"I'm surprised to say that Windows 7 is lots better than either XP or Vista."

I don't have any major complaints about Vista SP1 Preinstalled, but it's hard to argue with (Win7) "lots better". (grin)

Since Win7 is largely based on Vista, a Vista-to Win7 upgrade should be fairly painless.

I'm running Win7 on my primary computer and it's great. Although Win7 and IE8 are Beta's and have their bugs, it's drastically different than Vista. Although, I have never experienced any major problems with Vista, just not having the New Win7 Taskbar makes it hard to go back to Vista.

"It means something when an esteemed reviewer like the Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg praises Windows 7 Beta 1."

I'd just like to temper that statement with a bit more information.

Here's some evidence that might call Mossberg's impartiality into question:

http://boycottnovell.com/2009/01/27/bias-in-wall-street-journal/

I leave it for the reader to make their own conclusions.

Also,fair warning: Don't surprised if you happen to get comments that point out the fact that many of Windows 7's new features are rip-offs of features that have existed for quite some time now in Linux.

Well perhaps someone could tell me what I can do with seven that I cannot do with XP and other software available(obviously something at least important/necessary) ..... except expend money (important for MS) of course.

Windows 7 is definitely on track to redeem the mistakes made with Vista. I have to assume that Sinofsky's management has been a major factor after watching the progress and result of Office 2007 development in particular. Office 2007, despite not quite completing the overhaul of the suite (I'm sure 14 will finish the job) is a major user-focused step forward. It seems they've taken this rigorous user interface engineering approach with 7, along with the obviously well-functioning Core team making some serious improvements.

Chad

@Will
Hi! Id be careful linking to Roys site, you may be accused of being him (like I was a while ago)!!!! Not that I had a problem with that, since I enjoy my publically logged chats with a person who I consider well researched and a formidable debater!
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@Marco
I have been asking that question for so long, Ive given up expecting an answer. I think its safe to say that 7 is superior to Vista, but then since it (IMO) received a worldwide damning, then its hardly difficult.
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@Everyone & Anyone:
-
What advantages justify the cost of an XP user upgrading to Win 7? What can Win 7 do that XP cannot either natively or via 3rd party software?
-
Please someone answer, I would really like to know. Unless the entire selling point is
"Well, its better than Vista"
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Maybe I could submit that to Redmond as a new marketing slogan.
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I find it ironic that one of the (IMO) unfunny MS ads involved the subject of shoes, especially when Andres blog was (until recently) infested with spam trying to sell Nike Trainers.
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Coincidence? Probably. It still gave me a chuckle.

@ Goblin

Well, for the record, I'm not Roy, though of course there's not much I can really do to prove that.

Also, I finally found a neat interview video of Bill Gates from a couple of years ago. Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP0_uN42P44

The reason why this is interesting and relevant to this thread is that, around the 1:00 mark, the interviewer pointed out that many people would already have many of Vista's touted features integrated into XP through third party add-ons and asked him essentially why those users should upgrade from XP to Vista. Go to the video to hear his response to that observation.

@Goblin

From XP?
Improved search.
Improved backup and recovery.
Improved UI
Improved Networking
Improved management tools

From Vista?
Improved resource management
Improved UI
UAC that can be tamed without being gutted.
Smaller foot print

But meh.... If someone is so in love with XP that they can't see parting with it, It's no skin off my snoz. For my part I'm upgrading everything in reach at home and at work.

(Assuming MS doesn't FCSK@#$ the final release)

I found the Vista story to be a reverse of "The Emporer's New Clothes".

I avoided Vista at home because of all the bad reviews from the know-it-alls online. Then, when my PC was upgraded at work with Vista, I was in for a shock. I found Vista to be very nice and much more stable than XP with all the extras I had globbed on over time.

After my experience with Vista at work, I soon replaced my aging home PC with Vista.

I think what happened is that the writers got their hands on early betas and made up their minds right then and did a great disservice to their readers.

No, Vista wasn't revolutionary, but it is a nice step up from XP.

I guess the lesson is to think for yourself and use your own judgment.

BT Reynolds Says :
"I guess the lesson is to think for yourself and use your own judgment."

@ BT Reynolds & all :
I needed a computer to do a 'crash' simulation on (pun intended).
I installed Vista, worked perfectly right out of the box.

^o^

@BTReynolds
Im pleased you had a good experience of Vista, Im sure you are not alone. A couple of things trouble me though:
Quote "I think what happened is that the writers got their hands on early betas and made up their minds right then and did a great disservice to their readers."
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So you are saying that all the reporters in mainstream press, all the off the shelf magazines, all the bloggers and all the websites that didnt like Vista kept up a farce for years, claiming that it had issues? Are you really saying, that the floods of users in forums, even the posters on Andres blog are all going off a beta and spreading false information?
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Are you calling me a liar, who has suffered at work with it (and continues to do so) I do hope you are not saying that.
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Quote "No, Vista wasn't revolutionary, but it is a nice step up from XP."
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Find me ONE person on the internet (a reporter of mainstream media) who agrees with that comment, and then we will discuss. IMO Vista is at least partly responsible for loss of confidence in Microsoft at the moment.
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Quote "I guess the lesson is to think for yourself and use your own judgment."
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The one piece of your post I am in complete agreement with. I think people did do that and thats why we have so much opinion of Vista on the net.

Clarification:
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The paragraph above where is says:
"So you are saying that........."
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Is in relation to all the sources that were critical of Vista.

I liked the story in Gizmodo about the "superbar". Now that they've beaten the Dock, they should be on track to try to top the KDE 4.2 panels. They've got a long way, though.

"Improved Networking"

Are you serious?!

Different, but still awful is how I would put it. I am still trying to connect my Sony laptop to a WPA encrypted wireless point under Vista.

iPhone connects, Linux connects, XP connects, PS3 connects, OSX connects. Why does Vista crap out (with NO error message)! I paid for the damn thing, I would like to have use of it occasionally.

Microsoft should make 7 a free upgrade for all Vista users. I doubt I will go out and buy another MS OS again, and if it's on my next laptop I will ask for a refund.

Also, out of interest has 7 fixed the way that system updates are applied?

I hate the way Vista is inoperable if you have to install updates. It's not a good look to be in a meeting and have to wait 10 minutes for your laptop to start up.

The basic underlying problem seems to be NTFS which is ancient technology which needs to be taken outside and shot. Maybe Windows 8 will include a proper filesystem?

@billybob:
Is it possible that your Sony laptop's wireless card is the problem? It is the man in the middle after all, right?

Anyone who thinks Windows 7 is a "solid and exciting product" is nothing more than a lemming parroting the anti-Vista smear campaign.

Windows 7 is nothing more than a refined Vista. Yes the memory requirements have decreased and the speed has increased. But there's no WOW factor in Windows 7.

As for compatibility I do not see it being any better than Vista as Windows 7 is built on Vista. I suspect if you take programs and hardware that failed to work with Vista and try to use them with Windows 7 you'll find most fail to work. Windows 7 "compatibility" will be the result of application/hardware developers updating their products to work with Vista.

So stop with the anti-Vista campaign. It's making you look like an uninformed chump.

It's not the hardware (a typical response to any Windows problem I find).

Linux uses the same laptop and the same network without a problem. I had to add dual boot Linux to that laptop just to get proper use out of it.

I think I am just going to buy a MacBook and use its hardened aluminium shell to smash the life out of the Sony. I'll film it and put it on YouTube for the historians.

"Quite unexpectedly, Windows is exciting again". Now That's funny!

Vista is on over 200 million systems. The only issue was, its early reception on the market. Which is typical of every new version of Windows in the past. You will always have the device driver and application hiccups. Its expected, its just that in todays world of blogs, 24 hour IT web sites, enthusiast websites dedicated to Windows, things got highlighted a bit more than they would have in the 90's or early 2000's.

Without Vista we wouldn't have 7, it builds on a lot of the fundamentals similar to how Windows XP built on the fundamentals of Windows 2000. Windows 7 is carrying forward your invesments in compatibility from Vista to 7. So, saying this is redemption is over doing it, quite a bit. Its more delivering continued value to customers. Jim Allchin described Windows Vista as being 'the company's main platform for the next 10 years.'

We are just four years into that investment, we are already seeing siginificants results from it such as Windows 7. So, Vista is here for a siginificant reason and its paving the way forward. Its a disrupting OS yes, but one for a very good reason.

I think a big question is going to be: Will Windows 7 run acceptably on existing XP-era hardware? And I mean that both in terms of speed/efficiency and in terms of device driver support.

In other words, if a computer was built before Vista was introduced, and possibly can't even run Vista due to one of the two concerns mentioned above, will it be able to run Win7 at least as well as it runs XP? Otherwise, Microsoft will essentially be asking a lot of places to purchase a lot of all-new hardware when the existing hardware is still good enough to do what they use it for.

@Andre
"Its a disrupting OS yes, but one for a very good reason."

I think you meant to say "disruptive", however your actual words turn out to be more accurate.

I have read many glowing reports regarding Windows 7 but only one has mentioned win 7 in connection with the issues that killed Vista.

Vista problems like;

-Mirosquish could remotely disable and uninstall your OS with no notice.

-Microsquish could regularly check what is installed on you PC and remove it with out warning.

-Windows Defender.

-Deliberate degradation of picture quality when playing high definition DVDs depending on what display resolution was connected to the PC.

etc, etc.

Has anyone looked any deeper than the superficial eye candy?

http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/11/10/46TC-windows-7_1.html

"Otherwise, Microsoft will essentially be asking a lot of places to purchase a lot of all-new hardware when the existing hardware is still good enough to do what they use it for."

------

Why the insistence on using a modern OS on older hardware? Unless there's a specific reason to upgrade to a new OS one should upgrade at the time they purchase new hardware. IMO upgrading an existing system, that's working just fine, is foolish. In most instances it makes more sense to upgrade when one has to. And this advice applies to every other platform as well be it Windows, OS X, Linux, UNIX, or DOS :-)

INMHO

Windows 98 and 2000 is probably the most intuitive user interface they have come up with. They have more or less been scaring people away since ME and XP's "New Looks". I help people learn how to use computers all the time. I've taught within windows, kde, and gnome. People seem to "understand" and "feel comfortable" with simple application/menu and content based interfaces. The task based interfaces that MS has been offering has really confused a large number of PC users. For those that become frustrated, I point to PCLinuxOS as an alternative and they generally do well with it. The price is right :) I think if MS wants to keep up in the new community driven economy, they should open their code, give away their platform (OS) and focus on Killer Apps that run on any platform for a reasonable price. Of course paid support for the OS would be a good idea for business/government uses.

I think the big risk now is that all these positive reviews go to MS's head. They think Win7 is so good everyone will buy it. So they won't mind if we add extra DRM, extra anti-piracy WGA measures, extra call home things, lock in to Live and other MS services, raise the price, many confusing versions, etc., etc. I think these are the real things that killed Vista, and they were all add-ins, not really fundamental to the OS. I would worry that MS has a really good chance to screw things up between now and release. Doesn't really matter how good the underlying engineering is, if the MS business types get carried away and really screw it up. I also think Win7 still looks too much like Vista which to me evokes all sorts of negative connotations.
Also might mean that Vista although 5 years late, still wasn't ready for release, now they've finally sort of finished it.

@J Jones:

Well, that's kinda my point. For people and businesses that have XP machines that still do everything they need, I guess I just don't see what Vista 7 offers over XP to justify either a hardware or a software upgrade. I just wonder how that will impact MS's sales. If 7 doesn't turn out to be complete trash, then that's great for those that either get stuck with it or get stuck supporting it. But, given the general state of the economy right now, not to mention the trust and that Microsoft burned during the Vista-era, I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of companies don't exactly camp out waiting for 7 as long as XP and/or Linux is getting the job done.

@Andre
Sorry, but Vista really has been a disaster. Not so much from a technicogical standpoint, but mostly from being not providing a compelling reason or features to switch from XP.
I think that Vista was the technicoligal springboard, which is what made Windows 7 possible. M.S. took Vista and gave it the features, GUI and tweaked its performance and gave us Windows 7.
Andre, don't you think that when M.S. reset the Vista kernel in 2004, it put them behind in completing the feature set, as M.S. was now consumed in stability and compatability? Therefore, the kernel was substantially enhanced from XP, however it was not exploited anywhere near its potential. It is only now through Windows 7 that we are seeing the potential of Vista. Potential that now shows a compelling reason to upgrade from XP.
I am currently running Windows 7 Beta (64 bit) on my main P.C. and have had no dramatic issues. In fact, the only real issues I have had are related to my using the 64-bit version. Since the beta expires in August, I can't help but wonder if RTM will be out by the end of the year?

@Ridley
What are these new, compelling features in Windows 7 that you are referring to? Being a user of Windows 7 beta I don't see anything compelling.

IMO Windows 7 doesn't offer any compelling features over Vista or Windows XP. The only thing, IMO, that's "compelling" about Windows 7 over Vista is the increase speed and slightly smaller memory foot print. And I put compelling in quotations because Vista runs just fine on todays hardware (even entry level). So it's not that compelling.

I won't be upgrading to Windows 7 unless I buy it on a new PC or maybe I get a free copy somehow. I just don't see anything compelling about it. Which makes me wonder why it's reaping all this praise given it's just a tuned version of Vista with some, IMO not significant, changes.

Nknow,
firstly, thank you for being one of the few to list advantages, ive read the list (im sorry i missed your post originally) if you consider those advantages worth the upgrade from XP then fine. From the reports of the beta, Id certainly say Vista users will be keen.
-
However, one thing struck me whilst reading the list, couldnt most if not all of these features be implimented within XP via a service pack? I believe the list of advantages of win 7 highlights the need for any proprietary firm to release less than perfect software (so to speak) so that return custom can be gauranteed. Maybe this is one of the things wrong with proprietary and maybe why open source has seen an increase.
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Of course im not suggesting for one minute that any proprietary company would release intentionally faulty software in order to secure future sales, but it makes you wonder how many features are held back in order to secure future purchase.
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and J JONES i was alittle confused by your post, you say Vista bashers can appear uniformed, yet you say win 7 is a refined vista. if what you say is true, isnt that reason enough to bash vista. shouldnt the vista users feel a little upset that whilst they are struggling with vista, microsoft refines it and then wants to charge them again for win 7. If I was a Vista home user, id be saying "welldone for refining Vista into Win 7, but what about me?" and if i was an xp user Id be thinking "im lucky i didnt spend on Vista, now remind me how an improved search and other additions is worth the upgrade price"
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Just the opinion of someone who has to use xp and vista at work extensively and has Linux on his home platforms.

correction
uniformed should read uninformed.
damn predictive text.

And Now... GOOD NEWS (but for Google -sorry MS-)

Google Gobbled Up 90 Percent Of All U.S. Search Growth In 2008

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/01/28/google-gobbled-up-90-percent-of-all-us-search-growth-in-2008/
--------------
General Mobile showing dual-SIM DSTL1 Android phone at Mobile World Congress
androidauthority.com/index.php/2009/01/27/general-mobile-showing-dual-sim-dstl1-android-phone-at-mobile-world-congress/

@Goblin:

A service pack?

Heres the problem with that. And hey let's face it. It's purely a marketing one. On the Vista point at least.

You couldn't simply service pack XP up to Vista or 7. The driver model is different and so is the security model.

You could Service pack Vista up to 7. With these Caveats.

Part of Vista's problem (well deserved) is it's rep. A service pack won't change the name. Vista SP1 fixed a LOT of problems. It went from unusable on my corporate network to deployable. Even though we've only deployed a couple dozen Vista machines so far. But people don't get the whole "Service Pack" thing. Once they have "It sucks" in their heads it sticks.

After all Crap 2.0 is still crap.

And then there's the obvious reason. SERVICE PACKS ARE FREE.

Windows 7 is not revolutionary. It's Vista with a new face and improved user experience. I know that, you know that, Zorak knows that. But the average user buying a new computer doesn't know that. And frankly doesn't care. They want something that works, is easy to use, and doesn't annoy.

Unfortunately for Microsoft this is a BADDDDD economy to be releasing a new OS in. This is going to sting.

"A service pack won't change the name."

Does anyone else think that Windows 7 is a real-world Mojave experiment? Its more in the name than anything.

Well 7 is good news for those businesses that have software built on MS technology, vb, access, sql server .net etc... Eventually, the software providers are going to say that they recommend an upgrade in order to get the most out of their product. Businesses that don't feel they have a choice will be glad (cough cough) to pay for the new OS especially if it will extend the useful life of the hardware it lands on. That's the exciting part... "We might get something productive out of those new PC's yet" what a nightmare. Meanwhile back at the Linux lab we're still surprised to get so much out of something that costs so little and wondering "What app/data can I migrate next."

Windows 7 is sort of a "Mojave Experiment", however many of the enhancements, features and interface candy are reserved for Windows 7 to give it "value". Certainly it could have been a free Service Pack, as Service Pack 2 was for XP, but the Vista name has most certainly been tainted, fairly or not.

Windows 7 is sort of a "Mojave Experiment", however many of the enhancements, features and interface candy are reserved for Windows 7 to give it "value". Certainly it could have been a free Service Pack, as Service Pack 2 was for XP, but the Vista name has most certainly been tainted, fairly or not.

NKnow:
"You couldn't simply service pack XP up to Vista or 7. The driver model is different and so is the security model."

Im sorry, I probably didnt make it very clear what I was saying. But in essence it was why couldnt the features being advertised in Win 7 be made available as a SP to XP, I was only refering to the features, not some convoluted patch on code from a Win 7 source (basically I was saying why did they not just go back to XP and make the improvements there) and suggesting that maybe all this work on 7 is a little bit of a kick in the teeth to consumers (IMO) when there is nothing groundbreaking that its offering over any of its previous versions (IMO)
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In my opinion XP is a stable and functional system (lets forget any security issues for a moment)
I understand the work that has gone into 7 refining it, however the point I was trying to make and it was touched upon above with "compelling" is, forgetting about Vista for a second, what is Win 7 really offering that cannot already be achieved or certainly XP SP'd to achieve. The increase in performance of Win 7 comes with increased specs (IMO) if you care to look at the various performance comparisons with dedicated clocking software (Ive linked a few on previous threads) the difference between Win 7 and XP is minor if anything, and in some cases XP has outperformed.
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Yes I will agree, side by side Vista v Win 7 is a no contest, however XP v Win 7? Im not so sure, and if people are considering buying Win 7 because it looks nicer and has a Mac type dock, they should be aware there are plenty of utils (for free) that allow you to add docks and significantly alter the look of XP. All the other features Ive seen appear more like bug fixes and minor improvements than features of a new off the shelf product (IMO) and I am merely questioning the fact that shouldnt these great.
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I see nothing improved over XP, IMO worth a download, let alone another purchase. But then IMO Microsoft wont want people to be happy with XP, since they want (i presume) everyone to upgrade to Win 7.
I think they will have to offer a better enticement than what they already have.
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We cant have users being happy with a product and continuing using it can we? Theres no money to be made there.
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@Ridley
The Mojave Experiment IMO was completely different, I believe that was an attempt to trick people into praising Vista on a machine that had specs which the average user would not have and I expect had been rigorously tested. - Of course it would get praise. When you got it home though, it was a different story. (IMO)
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Ridley Ive got you to thank though for mentioning that word, since (for old times sake) I went back to the site to have a look at a few of the comment.
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So ladies and gentlemen, here is a comment from Microsoft that can be found on the Mojave Website (dont worry Ive a screendump aswell) Be prepared for this statement, I think its a cracker.
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"In 2007, Windows Vista had half the number of critical vulnerabilities than Windows XP SP2 did during the same period."
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Oh, well why didnt you say so? Vista must be great, it hasnt got as many critical vulnerabilities as another version of Windows....
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Mr Ballmer, I dont think that statement from your PR team is anything to celebrate, and I think victims of these vulnerabilities on Vista wont be sitting in their chairs thinking, "well at least im not using XP, its got twice as many"
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You couldnt make this stuff up, thats why I took a screen dump of the quote, I cannot believe MS would allow that comment to stay on the site.
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So what will Windows 7 say? "We have half the exploits of Vista"????
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I wonder which half brought down the Royal Navys communications?
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and as I always say I back up posts with links to external sources, here is the allegation of the little issue (or as Andre might say "Unfortunate incident") with the Royal Navy.
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http://www.itwire.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22716&Itemid=53

@Ridley
I meant to say Ridley, I hope my last three posts meet with your approval. I havent named "the other OS" once.
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@Mr Ballmer
It been said in the past that Microsoft is out of touch with its customers (I personally have no opinion on that) but what I thought Id do is re-word that "fact" on the Mojave site, so users can relate to it more (since many might not understand what a critical vulnerability is)
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Here we go, and before you ask, no I dont want royalties, Im releasing it under GPLv2
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"FACT: In 2007 if you were using Vista, you were only half as likely to be screwed over than if you were using XP during the same period"
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and there we go. A triple Goblin post and no mention of the L word in sight.

I'm sorry if I didn't make it clear enough. When I said that Windows 7 was "sort of" a Mojave experiment, perhaps I did not put enough emphasis on "SORT OF".

Geez Goblin, my comments about Linux posters was only an observation, not a request to filter content.

Quote "Geez Goblin, my comments about Linux posters was only an observation, not a request to filter content."
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and mine was a tongue in cheek remark. But then you know that. Please dont play the victim, you were the one making an issue of the "L" word on Microsoft Watch. (read your own posts if you need to remind yourself)
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"I'm sorry if I didn't make it clear enough. When I said that Windows 7 was "sort of" a Mojave experiment, perhaps I did not put enough emphasis on "SORT OF"
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Thanks for that. Now you've capitalized "sort of" would you mind being more specific?
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Do you mean "sort of" in the sense that the Windows 7 beta is some sort of trick to fool users into praising Vista?
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Do you mean "sort of" in the sense that it might be a little but not much like Mojave

Do you mean "sort of" in that Win 7 is merely Vista with lipstick and just a way to get more money out of people without them knowing?
-
...infact....what do you mean?
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Im sorry, I must be slow. When you say "sort of" you could mean 1000's of different things, so yes you need to clarify and better than you did in the last post. I appologize for you wasting your time explaining your "sort of" Im sure everyone else knows exactly what you mean. Unfortunately Im slow, so you will need to explain better.
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4 posts and still no "L" word!

This is nothing short of amazing!
Everybody is so eager for Microsoft to succeed they are willing to suspend reality and pay Microsoft another $200 to fix Vista. Would you pay another $10,000 to have GM or Chrysler fix your lemon?
MS fans deserve the monopoly

Windows Vista is overwhelmed with features, look at the built in applications, enhanced security, management features like Complete PC Backup, Group Policy editor, multi-media like Media Center, per app audio, Sidebar Gadgets. Its unbelievable people can actually look at Vista and say there is nothing new in the OS. Look at all the rich organization features in Computer Explorer and file previewing capabilities? Instant Search, better ways of managing your network.

Longhorn was an ambitious endeavour, and most of its promise is in Vista. The only thing that never made it was PC Syncing (which is now available through Windows Live services as Live Sync and Live Mesh, Domain for Homes (Castles), now Homegroup in Windows 7. If you wanna talk about WinFS, look into SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008 which carries on the legacy of that initiative. So, its hard to say, Longhorn changed the scope of Vista's development in anyway significant way, Microsoft delivered and the high adoption rate of the OS is proving that.

But Andre, you must admit that M.S. is really capitalizing on Vista's strength through Windows 7. It is in Windows 7 that the average P.C. user will distinctly notice a substantially improvement over XP. I ran the M3 build for 3 months on my main system with no major issues. I am now running the beta and I am very pleased with it. It is fast, solid, search is better/faster, libraries are awesome. Andre, if you are running Windows 7, you must be impressed with what they have done to Vista.

Goblin: If "sort of" so important to you... If Windows 7 were truly a virtual "Mojave Experiment" there would be far fewer changes to the O.S. That is all I meant. I am sorry if it was overly complicated for you.

I am certainly impressed with Windows 7, its definitely going to be an awsome release when it hits the market. When you combine Windows 7with Windows Live Essentials, users will definitely see a lot of deep rich synergies.

Nothing like talking to youself RidleyAndre. Ridley=Andre sock puppet. Paid by M$

Thanks for explaining Ridley. You say "If "sort of" so important to you." Well yes it was, since I wanted to know what you were meaning by your statement.
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Thanks for clearing up that "sort of" in capitals means "If Windows 7 were truly a virtual "Mojave Experiment" there would be far fewer changes to the O.S. That is all I meant. I am sorry if it was overly complicated for you."
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Thats ok, its me thats slow and not your fault. I am sure everyone else knew what your caps meant.
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Anyway Ridley, with your posts you have managed to distract me from what I was asking Andre. So Andre, Ill ask again:
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Have you ever recieved a gift/freebie/review (or whatever you want to call it) piece of hardware from Microsoft and/or its affiliated partners?
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Would you like to explain the photographs that Chips linked to where you are proudly displaying a laptop and waving for the camera? (should you have lost these Ive taken copies, and I can re-publish if you require)

Goblin, stop being obnoxious.

Good grief. Joe you are so out to lunch.

Jim Allchin is one of the best leaders the industry had. That guy was simply brillant and a rock solid engineer. He is the same person that delivered all the server line (e.g., Windows 2003 Server, SQL Server, etc.) in addition to Windows XP, SP2. He had the guts to make a stand toward improving security. Maybe someone should look at the roll Bill Gates played in driving Longhorn to the ground. But, you know I have almost 20 PCs now running Windows Vista (laptops and desktops) and it is truly great. If Windows 7 is faster, then great. But, Windows Vista (once the PC companies caught up) is quite a good system.

@Andre
Obnoxious. Ok Andre. Maybe what youre reading and what is happening here are two different things. It is of no consequence to me, but obviously you feel the need to defend Ridley (although there are now allegations you both are the same person)
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Whatever the truth (and I really couldnt care if you are the same person or not), can you stop using Ridley to change the subject and answer the question?:
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Have you ever recieved a gift/freebie/review (or whatever you want to call it) piece(s) of hardware from Microsoft and/or its affiliated partners?
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Would you like to explain the photographs that Chips linked to where you are proudly displaying a laptop and waving for the camera? (should you have lost these Ive taken copies, and I can re-publish if you require)

This the usual exaguration by reporters. Vista is not as bad as described, and win 7 won't be as good. Win 7 builds upon Vista. Vista got all the blame for driver & software incompatibility, for which Microsoft is not totaly responsible, and now win 7 (since people and software caught up with these changes ) will take all the credit, even though Vista is the OS featuring the most tech breakthroughs.

Quote "even though Vista is the OS featuring the most tech breakthroughs."
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That wont mean alot to the people who have had issues (and thats alot of people including me)
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Look, you can claim whatever you like about Vista, but I am not sure who you are trying to convince. The people who have Vista know whats its like, and those that dont, IMO simply dont want it.
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The people who actually have Vista are the ones that are vocal all over the net. Unfortunately (IMO) it doesnt read well.
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In my experience the reviews (or reporters) have been less critical of Vista than the personal blogs, so unless you are going to claim that the people all over the world are part of some conspiracy to cheapen Vista, then I suggest that Vista maybe is something that Microsoft wants to forget about.
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I am interested, what are these tech breakthroughs you refer to?

Goblin :wrote

"I am interested, what are these tech breakthroughs you refer to?"
---------------------------------------------------

There are many "break throughs", like the much beloved UAC, which diligently asks people if they really want to do something. You know sometimes people do stuff without thinking. This is part of "trusting computing" IMO. Ask your self, do you REALLY want to read that email???

_______________

The way Vista starts up, it gives people time to think before they start computing. Sort of a "waiting period" before one just recklessly starts emailing or watching videos. Think if it as warming your car up in the winter. It takes awhile to clear the snow and ice off the windshield. Like fine wine, things take time.

________________

People actually learn more about their computer with Vista. Like how to spend money on more RAM, they learn where the RAM compartment is on the bottom of their laptops.

_________________

The way Vista seems to eat up hard drive space, is just Vista's way of "making itself at home".
After all you really don't own Vista, you only have a license to "use" it. So your computer is not really yours, just a part of it. If it hogs hard drive space...well that is just a very minor "issue"...after all it lets you email....

___________________

After all, Vista is going to be around for awhile and Microsoft is standing firmly behind it for the next three or four years and.... and....

(whats that? what do you mean I am not getting a free laptop? ...what? no free software? ...I'll have to BUY my own Windows? WTF?)

_____________________

:-) Have a nice day..... lol

"Anyway Ridley, with your posts you have managed to distract me from what I was asking Andre. So Andre, Ill ask again:"

So not only do you have a difficult time understanding basic language: "sort of", and the meaning of caps: emphasis; you are extremely easily distracted. Here is a great sight to learn the basics: http://www.sesamestreet.org/home

Regarding Andre's laptop. Yes, we all know Andre got a laptop on which to test Vista. It has been awhile, old news, let's move on. Some want to make Andre pay for that laptop by discrediting his every word over it. Andre has brought some excellent information to this forum and I appreciate his posts. Although I do not agree with everything he states, he brings good information and knowledge of M.S. technologies to M.S. Watch.

Thank you Ridley. Ill check out that link, although its not me who's resorting to playground antics is it? Maybe you should pay a visit aswell:
-
Quote "Here is a great sight to learn the basics"
-
I think you will find its "site" not "sight"
-
Quote "Regarding Andre's laptop. Yes, we all know Andre got a laptop on which to test Vista."
-
I didnt know that, and until I see Andre Da Costa post confirmation of that and any other "gifts" he may have received, then I hope you wont mind if I reserve judgment.
-
Quote "Some want to make Andre pay for that laptop"
-
Youre making this too easy. I think the fact that Andre (according to you) DIDNT pay for the laptop is one of the issues here.
-
Quote "Although I do not agree with everything he states, he brings good information and knowledge of M.S. technologies to M.S. Watch."
-
That comment might scare me in the future, as it is alleged that you and he are the same person.
-
In the meantime if anyone else wants to follow the Antics of Mr Da Costa with his "good information and knowledge of MS technologies" here is his Twitter profile:
-
http://twitter.com/adacosta
-
Andre responds to my freebies question on there by saying "Could not be like that, this is Twitter, not Microsoft-Watch. There is a time and place for everything."
-
Which would be fine (and understandable) if he wasnt advertising Microsoft products on Twitter aswell.
-
No wonder his blog has had so few updates. Hes been a very busy boy.

Ridley : Yes, we all know Andre got a laptop on which to test Vista. It has been awhile, old news, let's move on

Very convenient
----------------

Ridley : "Andre;
"You never should have mentioned that laptop. I swear you will never live it down now. That is all your detractors felt they needed to discredit you about any positive M.S. remarks."

No Ridley Andre NEVER mentioned that laptop,
I discovered it and Andre had no choice but to recognize that (something like the new laptop mentioned by chips and Goblin)

Obviously, that time he did not has to cunning -without scruple- adviser like you with a philosophy like that; There are no morals in politics; there is only expedience. A scoundrel may be of use to us just because he is a scoundrel. (Stalin) and we all know who is your scoundrel.

If Goblin cannot figure out that I and Andre are not the same, well, that does not surprise me. He has a difficult time realizing many simple ideas.

And if Goblin was not aware of the well-known, publicized (by Andre himself at the time) fact that he received one of the Vista test laptops about 2 or 3 years ago, that also does not surprise me. He most likely hadn't started trolling M.S. sites yet. Andre certainly brings a multitude of useful and PERTINENT information to this site, unlike the Linux pushers.

Andre, I appreciate the excellent information you provide to this site. Your comments are on point, accurate and pertinent. I am not "defending" you and/or your comments, I just wish you to know that some here do appreciate what you bring and look forward to hearing from you.

Andre, I do remember you fully disclosing the "laptop", I believe right here on M.S Watch. There were no strings attached. M.S. wanted a select few to try Vista out and let them know what you thought of the O.S. The reason for the new laptop was because if you installed Vista on some aging machine, it would skew the experience. I remember some that received a free laptop were anything but positive in their review of Vista. M.S. was not buying good reviews; they just wanted to know what certain users thought of the new O.S. for future enhancements and improvements.

It was a long time ago now. Let's get over the laptop.

It was a long time ago now. Let's get over the laptop

I think you have some problems understanding please read again:

No Ridley Andre NEVER mentioned that laptop,
I discovered it and Andre had no choice but to recognize that (something like the new laptop mentioned by chips and Goblin)

Obviously, that time he did not has to cunning -without scruple- adviser like you with a philosophy like that; There are no morals in politics; there is only expedience. A scoundrel may be of use to us just because he is a scoundrel. (Stalin) and we all know who is your scoundrel.

Quote Ridley"If Goblin cannot figure out that I and Andre are not the same, well, that does not surprise me"
-
LOL Please Ridley read my posts. Unlike you I consider what I type. I believe I said "allegations of", I never said you were. I also said I didnt really care anyway, and it really doesnt matter since your posts are just as dubious as his regardless.
-
Quote "And if Goblin was not aware of the well-known, publicized (by Andre himself at the time) fact that he received one of the Vista test laptops about 2 or 3 years ago"
-
Since I cannot be expected to be everywhere, 2 - 3 years ago is a long time, and Ive done extensive google searches over the last month to try and find if Andre has recieved any free gifts. Ive yet to find this "confession" you mention, maybe you could link it?
-
Quote "Andre, I do remember you fully disclosing the "laptop", I believe right here on M.S Watch. There were no strings attached. M.S. wanted a select few to try Vista out and let them know what you thought of the O.S. The reason for the new laptop was because if you installed Vista on some aging machine, it would skew the experience."
-
Come on! You must really think us stupid. You seem to know alot about Andre dont you?
I still wont believe you until he posts himself, though you seem to know alot about Andre maybe you can explain this:
-
http://www.upstartblogger.com/free-mac-book-air-and-five-free-iphones
-
Quote "M.S. was not buying good reviews; they just wanted to know what certain users thought of the new O.S. for future enhancements and improvements.
It was a long time ago now. Let's get over the laptop."
-
Yep, we've heard that before. Maybe some more exhibit linking from Microsoft cases is in order so that we can fully explore this issue of "reviews"

O.K., perhaps I missed something. Marco, are you saying that Andre has, or possibly has, received another laptop from Microsoft in addition to the one from late 2006? If Andre is receiving a steady stream of "gifts", yes that could taint his views.

@Ridley
-
I dont think it matters Ridley, if your claims are correct and Andre has received gifts in the past from Microsoft, you have already tainted his posts for him.
-
I think there are a few other forums where adacosta lurks that need to be enlightened with the revelation you are claiming about Andre Da Costa.

Goblin (Ramesees Niblick), its quite obvious you don't have a life. You are a stalker. Its time to get on those meds. I think you are delusional, pathetic human being. You have basically started a crusade over material (vanity), stuff that can't really help you if you were in some life and death situation. Its quite obvious you are either living off someone, or you are just a bored introverted child, with a lot of time on your hands. (Please go outside and get some sun) There is a joke here, some folks in the UK sometimes need to have their heads thawed because they start acting wacky after a while. Guess where you come in Mr. Niblick (Goblin).

Marco, its quite obvious you are one of the most illiterate excuses for a human being. How can you compare me to Joseph Stalin? Do I look like a murderer to you? Learn how to make better analogies.

I see whats happening here, you Goblin (Niblick), Marco and Chips are just choked up about me receiving a reviewers unit back in 2007 and you missed out on that opportunity. (Yes, I can picture all of you in your grouped conversations on Windows Live Messenger 2009 (with cool new features such as WeeMee's, Scenes, Groups and Multiple location sign in), why didn't I appreciate and enjoy Microsoft products and services more? Maybe I would have gotten an opportunity to also review cool products and services too. Boohoohoo!

I notice you link to pictures, but you don't link to the review of the actual product in question. If you did, you would see it was a fair and balanced review. But I see the ulterior motive here, sit down around a PC all day searching Google for information that will not get you anywhere. But what do you expect from people who use Linux, they have nothing productive to do. I accepted you as a part of my twitter friends because I thought you were normal. The fact that you even posted my Twitter account information out into the public like that shows that you are a dangerous individual. If you are in a relationship with anyone, do whats best and split, then again, you won't because you are just a stalker.

@Andre
-
Oh Andre, well done "Ramesees Niblick" Thats one of my silly dead ends for people trying to identify me. Would you like to know where I got the name from?
-
Red Dwarf (UK Science Fiction Sitcom) - "Ramesees Niblick" is actually the name of an android called Gilbert who had gone mad and named himself that.
-
I shortened it from -
"Ramases Niblick the third...Kerplunk, Kerplunk, Whoops! Wheres my thribble"
-
Youre obviously not a fan of Red Dwarf, so heres a link to enlighten you:
-
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Computer-senility-(Red-Dwarf)
-
Or you can visit the official Red Dwarf homepage.
-
Ill come to your response in a minute, but I wanted to make sure that everyone could see how interested you have become in us to bother pointing out what you thought was fact.

Right so onto your post (dont worry Andre there will be an article on my site shortly. I will be also passing the revelations onto Boycott Novell. If its a slow news day Roy might be interested (although Im not sure youre considered important enough)
-
Quote Andre "Goblin (Ramesees Niblick), its quite obvious you don't have a life. You are a stalker. Its time to get on those meds. I think you are delusional,"
-
You say that after your "Vista is loved" comment? Just how am I delusional? Please quote me where I have been.
-
Quote "You have basically started a crusade over material (vanity), stuff that can't really help you if you were in some life and death situation."
-
Vanity? What exactly has Microsoft been supplying you? I thought it was only a laptop. What on earth are you going on about bringing "life & death" in? Are you sure its me being delusional?
-
Quote Andre "Marco and Chips are just choked up about me receiving a reviewers unit back in 2007"
-
I was not aware of this laptop issue until chips brought it to my attention about 2 months ago (we had that conversation here) I was challenging you almost as soon as I arrived here (around August 08, and if you care to look at my posts, that was way before I was informed about the laptop)
-
Quote Andre "But what do you expect from people who use Linux, they have nothing productive to do."
-
I actually agree, since our systems work without flaw we can get our work done very quickly, so we have more free time on our hands.
-
Quote "I accepted you as a part of my twitter friends because I thought you were normal."
-
Andre, you had already insulted my opinion many times on MSwatch. You knew exactly what my take on things was, and you knew I was asking questions about your integrity way before I signed up to twitter. Stalker? Andre, wheres Ridley? Andre, what about the insulting personal attacks you have made on Chips and others in the past?
If you feel Im stalking you, why not simply block my twitter? Why have you left it in place?
-
Anyway this is all academic. The purpose of challenging you was to inform others about any free gifts you may have recieved from Microsoft. If you had admitted immediately it wouldnt have been so bad, but since Ridley had to do it for you, and your previous answers were your attempt to avoid disclosure quote Andre "“Goblin, I test Windows 7 on my own personal computers, no reviewers units here.” You'll forgive me if I am a little apprehensive in believing you have recieved any others.
-
My job is done, I will draw no inference here to your gift from Microsoft. I will be writing an article on this issue and people can judge for themselves how much faith to put in your posts.
-
You may now ignore me on Twitter.
-
Quote Andre "The fact that you even posted my Twitter account information out into the public like that shows that you are a dangerous individual."
-
Er Andre, a simple search under your name or your other handle (adacosta) will find it. Thats how I did. Also Andre you will notice, on one of the posts I found it included a telephone number which is claimed to be yours. I DID NOT LINK THAT because unlike you I do have morals. If you feel besmirched by having a public twitter account highlighted on Microsoft Watch then I suggest you take away that photo which identifies you and change your handle.
-
Thanks Ridley for getting the truth out of Andre finally. My job in regards to Andre is done.

Andre;
We should all know about the reviewer laptops from early 2007. As I have said, it was quite some time back now and M.S. wanted honest opinion so that they could improve on Vista. Hence Windows 7. I am certain that yours and others' insight helped bring about the substantial and welcomed improvements in Windows 7. Goblin and others target you as a tainted over this laptop, but as you have so honestly noted, it is pure jealousy. Jealousy in its rawest form.

Ridley, someone who hides behind so many aliases is rather pathetic.

Only one handle. One website. Only the profile names change (and I was right to do so, since youve tried to print it). By the way Ridley, how many alias's do YOU have?
Andre has two handles (that we know of) how many do you have?

Andre:How can you compare me to Joseph Stalin?

No Andre No -sniff resignation-(Quoting :JM : Andre, you are missing the point here as usual)

I will explain you:

Obviously, that time he did not has to cunning -without scruple- adviser.... (the adviser:Ridley )... like you with a philosophy like that...(the adviser's philosophy)..; There are no morals in politics; there is only expedience. A scoundrel may be of use to us just because he is a scoundrel. (quote:Stalin...no Andre no, the adviser neither is Stalin).... and we all know who is your scoundrel (the adviser is using to 'somebody' as 'his scoundrel')

Well I hope you could understand now.
--------
BTW; the point is you have not credibility
I am sorry but it's thus.

@Andre Da Costa :
I do not think that Ridley is your sock puppet (handle) actually. The name Ridley, is perhaps from the scifi character that played in the movie series "Alien." Ridley when first started to post, did so in a way to imitate you, so as to cleverly be accused of being you. As soon as he was accused of being Andre, then Ridley started saying negative things about Andre, which further made people believe he was you, Andre. Not that you Andre do not use handles (sock puppets) fairly often. Chances are Ridley is more likely to be Dr. Doug than Andre.

Now, just for the record, since Andre accused me of using it: I never use any MS instant messinger type service, not ever. Its another proven Malware magnet made by M$, and I advise any Windows user not to use it, search for alternatives.

Andre, its too bad you are at the center of the storm here, in this controversy, but its one of your own making. Most of us can tell that you are bought and owned by Redmond, and that is where your money comes from eventually, in a round about way. Had you been honest, up front about things, that way that Joe Wilcox does, it would have been easier on you. The longer you let it go, the less credibility you will have. I think you need to go further than just the one or two free/review laptops and the free HP/M$ giveaway desktop computer, that mostly went to MS MVP who act like a bunch of M$ shills, running the same type of "just the facts" type of websites as you. Then there is the strange fascination you have with the Mac, as per the post where you are begging for a Mac Air by Goblin. Seems like the hand also posted one where you were begging for Mac MS Office 2008 as well. So you are a closet Mac user after all. What happened to all your Windows PC's? Are they are infected with so much Malware that you had to use a Mac? LOL

I would be curious who pays you to do all the blogging? And how much, by the word or the post? Where does all your money come from to fly to the USA from Jamaica all the time? Its M$ money isn't it? Do you own up to the pictures as being yours of the free laptop?

Andre, I am sorry I have caused you any grief. It was never my intention. And I have never attempted to cause anyone to believe I was an alias of yours. But because I agree with much that you write and believe that M.S. watch has been bombarded by Linux trolls, they decide to go out on attack. And they have dragged you deeper into it. For that I am sorry. But I will continue to look for your posts, because yours are of the few that are of any value.

Quote Ridley "they decide to go out on attack. And they have dragged you deeper into it."
-
Eh? Its not us who received free gifts. Its not us that makes comments like "Vista is loved" which even pro-ms posters dont seem to agree with.
-
Its not a matter of dragging anyone into anything. Its a matter of making sure the reader is informed of any gifts which may influence the impartiality of the writer. That has been done now, people can make their own minds up.
-
Ridley "M.S. watch has been bombarded by Linux trolls"
-
Yes Ridley, its just a shame the owner of this site doesnt seem to agree with you. The only posts Joe Willcox has had to delete were the pro-ms trolls that ruined it for everyone.
Check back yourself or ask him. Im not sure who you want to convince since the regular readers were hear when all the sillyness was happening. They saw those with a pro-ms view impersonate, insult and belittle. The open source users did none of this.
-
If I wasnt so tired (Ive been out for a rather nice evening meal with the wife) I would start to challenge your selling of open source to people on a tight budget. Unfortunately, that will have to wait until monday. Say what you like about not caring, I know that you will still be compelled to read it. You wont be able to resist.
-
Quote "I will continue to look for your posts, because yours are of the few that are of any value."
-
and there we are in agreement. I too will be looking for his posts, and I am sure they are of value. But who to?

Andre, a quick question for you... Do you have any clue as to why Goblin finds it necessary to respond to my comments to you? Goblin has proven that he is a Linux troll who has nothing better to do than to attack anyone with positive comments about M.S. What gives with this Goblin? Perhaps you were correct about his being off his meds? All he does day in and day out is try to make relevance of a second-class, fringe O.S. with the smallest of market shares. Watch Andre, I guarantee he will answer, even though I am commenting to you.

@Andre Da Costa the M$ Shill says:
"Marco and Chips are just choked up about me receiving a reviewers unit back in 2007"
----------------------------------------------------
And so we finially have an admission of guilt here folks, a "review unit". (free laptop from M$) Keep going young Andre and come clean.
----------------------------------------------------
@Douglas S. Taylor: (the other big proponent of M$)

I noticed that you closed your Malware, opps, I mean your computer repair shop on wheels. About 90% of Windows computer problems turn out to be "software" problems instead of hardware problems, has been my experience. Of those I would say the most common problem by far is malware invested Windows PC's.

What I thought was odd about you, is the fact that here you were, with all this "experience" fixing computers, you even had a website (no more) stating that you fixed them, but oddly enough, you would never talk about cleaning out the malware, the number one problem of windows computers. Had to ask myself, "why would Doug not want to talk about the Malware?" If Doug had some connection with Microsoft, then assuredly he would not want to talk about the Windows Malware problem.

So now your PC business is gone, sold or dismantled, or even likely broke. The Van is denoted to charity? Or repo'ed, or broken, etc. Without the Van, where will Draoi Duhb put his $8000 computer? Duhb is BTW, a celtic (ancient Scottish) word for a songbird. Odd again. Just coincidence that and you claim to have knowledge of the celtic language. Also part of the titles of your book is Caldon, is that short for Caldonia, the ancient Roman name for Scotland? Coincidence again? Speaking of the books, they are only available from what I see in hardcover, which usually means they are not great sellers. I would have said Doug, don't give up your day job, but I see its too late.

But I did notice Doug, on your Douginator site, on the main page, on the left hand side, that "Paul," a M$ retail evangelist, is a contact of yours. Odd again. The Douginator site is your site, isn't it Doug? If I got something wrong, please let me know, and I will try to correct it.

So Doctor Doug, if I am being unfair to you here, please let me know exactly what I have said is wrong.

Quote Ridley "Goblin has proven that he is a Linux troll who has nothing better to do than to attack anyone with positive comments about M.S"
-
Liar. I have not attacked Jess and she works for Microsoft. I do not attack EVERYONE with a Pro-MS view (check back here before telling lies), just posters like Andre
-
and I was right to attack Andres "Vista is loved" comments wasnt I? Maybe the main reason Andre loves Vista is due to the free laptop you stated he received.
-
Quote "Watch Andre, I guarantee he will answer, even though I am commenting to you"
-
Damn right I will. You are telling lies.
-
Quote "All he does day in and day out is try to make relevance of a second-class, fringe O.S"
-
Wait up, I thought you said you sold Linux to people on a tight budget on refurb machines? Ill touch on the morals of you making a buck on open source later, but in the meantime, are you now saying its rubbish? I thought you said you liked Ubuntu? Are you selling people what you consider to be rubbish?
-
I think you will live to regret your Linux revelation of earlier.

Yes, those on a tight budget are some of the fringe users. I don't deny that at all. They get to enjoy their P.C., but not nearly to the same extent us with Vista or Windows 7 do! Linux is NOT rubbish, but it is second-class as I have stated. But that is ok, and it is fine for SOME of my family and friends.

- Ridley, we are not at fault for Linux failing.
- We are not at fault for the yearly predictions of Linux is going to rule the desktops but turns out a dud.
- We are not at fault for Linux lacking ease of use.
- We are not at fault because Mark Shuttleworth says Windows 7 will be a great release.
- We are not at fault because Linux has 0.83% market share.
- We are not at fault because Linux has two conflicting interface paradigms.
- We are not at fault because KDE 4.x turned out to be crap.
- We are not at fault because the people who promote Linux are actually the reason why nobody is interested in it.

- Ridley, we are not at fault for Linux failing.

Thank you.

Andre (IMO) you missed a few off:
-
We are not at fault for taking the freebies that Microsoft sends
-
We are not at fault for promoting Microsoft products shamelessly in the hope we get more.
-
We are not at fault for not disclosing our gifts immediately
-
Andre, we never said you were "at fault" for anything (even that silly list) You actually have my pity, I believe I understand why you post as you do. As I say on my site, I forgive you for your personal attacks at me.
-
@READERS:
It may (or may not) interest you to know that since the revelation of Andre's free laptop, I had not approached him on Twitter. Andre had previously accused me of being a stalker, yet Andre today starts posting to me on Twitter.
-
Andre I thought you said I stalked you? Why are you still "following" me? LOL.

Quote "Linux is NOT rubbish, but it is second-class as I have stated. But that is ok, and it is fine for SOME of my family and friends."
-
"Its secondclass but fine for some of my family and friends"
LOL, I hope you dont mind if I use that. Ridley, thats probably the single most funny thing Ive read on the Net today! Thank you!
-
On a serious note, are you going to appologize for telling lies about me on the previous post?

Quote Andre "We are not at fault because KDE 4.x turned out to be crap. "
-
What about Gnome? You sound like a real tech expert there Andre "crap"? Mind you, I believe your expertise comes purely from Microsoft PR, so its not your fault.
-
Moving on, more layoffs, this time for Microsoft partners.
-
http://boycottnovell.com/2009/02/02/novell-and-citrix-layoffs/
-
My question to you Andre is what type of "review laptop" are they sending you for Windows 7?

No lies to appologize for.

Also, I never said Linux was rubbish. I did say it was second-class, and that is a fact. And yes, a second-class O.S. is ok for SOME of my family and friends. They know it's second-class, but until they can purchase that beautiful new Windows 7 P.C., it gets them on the 'net and doing word processing.

Andre Da Co$ta/Ridley,

Its only your thinking. or lack of it, that is second class.

@Ridley
-
Quote "No lies to appologize for."
-
Liar again.
-
Quote Ridley "Goblin has proven that he is a Linux troll who has nothing better to do than to attack anyone with positive comments about M.S."
-
and I said that I dont attack "anyone" with a pro-ms view and highlighted that I supported Jess who actually works for Microsoft. Do you want me to link? Turns out I was right to attack Andre though wasnt it? Afterall hes had a $6000 laptop from Microsoft.
-
Quote "I did say it was second-class, and that is a fact"
-
Why are you the only one supporting Andre? Infact why is no-one supporting you? I think you'll find one of the reasons is that what you say is rubbish, and the only reason I am entertaining your sillyness, is that all youre quotes are being used to further prove Microsoft strategy for promoting its wares on the net.
-
If Microsoft products were as strong as you suggest, there would be no reason for you to post, it would be obvious. The fact that you do, suggests you are trying to convince rather than stating the facts.
-
Before you mention about Linux, you are the reason why open source supporters post on forums such as this. Your (IMO) odious behaviour needs to be challenged.
-
Now how about that apology?
-
BTW Since you claim to sell refurb Linux machines, whats your distro of choice on them?

KDE 4.x turned out to be crap? KDE 4.x has barely even taken off yet. It's own creators publicly stated before release that 4.0 and 4.1 were more for early adopters than for production use and marked 4.2 or 4.3 as the releases suited for production use.

So I guess you could call KDE 4.x a "work in progress." Now where have I heard that phrase before?

So, let's see. An OS that was marked as a final production code release state is still, two years and one service pack later, widely panned as a complete train wreck, but gets a pass, whereas a developing desktop environment (not the whole OS, just one among many interchangable environments) barely one year old, not yet feature complete, is noticeably improving from one release to the next and nearing a production quality status (or so I'm told -- I'm running Gnome for now and haven't tested KDE 4.2), yet it is "crap"?

Ah, double standards. At least judge apples to apples next time.

@Will,
-
I think Andres got to the point now where he finally realizes that nobody took what he said seriously (even before the Laptop admission) hes now like the naughty school boy who cant play the game with the others so he seeks to try and ruin it.
-
I dont think Microsoft will be sending him a Window 7 laptop, since his view and credability (IMO) have hit rock bottom.
-
Andres only mentioning KDE because he saw it on another article that he linked to on his. If its not on his PR sheet, he wont understand. (IMO)

@ Goblin:

Yeah, I caught that. But I just figured I'd set the KDE4 record straight in case someone that wasn't familiar with KDE happened on this thread.

I see KDE4 catching enough flak from open source people that apparently didn't get the memo about 4.0 and 4.1. Just like the anti-KDE buzz about Linus switching from KDE to Gnome. Good for him, or alternatively, who cares? I did the same thing, for roughly the same reasons. But KDE 3.5.x was my first Linux desktop, and I like some of the things KDE 4 is trying out. But I'm waiting until 4.2 or 4.3 before I test it. I'll completely reserve judgment on it until then.

Not to mention I find the similarities between the Windows 7 desktop and KDE 4 rather flattering to Linux.

Another case of Redmond innovation at its finest?

@Will,
-
I never thought Id see the words Redmond and innovation in the same sentence..Welldone!
-
On a serious note, Ive never used KDE, mainly because ive had no reason to move from Gnome. That aside I think its great that a Gnome/Kde battle has taken place within the Opensource community (IMO) it shows the level of interest there now is in the Linux platform, and competition never hurt innovation (you listening there Microsoft?)

@ Goblin

I've used both KDE 3 and Gnome for a period of time each, and I've even dabbled with XFCE briefly. I'm of the opinion that too much duplication of effort is unnecessary (we don't really need 25 different audio players, do we?), but then again, variety is one of Linux's strengths, and there's no reason why anyone shouldn't be allowed to scratch their own itch in their own way, so to speak, if they have the drive and skills to do so. I like the modular nature of Linux, and having more than one fully functional drop-in replacement for subsystem $foo (where $foo = desktop environment, sound system, etc.) does allow some leeway for the subsystem projects to experiment an innovate without completely wrecking the OS experience. Cases in point: Don't like the direction in which KDE 4 is going? It's a free OS (free as in libre). Use Gnome or whatever else you like. Don't like Pulse Audio? Use ALSA. This isn't intended to pick at either company, but imagine if Microsoft or Apple were to release a new, completely overhauled UI in their OS +1 version and people ended up absolutely hating it. Without any other desktop environment choices in the OS, there's no where to go, so users had better hope that Apple and Microsoft's UI teams get it right each time.

And like you said, the presence of multiple projects in the same space also means that those projects need to stay on their game or risk getting left behind by the others in their field. Which is all good and well, as long as we never get to a situation where the development energy in a subproject space is being too widely diluted to the detriment of all the projects, but I'm guessing if such a scenario occurred, it would eventually balance itself with the fading away or absorption of the weakest projects in that space.

Its official everyone, Goblin is weird. Look at all these post he has made and Linux is still irrelevant. He can't talk about anything interesting in Linux because there isn't anything interesting or useful in it to talk about. People are out there using Vista, taking advantage of the powerful Instant Search capabilities, Saved Search, managing their digital memories, writing interesting blogs and sharing it all with family and friends in a seamless way through Windows Live Wave 3.

Linux, you are just suffering, trying to find a compiler to play a music CD. Can't watch something as basic as a DVD movie. Windows is about letting the user do positive things, thats why over a billion users are taking advantage of it, thats why Windows has dominated the Netbook market with 80% marketshare. Linux just does not get it, we are not close minded to the OS, but Linux is not Windows and does not share the positive qualities that Windows delivers through value rich solutions and services.

Goblin has such a closed mind, he does not look at the problem, instead he fans the flames. Why is your OS of choice (Linux) not succeeding in the market place? The PC architecture being an open platform for more than 30 years has provided the opportunity to develop alternatives, yet, everyone still chooses what's best and thats Windows. The Mac is there, yet, people still choose Windows. No one from Microsoft is going into homes and say, use Windows. People have read about Linux, seen it, dabbled with it but based on those experiences realize its not for them. This is the vast majority of computer users telling you like it is.

Now, Chips, Goblin, you can sit in front of your PC for an eternity and bad mouth Windows, but the truth is inevitable and you must accept it, Windows will dominate forever, because its the OS for everyone, by everyone. When you look back at Vista's development, over 5 million people tested the OS world wide before it was launched. Windows 7 also has had an enormous positive reception and response. Everywhere on the Internet, its been good news about this next upgrade. For an OS still in beta, thats great news. Its all built on the fundamentals of Vista which is delivering tremendous value to users everywhere today.

260 million PC's will ship this year and they will come preloaded with Windows, its just the facts. People will start up a new Windows PC for the first time and start getting work done, creating, sharing and managing their digital memories without any hindrance. So, type the negativity forever, but it is making any breakthroughs, its just the obnoxious barrels of irrelevance that no one wants to hear from you Goblin. You are the own demise to your platform, you the are the Amiga of 2009 and beyond. You are making your platform a movement instead of a solution. Windows is a solution, Microsoft is a solution, the hundreds of thousands of Microsoft Partners are a testament to that. Realize it, accept it, Linux is nothing but a hobbyist OS.

Now, we know you will return with another predictable response. But for everyone of them you post here Linux continues to deterioate into oblivion.

Quote "Its official everyone, Goblin is weird. Look at all these post he has made and Linux is still irrelevant. "
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LOL. Normally Id have a wordy response, but youve shown yourself up nicely with little tirade.
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Quote "Now, we know you will return with another predictable response. But for everyone of them you post here Linux continues to deterioate into oblivion."
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Dont tell lies Andre, whatever the figures Linux has had an increase in uptake, so its hardly "deterioating into oblivion"
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Youre really desperate now arent you Andre? I think you can kiss goodbye to a review laptop for Windows 7. Why would Microsoft want to send you one now?

Quote: "Linux, you are just suffering, trying to find a compiler to play a music CD. Can't watch something as basic as a DVD movie. Windows is about letting the user do positive things, thats why over a billion users are taking advantage of it, thats why Windows has dominated the Netbook market with 80% marketshare. Linux just does not get it, we are not close minded to the OS, but Linux is not Windows and does not share the positive qualities that Windows delivers through value rich solutions and services."

Windows makes your P.C. experience so much more rewarding and rich. It is beautiful and easy to work with. Anything you need is easily downloadable, configurable and intuitive. For that reason, Windows will dominate, for many, many more years to come.

I am hoping that LINUX will start showing up on more computers, if not by itself, then, in virtualized mode on Windows 7, it is VITAL that Windows 7 does not stop LINUX from maturing into a worthy rival for Windows 7 and Mac OS X... Windows will not be the dominant OS forever; even Microsoft is working on an OS that will surpass Windows 7 nicknamed "Midori" or "Singular." Let's hope that OS will be on par with LINUX and MAC OS X as far as reliability is concerned.

Markus McLaughlin / linuxglobe.wordpress.com / Hudson, MA

@Ridley
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Quote "Linux, you are just suffering, trying to find a compiler to play a music CD."
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I thought you said you sold Linux systems? (Ubuntu)
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If you did then you should know that a compiler isnt required for about 99% of packages and its certainly not needed for all but the smallest and most niche projects.
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Didnt you know that? Send me an email, I can save you hours of time setting up the Linux systems you claim to sell.

That was a quote from Andre. I didn't edit that part of his comment. Ubuntu does play CD's without a compiler, even on the LiveCD. Sorry about that one. I have only set up maybe a dozen Linux boxes, and they are all pretty basic. Upon installation, they already have OpenOffice, Firefox, Evolution and play multi-media files with Amarok or Kaffeine. They are fine. They were cheap and they work fine. But as I have continually said, they are great for a tight budget, but if you really want the premium experience, Windows is the best choice.

@ Ridley:

Quote:
"Upon installation, they already have OpenOffice, Firefox, Evolution and play multi-media files with Amarok or Kaffeine."

Which is already much better than what you get from a Windows XP or Vista installation out of the box. You also tend to get full hardware support out of the box these days, unlike XP or Vista. A fresh install of XP wouldn't have wireless, accelerated graphics, or printer hardware support, or at least that was the case with my laptop.

But I do suggest you look into the recommendation of Linux Mint. It's basically Ubuntu with all the bells and whistles already added in and pre-configured.

While we're on the subject, I wouldn't recommend this as your default OS on the machines that you sell, but you might also take a look at Ubuntu Studio, a remix of Ubuntu designed for multimedia professionals with plenty of audio, graphics, and video tools.

While I admit that there are a couple of areas where Linux lags behind (for example, video editing isn't yet on par with OSX), it's clear to me that the reason you think people can't enjoy their PC as much with Linux is because you have barely scratched the surface of it yourself and don't know all that there is to it. Spend some time browsing the package manager and look at all the tools and applications available to you only a couple of mouse clicks. LiveCD installations don't install every single possible application by default (which would be thousands of packages and get up into the DVD or multiple DVD range in terms of size); they just put together a working, basic system and leave it to the user to go and customize and extend it as desired by installing additional software through the package manager. That way you can get a good, basic OS complete with productivity software to fit on a single CD and then make it as lean or full featured as you want.

Given your limited knowledge of Linux (by your own admission), your complaints sound to me like someone that just installed XP or Vista, had no clue that something like Microsoft Office or OpenOffice existed, and then talked about how people couldn't be productive with their Windows PCs because Wordpad wasn't suitable for producing office documents. My answer to that case is the same as my answer to you: learn what's out there before dismissing it offhand.

I'm not trying to convince you that Linux is the best OS out there, but I am saying that you can't accurately judge Linux if you barely know anything about it.

Also, final word of advice: If you aren't doign this already, make sure your customers understand how to use the distro's package manager to install and remove software before they go home with the PC. It's much easier to install software in Linux than it is in Windows, but not if the user is still trying to shove a Windows-shaped peg into a Linux-shaped hole. As I've said before, this part is an education thing, and the same kinds of problems come up when people switch to OSX too.

Quote Ridley "That was a quote from Andre. I didn't edit that part of his comment. Ubuntu does play CD's without a compiler, even on the LiveCD. Sorry about that one. I have only set up maybe a dozen Linux boxes, and they are all pretty basic"
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You quoted it, and you didnt make it clear and certainly didnt challenge or say you believed incorrect.
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"Ubuntu does play CD's without a compiler, even on the LiveCD"
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Im sorry I have doubts now that you've even used Linux let alone sell it. Whilst that would get you out of answering the "difficult questions" youve chosen to ignore from my previous post, if you were being dishonest in the post where you made that revelation about selling Linux, I think that says alot.
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As Will said, how can you be in a position to make any comment about Linux (ie Second class) when youre knowledge is so lacking, and it goes back to what was said before, Linux users are Windows users aswell (in some capacity) We know what we are talking about, you do not (IMO) and I think that has been highlighted perfectly in your slipups of common Linux myth that are only held by the people who dont use the system.
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I have my opinion on your experience of Linux, your judge will be the readers here who dont comment. Ill let them decide.

Markus McLaughlin said:
"Windows will not be the dominant OS forever; even Microsoft is working on an OS that will surpass Windows 7 nicknamed "Midori" or "Singular." Let's hope that OS will be on par with LINUX and MAC OS X as far as reliability is concerned."
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Enjoyed your link! Midori, is supposed to be the next Micro$oft OS after Windows Seven. We will see, as its based on Singularity. No NT kernel, it remains to be seen if MS can pull that off. It will most likely mean that those who buy into Seven will not be able to upgrade to Midori without buying all new software. Ah, those MS upgrade cycles can get expensive. Glad I will not be supporting MS in that venture.

But you are right, we should be hoping for a better MS OS, one that is stable and secure, not for people like us, but for those who stay with MS.

Windows 7 Model for Microsoft Reinvention

Thanks to the myriad of improvements, increased stability and additional features, Windows 7 will go down as one of the greates O.S.'s of all time. Apparently M.S. has done it's homework and they are close to ready to bring this on home. Windows 7 has Vista at heart, but oh how it has expounded on it. It is beautiful, stable and compatible. Since it is still in beta form, it will go through the final tweaks to become the new standard in operating systems.

I think M.S. has done a remarkable job with this outstanding O.S.

Any users who may find Ridleys lovely piece of PR above, should first note the following.
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Ridley claims to sell Linux systems, yet doesnt know alot about it, however they believe this qualifies them to say its second rate to Windows. Check out his posts, its all pretty obvious there.
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Secondly. Ridley had to confess for another poster here (Andre Da Costa) that Andre recieved a free laptop from Microsoft.
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Quite how Ridley had these details to hand and why they took it upon themselves to confess for Andre is anyones guess. Are they the same person? Are they not? It doesnt really matter, but for more info check out:
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http://boycottnovell.com/2009/02/01/andre-da-costa-schwag/
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The advances in Windows 7 have us excited about the future of P.C. computing. It has taken the solid, proven, compatible Vista platform and taken it to new levels in usability and a gorgeous GUI with aero windows on maximized Windows and so many new features, it will be the de facto standard. Congratulations M.S., you are doing great on your next generation of Windows. And it is only in beta form!

Ridley,
Firstly, Do you think newcomers only read the last comment?
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Whilst I think the Linux comment was yours and not Andre's, I am going to take you on your word and believe you that it was Andre Da Costa's.
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With that in mind (and the interests of fairness to you) its only right that on the Laptop article on mine and Roys site, that information is added, since IMO it shows just how far people are will to stretch the truth in relation to Linux.
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Whilst Andre has not been here for a few days, since its your allegation not mine as long as I make that clear, then there is no problem. BTW Where abouts did Andre make that comment? It would be nice to have a link.
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I think his (alleged) Linux comment can be used in conjunction with the laptop issue when people are reading his articles and wanting to make their own judgement on his credibility.
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When Andre returns here, we can ask him to confirm or deny the allegation you made, and as always he will have a full right of reply.
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I hope you do not let me down Ridley, whilst you have failed to appologize for the misinformation (and thats being polite) you posted about me, Im taking you on your word that the quote:
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"Linux, you are just suffering, trying to find a compiler to play a music CD...."
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was Andre Da Costa's and not yours.

M.S. O.S. market share is at 15-year lows. This is almost exclusively due to OSX, definitely not fringe, second-class O.S.'s. Microsoft is not about to cede anymore market share, and thus we have Windows 7 waiting in the wings. I have to say. I am extremely impressed with M.S.'s new O.S. This new improved Windows will stem the slide. Windows 7 has an intuitive UI, gorgeous looks and feature-rich applications. And it is better optimized for lower-power P.C.'s such as netbooks.

All the major reviewers are very impressed with this new Windows, and the excitement is building. Looking forward to RTM!

Quote "Looking forward to RTM!"
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Thats very nice.
Btw, just who are you advertising to? (apart from the site thats logging your comments and adding its own interesting commentary)?

Microsoft is reinventing Windows through Windows 7. M.S. has worked the Vista kernel and enhanced the UI and feature set, so we are closing in on the new generation of P.C.'s that will dazzle us with their abilities and performance and stability. And they will all recommend Windows 7, and for good reason! These new P.C.'s are being designed FOR Windows 7. No legitimate tech professional worth his snuff would recommend anything else.

Quote "No legitimate tech professional worth his snuff would recommend anything else."
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Well you do dont you Ridley? You claim to sell Linux to people on a tight budget (alot of people these days)
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So what are you saying? Youre opinions not worth anything?
I think you may have been a little hard on yourself there. True, you didnt understand about package management within linux. You probably wouldnt know what bash is (since you say yourself you only have a basic knowledge) but youve already said you like Ubuntu, and now thanks to Chips youre apparently discovering MINT aswell.
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@Everyone else,
Ridley is being too hard on himself, check out the packages Ridley sells to others and apparently "likes" on:
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www.distrowatch.com
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Ridley likes Ubuntu and Fedora and is apparently very interested in looking a Mint. Maybe people should start there.