Community Newsletter: Q&A: 2/3/06 Are you ready for Windows Vista?
- 2/2/06 5:06 PM
Yea, surprised...
by b8375629 - 2/7/06 7:25 PM In reply to: Plextor Drives by jshoemaYea, that Plextor comment kinda blew me away when I read it. Maybe the guy had a bad experience with one. Who knows. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
I've been using a PX-708UF external for the last couple of years and have had no trouble with it. In fact, I consider it one of the best piece of computer hardware I've ever bought.
The rest of Pete's post was great. Recommended.
Power Supply Requirements
by blues-harp - 2/3/06 6:05 AM In reply to: 2/3/06 Are you ready for Windows Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
There are no transformers in power supplies for PCs. PCs have used switching power supply for decades now, which replace transformers.
... well done
by JeffPGMT - 2/3/06 6:34 AM In reply to: 2/3/06 Are you ready for Windows Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Pete your post pre-emptively answers most every question one could have about anticipating an upgrade to the Windows OS. Common sense should be our guide but as we've seen many feature technologies never take off and others are missing from our available hardware. My personal opinion is to always wait for an OS to mature as well as waiting for motherboard reviews to appear.
2/3/06 Are you ready for Windows Vista?
by George B. Lockwood - 2/3/06 6:47 AM In reply to: 2/3/06 Are you ready for Windows Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Thank you for these fine suggestions, I know it will be a godsend for most of us.
George B. in Sarasota
And Again, We Trade Substance for Fluff
by nstaff - 2/3/06 7:09 AM In reply to: 2/3/06 Are you ready for Windows Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Pete-
Even though this post might sound like it's attacking you it's not - any annoyance displayed here is directed at CNET and not you (It was very cool that you took so much time and wrote such a good response to this persons question and I'm sorry to use it as the basis for my rant).
Dear CNET Editors...HELOOOOOO....Do you think it would be possible to maybe once in awhile remember you're supposed to be a semi-technical resource and actually publish useful factual information or have you decided to waste away as a void of editorial fluff that serves only to propagate the dumbing down of the masses?
Would it have been against the CNET Mission statement to provide something as useful as the Microsoft link where THEY LIST THE REQUIREMENTS FOR WINDOWS VISTA AS WELL AS PROVIDE THE LIST OF ALREADY CERTIFIED DEVICES?
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/entpguid.mspx
or
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/default.mspx
As a computer professional that actually knows something about computers I am constantly embarrassed and appalled by the irresponsible dissemination of misinformation that steadily streams uninterrupted from CNET and other major news sources. I understand that you're writers and not engineers, but have you no integrity? Have you no feeling of shame over presenting yourself as a knowledgeable source only to fill people's heads with mostly misunderstood half-truths? Or is it that you're so confused yourself that you're unaware of how seldom you are correct? Hire some specialists that know something, heck hire people that are wrong 80% of the time but at least have some substance to their wrong answers. Or maybe add to your disclaimer that this site is just one big beauty contest and everything described inside is purely cosmetic and temporary.
/nick staff
nick.staff@comcast.net
Right on, nstaff!
by Dirty Al - 2/3/06 1:07 PM In reply to: And Again, We Trade Substance for Fluff by nstaffnstaff brought up the most intelligent viewpoint on this thread, along with the most useful information...a link to Microsoft's list of hardware requirements for Windows Vista. All the fancy prose in the world can't beat that.
Sometimes the shortest and most simple answers are the best. Why read one person's prolix opinions on the quality of different computer components when you can get the straight dope right from the horse's mouth?
I must agree...
by Zeppo - 2/3/06 1:50 PM In reply to: And Again, We Trade Substance for Fluff by nstaffReluctantly.
Entertainment is entertainment. I once wrote to a political talk show years ago - it was like a point vs counter-point type show. The answer I got back from the writer/producer of the show was that their show was simply to stir reaction from the viewers, to wit: to cause them to think about the views expressed (no matter how lame they were). They cared nothing about the content - just audience reaction, so my point was easily dismissed.
Well, Cnet seems to lean more toward entertainment these days, as I, too, see less substance. These recent efforts by Cnet to let some one else lead, (thus Cnet becomes a ''follower'' of sorts), does help perpetuate the dumbing down of the masses.
The original respondent's remarks about Plextor drives and LCD monitors were less than informed, in my opinion.
But then perhaps Cnet, playing the entertainment game of point vs counter-point, realizes that the originator's response would spark counter responses. This is the perfect method to stop doing YOUR job so you can have other, less informed, persons do it FOR you. And have others still chime in to counter the content!
That is fluff! Sure, we are willing to sacrifice information for involvement!? Isn’t this just grand fun!! 
Hi Nick...
by Lee Koo (ADMIN) - 2/3/06 5:24 PM
In reply to: And Again, We Trade Substance for Fluff by nstaff
Why not just post the links to Microsoft and leave it at that? That information is useful and that is exactly what I'm looking for--for our members to collaborate and build info on this topic so that members can discuss and learn from one another.
These Q&As from the Community Help & How-to newsletter are open for anyone to submit an answer to--which you are always welcome to participate in at any time.
When you say "CNET Editors" --I'd like to let it be known and make it crystal clear that I'm not a CNET Editor, nor do I claim myself to be a computer expert/professional such as yourself. My role is to bring to the community's attention the questions submitted by our members in the Community Help & How-to newsletter and hopefully get enough answers/feedback/responses from our members, so that our community members can learn from one another and benefit from these discussions.
Each submission whether it is a question or answer is from our members, not from me... and this newsletter is totally driven by our members. I'm only on the sidelines to help facilitate it. And thanks to the contributions from our community members each week, we are able to present their whole hearted opinions, recommendation, and advice.
This community newsletter isn't for everyone and if you feel strongly that we are trading substance for fluff, then you are welcome to unsubscribe to the newsletter at anytime.
Take care and thanks for taking the time out to give us your feedback.
-Lee Koo
CNET Community
When I addressed the Editors, I meant the Editors
by nstaff - 2/4/06 12:46 AM In reply to: Hi Nick... by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Lee, unless you decide what CNET does and doesn't publish this was not directed at you. However since you defended your actions I'll take the opportunity to explain some things:
- The A in Q & A stands for Answer not Assumption. If you are going to state that something is "the best answer" then it's certainly your responsibility to make sure that it's right. No one knows that you're not technical, and as this is a tech website everyone assumes that's the criteria used to judge it.
You say in your email you "know it will prove to be helpful to our members who are preparing for Microsoft's latest." Well guess what, that's dishonest.
I could really go on for volumes here Lee but I don't have the energy and I know nothing I say will make any difference anyway. It's just too bad though that so few people feel any responsibility for their actions. If you act like you know something and someone listens to you then you're responsible for what happens to them. Your also responsible for what happens to the friend they share your suggestion with.
You have no idea how many problems would have been solved by now if the publics focus and their hysteria wasn't constantly being pointed in the wrong direction by media professionals acting like they can explain things they know nothing about. CNET may as well start having these lists for the best pacemakers or the best parachutes. At least the results in those cases would be simple enough for people to realize who had given them wrong information. Unfortunately in technology it's harder to spot the snake oil salesman.
/nick
GoodOnYa
by Dirty Al - 2/4/06 4:15 PM In reply to: When I addressed the Editors, I meant the Editors by nstaffExcellent way to stand your ground Dude. I knew I was backin the right hoss.
What totally amazes me is the huge number of forum sheep who get all knee-wobbly and back away from a valid viewpoint whenever they're challenged by mods & admins. People from internet forums everywhere should visit this thread for a quick lesson in character and personal integrity.
Thanks Dirty Al and Zeppo
by nstaff - 2/4/06 12:55 AM In reply to: And Again, We Trade Substance for Fluff by nstaffIt's always nice to hear other voices of sanity - thank you =)
I believe you misunderstand the intended audience
by Gandalf - 2/7/06 3:10 PM In reply to: And Again, We Trade Substance for Fluff by nstaffIn general, these CNET forums' intended audiences are not MCSEs or aspiring MCSEs (or MCPs for that matter). Perhaps you would be better off subscribing to Microsoft Technet Flash, focusing your time on the Microsoft TechNet newsgroups and/or joining the ACM.
Even though this post might sound like it's attacking you it's not
You're right, it does sound like you're attacking Lee, and that is uncool.
any annoyance displayed here is directed at CNET and not you
Then perhaps you should have privately taken up your gripe with messageboards@cnet.com.
remember you're supposed to be a semi-technical resource
And the intended audience probably wouldn't be here if the forums started to read like a jargon/specification-heavy RFC or 30 lb reference.
THEY LIST THE REQUIREMENTS FOR WINDOWS VISTA AS WELL AS PROVIDE THE LIST OF ALREADY CERTIFIED DEVICES?
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/entpguid.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/default.mspx
The ''requirements'' listed on these pages are quite general. A modern CPU? Really? I wouldn't have guessed. Not only that, but if/when Microsoft does release specific requirements, they will be minimum requirements. In other words, the requirements will be the bare minimum you should meet so you can limp along. Sure, they're a starting point, but they need to be recognized as such.
As a computer professional that actually knows something about computers
Then I'm sure that you're also aware that all-caps in e-correspondence is considered shouting and rude.
I am constantly embarrassed and appalled by the irresponsible dissemination of misinformation that steadily streams uninterrupted from CNET and other major news sources. I understand that you're writers and not engineers, but have you no integrity? Have you no feeling of shame over presenting yourself as a knowledgeable source only to fill people's heads with mostly misunderstood half-truths? Or is it that you're so confused yourself that you're unaware of how seldom you are correct? Hire some specialists that know something, heck hire people that are wrong 80% of the time but at least have some substance to their wrong answers. Or maybe add to your disclaimer that this site is just one big beauty contest and everything described inside is purely cosmetic and temporary.
[Flame on]
Oh, please. Of all the self-righteous posts I've seen in a while, yours would get a razzie award if there would be such a thing for forum posts. With all your &%*#-talk, why don't you do something positive by contributing your expertise via these forums?
[/Flame off]
I'm not going to fight with you
by nstaff - 2/7/06 10:07 PM In reply to: I believe you misunderstand the intended audience by GandalfI came here to make a contribution and I don't see how responding to the specifics of your post would be doing that. I feel very strongly that whether the audience is made up of begginers or experts a web site should take great care that it pass along accurate and honest information. There have been 103 posts, probably as many arguments, a lot of anger and frustration, and every post brings us farther away from answering the persons question that initially brought us all here. Look at how much unpleasantness has been caused in a matter of days just on this one web page. The threads spawned from this post have spread innacuracies on Plextor and Sony drives, Switched Power Supllies, Windows Vista 32-bit edition, RAID-0, Forklift operators, and Intel and AMD Processors. And then there's Lee, whose vote of confidence for a technically incorrect post kicked this all off. Lee, the list moderator who majored in psychology and who freely admits he's not at all technical. Absolutely it enrages me, absolutely I feel righteous by comparison, absolutely I'll start typing in caps, because I'm so disgusted I could spit.
Absolutely it makes me sad to think of peple who are going to be dissapointed when they end up not getting what they expected.
CNET abuses the fact that they're not held to the same standards as accountants (figure it out if it intrests you)
/nick
If you build it now...
by weberry - 2/3/06 7:30 AM In reply to: 2/3/06 Are you ready for Windows Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If you build it now, you will want to replace that computer with a new one a year after the release of VISTA. The hardware available today should work with the new operating system, however, be prepared for issues that show up after the initial release to the public. It has been my experience that it takes at least one year for the bugs to surface in the OS/hardware that frustrate most users. The hardware manufacturers are releasing their products that can take advantage of the new OS features by this time. And of course, there is the software issue.
My choice would be to wait for the bugs to be worked out of the OS and hardware before making a purchase decision. If you need a new computer now, buy it based on your current needs and uses. Get the extras that you want such as fast processor, extra memory, large capacity hard drive and don't skimp on the power supply! Who knows, VISTA may work just fine on this new computer when it is released.
Something else to consider: Will a true 64 bit computer be backward compatible with the software you have now? The change from a 16 bit OS to a 32 bit OS was rough also. What is in store for us moving from 32 to 64 bits?
Unless you are a gambler, wait for the OS to be proven before putting a system together for it to run on (There are a lot of us who remember the ME fiasco). I believe you will be happier in the long run.
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