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Trinity_Fire Forum Stalker

Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 1042
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:07 am Post subject: Windows Vista |
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Whoo, here comes an idiot. Anyway, I don't know much in the way of computer stuff, so try to keep the jargon and whatnot to a minimum.
My parents just bought me a Vista laptop for when I go to college (early, yeah, but whatever...) I'm wondering whether or not I should keep it, or if we should try to return it. The stores all sell laptops with Vista, but I've heard it's annoying and pretty much incompatible with just about everything. I'm not too big on sudden changes, seeing as to how I can barely navigate the new Microsoft Word.
I'm just wondering, do you think it's worth it to stick with the Vista and get used to it? (Not to sound like I'm complaining; I can get used to changes, I just don't know if I want this type of laptop for years if I can't add any new programs to it.)
I'm going to be trying things out on it later today, but just for starters, does anyone know exactly what its limitations are?
I'm interested in:
Being able to play my music files, both Windows Media Player, iTunes, etc... (I just know I have a handful of files that WMP can't play but iTunes can)
Hooking up a tablet? I don't currently own a tablet, so if I WERE to buy one eventually, would it possibly come with a driver or whatever you need to make it compatible with Vista?
Photoshop? Open Canvas? Stuff like that?
Sorry; I'm really not too eloquent with computer terms, so I'm just asking for a quick brush-over of the facts.
Thanks! _________________
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Sora121 Developer

Joined: 02 Oct 2006 Posts: 2591 Location: I'm here some place
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 5:35 pm Post subject: |
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As a frequent computer tech guy, I can answer most of your questions.
Vista isn't all that it was cracked out to be (thats for sure on both good and bad terms.)
since the first release the vista platform has seem many many updates, this includes whole build updates. the first build release was... 5.11 I think, and it is now 6. something
It does, now, accommodate many of the older programs used in XP, there are still minor bugs.
The biggest problem with vista is that the grade of hardware (thats the computers' physical parts) required to handle the operating system had to be much much higher than what they where for Win XP.
Since the hard ware had advanced so much some of the other proprietary hardware, like printers and external devices, can no longer be used.
Some of the systems settings can be changed to, at least, resemble the older versions of windows.
My advice to you is explore it a bit and get the feel of it, there are plenty of help places on the net now days the can help with specific problems that you may come to, just google them
My reason for saying this is that if you get a computer from a local store imaged with something like XP you may still have some external hard ware problems because manufacturers have all switched to higher grade/quality parts for vista. This also means that your XP would be loaded with mostly proprietary drivers for your hardware, so things like upgrades won't go as well.
Vista IS already tablet PC compatible and you should have drivers sufficient if your tablet doesn't come with drivers. and as far as I know, Photoshop CS2 (and up), the Macromedia 8 (and up) sets work. like I said, much of the software used in XP works.
New things take time to get used to, take it from an expert. I'll even have to take a new a+ certification test soon.
It really isn't as bad as people say. In fact most opinions come from people who DON'T have vista, so they can really only give what they heard from the next guy.
For kicks and giggles:
When they debuted the new (very first version) Windows Vista software, it crashed just as Bill Gates unveiled it to an entire room of big wigs. 
Last edited by Sora121 on Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:34 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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cstdenis Evil Overlord

Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 6490 Location: In the tubes.
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 9:44 pm Post subject: |
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Get rid of vista. Upgrade to XP. _________________ You will obey or molten silver will be poured into your ears. |
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Fayore Moderator

Joined: 12 Mar 2004 Posts: 6194
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 10:19 pm Post subject: |
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My parents bought me a laptop for the same reason. I've been using it since the start of the term, and I like it enough.
I do have a tablet installed on it. For most stuff, you can find vista updates on the developer's site or whatever, so it's not a big deal. I haven't tried installing photoshop yet, but other programs that were designed for XP or summat have been working fine for me. Not a single problem in sight, although recently it's been crashing a lot. That's more my fault, though, so don't worry about it.
I think it should be fine in general unless you're doing heavy duty stuff, which... no one does on a laptop, lol.
Also, it's really really pretty (imo), so if you're a petty person like me... all systems go, lol. _________________
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Sora121 Developer

Joined: 02 Oct 2006 Posts: 2591 Location: I'm here some place
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Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2007 11:12 pm Post subject: |
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cstdenis wrote: | Get rid of vista. Upgrade to XP. |
Lol, forget about both of them, Go Linux. |
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Trinity_Fire Forum Stalker

Joined: 31 Dec 1969 Posts: 1042
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Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 9:31 am Post subject: |
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Ah, thanks a lot. Um, Fayore, when you bought your Vista... did you have to pay separately for Word? D: The thing says I have to have some code and I never got one in the box I think... and trying to install an older version of Windows didn't work. :/
It is very pretty, and I'm sure I can get used to it. I guess the future will be Vista, so I might as well get started. I'm just glad to hear that a lot of the facts are myths. I think I'll be all right with this once I get used to it. : )
Thanks a lot, everybody! _________________
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Sora121 Developer

Joined: 02 Oct 2006 Posts: 2591 Location: I'm here some place
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Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 11:32 am Post subject: |
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Yes, sadly, windows does not bundle their lovely software (Office) with windows.
You've got to pay for it. |
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PrincessThug Very Oldbie

Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 2694 Location: here.
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Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2007 9:03 am Post subject: |
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I just got a Vista, too my parents say it's for college or what not, but I'm 15...sooo this piece of shit has to last. _________________ Gamertag - BabyGurly
I reply to everyone's comments because it makes me look cool.
Fuck me sideways |
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Sora121 Developer

Joined: 02 Oct 2006 Posts: 2591 Location: I'm here some place
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Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2007 9:05 am Post subject: |
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Its just another OS. |
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Edward_Elric_1308 Elder Than Dirt

Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 5013 Location: My account's gonna be deleted
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:30 am Post subject: |
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Hey, I'm wondering about this too. Will my Photoshop Elements 5.0 software be compatible with Windows Vista? Also, with my HP scanner work with that, too? See, I don't know that much about Vista and I'm getting a new computer and all, so I am completely confused about this. |
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Sora121 Developer

Joined: 02 Oct 2006 Posts: 2591 Location: I'm here some place
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Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2008 2:01 pm Post subject: |
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Never used elements 5.0 but if its a connection with CS2 and above it should work.
Same goes for your scanner, if its a newer model, say with in the last 2/3years it should still work fine, provided you have software for it, I can't say much for software.
You may want to check the HP site regarding software/driver upgrades for your scanner. |
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feathershadow Newb

Joined: 15 Jun 2008 Posts: 17 Location: Forest of Song
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Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 8:09 am Post subject: |
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I got this laptop sic months ago and in the first month, I got a virus. Vista downloaded it itself from the internet. Luckily it was easy to fix but if you be careful on the web vista isn't that hard. Although I called it evil for weeks. |
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Edward_Elric_1308 Elder Than Dirt

Joined: 07 Jul 2005 Posts: 5013 Location: My account's gonna be deleted
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Posted: Tue Jan 06, 2009 9:12 am Post subject: |
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Woah, big time necromanced thread. Please don't bump topics if there has not been any replies for a year. |
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Kirbyt Still very bored

Joined: 31 May 2008 Posts: 356 Location: Flint, Michigan
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Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2009 4:04 am Post subject: |
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My brother got a Windows Vista as a laptop. |
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Jhihmoac Member

Joined: 02 Feb 2010 Posts: 102 Location: The Vampires Castle
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Posted: Sat Feb 27, 2010 9:21 am Post subject: |
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Never used Vista...after disaster with old ME, I had used 2K up until little or no support came from MS (about 7 years)...I use XP on DT...and since I have no choice right now...Win7 on laptop...
I'd kill for a Mac... |
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