Vista.

 

[dougiemeats]

Did you check Vista Ultimate Extras (Control Panel? I can't remember) to see if there were available downloads for your card? My sound initially didn't work but I checked the available downloads and it now works.

BTW, no wireless for me.

 

[GT4_Rule]

Hmm...

I haven't tried doing that. I'll look out for the option.

But how is Vista going to download drivers for my wireless card if I'm not connected to the internet? LOL

I'll give it a try anyways

 

[dougiemeats]

Wow. I am an idiot.

*goes to bed*

 

[GT4_Rule]

Erm, I hope I did not offend you. It was just a joke. Sorry mate.

 

[dougiemeats]

None taken.

I was just making fun of myself for not thinking about that.