I am going to start with the second story that happened today. A nice old lady called me and told me she was buying a
new HP computer with Qwest DSL and Windows Vista. It is a very nice computer. It came fully loaded with a huge
monitor, remote, TV card for watching TV and listening to AM/FM radio. What more could a person ask for? and all
under $800 with a HP printer. So she kindly asked me to hook it up for her. I thought it would be a quick install. So I
talked with her as I hooked everything up. Once I was done I turned on the computer and connected it to the Internet.
It said it was protected by the newest Norton on a trial basis. Immediately it disconnected from the Internet and
stopped working? So I did a spy bot virus scan and found 16+ viruses on her computer. How did she get these
viruses? Well from doing windows updates and downloading avast anti virus of course. Just that fast. So I looked for
her Windows Vista install disk. It said "32 bit only" and she had a brand new 64 bit computer that came with the disk.
OK that makes sense? I did a system restore and put my anti virus on it before connecting it to the net this time. It
stayed connected. So what next? Well I put in the Printer Driver disk and it said it was not compatible with this version
of Windows. OK? What a joke? The lady asked me if we should box it up and send it back. I told her this was normal
Vista features in action. So after downloading the correct driver and installing it everything worked about as well as
could be expected of a Vista computer. What No Office? No Word? OK so I put on openoffice.org 2.1 and it ran fine.
We ended up putting SUSE Linux on the other half of the computer just in case Vista decided to take a dump.
So what's the first story? Well my father asked me to put Vista Ultimate on his laptop. My dad the Windows Lover I
thought. This ought to teach him. And indeed it did. The Control panel crashed The system when you tried to open it.
Explorer.exe crashed all The time. He could not find drivers for his new Vista Ready laptop, He had all kinds of fun. In
The end he told me he would rather use Linux than Vista lol. Now I have him convinced.
So if you want to learn SUSE just go to www.mindblowingidea.com and click SELF HELP. Look for SUSE on one of The
4 pages. SUSE 10.2 is The newest stable version. Just use it.
The Response to This:
An Anonymous Sender wrote:
That’s good information to have. While I’m no lover of Bill Gates, I’m not sure everyone is ready or even needs to
switch to Linux to avoid The Vista pitfalls. When purchasing a new computer, they can always use XP or Media
Edition if they are gun shy about Bill’s newest boondoggle. At least they would then have The drivers they need and
not have The learning curve that results from a new OS.
Just a thought.
My Response:
Windows 98 and 2000 are the most secure versions of Windows but Microsoft stopped allowing people to download
updates for them and now you have to switch to XP or Vista or else.
I tried this but it does not work. Windows XP is under Heavy fire right now from all the Linux supporting hackers and
the people Microsoft stole from as well as all those people that hate the blue screen of death. Some people just like
making viruses to brag about or as a hobby in their free time. No anti virus firewall or spy ware program can stop all
the viruses out there. Many XP computers just simply won't work until you wipe the entire hard drive (not reformat or
repartition) and reinstall Windows and all the programs from scratch. This is why I give the simple choice at startup to
boot in Windows or Linux. Plus did I forget to mention XP will only be sold for another year and then Microsoft is
dumping it? Well they are. Microsoft is trying to force everyone to switch to Vista. And they are making all the new
programs only Vista friendly. This is not a good business strategy. When I can't run my old windows 98, 95, NT, 2000,
3.1 programs and XP programs in Vista because Vista does not support them and I can run them in Linux for free
under WINE there is a serious problem! That's right pre Vista programs run better under Wine in Linux than on Vista! I
know its a shocker but soon even Internet Explorer 7 will be available from ie4Linux for Linux. And you can currently
run Internet explorer 5.0 5.5 and 6.0 on Linux. So you don't have to worry about those annoying sites popping up
saying your browser is not supported for this page. So why stay with Windows XP? well for another couple months you
should still be able to use the new programs from Microsoft and for a year or maybe two Microsoft will still supply
updates and registrations for it. And they will still sell it for a year. And where is the fun in an Operating system without
Blue Screens and Viruses? Ok I admit that SUSE Linux does not support DVD playback when you install it but using a
detailed group of instructions or an install CD I created you can have your DVD player working in no time. Yes a lot of
3D video games for Windows don't work in Linux. But now most of the Video Games being made for XBOX PS3 Wii
and Computers are all being made for Linux not to mention all the free games. My favorite is defendguin. Based on
Atari's skyline game they made. There are cool jet fighter games too. Now you may think but What about all the cool
graphics in XP, Vista, and Mac? Well the truth is Linux has all that including the Start Menu and it has more? what
More? yes have you went to www.video.google.com and looked up beryl? well you should. It's an optional 3D desktop
for the people that are not afraid of new features, and have faster computers. Of course it's not turned on by default.
If you have Nvidia or ATI video cards and a Direct X 9 card or better it will work. You don't even need all that junk they
say you must have to be VISTA ready. lol. Your 3 year old computer would do just fine. Not to mention Office is free
and all the educational programs your kids need like typing tutors and geography and even college courses. Well
since the average Linux Operating System comes with over 400 programs that Windows does not have all for free I
probably should stop talking or I will clog the Internet up. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. go to www.distrowatch.
com to find out all the latest. And if you want to know more look for videos on each version on video.google.com .
Complete SUSE instructions are on my site on www.mindblowingidea.com click Self Help.
Someone said Windows Media Center was a good OS to use? Well A customer I just had bought a brand new Dell
with Media Center installed and the Printer Spooler would not work with Lexmark printers (Dell resells mostly Lexmark
printers, Dell printers are relabeled lexmark printers). XP worked great on all her previous Dell Computers to hook up
to the Lexmark Printer but the New Media Center edition would not work. It disabled it's Spooler every time the
computer restarted. Even when I started the spooler and reinstalled the spooler After installing a printer we were right
back to it not working. I even reinstalled the OS several times. It never did work and the drivers were downloaded for
XP but would not work with Media Center. Maybe Dell wanted her to get a newer printer? One of my other customers
told me Dell told him he had to get Media Center edition of XP or he would not be able to record his movies from his
camera? What are they trying to pull to squeeze that extra dime out of him? Everyone knows Windows Movie Maker
comes on every XP computer. I think it even comes on ME the Most Errors i have ever gotten in a Windows OS. Too
bad Vista is even worse than ME. I thought ME was the worst mistake Microsoft would ever make.
Dell sent me an e-mail asking me to fill out a survey. They said that all the schools want LINUX computers instead of
Windows and are going to teach Linux. They asked what programs should be installed on these computers that
customers would want. I answered the survey. Other companies are switching too. HP has dumped a lot of research
and money into making all their printing products Linux compatible. Linux people don't go away from Linux they just
buy the products that work with Linux. Most anything you buy works with some form of Linux but just like Vista there
are some things it's not compatible with actually not just like Vista. Vista is not compatible with over %80 of people's
computers Linux works on about %90 of people's computers. If you don't trust me just go to Wall mart or Sears and
ask for a Linux computer. They will sell you one. IBM (the main supporter or Microsoft that got it started) said that they
now primarily support Linux %100 over anything else. Why? Well it's because IBM makes Servers and Servers can't
crash or the Internet would just stop working. over %60 of the world's servers run Linux. NAPA only uses SUN BSD
Linux for their servers. NAPA has never used anything else. AT&T invented the LINUX BASH because it runs all their
equipment out in the filed that routs calls and such. Even though most of AT&T's workers use Windows at their desks
just because they are comfortable with it does not mean that AT&T thinks it's better. Novel bought SUSE because
they needed something stable to install on their servers and equipment. IBM mainly is the supporter or Red Hat and
Fedora because only Fedora could be used to test the New Cell Processor they invented for the PS3 when it first
came out. Now SONY supports Yellow Dog Linux because it's all that will run on the PS3.
So what is the catch? Well for starters most computer technicians were never trained in Linux so you might have to
learn something about fixing computers or you might have to ask one of your relatives. Linux computers can get into
any windows machine on the same network without permission because of security flaws so be careful not to hack in
to your friend's computer using the file sharing or printer sharing wizard. Be careful not to use encrypted password
protected WiFi with your laptop. Linux will automatically give you all passwords to all WiFi networks you request to use
if you have airsnort installed. Linux looks different. Even though it has a Start menu if you choose the KDE Look and
Feel, it still is different. KDE use to be almost exactly the same as Windows but as time progressed they found that
this plane Windows looking start menu was just to plain. Now they made it have tabs for a quicker search (not
available in Linspire) and separate sub categories, to help you find things faster. they also added nicer looking icons
with big text and icons so that you can see them better. If you are a Mac lover the Gnome is for you. Use Gnome
instead of KDE and the menus at the top of the screen will be there to help you adjust to Linux from a Mac. Yes you
can install LINUX on a Macintosh. Just download the PPC version. the X86 version is for a 32 bit computer and the
X86_64 version is for 64 bit and 128 bit PCs. Linux is expensive. Even though you download it for free look at all that
time you spend learning how it works. I mean you have to download it, burn it to a disk, install it by pressing enter, set
a password and user name, and then you have to download all those free programs and updates, install your printer
and scanner. A support package can be purchased from Novell for SUSE for one year for over $200 that will allow you
to get help and support, a manual and an install DVD of SUSE for a whole year. One positive thing about Linux is at
least you don't have to download most printer drivers when using SUSE.
Other Notes:
Here is the Windows Vista Agreement, Read This:
“As described below, using the software also operates as your consent to the transmission of certain computer information during activation, validation and for Internet-based services.” “the software will send information about the software and the device to Microsoft.” “Any potentially unwanted software rated “high” or “severe,” will automatically be removed after scanning unless you change the default setting… By using this software, it is possible that you will also remove or disable software that is not potentially unwanted software.” (Your programs that Microsoft does not like will be removed!) “Microsoft provides Internet-based services with the software. It may change or cancel them at any time.” (change them? It has changed them so that it updates your PC without your permission) “The software features described below and in the Windows Vista Privacy Statement connect to Microsoft or service provider computer systems over the Internet. In some cases, you will not receive a separate notice when they connect… By using these features, you consent to the transmission of this information.” “The following features use Internet protocols, which send to the appropriate systems computer information, such as your Internet protocol address, the type of operating system, browser and name and version of the software you are using, and the language code of the device where you installed the software. Microsoft uses this information to make the Internet-based services available to you.” (if I wanted Microsoft to make their MSN service provider available to me I would have asked for it) “Content owners use Windows Media digital rights management (Digital Restrictions Management) technology (WMDRM) to protect their intellectual property, including copyrights. This software and third party software use WMDRM to play and copy WMDRM-protected content. If the software fails to protect the content, content owners may ask Microsoft to revoke the software’s ability to use WMDRM to play or copy protected content. Revocation does not affect other content. When you download licenses for protected content, you agree that Microsoft may include a revocation list with the licenses.” (this is where Microsoft collects a list of every file on your system to make sure it’s legal according to them) “Microsoft may use the computer information, error reports, and Malware reports to improve our software and services. We may also share it with others, such as hardware and software vendors. They may use the information to improve how their products run with Microsoft software.” (it’s bad enough the banks are sharing our info with all the companies Microsoft does too?) “The software is licensed, not sold. This agreement only gives you some rights to use the software. Microsoft reserves all other rights.” (Oh I get it now when I go to the store and buy software I don’t actually own it) “you must comply with any technical limitations in the software that only allow you to use it in certain ways.” “You may not work around any technical limitations in the software; reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the software, except and only to the extent that applicable law expressly permits, despite this limitation; use components of the software to run applications not running on the software; make more copies of the software than specified in this agreement or allowed by applicable law, despite this limitation; publish the software for others to copy; rent, lease or lend the software; or use the software for commercial software hosting services.” (you can’t fix it, understand how it works, or share it) “Any person that has valid access to your computer or internal network may copy and use the documentation for your internal, reference purposes.”(AH! ANYONE MAY COPY MY DOCUMENTATION ON MY PC?) “After you upgrade, you may no longer use the software you upgraded from.” (Wait a minute here you can still boot XP after you upgrade to Vista so your just not suppose to because thats illegal?) “If you acquired the software on a disc or other media, a genuine Microsoft proof of license label with a genuine copy of the software identifies licensed software. To be valid, this label must appear on Microsoft packaging. If you receive the label separately, it is invalid. You should keep the packaging that has the label on it to prove that you are licensed to use the software.” (Uh oh Microsoft has broken this agreement. You have a Vista any time upgrade disk and they send you a separate license key code um isn’t that what they say you can’t do here?) “USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN ANY MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG-4 VISUAL STANDARD IS PROHIBITED, EXCEPT FOR USE DIRECTLY RELATED TO (A) DATA OR INFORMATION (i) GENERATED BY AND OBTAINED WITHOUT CHARGE FROM A CONSUMER NOT THEREBY ENGAGED IN A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE, AND (ii) FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY; AND (B) OTHER USES SPECIFICALLY AND SEPARATELY LICENSED BY MPEG LA, L.L.C.” (Uh oh we can’t use VLC, Quick time, or any player that plays MP4 or MPEG videos because thats illegal we will need a Mac or a Linux pc for that) “You can recover from Microsoft and its suppliers only direct damages up to the amount you paid for the software. You cannot recover any other damages, including consequential, lost profits, special, indirect or incidental damages.” (Translation Microsoft is not responsible for any problems with the software that may cause you loss of money or property unless that value is less than the cost of the software) “It also applies even if repair, replacement or a refund for the software does not fully compensate you for any losses; or Microsoft knew or should have known about the possibility of the damages.”
So Microsoft can legally be negligent. Doesn't that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?
Now if you upgrade from XP you can never use that XP licence again. Thats what it says in the agreement. Your toast once you sign it.
I found this on Yahoo and thought you would like it.
Why Aren't You Upgrading to Vista?
Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:13PM EST
See Comments (687)
Daily Techno-Babble offers a breathless "three reasons why Windows Vista is sinking like a rock," and while the story
has a point, I don't really think that "limits on how Vista can be used under virtualization" is really the thing about Vista
that is scaring away that many would-be users, nor are Microsoft's DRM provisions on high-definition video much of a
big deal yet, as few users care about high-def on their PC right now. Don't get me wrong: I think all of these are
factors that make Vista a poor OS, but they aren't the primary reason that it's "sinking like a rock."
Given that Vista sales seem lackluster at best, what's the hang-up? I think it's something far more simple than the
reasons that DTB offers up.
So what's turning people off of Vista? Here's my take, in order of importance:
1) Price. There's no way around this one. Upgrading to Vista doesn't just mean spending up to $400 on software, but
also cash on RAM and video card upgrades, or buying a new PC altogether. If Vista was a $100 upgrade that anyone
could use, it'd be a top seller, I'm sure.
2) Nothing new to see here. Love the visual style, but does photo tagging and 3-D window flipping really merit an
upgrade?
3) It's annoying. I don't know any Vista user who hasn't turned off User Account Control, which nags you with an "Are
you sure????" prompt every time you try to do anything beyond run the calculator. Yet UAC is the linchpin of Vista's
vaunted new security system. Without it, it's really no different than XP.
4) Tons of stuff is incompatible with Vista. An acquaintance of mine got a new PC with Vista preinstalled. Neither her
scanner nor her printer had Vista drivers ready. Both peripherals cost several hundred bucks, and now they're
essentially paperweights (though the printer, at some unforseeable time in the future, may work again). Lots of
software won't run on Vista, either, but it's the hardware incompatibilities that are daunting. (Update: Looks like the
scanner driver's finally ready.)
5) It's confusing. Everything that XP could do, Vista can do... only it's buried under a different menu and it has a new
name. While average users probably never use many of these settings, power users have found themselves starting
from scratch to relearn Windows.
6) It's busted. Try connecting to a printer on your network that's hooked up to an XP machine. Or try downloading a
file with a third-party application and then accessing it via another PC on the network. I won't go into a list of the
endless bugs and flaws with the design of Vista, because I don't really have to: Vista needs a Service Pack already.
That's my take, but I'd love to hear your reasons for being hesitant: Why aren't you jumping whole hog into the
Vistaverse?
Comments on Why Aren't You Upgrading to Vista?
Post a Comment
Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.
1 Posted by aatw55 on Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:03PM EST Report Abuse
how about big brother's built in spyware? i'm jumping ship to linspire/freespire!
2 Posted by dellmost on Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:04PM EST Report Abuse
Vista does have its share of problems now. But it will soon be caught up with its problems, MS will have to put out
upgrades due to IT changes daily. This operating system is no differance then 95,98,XP or 2000. Why complaine??
We all know as long as there are dum people who want to try to damage your P.C. there must be changes, all most
daily. But all and all since we are now dependent on P.C. for news and comunacation we have to hope for the best.
MS is the good guy not the bad guy. So I say good luck to MS we wish you the best, keep the windows down and let
us feel the breezzz!!!!!!!!
3 Posted by cfalls37 on Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:39PM EST Report Abuse
what for? I'm happy with my XP, and I promise to stay with it till it craps out, perhaps. John
4 Posted by motelman444 on Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:10PM EST Report Abuse
i noticed at sams club they had lots of computers on shelves pre loaded with win xp two days later, they had pulled all
their old comps and replaced them with units pre loaded with vista. i havent been able to find a new computer with xp
on any shelf since hmmm am i to be force fed this new operating sytem?
new HP computer with Qwest DSL and Windows Vista. It is a very nice computer. It came fully loaded with a huge
monitor, remote, TV card for watching TV and listening to AM/FM radio. What more could a person ask for? and all
under $800 with a HP printer. So she kindly asked me to hook it up for her. I thought it would be a quick install. So I
talked with her as I hooked everything up. Once I was done I turned on the computer and connected it to the Internet.
It said it was protected by the newest Norton on a trial basis. Immediately it disconnected from the Internet and
stopped working? So I did a spy bot virus scan and found 16+ viruses on her computer. How did she get these
viruses? Well from doing windows updates and downloading avast anti virus of course. Just that fast. So I looked for
her Windows Vista install disk. It said "32 bit only" and she had a brand new 64 bit computer that came with the disk.
OK that makes sense? I did a system restore and put my anti virus on it before connecting it to the net this time. It
stayed connected. So what next? Well I put in the Printer Driver disk and it said it was not compatible with this version
of Windows. OK? What a joke? The lady asked me if we should box it up and send it back. I told her this was normal
Vista features in action. So after downloading the correct driver and installing it everything worked about as well as
could be expected of a Vista computer. What No Office? No Word? OK so I put on openoffice.org 2.1 and it ran fine.
We ended up putting SUSE Linux on the other half of the computer just in case Vista decided to take a dump.
So what's the first story? Well my father asked me to put Vista Ultimate on his laptop. My dad the Windows Lover I
thought. This ought to teach him. And indeed it did. The Control panel crashed The system when you tried to open it.
Explorer.exe crashed all The time. He could not find drivers for his new Vista Ready laptop, He had all kinds of fun. In
The end he told me he would rather use Linux than Vista lol. Now I have him convinced.
So if you want to learn SUSE just go to www.mindblowingidea.com and click SELF HELP. Look for SUSE on one of The
4 pages. SUSE 10.2 is The newest stable version. Just use it.
The Response to This:
An Anonymous Sender wrote:
That’s good information to have. While I’m no lover of Bill Gates, I’m not sure everyone is ready or even needs to
switch to Linux to avoid The Vista pitfalls. When purchasing a new computer, they can always use XP or Media
Edition if they are gun shy about Bill’s newest boondoggle. At least they would then have The drivers they need and
not have The learning curve that results from a new OS.
Just a thought.
My Response:
Windows 98 and 2000 are the most secure versions of Windows but Microsoft stopped allowing people to download
updates for them and now you have to switch to XP or Vista or else.
I tried this but it does not work. Windows XP is under Heavy fire right now from all the Linux supporting hackers and
the people Microsoft stole from as well as all those people that hate the blue screen of death. Some people just like
making viruses to brag about or as a hobby in their free time. No anti virus firewall or spy ware program can stop all
the viruses out there. Many XP computers just simply won't work until you wipe the entire hard drive (not reformat or
repartition) and reinstall Windows and all the programs from scratch. This is why I give the simple choice at startup to
boot in Windows or Linux. Plus did I forget to mention XP will only be sold for another year and then Microsoft is
dumping it? Well they are. Microsoft is trying to force everyone to switch to Vista. And they are making all the new
programs only Vista friendly. This is not a good business strategy. When I can't run my old windows 98, 95, NT, 2000,
3.1 programs and XP programs in Vista because Vista does not support them and I can run them in Linux for free
under WINE there is a serious problem! That's right pre Vista programs run better under Wine in Linux than on Vista! I
know its a shocker but soon even Internet Explorer 7 will be available from ie4Linux for Linux. And you can currently
run Internet explorer 5.0 5.5 and 6.0 on Linux. So you don't have to worry about those annoying sites popping up
saying your browser is not supported for this page. So why stay with Windows XP? well for another couple months you
should still be able to use the new programs from Microsoft and for a year or maybe two Microsoft will still supply
updates and registrations for it. And they will still sell it for a year. And where is the fun in an Operating system without
Blue Screens and Viruses? Ok I admit that SUSE Linux does not support DVD playback when you install it but using a
detailed group of instructions or an install CD I created you can have your DVD player working in no time. Yes a lot of
3D video games for Windows don't work in Linux. But now most of the Video Games being made for XBOX PS3 Wii
and Computers are all being made for Linux not to mention all the free games. My favorite is defendguin. Based on
Atari's skyline game they made. There are cool jet fighter games too. Now you may think but What about all the cool
graphics in XP, Vista, and Mac? Well the truth is Linux has all that including the Start Menu and it has more? what
More? yes have you went to www.video.google.com and looked up beryl? well you should. It's an optional 3D desktop
for the people that are not afraid of new features, and have faster computers. Of course it's not turned on by default.
If you have Nvidia or ATI video cards and a Direct X 9 card or better it will work. You don't even need all that junk they
say you must have to be VISTA ready. lol. Your 3 year old computer would do just fine. Not to mention Office is free
and all the educational programs your kids need like typing tutors and geography and even college courses. Well
since the average Linux Operating System comes with over 400 programs that Windows does not have all for free I
probably should stop talking or I will clog the Internet up. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. go to www.distrowatch.
com to find out all the latest. And if you want to know more look for videos on each version on video.google.com .
Complete SUSE instructions are on my site on www.mindblowingidea.com click Self Help.
Someone said Windows Media Center was a good OS to use? Well A customer I just had bought a brand new Dell
with Media Center installed and the Printer Spooler would not work with Lexmark printers (Dell resells mostly Lexmark
printers, Dell printers are relabeled lexmark printers). XP worked great on all her previous Dell Computers to hook up
to the Lexmark Printer but the New Media Center edition would not work. It disabled it's Spooler every time the
computer restarted. Even when I started the spooler and reinstalled the spooler After installing a printer we were right
back to it not working. I even reinstalled the OS several times. It never did work and the drivers were downloaded for
XP but would not work with Media Center. Maybe Dell wanted her to get a newer printer? One of my other customers
told me Dell told him he had to get Media Center edition of XP or he would not be able to record his movies from his
camera? What are they trying to pull to squeeze that extra dime out of him? Everyone knows Windows Movie Maker
comes on every XP computer. I think it even comes on ME the Most Errors i have ever gotten in a Windows OS. Too
bad Vista is even worse than ME. I thought ME was the worst mistake Microsoft would ever make.
Dell sent me an e-mail asking me to fill out a survey. They said that all the schools want LINUX computers instead of
Windows and are going to teach Linux. They asked what programs should be installed on these computers that
customers would want. I answered the survey. Other companies are switching too. HP has dumped a lot of research
and money into making all their printing products Linux compatible. Linux people don't go away from Linux they just
buy the products that work with Linux. Most anything you buy works with some form of Linux but just like Vista there
are some things it's not compatible with actually not just like Vista. Vista is not compatible with over %80 of people's
computers Linux works on about %90 of people's computers. If you don't trust me just go to Wall mart or Sears and
ask for a Linux computer. They will sell you one. IBM (the main supporter or Microsoft that got it started) said that they
now primarily support Linux %100 over anything else. Why? Well it's because IBM makes Servers and Servers can't
crash or the Internet would just stop working. over %60 of the world's servers run Linux. NAPA only uses SUN BSD
Linux for their servers. NAPA has never used anything else. AT&T invented the LINUX BASH because it runs all their
equipment out in the filed that routs calls and such. Even though most of AT&T's workers use Windows at their desks
just because they are comfortable with it does not mean that AT&T thinks it's better. Novel bought SUSE because
they needed something stable to install on their servers and equipment. IBM mainly is the supporter or Red Hat and
Fedora because only Fedora could be used to test the New Cell Processor they invented for the PS3 when it first
came out. Now SONY supports Yellow Dog Linux because it's all that will run on the PS3.
So what is the catch? Well for starters most computer technicians were never trained in Linux so you might have to
learn something about fixing computers or you might have to ask one of your relatives. Linux computers can get into
any windows machine on the same network without permission because of security flaws so be careful not to hack in
to your friend's computer using the file sharing or printer sharing wizard. Be careful not to use encrypted password
protected WiFi with your laptop. Linux will automatically give you all passwords to all WiFi networks you request to use
if you have airsnort installed. Linux looks different. Even though it has a Start menu if you choose the KDE Look and
Feel, it still is different. KDE use to be almost exactly the same as Windows but as time progressed they found that
this plane Windows looking start menu was just to plain. Now they made it have tabs for a quicker search (not
available in Linspire) and separate sub categories, to help you find things faster. they also added nicer looking icons
with big text and icons so that you can see them better. If you are a Mac lover the Gnome is for you. Use Gnome
instead of KDE and the menus at the top of the screen will be there to help you adjust to Linux from a Mac. Yes you
can install LINUX on a Macintosh. Just download the PPC version. the X86 version is for a 32 bit computer and the
X86_64 version is for 64 bit and 128 bit PCs. Linux is expensive. Even though you download it for free look at all that
time you spend learning how it works. I mean you have to download it, burn it to a disk, install it by pressing enter, set
a password and user name, and then you have to download all those free programs and updates, install your printer
and scanner. A support package can be purchased from Novell for SUSE for one year for over $200 that will allow you
to get help and support, a manual and an install DVD of SUSE for a whole year. One positive thing about Linux is at
least you don't have to download most printer drivers when using SUSE.
Other Notes:
Here is the Windows Vista Agreement, Read This:
“As described below, using the software also operates as your consent to the transmission of certain computer information during activation, validation and for Internet-based services.” “the software will send information about the software and the device to Microsoft.” “Any potentially unwanted software rated “high” or “severe,” will automatically be removed after scanning unless you change the default setting… By using this software, it is possible that you will also remove or disable software that is not potentially unwanted software.” (Your programs that Microsoft does not like will be removed!) “Microsoft provides Internet-based services with the software. It may change or cancel them at any time.” (change them? It has changed them so that it updates your PC without your permission) “The software features described below and in the Windows Vista Privacy Statement connect to Microsoft or service provider computer systems over the Internet. In some cases, you will not receive a separate notice when they connect… By using these features, you consent to the transmission of this information.” “The following features use Internet protocols, which send to the appropriate systems computer information, such as your Internet protocol address, the type of operating system, browser and name and version of the software you are using, and the language code of the device where you installed the software. Microsoft uses this information to make the Internet-based services available to you.” (if I wanted Microsoft to make their MSN service provider available to me I would have asked for it) “Content owners use Windows Media digital rights management (Digital Restrictions Management) technology (WMDRM) to protect their intellectual property, including copyrights. This software and third party software use WMDRM to play and copy WMDRM-protected content. If the software fails to protect the content, content owners may ask Microsoft to revoke the software’s ability to use WMDRM to play or copy protected content. Revocation does not affect other content. When you download licenses for protected content, you agree that Microsoft may include a revocation list with the licenses.” (this is where Microsoft collects a list of every file on your system to make sure it’s legal according to them) “Microsoft may use the computer information, error reports, and Malware reports to improve our software and services. We may also share it with others, such as hardware and software vendors. They may use the information to improve how their products run with Microsoft software.” (it’s bad enough the banks are sharing our info with all the companies Microsoft does too?) “The software is licensed, not sold. This agreement only gives you some rights to use the software. Microsoft reserves all other rights.” (Oh I get it now when I go to the store and buy software I don’t actually own it) “you must comply with any technical limitations in the software that only allow you to use it in certain ways.” “You may not work around any technical limitations in the software; reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble the software, except and only to the extent that applicable law expressly permits, despite this limitation; use components of the software to run applications not running on the software; make more copies of the software than specified in this agreement or allowed by applicable law, despite this limitation; publish the software for others to copy; rent, lease or lend the software; or use the software for commercial software hosting services.” (you can’t fix it, understand how it works, or share it) “Any person that has valid access to your computer or internal network may copy and use the documentation for your internal, reference purposes.”(AH! ANYONE MAY COPY MY DOCUMENTATION ON MY PC?) “After you upgrade, you may no longer use the software you upgraded from.” (Wait a minute here you can still boot XP after you upgrade to Vista so your just not suppose to because thats illegal?) “If you acquired the software on a disc or other media, a genuine Microsoft proof of license label with a genuine copy of the software identifies licensed software. To be valid, this label must appear on Microsoft packaging. If you receive the label separately, it is invalid. You should keep the packaging that has the label on it to prove that you are licensed to use the software.” (Uh oh Microsoft has broken this agreement. You have a Vista any time upgrade disk and they send you a separate license key code um isn’t that what they say you can’t do here?) “USE OF THIS PRODUCT IN ANY MANNER THAT COMPLIES WITH THE MPEG-4 VISUAL STANDARD IS PROHIBITED, EXCEPT FOR USE DIRECTLY RELATED TO (A) DATA OR INFORMATION (i) GENERATED BY AND OBTAINED WITHOUT CHARGE FROM A CONSUMER NOT THEREBY ENGAGED IN A BUSINESS ENTERPRISE, AND (ii) FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY; AND (B) OTHER USES SPECIFICALLY AND SEPARATELY LICENSED BY MPEG LA, L.L.C.” (Uh oh we can’t use VLC, Quick time, or any player that plays MP4 or MPEG videos because thats illegal we will need a Mac or a Linux pc for that) “You can recover from Microsoft and its suppliers only direct damages up to the amount you paid for the software. You cannot recover any other damages, including consequential, lost profits, special, indirect or incidental damages.” (Translation Microsoft is not responsible for any problems with the software that may cause you loss of money or property unless that value is less than the cost of the software) “It also applies even if repair, replacement or a refund for the software does not fully compensate you for any losses; or Microsoft knew or should have known about the possibility of the damages.”
So Microsoft can legally be negligent. Doesn't that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?
Now if you upgrade from XP you can never use that XP licence again. Thats what it says in the agreement. Your toast once you sign it.
I found this on Yahoo and thought you would like it.
Why Aren't You Upgrading to Vista?
Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:13PM EST
See Comments (687)
Daily Techno-Babble offers a breathless "three reasons why Windows Vista is sinking like a rock," and while the story
has a point, I don't really think that "limits on how Vista can be used under virtualization" is really the thing about Vista
that is scaring away that many would-be users, nor are Microsoft's DRM provisions on high-definition video much of a
big deal yet, as few users care about high-def on their PC right now. Don't get me wrong: I think all of these are
factors that make Vista a poor OS, but they aren't the primary reason that it's "sinking like a rock."
Given that Vista sales seem lackluster at best, what's the hang-up? I think it's something far more simple than the
reasons that DTB offers up.
So what's turning people off of Vista? Here's my take, in order of importance:
1) Price. There's no way around this one. Upgrading to Vista doesn't just mean spending up to $400 on software, but
also cash on RAM and video card upgrades, or buying a new PC altogether. If Vista was a $100 upgrade that anyone
could use, it'd be a top seller, I'm sure.
2) Nothing new to see here. Love the visual style, but does photo tagging and 3-D window flipping really merit an
upgrade?
3) It's annoying. I don't know any Vista user who hasn't turned off User Account Control, which nags you with an "Are
you sure????" prompt every time you try to do anything beyond run the calculator. Yet UAC is the linchpin of Vista's
vaunted new security system. Without it, it's really no different than XP.
4) Tons of stuff is incompatible with Vista. An acquaintance of mine got a new PC with Vista preinstalled. Neither her
scanner nor her printer had Vista drivers ready. Both peripherals cost several hundred bucks, and now they're
essentially paperweights (though the printer, at some unforseeable time in the future, may work again). Lots of
software won't run on Vista, either, but it's the hardware incompatibilities that are daunting. (Update: Looks like the
scanner driver's finally ready.)
5) It's confusing. Everything that XP could do, Vista can do... only it's buried under a different menu and it has a new
name. While average users probably never use many of these settings, power users have found themselves starting
from scratch to relearn Windows.
6) It's busted. Try connecting to a printer on your network that's hooked up to an XP machine. Or try downloading a
file with a third-party application and then accessing it via another PC on the network. I won't go into a list of the
endless bugs and flaws with the design of Vista, because I don't really have to: Vista needs a Service Pack already.
That's my take, but I'd love to hear your reasons for being hesitant: Why aren't you jumping whole hog into the
Vistaverse?
Comments on Why Aren't You Upgrading to Vista?
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Join in the discussion. Here you'll see the comments in the order they were posted.
1 Posted by aatw55 on Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:03PM EST Report Abuse
how about big brother's built in spyware? i'm jumping ship to linspire/freespire!
2 Posted by dellmost on Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:04PM EST Report Abuse
Vista does have its share of problems now. But it will soon be caught up with its problems, MS will have to put out
upgrades due to IT changes daily. This operating system is no differance then 95,98,XP or 2000. Why complaine??
We all know as long as there are dum people who want to try to damage your P.C. there must be changes, all most
daily. But all and all since we are now dependent on P.C. for news and comunacation we have to hope for the best.
MS is the good guy not the bad guy. So I say good luck to MS we wish you the best, keep the windows down and let
us feel the breezzz!!!!!!!!
3 Posted by cfalls37 on Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:39PM EST Report Abuse
what for? I'm happy with my XP, and I promise to stay with it till it craps out, perhaps. John
4 Posted by motelman444 on Mon Feb 26, 2007 8:10PM EST Report Abuse
i noticed at sams club they had lots of computers on shelves pre loaded with win xp two days later, they had pulled all
their old comps and replaced them with units pre loaded with vista. i havent been able to find a new computer with xp
on any shelf since hmmm am i to be force fed this new operating sytem?
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