2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/ Lussumo Vanilla & Feed Publisher http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=3480#Comment_3480 2007-12-03T15:32:56-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 muse hick http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=483

Anyone else hoping that Microsoft isn't the operating system that powers tomorrow? Imagine you just make the jump to hyperspace and the computer crashes and won't tell you what the hell is going on. ...

I think once I had it up and running again I might pay a certain bespectacled uber-rich nerd a visit.

Neo, you are the one, you have to save mankind, just wait for the updates to download, can you see the little hourglass in your mind? make it spin faster ....]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=3495#Comment_3495 2007-12-03T15:46:54-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 John Smith http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1171

Aw Jesus lord, I just got a Samsung Blackjack the runs Windows Mobile and it's such a goddamn hassle to setup. On my Vista laptop -- a WINDOWS machine -- I absolutely must have Outlook to sync my ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=3883#Comment_3883 2007-12-04T04:16:45-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 Doc Ocassi http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=410

The one thing to keep an eye on is the ODF vs. OOXML conflict currently being played out. The one main hold MS has over the desktop market is their propriety office suite, rumbling of a standardized ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=3897#Comment_3897 2007-12-04T05:19:28-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 hyim http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=855

has caused them to worry about losing control of this monopoly, so they create their own version there's a joke in here somewhere , about old dogs and new tricks ^_^

has caused them to worry about losing control of this monopoly, so they create their own version
there's a joke in here somewhere , about old dogs and new tricks ^_^]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=3931#Comment_3931 2007-12-04T06:51:18-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 Elohim http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1014

Once I grow up, get a job, and get my own computer built (am currently @ uni on a laptop) - I will have as little to do with Microsoft as possible. Currently, I already use OpenOffice, Firefox and ...

Currently, I already use OpenOffice, Firefox and WinAmp/VLC instead of Office, Explorer & Media Player. Unfortunately, that's over Windows XP, but eventually!! I shall move on to pastures new. Or green. Nicer anyway.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=3932#Comment_3932 2007-12-04T06:51:58-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 screaming meat http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1219

Imagine you just make the jump to hyperspace and the computer crashes and won't tell you what the hell is going on. Or you are sling-shotting around the sun to travel back in time and save the whales ...

Imagine you just make the jump to hyperspace and the computer crashes and won't tell you what the hell is going on. Or you are sling-shotting around the sun to travel back in time and save the whales and you get the blue screen of death. What would you do?

I'd turn it off and on again. Usually works.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=3994#Comment_3994 2007-12-04T09:04:34-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 John Smith http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1171

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071204/ap_on_hi_te/microsoft_windows_genuine_advantage Microsoft softens response to piracy SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. is pulling back from a system that disables ...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071204/ap_on_hi_te/microsoft_windows_genuine_advantage

Microsoft softens response to piracy

SEATTLE - Microsoft Corp. is pulling back from a system that disables programs on users' computers if it suspects the software is pirated, opting instead for a gentler approach based on nagging alerts.

Microsoft said late Monday it will roll out the new version of Windows Genuine Advantage with the first "service pack" for Windows Vista, due in the first quarter of 2008.

When computer users activate a copy of Windows Vista or try to download certain software from Microsoft's Web site, the Windows Genuine Advantage system scans their PCs for signs of pirated software. Today, if the tool finds an unauthorized copy of Vista, the glassy Vista user experience disappears and other features are suspended.

In the new version, PC users found to have a pirated copy of Vista will continue to be able to use their computers, but with unmistakable signs their operating system is a fake. The desktop wallpaper will turn black, and a white notice will appear alerting users to the problem. Each time they log in, they will be prompted to buy legitimate software, and every hour, a reminder bubble will appear on the screen.

Users with a high tolerance for irritation can put off switching to genuine software indefinitely, but those who relent and buy a real copy of Windows can do so at reduced prices — $119 for Windows Vista Home Premium, half the regular retail price.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=4009#Comment_4009 2007-12-04T09:27:45-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 caiasward http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=186

Users with a high tolerance for irritation can put off switching to genuine software indefinitely, but those who relent and buy a real copy of Windows can do so at reduced prices — $119 for Windows ...

Users with a high tolerance for irritation can put off switching to genuine software indefinitely, but those who relent and buy a real copy of Windows can do so at reduced prices — $119 for Windows Vista Home Premium, half the regular retail price.

Heh, so even if I want a legit version of the software, I'm better off installing a pirated version first and saving myself 120 dollars or so...

Sounds good to me.

*downloads*]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=4072#Comment_4072 2007-12-04T11:22:10-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 lofidelity http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=969

@Elohim: If you want to start switching early, find/steal/download a copy of the Ubuntu Operating system, and try it. They made it bootable so you can get a taste without committing to anything. ...

@Elohim: If you want to start switching early, find/steal/download a copy of the Ubuntu Operating system, and try it. They made it bootable so you can get a taste without committing to anything. And if you like, you can always avoid the windows tax by buying a computer with linux later on. Dell being a good option since they actually support it, not just sell you a system and tell you good luck.

Usual going rate is $50US in Microsoft tax saved off one.

*Disclaimer: Dell may or may not be signing my paychecks, but the enthusiasm is genuinely mine*]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=4107#Comment_4107 2007-12-04T12:34:47-08:00 2007-12-04T12:36:26-08:00 mig http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=469

Much more stable open source systems like Linux and BSD are taking great strides as well. A few things that factor into why they aren't dominating is that they require a bit more knowledge about ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=4111#Comment_4111 2007-12-04T12:55:39-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 dan http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1318

I've been using Linux as my main OS since like 2002. It just gets better and easier, while it seems from what I hear windows is actually regressing and getting worse. Give Ubuntu Linux a try. I ...

Ubuntu Linux a try. I don't think Windows will be maintaining its monopoly much longer. No need to worry.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=4112#Comment_4112 2007-12-04T12:55:47-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 Elohim http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1014

@ lofidelity & mig. Thank you. I'll try one or two out on my spare laptop (I say spare, it's my sister's, but she never uses it) over the winter hols.

Thank you.

I'll try one or two out on my spare laptop (I say spare, it's my sister's, but she never uses it) over the winter hols.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=4149#Comment_4149 2007-12-04T14:31:06-08:00 2007-12-04T14:34:02-08:00 Doc Ocassi http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=410

I agree with lofi, mig and dan. Have a look at DistroWatch.com and read about the different distributions to find one that will suit you, most have LiveCDs so you can test the OS from a CD and not ...

DistroWatch.com and read about the different distributions to find one that will suit you, most have LiveCDs so you can test the OS from a CD and not interfere with your computer.

I have used GNU/Linux for about 10 years basically because I would rather use something that was freely available then pirate something I wouldn't pay for.

@ hyim
I think it has more to do with new cats and old tricks.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=4483#Comment_4483 2007-12-04T22:40:16-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 lofidelity http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=969

Doc: I'm guessing cats due to the vicious scratching, yowling, and the off chance of catching rabies?

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=5819#Comment_5819 2007-12-07T04:36:45-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 mig http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=469

I'm happy to hear you're going to try it. If and when you do, it's a bit rough to transition to, but leave it on there for a few months. It starts getting real easy after a few weeks, promise.

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=214729#Comment_214729 2010-01-17T23:20:39-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 meaninglessnoise http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=5880

Yeah, I know I'm a little late to this particular party... Isn't Ocean about - among other things - what happens when Windows takes over the Space Program? Our Fearless Leader knows about these ...

Isn't Ocean about - among other things - what happens when Windows takes over the Space Program?
Our Fearless Leader knows about these things. Pretty spooky.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=214746#Comment_214746 2010-01-18T04:09:14-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 Paul Duffield http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=6

I'd have thought any operating system designed for PCs is going to face the same problems with stability that Windows does and always has done, surely it just comes with the territory. It befuddles ...

I've had a number of different PC builds, and both Windows and Linux have been unbearable headaches that don't do what I want at one point or another. The politics of evil monopolising corporations aside, Windows crashes, Linux crashes, I'm sure Google's operating system will crash. As far as I'm aware, PCs are fundamentally hard to write stable operating systems for because of the central ethic behind their manufacture. It's one that I support though, and I am willing to put up with inevitable complications in order to do so.

Please someone correct me if I'm wrong, because I'd love it if we could have PCs that maintain that ethic and are magically as easy to write for as Macs.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=214748#Comment_214748 2010-01-18T04:37:53-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 Audley Strange http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=4475

You know what, I've had computers since the Spectrum was released, used windows since god knows when and yes I've had occassional problems with it, but nothing that was of any real significance, at ...

occassional problems with it, but nothing that was of any real significance, at all. Most of the problems were easily and quickly fixed and frankly my copy of '98 outlived 3 different machines. Sure MS are not perfect but then who is? As for the idea that they are a monopoly, well so what? You think if Google overtake them in the O/S. and cloud market that suddenly everything will be some kind of free utopian paradise?]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=214749#Comment_214749 2010-01-18T04:46:23-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 Kosmopolit http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1346

I have no problem with Microsoft products - Windows XP and Windows CE are both perfectly adequate for my needs. Problems only arise when one agrees to take part in one of the de facto beta-stage ...

Problems only arise when one agrees to take part in one of the de facto beta-stage releases.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=214754#Comment_214754 2010-01-18T05:01:12-08:00 2010-01-18T05:05:17-08:00 roadscum http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=7712

When it comes to the embedded OS that might be running your spaceship, aeroplane, welding robot or other bit of industrial kit, it looks like Microsoft are already less than popular: ...

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/01/17/evaluating_embedded/

though i notice on careful reading the article doesn't state what the actual market shares of the different systems are.

Me? I WANT a car catapult!]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=214840#Comment_214840 2010-01-18T11:21:52-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 RadioGuy http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2615

@Paul Duffield That's exactly right. MS tends to fail a little at ease-of-use and user interfaces, but their recent operating systems are really rather solid. (Mind you, I avoid Vista like the ...

That's exactly right. MS tends to fail a little at ease-of-use and user interfaces, but their recent operating systems are really rather solid. (Mind you, I avoid Vista like the plague, but that's mostly cause I'm quite content with XP, and have an if-it-ain't-broke-don't-fix-it attitude about changing my computing habits).

For any tech-nerds, I highly recommend Raymond Chen's blog, in which he details a lot of what went in to Windows XP (If you're not a Windows programmer the blog probably doesn't have much to offer you, though). The biggest lesson I've taken away from reading his accounts of the birth of the operating system is just how far MS went to ensure compatibility with existing (and often badly written) software.

As he puts it (and as evidenced by this thread, I think), when a program crashes, people blame the OS. 98% of the time, it's just a badly-written program.

Hmmm... Never thought I'd be an MS apologist. I have a lot against them, as a company, really. But they take a lot of flak for problems that aren't their fault.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=214842#Comment_214842 2010-01-18T11:32:10-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 briantm http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=4404

Linux Mint might be a better one for new Linux users. Has codecs for playing flash and dvds preinstalled. @Audley Strange: No, but at least they embrace open source. @Paul Duffield: I don't ...

Linux Mint might be a better one for new Linux users. Has codecs for playing flash and dvds preinstalled.

@Audley Strange: No, but at least they embrace open source.

@Paul Duffield: I don't know how accurate that is, as Macs are now built on an intel architecture also. And MacOS is a unix based operating system, as is Linux. They have a huge amount in common behind the scenes.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=214874#Comment_214874 2010-01-18T12:44:50-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 James Puckett http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2911

I don't know how accurate that is, as Macs are now built on an intel architecture also. Macs are built on a very tightly controlled intel architecture. Use RAM that’s a little out of spec and ...

I don't know how accurate that is, as Macs are now built on an intel architecture also.

Macs are built on a very tightly controlled intel architecture. Use RAM that’s a little out of spec and you’ll be lucky if you Mac finishes booting and logging in before it kernel panics. Mac OS is like a thoroughbred racehorse; it seems really amazing until it hits a patch of rough ground and its ankle explodes. It’s possible to custom build a PC that’s up to spec to run Mac OS, but it’s nothing like Windows or Linux where you can boot it up on any piece of shit from Shenzen and have it running like clockwork in under an hour.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=214918#Comment_214918 2010-01-18T15:09:53-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 PatrickBrown http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=1800

My attitude to Windows and Macs and so on... an analogy. I used to know a guy who was really into hi-fi, spent several thousand quid building a hi-fi system, which certainly sounded better than my ...

http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=215985#Comment_215985 2010-01-23T20:30:59-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 Jamie Coville http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=616

From a personal experience, I would NOT recommending jumping from XP to Windows 7 just yet. I did it and while it looks pretty and is actually pretty solid, Windows 7 has shit backward compatibility. ...

Actually I should say that Windows 7 does have a way of running them, but it requires paying to upgrade to 7 Ultimate, then downloading some programs that will let XP drivers work. That's essentially the big catch of the system.

I've also had some problems with software too. Thankfully, God Mode and being able to run things in XP mode has helped with some of that.

But still, if you thinking of getting a new system with Windows 7 and think you'll just be able to install all your old programs that you have registered (legit or otherwise) you'll be in for a big surprise.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=216052#Comment_216052 2010-01-24T08:36:18-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 Joe B http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=940

And Google is starting to move into the realm of operating systems. listed here and here.

listed here and here.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=216055#Comment_216055 2010-01-24T09:05:23-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 hmobius http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=785

Just a quick note that if anyone is interested in enabling "GodMode" in Windows 7, you could do worse than check here for how to do it and a load of other hacks which make accessing the ...

here for how to do it and a load of other hacks which make accessing the Windows control panels that much simpler. Start > Control Panel also works for most of the features too.

Ray Chen's stuff about the genesis of WIndows that @RadioGuy pointed is really good btw. It's a small thing but he had an online crusade going to find all the Win9x UI elements still in Vista and get them fixed in WIn7. Which he did.

Personally I really like Win7 and would heartily recommend it. I didn't have the peripheral issues that @JamieCoville had though which probably helped. I have managed to run every old program not Win7 compatible inside its Windows XP Mode virtual machine though. 500MB is a big download but it's worth it to not need a dual-boot with XP or a second machine for backwards compatibility.]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=216448#Comment_216448 2010-01-26T18:13:54-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 JessicaD http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=6709

Jamie, Prior to migrating to Windows 7 it would be best to download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor. The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will determine if your current computer configuration ...

Prior to migrating to Windows 7 it would be best to download and run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor will determine if your current computer configuration will be compatible with Windows 7, for further information as well as a link for download please go here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx

Another resource to verify compatibility is available at the Microsoft Windows 7 Compatibility Center located at the following link: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/default.aspx

Also, please note that when migrating from Windows XP to Windows 7 you will not have an "in place upgrade" option. You will however have the option to select "custom" install when prompted. The Windows 7 install process will then copy all of your data in "My Documents" over to a Windows.old folder within Windows 7 itself. All applications and documents stored in other locations will have to be reinstalled / transferred manually.

For more information on the Windows 7 Upgrade, please go here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Installing-and-reinstalling-Windows-7

For additional assistance with the migration of Windows XP to Windows 7, please go here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ee150430.aspx

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team]]> http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/comments.php?DiscussionID=123&Focus=216736#Comment_216736 2010-01-28T15:19:44-08:00 2013-05-21T09:41:58-07:00 jdack http://freakangels.com/whitechapel/account.php?u=2145

The first personal space craft will probably run fucking COBOL.