Simplify your laptop buying
Windows Vista: Windows Vista Bugs
Should Microsoft be responsible.
by jimzim27140 - 3/15/07 2:22 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamYes and No! Why should a user have to buy new hardware and software every time. I think there should be some communication between Microsoft and those making hardware and software.
But, I guess it doesn't really matter to me anymore as I switched to MAC and think it was the best decision I ever made. If I absolutely have to use Windows I just switch with Boot Camp and then go back to OSX. Oh do I hate going back to Windows!!!!
VISTA-How I keep using my older equipment and software
by asc2078 - 3/15/07 2:37 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamWith the arrival of Windows Vista, many have found themselves unable to use their older printers, equipment and software. Before you discard your older stuff, to upgrade to Windows Vista or Windows XP, let me suggest a solution to solve your dilemma.
For your older printers, scanners, etc., you should first go to the manufactures web site for that product. Check for new software and driver downloads for whatever operating system you are currently using. If you cannot obtain current software drivers for your Vista or XP, there is a solution that I use myself. Many do not realize that you can actually run two different operating systems on the same computer.
This may sound complicated but it is not all that difficult to set up. It can be done by adding a second hard drive to your computer or by creating what is called a partition on your existing single hard drive. A partition simply means that it divides space on your single hard drive and makes it appear on the computer as two separate hard drives like C: & D: While the partition method will work, an additional hard drive is by far the best method.
Once you have a partition set up on your single hard drive or install an actual second hard drive, you simply install a second operating system on your computer. Assign the installation of the second operating system to the drive letter for the partition or the second hard drive.
Once your second operating system is installed and set up, this is how it works. You first go to the control panel and select which operating system that you want to be the default operating system. Perhaps you would choose Vista to be the default and XP or one of the older Windows operating systems to be secondary. You then select how many seconds that you want to allow to make your boot up choice.
For Example: I have XP Professional on one of my computers. I have an old big format, blueprint size printer, that does big sheets of paper. It will only work on Windows 98. When I turn on my computer and it starts booting up, it will get to one point in the boot up process and pause for 12 seconds. During that 12 second pause, it will allow me to select whether I want to boot to Windows XP or Windows 98. If I do nothing during that pause, it will simply go on and boot to Windows XP, because I selected XP as my default operating system. If during that pause, I select Windows 98, it will then boot to 98 and I have a Windows 98 computer instead of a Windows XP computer. I will sometimes do the work on XP, then reboot to 98, just to print the file on my big printer
In the case of Windows Vista, one could choose to either boot to XP or boot to Vista. Once you have booted to one operating system or the other, you can then install any equipment, drivers, software, etc, that you want for that particular operating system. It will work like two separate computers, each with their own operating system and software. Again, I find this works better on an additional hard drive. You can salvage any working hard drive from an old PC. The size is not important as long as it will hold the second operating system.
If this still seems complicated, Someone with even basic computer skills could help you set this up. Also, look in your windows help menu under "installing more than one operating system on your computer." It will also provide information about types of file formats and which are supported by which operating systems.
I know that this is not as good as having current drivers for every operating system but it is better than discarding good equipment that you occasionally still use
I hope this information will be helpful in restoring the use of your older items.
D.B.
Columbus, Ohio
COMPATABILITY MODE
by Michelney - 3/15/07 2:50 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamHave any Vista users who are having troubly running older programmes tried the compatability mode.
Right click on the executable, select properties/compatability, then select the appropriate operating system to suit your programme.
I do not have Vista installed so I cannot say if this will work but maybe someone in CNET could try this idea out and advise subscribers.
MICHEL
Compatability Mode Further information
by Michelney - 3/15/07 2:56 PM In reply to: COMPATABILITY MODE by MichelneyAfter posting this blog I searched CNET Tips and Tricks for Compatability mode and found all you need to know.
( see the search box at the botton of this page)
MICHEL
Amen, Vista is junk!!
by CC1112 - 3/15/07 3:13 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamI have also been a faithful Windows user since release 2. I have suffered through previous ill-suited upgrades of Windows, but this is enough. I have a Mac at home, but seldom use it. Now I am changing over. I purchase an upgrade to web software that I routinely use last week. When it arrived (after the Vista release date) it was not a matter of "yelling at the software developer." The software company responded quickly and said we had to beat Vista at it own game. I had to go through a real detailed change to Vista to get it to work. A less experienced user would have given up. No more PCs and no more Windows. I don't think the Mac commercials are cute -- I think they are true.
Windows Vista's responsibilities.
by Manian - 3/15/07 3:14 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamMicrosoft is to blame for third-party software and hardware vendors' incompatibilities with Vista. Earlier with all the operating systems of Windows we were able to use the software of maximun popular products. For example sofwares like AUDICITY, GOLDWAVE Etc. have become incompatible with Wiondows Vista as they have to get the compartibility certificazte from Microsoft. This means that Windows is gradually monopolising its control over the other sofware producers. We hope it will not last long. The producers of popular softwares may be reluctant to obtain any such certificates as it may be their prestige issue. Computer users like us will stop with the Windows XP in future.
Ford's fault Third Party Acessories don't work with my car..
by eidospsogos - 3/15/07 3:44 PM In reply to: Windows Vista's responsibilities. by ManianDoes anyone realize how ridiculous this all sounds?
Microsoft is responsible for providing an OS that works on it's own. It then becomes the job of third party software manufacturers to make sure there products wotk with that Operating System. That simple.
With the amount of software and hardware comvbinations out there, it is impossible for one company to handle the impossible task of making sure that every single piece of software and hardware on the market works with their OS.
If your computer doesn't work well with Vista, talk to the computer manufacturer. If your software doesn't work well with Vista, talk to the software manufacturer. The same goes for third party hardware.
How I miss the days when people involved in these discussions actually KNEW about computers. Now it's just a bunch of people whining about things not working, when they don't have the first clue as to why it's not working in the first place. I have been using Vista since it's initial BETA release, with programs that range from Adobe Creative Suite to Microsoft Office 2003, and I have not run into one problem that is insurmountable.
If you have to call Tech support, then you should be prepared for someone passing the buck. It's not very likely that they're going to tell you: "Yeah, we know we've had 5 years to prepare for this, but we just sat around doing nothing, because we knew we could blame it on MS, and you'd buy it because you don't have the brains to know any better."
If you're having problems with Vista, and you want to blame your problems on someone, please aim it in the right direction. I personally had a BETA version of Vista 3 years ago. So tell me why these manufacturers couldn't get their hands on a copy for the sake of preparation.
Feel free to point blame, just point it in the right direction.
Vista
by Pete.Goswell - 3/15/07 3:26 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamOf course the problem lies with Microsoft. If GM builds a car that is 20' wide & cruises at 300 mph., should the Public works system in every state be expected to modify all roads & highways to accomodate it? If Boeings new airplane concept requires runways 18 miles long and its span takes up three times the number of current gates do we have to build new terminals everywhere...hell no the FAA would not licence it.
Who's to Blame ..Third Parties or Microsoft? Or BOTH?
by tsd - 3/15/07 4:02 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamMy comments are simple logic. Microsoft wants MORE money than they have, AND the third party software companies say, "If Microsoft can do it, Why shouldn't we?" Someone said the software third parties SHOULD have updated their products for Vista, and I do agree. There wasn't anyone refusing to sell a printer or scanner or even a camera a few months ago, KNOWING the drivers were not compatable with a new O/S, but GREED motivated them to keep quiet so as to sell a NEW software product when Vista takes hold. An Editor from C-Net already said the Vista Home Basic was nothing more than an UPGRADE to XP and could that have been the answer for the more hobby minded computer user, not having to upgrade the complete computer, and the software? Something to think about!
Anyone who buys a new operating system in its early stages
by Rosalind Katz - 3/15/07 4:12 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamMost folks who've been using computers for several years have learned not to buy a new operating system soon after it becomes available to the public. The reason: new operating systems tend to be very buggy and software hasn't been modified for compatibility. My friend is a computer tech. He just bought Vista and installed it on one of his computers with great difficulty. It took 7 hours to get the computer up and running and software had to be replaced because of incompatibility problems. In my view XP is one of the most stable MS operating systems ever. Why would I want to waste my money on Vista so early on. Well, I wouldn't, haven't didn't. My friend did because he needs to know how it works for those customers facing Vista problems. His advice to me-your computer works just fine. Don't change-at least not yet.
Vista is Disappointing
by MLSimpson - 3/15/07 4:14 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamAfter using the upgrade advisor I took a leap of faith and installed Vista on my computer. My first impression is that it may not be worth the time, trouble and money. The cosmetics are great. How it works is disappointing. Vista Advisor reported that my scanner would not work, but it does perhspas not perfectly. The Internet is slow as Molasses on a cold winter morning. The biggest disappointment was when I plugged in my PDA to find it definitely wasn't going to work with Vista. I couldn't update my HP PDA for the daylight time change or sync Outlook any longer. As I have seen so many times, hold off until SP1 before installing Vista
WINDOWS VISTA
by Manian - 3/15/07 4:30 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamThis is in ontinuation of my prvious opinion given a few minutes back that Microsoft is to blame for third-party software and hardware vendors' incompatibilities with Vista. I see from among the valuable opinions given by many users of Windows Vista that Microsoft hss to be blamed for the inconvinience caused to many software producers and vandors. No wonder in a very short period all these software producers and vendors unite together and fund to produce a new operation system to thrash out the monopolising tendency of Microsoft.
Nothing New Here
by mikedgolf40505 - 3/15/07 4:38 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamThere have always been compatability issues with each successive version of windows. That is just a fact of life. It is up to the hardware supplier to keep with the new Vista. It would be IMPOSSIBLE for microsoft to make Vista applicable for every old application. Come one guys let us have some common sense.
Microsoft can wait for my $$$$$
by jimp711 - 3/15/07 4:53 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamI have been a PC user for 30 years. I have seen ALL the system upgrades for Windows......some good and others bad. I now have XP and will keep it for the near future. If you are having trouble with Vista don't blame Microsoft or the 3rd party Mfgs.. There is only one person to blame and it is YOU! For the months preceeding the release of Vista every review I read and people I have talked to all agree on one thing... WAIT 6 months and most of the major bugs will have been worked out, not only by Microsoft but the 3rd party Mfgs.. I have done that now for all operating systems since the release of Windows 95. I still have some minor issues but by that time most of the major problems can be fixed.
So if you have Vista now and are working through the problems, just remember in 6 months or more if you could have waited, you could have installed Vista and not have had 1/4 of the problems. I have done the same thing before. It is hard to wait but in the end it is worth it I assure you.
Apple has the right idea. OS X is a great operating system. The security issues make a PC suffer greatly, but it is a issue we have to live with in this day and age. I swore I would NEVER buy a Mac, but I did 1 year ago and have had NO PROBLEMS with any program or hardware, not to mention any internet issues. Now I am not saying I do not like the PC anymore because I still have a good one and will continue to update it as time goes on.
But like I said Microsoft will wait for my Vista money for a few months!
Vista Bugs
by BBB1234 - 3/15/07 4:58 PM In reply to: Windows Vista Bugs by photohamI don't know what all the excitement is about. I have a fairly new Gateway computer so I thought about the upgrade. I used the Vista upgrade advisor and it pointed out any problems I might have during the upgrade process, With that said I decided not to upgrade at this time until I have the cash to upgrade potential trouble areas. Some people tend to jump in the water before reading the shark warning signs. A lot of venders have updated their drivers and I have already installed most of them, Nero, Some games, Etc. My advice is research, apply updates and upgrades, Then buy it.
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