"More engaging than Bill Gates" -- what a tombstone!

One quibble, though: "Partnership with Dell to preinstall Windows Live Essentials and Live Search on its consumer and small business PCs. Tough luck, Google."

That last sentence should be, "Tough luck, Dell." The chance of anyone being told to "get[ting] a Dell" with more preloaded bloatware just went down. (Or are they pre-installing it on those extra-$150-for-the-"downgrade" XP machines?)

All of Vietnam's Government Computers To Use Linux

http://linux.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/01/07/1940248

"The Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications has issued an administrative ruling increasing the use of Free Open Source Software products at state agencies, increasing the software's use both in the back office and on the desktop. According to the new rule, 100% of government servers must run Linux by June 30, 2009, and 70% of agencies must use OpenOffice.org, Mozilla Firefox, and Mozilla Thunderbird by the end of 2009."

"Steve said that Windows 7 would be the "best" version yet. "

Shouldn't it always be so? Does this clarification imply admittance by Microsoft of past failures like Vista and ME?

@Gerardo
That's why they say the same thing every time they release a version of Windows. If they would not do so they'd have no reason for people to buy it...

If they'd be able to get half the stage performance delivered to consumers they'd have theirselves a winner on hands.

@Joe
How come your blog seems to attrack people feeling the urge to display so much Linux promotion? Isn't this just spam which would deserve being removed? At least people like Goblin, Chips and The Hand try to bring across a point. I might not always agree with them, but that's what discussions are for.
How about getting some moderation on here?

What I like about Apple announcements vs. Microsoft announcements is that things announced by Apple are normally ready to be bought in the store/downloaded straight after the announcement. With Microsoft you have to wait anything between 3 and 9 months before something is released. I also like the fact that Apple broadcast their keynotes via a podcast so I can actually see what happened.

I think he is wrong about PC/TV/Mobiles becoming one platform. The main problem with Windows Mobile was that it was trying to cram a PC experience into a small device and it does not work.

Likewise, the TV is very different to the PC and it should have a different interface. Trying to squeeze Windows onto everything will be a mistake. Remember WebTV anyone?

I can't believe somebody actually thought Microsoft did a good thing by bringing some group called "Tripod" on the stage....they were HORRIBLE!! I had to turn my sound down because they were so bad.....and I thought the beat-boxing at the beginning of the keynote was bad. Just terrible!

"The new Internet Explorer will hit Windows Mobile phones this year," supporting Flash, she said. There's no Flash on iPhone.

What the hell happened to Silverlight?

Is this just tacit acceptance that Silverlight has failed?!

It will support Silverlight too, but just because it supports Silverlight doesn't mean that sites like youtube are going to stop using Flash to deliver content overnight. Supporting youtube and other flash based sites is a big deal, even if they're still pushing forward with Silverlight.

XP deadline extended toward launch of Windows 7

http://windowssecrets.com/comp/090108/

"Vista is looking more and more like the Edsel of the computer industry. Presumably as a result of slow uptake by corporations and individual users, Microsoft last month confirmed that it will allow OEMs and smaller-scale "system builders" to pay as late as May 30, 2009, for copies of XP ordered by Jan. 31. (Vendors won't have to pay Microsoft until the systems sell. MS previously had been expecting payments for copies of XP by Jan. 31.)
As Mary Jo Foley states in her All About Microsoft blog, vendors of low-budget PCs such as netbooks were already being allowed to sell new systems based on XP through June 30, 2010, or one year after Windows 7 ships — whichever came first. Microsoft's new policy now gives a reprieve to builders of mainstream computers, and to end users who want to buy systems running Windows XP, not Vista, indefinitely or until Windows 7 is a proven commodity.
Eric Krangel reports on the Silicon Alley Insider blog that Dell has gradually been inflating its surcharge for "downgrading" a PC from Vista to XP. The bite rose last June from U.S. $20 to $50, then spiked in October to $100, and now is a whopping $150.
The fact that Dell's customers appear to be willing to pay this amount or more to avoid Vista may be the greatest indictment of Microsoft's unloved OS."

@billybob:
My IPTV STB-thingy runs Windows CE, another name for Windows Mobile, and it doesn't look anything like Windows. I think that it's something like this that Ballmer is speaking about.

Joe;

"The opening video that followed repeatedly called out "ready to go." Stylistically, the video reminded me of the absolutely great Windows 95 commercials of yesteryear."

I found that comment funny, I like that, I get the picture, thanks.

Say, I am wondering, is there any moderation here on this blog?

The simple reason is like someone above already mentioned, but, what is up with the Linux SPAM on "Microsoft Watch" and specifically, "Steve Ballmer Storms the CES Stage..."

Unless I am missing something which I read in your article, there is no mention of the Unix-based modular operating system. A system that I am not at all interested with, or to come here over. I mean if I want to know, learn, study about Linux, wouldn't I go somewhere else?

I know, scroll passed the "usless" noise...

I see a lot of useless clamor through some of your Microsoft centric comments. I spent some of the day here reading up on your comments which I do enjoy like the statement above.

Quote "The simple reason is like someone above already mentioned, but, what is up with the Linux SPAM"
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There is no Linux Spam on MS Watch, its called debate and alternate viewpoint. The only spam/trolling/deceptive posts here were ones with a pro-MS "theme" and Joe Wilcox has now deleted them.
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Quote "A system that I am not at all interested with, or to come here over. I mean if I want to know, learn, study about Linux, wouldn't I go somewhere else?"
-
As far as I was aware MS watch was about discussion, inspired by happenings in the world of MS. Thats certainly the impression I get.
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If you simply want to talk MS, why not visit Microsoft.com. I dont think you'll find much talk of anything else there.

@Carlos : You prove my point. He is saying basically that you will write the same apps for all platforms. This cannot happen from my POV because the different screens need vastly different apps. A multi touch game will work much better on the mobile than on the 50" plasma that is 6 feet away for example. A spreadsheet will only be workable on a PC.

The quote I was responding to was

His prediction that PCs, TVs, mobiles and the Internet would become a "single platform."

Normally a single platform would mean that the apps you write are all using the same frameworks and apis. I can't think he meant all these devices will run Windows, because they already do.

It all goes in line with their .net strategy of writing apps for the web browser that also run on the desktop. They obviously want the same thing for XBox and Windows Mobile. There is no point writing a spreadsheet for the TV, and a mobile version will need a very different feature set and UI.

@Billybob
In regards to talking about "all in one" home entertainment solutions, a mainstream UK PC mag is claiming that PS3 sales have now overtaken those of 360. I think MS's dream of dominating the web and desktop/home entertainment system are coming crashing down (IMO).
-
It now sort of makes sense why they would allow Novell to sponsor Mono, to me it was their attempt of migrating their .net framework onto another platform for the future.
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Just like how I believe surfing on a mobile is a novelty which is far more time consuming than it is productive, I believe the PC market has changed since (IMO) the home user considers the PC (for the most part) as a productivity tool. If they are getting the functionality they need I.E surfing/office type tasks, why should they continue to dip into their pockets for the latest MS release, when their PC already does what they require?
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If I was a consumer looking forward to Win 7, I would have been expecting:
1. Smaller footprint.
2. Smaller min specs.
3. Assurances that it wasnt as exploitable as previous versions.
4. Optimized code that enabled faster execution on the specs I HAVE NOW.
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From the reports Ive read, I see none of those things and the general view I see is to the effect of "Well its better than Vista and its good if you have 4gb of ram" My answer to that is: So it damn well should be. If Im feeding an OS with specs which would make a T-1000 look like a ZX81, I want an amazing experience.
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Maybe Ive got it wrong, maybe everyone else is prepared to shell out more money for extra hardware just to run an OS. Im not, thats why I use alternatives.

My, it's popular to bash Microsoft.

There's no doubt that Vista was a misstep, but it would be nice for folks to make considered comments about Windows 7.

Windows 7 continues the Windows tradition (a good one) of giving users choice about the hardware they want - and it is a platform that broad range of applications run on.

Windows 7 will also introduce touch screen personal computing to the masses - just like Apple has done with the phone. Surely a good thing.

Linux on the desktop continues to be an abject failure - despite the fact that it is free, penetration on the desktop is, very very low. Even with the fact that Microsoft made it hard to use their latest Windows Vista on netbooks, many people still choose to pay for a 7 year old Windows client over Linux - amazing!

Apple have enjoyed success because they have made a good product - but at a price - and a number of their missteps recently do not garner the attention of the critics.

It would be great if people actually tried stuff for themselves rather than just joining the popular bandwagon..

@Peter:

"Linux on the desktop continues to be an abject failure - despite the fact that it is free, penetration on the desktop is, very very low. Even with the fact that Microsoft made it hard to use their latest Windows Vista on netbooks, many people still choose to pay for a 7 year old Windows client over Linux - amazing!"

You certainly have a point in this post, but I am afraid that your truthful remark based upon two decades of a "free" Operating System is just that, an abject failure. However, you are baiting those who will defend their operating system of choice as if you violated their kin or something that extreme.

I came here today and found this site, for the most part, the articles written do bring up a welcoming arena of comments. Unfortunately those that oppose certain thoughts and ideas that may not be "pro-Linux" are accused of being "Shills" directly working for Microsoft.

One lad talked about, in his own words, his experience with the Unix-based operating system called Linux, several distros, and did the wolves come after him. I mean, this is my own observation that I saw and read after the originating post.

I also realize there isn't much moderation here, and I as a new person to this site, well, I get the distinct impression that there are (some) lads trying to bully anyone with a difference of opinion. Leastwise, this is my own observation.

Peter, this is my interpretation of scrolling through some of these comments.

@Goblin;

I was referring to the comment that "sam" wrote furnishing a link, "All of Vietnam's Government Computers To Use Linux..." and providing a link on a non-Linux topic, what would have called that?

To me, it is nothing more than a form of SPAM.

According to WIKI:

A definition of the meaning that strikes a cord with me is: unsolicited or undesired bulk email messages.

Again, Goblin, I am not the only one on the post today that feels the same way and has commented accordingly.

Also, I believe you are amiss, I come here now to read up on what is going on with and in Microsoft, in other words, I come here to find out what is going on, latest news, and comments written by the author, Joe Wilcox and his interpretations of the goings on in Redmond. I think it is that simple.

I also enjoy the opportunity to read on what others have to think about the subject at hand, the subject or the article that Joe himself posted.

I don't think that your perceived condescending remarks toward me has anything to do with this simple fact of this site's description:

"Microsoft Watch includes frequent updates, scoops and links to breaking Microsoft stories, links to important Microsoft resources, and expert commentary and news analysis, edited by veteran journalist Joe Wilcox. Offers RSS feed. Email newsletter includes monthly Microsoft project and release tracker. Covers full range of Microsoft initiatives including Office, Windows, Great Plains, MSN and .Net."

This is my primary reason for me to come here throughout today and to comment.

Unless Joe Wilcox and eWeek are out in a false statement posted on most any Search Engine, that is, since the description above is taken right off the homepage, then I missed my mark.

You wrote: "As far as I was aware MS watch was about discussion, inspired by happenings in the world of MS. Thats certainly the impression I get..." This is akin to my thoughts, which undermine the multitude of all your other "Pro Linux" views so eloquently posted throughout this site.

So based upon all your other comments, I draw this simple conclusion among some others. You dislike Microsoft, and I put "dislike" lightly, and feel that you must validate the "opinionated" supremacy of Linux and strongly come against anyone with a difference of opinion. This is the "Axiom" with yourself with Linux, and again, based upon your many previous posts, they speak above head and shoulders monist the "anti-Microsoft campaign here.

I don't mean to be perceived to be picking on you, but your recent comments and backlashing against anyone with a difference in this matter tends to stand out more than anyone thus far, what I have read, that is.

I will conclude that I have not read every article that Joe has written on this site, nor all the comments. If you feel that I am picking on you. I do realize as well, sir, you are not the only one that prefers Windows on this site and you are not the only one with this mindset of loathing, if I may say, Microsoft.

I will also thank you for your time in reading my comments directed to you. I regard myself as not your "enemy" but as a man with a difference of opinion about this meaning of this site on on account, and the account to as what is the best operating system out in the universe. I believe that we are still waiting for that one.

In conclusion with you, I will leave you with this fact, no matter how you feel, it seems that Microsoft XP, for better, or for worse, is the one single operating desktop operating system that the PC community is fighting Microsoft for the continuance of, and to me, that is remarably resounding enough to this man.

People, no matter on how you may personally feel, they are willing to spend up to $150.00 American dollars if I am correct to downgrade to XP Professional... Wow, what can any rational person say about that, neither here nor there I suppose.

-------------------------------------------------
@Joe;
Thank you for the opportunity of allowing me to share my views and opinions with the others here today.

"Charlotte is attractive and articulate, and she aptly highlighted real-world benefits."

I agree, she should speak for Microsoft, least that is my opinion there on that one.

The sooner Microsoft is buried the better. Bury that cult of evil in the same stinking clay that entombs Nazism, asbestos roof shingles, and flared trousers.

@Draoi Dubh : who says:
"I was referring to the comment that "sam" wrote furnishing a link, "All of Vietnam's Government Computers To Use Linux..." and providing a link on a non-Linux topic, what would have called that?

To me, it is nothing more than a form of SPAM."....

Its spam to you because you only want to hear sweet nothings in your ear about Microsoft, right?

Now to you the fact that Vietnam's Governments computer are being switched to Linux is Spam, has nothing to do with Microsoft or MS Watch, correct? And who's software do you think that Linux is displacing over in Vietnam? If you guess Microsoft Windows and MS Office you would be correct. And that sounds like it is relevant to posting that information here. Your comment, on the other hand sir, sound a wee bit more like spam to me. Because its not what you wanted to hear, others did.

How can you talk about Microsoft without talking about their competitors? How can you talk about the beauty of the light and the daytime, without contrasting it with the darkness and the night? Same thing.

regards, sam

@Hemlock;

Make no mistake about it, you are very clear and concise on the matter. I really enjoyed your hatred, love the energy but there's a need to add more to your list...

crapware, extortion-ware, and the thieves on Wall Street...

@peter and Draoi
Firstly, lets stop the fudge.
In regards to what discussion/who is welcome, Joe Wilcox has already made a post, and made his opinions clear. I suggest, if you consider the direction of this site wrong, you take it up with Joe directly. In regards to the spam comment, i hadnt checked the link myself, however that is one instance and you didnt make it clear you were refering to one post, you implied Linux in general imo. I personally support the use of links, so that it further highlights the point of someones post and Joe must too since he could quite easilly stop people from including them.
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The subject of failures is a little rich when they are made on the back of Vista, which is IMO the reason why the migration away from windows increased.
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Just as you claim Linux users defend their platform like kin, id suggest so do our pro-ms ones, since they are raving about a platform that has yet to hit the shelves. At least in the case of Linux and Mac users are speaking from a position of actually having used the product.
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Another case of distorting the truth is said when commenters here claim that anyone with a pro-ms opinion is labeled a shill. Speaking for myself, I challenge that remark, since i dont believe i called jess, joe, david or mephisto (to name a few) a shill just because their opinions favored ms. What i would add though is that you cant blame people for being suspicous of ms, since there is some rather nasty allegations made towards ms in regards to paying for good comments.
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Just a few questions for everyone here, if Linux is such a failure on the desktop, why is it on almost every tech forum there are comments highlighting gteat experiences. If Linux is such a failure, why are the BBC working on a streaming project with a popular distro? and why, are windows supporter so fixated with the fact that just because Linux is not used by as many people as Win, it cant possibly be better.
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Aside from the popularity issue, lets hear of the failures of the Linux platform. After we have done that, in the interests of fairness we will do the same for Microsoft.
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I will refrain from drawing inference in the fact that last time we had two pro-ms commenters supporting each other, it turned out to be the same person. but Draoi, when you said you came here to read joes posts, why are you making complaints about comments. if you dont want to read them, ignore them. Or would you rather the only comments you read are those of praising ms? is that representative of users opinion? as i say, that kind of talk can be found on the ms site, hence why i refered you.
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I could be forgiven for thinking that you would like alternative viewpoints taken off this site, is that true, or have i got it wrong?

@Peter, last time I checked the drivers for my ATI video card were developed by ATI, not Microsoft. Thus it is ATI who gives me the opportunity to view Windows with its display card. ATI also develops the Linux drive I use when I boot Kubuntu. Thus it is ATI who gives me the opportunity to view Linux with its display card.

If it were not for this ATI driver I'd be stuck with standard VGA display card on Windows. Don't be mistaken. Microsoft does not support a vast majority of hardware. The truth is a vast majority of hardware supports Windows and this was precisely the problem experienced with Vista. There were missing drivers for Vista for a lot of hardware. Same holds true for 64bit drivers. It must also be noted that if you have an old piece of hardware that does not have a Vista driver developed by its manufacturer you'll probably be out of luck knocking at Microsoft's door for the Vista version of it.

@Peter and Draoi, and you too Andrew if you are out there,

Softies want to run from any discussion they cannot control or is negative about MSFT. So they would wish censorship to be imposed as the solution to all the problems of MSFT. The only problem with that is that more and more people are switching to Mac and Linux systems, and others are staying in Droves with XP to escape the problems and control-ware of Vista/Seven and its DRM, and performance/hardware problems. The fact that MSFT is bleeding desktop market share at an alarming rate is reason enough to discuss other alternatives.

Speaking of Control-ware, or lock-in, if you would rather, Microsoft is famous for it. And now, the Softies here want to control, or lock-in what we discuss here on this site. This reminds me of an old Microsoft joke, which the last line applies very well to this thread:

“Definition of Windows
Microsoft Windows : n. 32 bit extensions and a graphical shell for a 16 bit patch to an 8 bit operating system originally coded for a 4 bit microprocessor, written by a 2 bit company that can't stand 1 bit of competition.”

This site for me is very enlightening. Someone one said to me via email that shill posters dont like it when links are posted. Is that true? We can never say for certain, but looking back at previous threads there does seem to be pattern to me that once a pro-ms commenter starts sparking posts with links in from others who favour alternatives, the tone of the MS favoring post takes a significantly more aggressive and sometimes insulting tone (IMO)
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I have also observed that once those tactics are seen not to work, it appears to me the pro-ms handles simply disappear due to the "penny dropping" that they are provoking anti-MS links to be put onto Microsoft Watch. Thats my opinion, I could be wrong, but I would be genuinely interest to hear about others interpretations of some rather bizarre trends of late in the comments of MS-watch.
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If I could just quote the above poster "“Definition of Windows
Microsoft Windows : n. 32 bit extensions and a graphical shell for a 16 bit patch to an 8 bit operating system originally coded for a 4 bit microprocessor, written by a 2 bit company that can't stand 1 bit of competition.”
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That is probably one of the best remarks Ive read about MS. I hope you dont mind if I re-use it.
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It beats the "Computers are like air-conditioning, open Windows and they dont work properly"
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Of course some of our more underhanded proprietary pushers will want to jump on my comments and in someway suggest that Im being a Linux shill or troll, so I'll say now, THEY ARE FLIPPANT REMARKS (WITH A TONGUE IN CHEEK FLAVOR), I AM NOT CLAIMING THEM AS FACT.

So just to make it clear to everyone. The comments that I made about air conditioning and Windows, and my appreciation of left hand of gods quote. They are meant as FLIPPANT and LIGHT HEARTED remarks (as said above), no fact implied or intended.
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I hope that will stop anyone accusing me of anything. I doubt it, but its worth a try.

I would just like to add something which Ive found in the last few minutes.
-
As I said before, I found Davids appraisal of Win 7 a very interesting, informative read. I found it very interesting in his comments about specs etc.
-
Then I went over to the blog of Andre Da Costa, who still hasnt returned here from his Xmas "Teching it easy" to explain why on his blog he claims he was not going PDC, yet another site prints a quote from him at the event.
-
Anyway I digress, as you can imagine Andre Da Costa is very excited by the impending release of Win 7, however in respect of what he claims you can run it on, he says:
-
"AMD Sempron 1.6 GHz machine with 512 MBs of RAM for a couple of weeks now and it’s just fast, no lag, got Aero Glass and my applications just feel really snappy on it."
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Mmm. I personally tend to favour Davids assessment of the platform. However if Andre's claims are correct, then MS is in with a winner with Win 7.
-
If however you had to bet your life savings, whose claims would you side with? Personally Id side with David.
-
Or maybe Andre would like to return and clear the Win 7 point up and at the same time the PDC one?

@Goblin:
Quoting Andrew:
"AMD Sempron 1.6 GHz machine with 512 MBs of RAM for a couple of weeks now and it’s just fast, no lag, got Aero Glass and my applications just feel really snappy on it."....................

Most likely Young Softie Andrew got a bit confused, and that was his newer $6000 HP computer system that he won from HP and Microsoft, methinks.

As far as was he at PDC2008, most likely, and most likely was one of the "lucky" ones that Joe Wilcox talked about getting the free laptops again. Not that Andrew, already has a free laptop from when Vista came out, and really does not need a newer one.

But Goblin, if you really want to know, ask Joe Willcox as he was at PDC2008 and is friends with Andrew.

Hi The Far Left Hand of God.
As I said in an earlier thread, I took a screen grab of Andres blog where he said he wasnt going, and fyi here is the link that seems to contradict that claim:
-
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/microsoft/archives/152854.asp
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Im sure Andre is simply "Teching it easy" (as per his blog) and will return shortly to clear up this matter.!?!
-
Strange though that he hasnt posted here for a while, maybe he had "the mother of all new years eve parties" and is still recovering?
-
Another question that springs to mind, if Andre did infact attend the PDC, who paid for his travel?

And finally a question to everyone out there. If Andre did attend the PDC and if he did infact receive his free laptop, my question is:
-
What is the official number of times you need to post "I love Vista and its feature rich environment" in order to get one?
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Ill set the wife away now posting about one of those lovely Bentleys Ive always wanted. You never know, I may just get one.
-
Disclaimer:
In order to prevent certain posters from alleging libelous "facts" about me, this post is meant as "tongue in cheek" it does not represent a claim by myself that it is fact. It is lighthearted banter in the wake of some very serious allegations being made towards a certain proprietary software companies, by certain websites involved in the field of IT.
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Isnt it sad, the only way I can stop certain posters telling lies about me is to do this from now on?

@Goblin:
I would not be surprized to see Young Andrew back here in awhile to clear up this about PDC2008. Well, at least when, Chip's links to all the freebie MS computers are not so well remembered. LOL

Goblin :wrote

"..... why not visit Microsoft.com."
----------------------------------------------------

Maybe I will visit that site later and see if there is someone there can answer my question on how to get that free Ferrari laptop.

Several people I know want free high end laptops, after I mentioned to them that according to a link that was posted on this site...MSFT gives away laptops.

I'm sure someone at Microsoft will be happy to answer my question.

@Ralph, LOL.
However Im not messing around trying to get a laptop I could afford to go out and buy tomorrow if I wished. I would want bigger goodies.
-
Im going for the big time. Yep its the Bentley Im after.
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BTW, did I tell you about the "feature rich" experience you get whilst driving a Bentley?
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Ill stop it there, because Im sure someone will try and twist a little lighthearted post into an allegation that I am trying to ruin the MSwatch site. Although after the pro-ms posters who impersonated users here including Joe and tried to distort our opinions, Id say thats a little rich.
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Disclaimer:
In order to prevent certain posters from alleging libelous "facts" about me, this post is meant as "tongue in cheek" it does not represent a claim by myself that it is fact. It is lighthearted banter in the wake of some very serious allegations being made towards a certain proprietary software companies, by certain websites involved in the field of IT. If you wish to see the allegations levelled at Microsoft, you should visit Boycott Novell, who have covered the subject in numerous posts.
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Isnt it sad, the only way I can stop certain posters telling lies about me is to do this from now on.
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Oh and btw, try a Bentley they are great.

Peter :wrote

"My, it's popular to bash Microsoft.
It would be great if people actually tried stuff for themselves rather than just joining the popular bandwagon."
--------------------------------------------------

I disagree, I tried Vista and it sucks. There was no rich and rewarding experience. Rather it was vain attempt to get it to perform better.

Vista is the only OS that I know of that you must either buy additional hardware (RAM) to make it run a "bit" faster. Or one must hack the spit out of the OS to try to make it perform as fast as XP with pneumonia.

To make Vista run faster.

Disable System restore
Disable Indexing
Disable Aero
Disable UAC
Disable Windows Defender

Minimize start up process to one or none

Then remove all trial ware, crap ware, replace the trial version of Norton/Symantec with a light weight one AVG. Just remember that after 24 hours, reboot if the system starts slowing down or the ram usage starts climbing.

Been there done that....

@Ralph

"Vista is the only OS that I know of that you must either buy additional hardware (RAM) to make it run a "bit" faster. Or one must hack the spit out of the OS to try to make it perform as fast as XP with pneumonia."

Say, you also forgot the "game" with the "Readyboost" too...

I am sorry for the trouble that you and millions are others are having, really am. I broke away from the "desktop" versions of Windows back in 2001 when I installed W2K Advance server as a "Super Workstations" and I haven't looked back since.

I upgrade through this path, I am a Network Administrator and everything that I need to do my job has required me to become intimate with the server operating system.

I also abandoned the x86 architecture personally when the x64 version of W2K3 Advanced Server was finally released, and with the W2K8 x64, THERE IS NO WAY I WILL EVER USE A STANDARD OS EVER AGAIN.

I realize that I am not the usual, or casual user by any means. I do everything a MS Orintated power-user does, or would do on a "desktop" without the wretched bloat...

I hear you and understand your frustration...

Well I downloaded the latest beta last night and installed it on my Laptop. I have several computers so giving up this laptop for a few months is worth it.

Okay a couple of things before we get started. I'm one of the lucky people who haven't had any troubles with vista other than a couple of annoyances. I use smart UAC to control UAC behavior and both my vista machines are loaded with horsepower. So I won't be switching to 7 when it's released. Maybe on my laptop.

That being said I'm a Network engineer and I sorely want to replace my aging business machines with new hardware and a new OS. Why not vista? I need something that will run well in VMWare and lower end machines. Vista ain't that. And before the cries come about doing away with our windows desktops and replacing them with Linux or Mac.... forget it. The training costs on Linux for my helpdesk guys and users and or buying Mac hardware ain't in the budget. I'm also not going to rewrite my scripts or trash my VM images. Maybe the guy that replaces me eventually will want to venture into new territory.

So off to test Windows 7.

The install was a snap. Setting up networking was polished. 7 has the easiest networking setup I've ever seen.

I'm running on a Gig and a half of memory. 7 uses up 512 mb give or take. A bit high, but it does a great job of utilizing memory as I open up more apps.

The new aero snap and taskbar are cool. If Vista works well for you it's not cool enough to switch to 7 though. If you like your Mac..... I like mine. This is no killer OS.

I'm still delving into the new security policies. UAC is toned down and adjustable. But I'm disapointed by the lack of granular settings for each app. I also find it disapointing that setup still creates your user account with admin priveliges. Not needed.

The application white listing in App locker is also something I'm looking forward to testing but I don't think it's included in this release. I'm also going to test running 7 in microsofts Hypervisor and VMWare's vm workstation.

I'm not going to BS you. I'm hoping this OS will be a commercial success because I'm sick of supporting XP. If 7 is polished up but remains in more or less in it's current form I think it'll be "Good enough". Faster and easier to use than xp or vista with good (not best in class) security.

It's not done yet though. All of my hardware works but WMP is buggy as all be damned on this system.

The windows live tools are a nice touch though. very light weight and snappy. No real improvements over the versions that came bundled with vista. But whaddya want? Photoshop? It's free.

I do feel sorry for people who're going to try and upgrade from XP to this platform They're going to run into the same driver issues as vista users did when they upgraded. Same driver model you know. I do notice that some devices I have that didn't work under vista now work with 7. So maybe newer drivers have been released since vista SP1.

In conclusion.

It's faster.
It's pretty.
It's less annoying.

That's my take anyhoo. I'm sure others will find things to hate or love about it.

Back to testing.

Well I downloaded the latest beta last night and installed it on my Laptop. I have several computers so giving up this laptop for a few months is worth it.

Okay a couple of things before we get started. I'm one of the lucky people who haven't had any troubles with vista other than a couple of annoyances. I use smart UAC to control UAC behavior and both my vista machines are loaded with horsepower. So I won't be switching to 7 when it's released. Maybe on my laptop.

That being said I'm a Network engineer and I sorely want to replace my aging business machines with new hardware and a new OS. Why not vista? I need something that will run well in VMWare and lower end machines. Vista ain't that. And before the cries come about doing away with our windows desktops and replacing them with Linux or Mac.... forget it. The training costs on Linux for my helpdesk guys and users and or buying Mac hardware ain't in the budget. I'm also not going to rewrite my scripts or trash my VM images. Maybe the guy that replaces me eventually will want to venture into new territory.

So off to test Windows 7.

The install was a snap. Setting up networking was polished. 7 has the easiest networking setup I've ever seen.

I'm running on a Gig and a half of memory. 7 uses up 512 mb give or take. A bit high, but it does a great job of utilizing memory as I open up more apps.

The new aero snap and taskbar are cool. If Vista works well for you it's not cool enough to switch to 7 though. If you like your Mac..... I like mine. This is no killer OS.

I'm still delving into the new security policies. UAC is toned down and adjustable. But I'm disapointed by the lack of granular settings for each app. I also find it disapointing that setup still creates your user account with admin priveliges. Not needed.

The application white listing in App locker is also something I'm looking forward to testing but I don't think it's included in this release. I'm also going to test running 7 in microsofts Hypervisor and VMWare's vm workstation.

I'm not going to BS you. I'm hoping this OS will be a commercial success because I'm sick of supporting XP. If 7 is polished up but remains in more or less in it's current form I think it'll be "Good enough". Faster and easier to use than xp or vista with good (not best in class) security.

It's not done yet though. All of my hardware works but WMP is buggy as all be damned on this system.

The windows live tools are a nice touch though. very light weight and snappy. No real improvements over the versions that came bundled with vista. But whaddya want? Photoshop? It's free.

I do feel sorry for people who're going to try and upgrade from XP to this platform They're going to run into the same driver issues as vista users did when they upgraded. Same driver model you know. I do notice that some devices I have that didn't work under vista now work with 7. So maybe newer drivers have been released since vista SP1.

In conclusion.

It's faster.
It's pretty.
It's less annoying.

That's my take anyhoo. I'm sure others will find things to hate or love about it.

Back to testing.

Whilst there are many opinions about what Win 7 is or isnt going to be, it may be worth noting in the run up to its release the following article on Boycott Novell:
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http://boycottnovell.com/2009/01/10/seattle-post-intelligencer-kaput/
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Where allegations are abound and they have a link to an alleged internal Microsoft document which is claimed to say:
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"Just keep rubbing it in, via the press, analysts, newsgroups, whatever. Make the complete failure of the competition’s technology part of the mythology of the computer industry"
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A previous poster here claimed "Linux is a failure", I wonder if they had read this document?
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If this is a confirmed legitimate document, I believe we have seen these practices here, have we not?
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Regardless of what you want to believe, I cant believe MS would allow Roy to publish it if it was fraudulent. The fact that they dont appear to have challenged him on it may say something.
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Ill let you decide.

@KNow;

Thank you for telling us your experience and your evaluation of the testing your doing with Windows Seven. I enjoyed reading about it. I am a Network Administrator and appreciate your insight.