billsfan89 Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 Windows Vista is just not a good operating system. (Wayyy too many updates I install one and literally 2 days later had to install another one among other complaints) Vista has its good points and I like aspects of it but I am thinking of trying Windows 7. A lot of reviewers have been saying very good things about Windows 7 so my curiosity is peaked about wither I should just go to Windows 7 or stay with Vista for now. Has anyone here tried or is currently using Windows 7 is it all its cracked up to be or is just the same old same old Microsoft OS. Or have they finally gotten it right this time?
Fezmid Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 I know some people who have been using the beta for many months and think it's great -- including some UNIX folks, for what it's worth. Is it worth paying for the upgrade? That's for you to decide... You might be better off just buying a new computer, depending on how old it is. I believe Win7 is around $130, give or take -- you can buy a new PC for about $400-$600. Food for thought. For example: http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/25727/Dell...s-7-Premium-484 Or a laptop: http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/25697/Tosh...tion-64-bit-600
billsfan89 Posted October 28, 2009 Author Posted October 28, 2009 I know some people who have been using the beta for many months and think it's great -- including some UNIX folks, for what it's worth. Is it worth paying for the upgrade? That's for you to decide... You might be better off just buying a new computer, depending on how old it is. I believe Win7 is around $130, give or take -- you can buy a new PC for about $400-$600. Food for thought. For example: http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/25727/Dell...s-7-Premium-484 Or a laptop: http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/25697/Tosh...tion-64-bit-600 I recently bought a laptop early this year so performance in terms of speed is fine. My main gripe with Vista is the once in a while crashes, the constant !@#$ing updates, and the way files are stored. Its minor issues so I don't know if 130 bucks is worth it but I am willing to pay if I don't have to do updates and it won't ever crash (Vista doesn't crash that often but if I am running too many things it will once in a blue moon freeze up and won't recover). One thing that I would want from Windows 7 is less clutter. I feel that my current computer has way too much crap on it to the point that I am still finding stuff to delete. Just operate my files and give me good security (Another grip with Vista but I wasn't expecting it to be great) its not that hard. Can anyone tell me if Windows 7 doesn't ask for updates every week, comes with less crap attached upon install, and is it easier to locate files you don't have stored in a specific location?
thebug Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 Screw that, I'm not taking any chances, I'm sticking with Win95.
Fezmid Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 I recently bought a laptop early this year so performance in terms of speed is fine. My main gripe with Vista is the once in a while crashes, the constant !@#$ing updates, and the way files are stored. Its minor issues so I don't know if 130 bucks is worth it but I am willing to pay if I don't have to do updates and it won't ever crash (Vista doesn't crash that often but if I am running too many things it will once in a blue moon freeze up and won't recover). One thing that I would want from Windows 7 is less clutter. I feel that my current computer has way too much crap on it to the point that I am still finding stuff to delete. Just operate my files and give me good security (Another grip with Vista but I wasn't expecting it to be great) its not that hard. Can anyone tell me if Windows 7 doesn't ask for updates every week, comes with less crap attached upon install, and is it easier to locate files you don't have stored in a specific location? The "Crap" isn't from Vista, but rather from whomever you bought the PC from. They install all sorts of their own crap on the PC to either sell you stuff or to make your life "easier." You won't get any of that crap if you install a retail version of Win7. Then again, you won't get it if you install a retail version of Vista either... You have to install frequent updates on any OS you run (yes, even Mac - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1338 - "Apple frequently releases software updates that you can download" ). Can't speak on file locations... CW
kegtapr Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 I recently bought a laptop early this year so performance in terms of speed is fine. My main gripe with Vista is the once in a while crashes, the constant !@#$ing updates, and the way files are stored. Its minor issues so I don't know if 130 bucks is worth it but I am willing to pay if I don't have to do updates and it won't ever crash (Vista doesn't crash that often but if I am running too many things it will once in a blue moon freeze up and won't recover). One thing that I would want from Windows 7 is less clutter. I feel that my current computer has way too much crap on it to the point that I am still finding stuff to delete. Just operate my files and give me good security (Another grip with Vista but I wasn't expecting it to be great) its not that hard. Can anyone tell me if Windows 7 doesn't ask for updates every week, comes with less crap attached upon install, and is it easier to locate files you don't have stored in a specific location? Are the updates really an issue? You shut down the computer and walk away...they do it on their own.
thebug Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 Don't forget, you buy a new computer that's been sitting on the shelf or in a warehouse for months, it's going to need to get all of the updates that have been released since the OS was installed. Also after you get those updates, if they happen to release a service pack right after, then you need those as well, no big deal, you aren't going to need to download updates everyday. Timing is everything. Like keg said, walk away.
PromoTheRobot Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 My XP laptop lost its monitor backlight the day before W7 was released. So I went to Best Buy and got a Gateway 57 series. 15" widescreen, 4GB RAM, 320 GB hard drive, AMD Athlon dual-core processor, 4 USB + HDMI port. Runs W7 Home Premium. Cost after rebates etc: $429. I have not used it much since I am prepping my W7 laptop to take over for the old XP, moving files, installing software, etc. But I like what I see so far. Boots up in what seems like an instant (compared to Vista and XP). All the software I've installed works fine. (Including one program written in the days of W-Me) The only hiccup is I can't get my e-mail backup to restore fully (Mozilla T-bird) thought I think it's a restore software issue, not W7. So right now I give W7 a big thumbs up. Lastly I was playing with the webcam last night. My Vista has a webcam that is an absolute joke...slow, bad res and blurs with any motion. This webcam is terrific...fast, good res and barely any latency. PTR
billsfan89 Posted October 28, 2009 Author Posted October 28, 2009 Are the updates really an issue? You shut down the computer and walk away...they do it on their own. They are because they pop up when I am in the middle of writing a paper I know OS's have to update but twice a week sometimes is just too much.
Fezmid Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 They are because they pop up when I am in the middle of writing a paper I know OS's have to update but twice a week sometimes is just too much. Then turn off automatic updates and do them yourself whenever you want...
PTS Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 I installed Windows 7 on my desktop and notebook over the weekend and I absolutely love it. I never really had issues with VISTA but that's because I got a new computer built for VISTA when it came out. As for Windows 7 itself. Apparently the software is lighter and I definitely notice the computer booting faster, running faster and using less CPU and RAM. Just more responsive in general. The taskbar is the biggest difference. It took a few days to get used to it but I'm just starting to see the benefits. It's much easier opening programs and files. You're always two clicks away at most from opening any file. There's some other Aero features which are nice as well but in general I think it's defintely worth it.
Live&DieBillsFootball Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 I've been using Windows 7 for at least 6 months. I initially installed an early beta and currently have the Release Candidate version. The RC is running so well that I haven't even bothered to install the retail version, which I received last week. There is a lot to like about it. It boots faster, programs start faster, the new taskbar. Plug a new device in and it automatically installs the driver for it. In most cases, you no longer need to use a driver disk to start using a device. As far as file locations, Windows 7 has "Libraries" which are somewhat optional to use. For example, I always like to keep my music files on a separate hard drive rather than using the My Music folder. The Libraries let you select additional locations for music, pictures, etc. So My Music Library includes the My Music Folder as well as a Music folder on my "E:" drive. When I do a backup of the Music Library, it copies from both locations. Setting up a network and sharing a printer is easier in Windows 7. Although the new Workgroups feature only works with other Windows 7 computers. We have 2 Vista computers and 1 XP in addtion to my Win 7 computer. I share printers and files between them, but if all had Win7, sharing would be easier. I have had a couple of "crashes", but each time it just closed the offending program and sent me to the desktop without having to reboot. Not sure if the crashes were beta problems or if I still may have an occasional crash once I install the latest retail version. Nothing revolutionary, but it seems to run much faster than XP and Vista. I received a free copy, so I will definitely upgrade. Not sure about my other PC's. Not sure if it is worth the money to upgrade the other pc's. MS is offering a 3 version family pack of Win 7 for $149, which helps. Also, most colleges have some big discounts for students. If you're planning to keep your current pc a while and can get it cheap, it's a no brainer. Otherwise, it might be worth waiting until you buy your next pc.
Acantha Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 You won't get any of that crap if you install a retail version of Win7. Then again, you won't get it if you install a retail version of Vista either... This is completely unrelated to to the thread, but I have a question about this. I've never done an upload of a retail operating system on a laptop before...does it cause problems with hardware? I'm thinking mostly about the trackpad, but also things like graphics cards, etc... Only time I've done clean OS installs is on desktops that I've put together, so I had all of the drivers/software handy. Is it a pain trying to get everything working on a laptop, or is Windows able to find what it needs to get going?
KD in CA Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 As for Windows 7 itself. Apparently the software is lighter and I definitely notice the computer booting faster, running faster and using less CPU and RAM. Just more responsive in general. The taskbar is the biggest difference. It took a few days to get used to it but I'm just starting to see the benefits. It's much easier opening programs and files. You're always two clicks away at most from opening any file. I've been using it for about a month. Completely agree with PTS's points above.
kegtapr Posted October 28, 2009 Posted October 28, 2009 Any differences for gaming? Tell me it automatically emails Infinity Ward "F-U" every 5 minutes and I'll go buy it tonight.
DC Tom Posted October 29, 2009 Posted October 29, 2009 This is completely unrelated to to the thread, but I have a question about this. I've never done an upload of a retail operating system on a laptop before...does it cause problems with hardware? I'm thinking mostly about the trackpad, but also things like graphics cards, etc... Generally it's painless. In my time, I can only recall one or two serious driver issues I had to resolve replacing an OEM OS install with a retail install, and the hardest part is usually making sure I'm downloading the right drivers for the hardware.
Dan Posted October 29, 2009 Posted October 29, 2009 This is completely unrelated to to the thread, but I have a question about this. I've never done an upload of a retail operating system on a laptop before...does it cause problems with hardware? I'm thinking mostly about the trackpad, but also things like graphics cards, etc... Only time I've done clean OS installs is on desktops that I've put together, so I had all of the drivers/software handy. Is it a pain trying to get everything working on a laptop, or is Windows able to find what it needs to get going? I've wiped quite a few computers in my day and re-installed all, for a variety of reasons. My advice, before doing so, download all the drivers for all the various components first. Then copy them to a CD or USB stick. Actually, I would do this for any computer I owned. The easiest way to make sure you get everything back up the way it was is to go to the My Devices and double check all the hardware and drivers. In the few times I haven't been able to do that. I just google the laptop brand and model and can usually find all the drivers that are supposed to be installed in short order. So, its still just about as easy. So, I'd say getting everything to work properly on a laptop with a new OS install is usually pretty easy. Worst case scenario, it may take you a day to do it if some of the hardware is atypical to that model.
\GoBillsInDallas/ Posted October 29, 2009 Posted October 29, 2009 I recently bought a laptop early this year so performance in terms of speed is fine. My main gripe with Vista is the once in a while crashes, the constant !@#$ing updates, and the way files are stored. Its minor issues so I don't know if 130 bucks is worth it but I am willing to pay if I don't have to do updates and it won't ever crash (Vista doesn't crash that often but if I am running too many things much porn it will once in a blue moon freeze up and won't recover). One thing that I would want from Windows 7 is less clutter. I feel that my current computer has way too much crap on it to the point that I am still finding stuff to delete. Just operate my files and give me good security (Another grip with Vista but I wasn't expecting it to be great) its not that hard. Can anyone tell me if Windows 7 doesn't ask for updates every week, comes with less crap attached upon install, and is it easier to locate files you don't have stored in a specific location? Fixed.
PromoTheRobot Posted October 29, 2009 Posted October 29, 2009 Okay...ran into my first brick wall with Win7. My USB audio interface won't work. No drivers available. Called Tascam the company that makes the device and they said since my unit is out of production (a whole 3 years old...ancient!) they won't bother making a Win7 driver for it. Great, now I have to spend another $100 for a new interface...assuming any of the companies made them Win7 compatible. I mean Windows sure sprang a big surprise on Tascam. Who knew Windows was coming out with a new OS? PTR
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