Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

That isn't true, BM. Old programs _are_ compatible, for the most part. The old APIs are still supported in compatibility layers, much like Win9x apps are still supported in Win2x/XP (and so are those ancient 16 bit win 3.1 type apps, for the most part). You only have issues with programs that would access the low level parts of the kernel (like some AV software), that is now impossible due to the improved security model. I have yet to have any software or game compatibility issues with software I use/used on XP or Win2k. Then there is the new driver model, but that doesn't really hurt much of anything; any basic peripheral will have most likely have workable drivers already included with the OS, and more advanced stuff (eg: video cards) have new drivers available from the vendors. DirectX 9 and below games are still supported.

Vista probably isn't worth buying to upgrade your current computer, much like WinXP wasn't if you had Win2k (though it could well have been if you were still in the dark ages of Win9x). But if you are buying/building a new computer, you will be better off getting (non-Home Basic) Vista instead of XP. Some vendors (eg: Dell) have even been running "free upgrade to vista home premium" type offers lately.

Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

Ok, So, can I ask some advice, then, for the linux guru types out there? If I were to buy a totally new computer, with the intention of running Linux on it, and I wanted to be able to do everything I can do with a new XP machine, what would be the best system/linux version/etc... to get? I've used linux boxes in the past, and even once set one up on my own, but I am only moderately wise to the whole thing, and would love any and all advice on pitfalls etc...

The only time I set up a linux box, I had lots of problems setting up the DSL connection, video and audio drivers, and installing new software...so I guess I'm sort of an idiot when it comes to all that...but I retain a perhaps vain hope that I could run a linux machine at home to entirely replace my Windoze one...

So...anybody know of a good website for linux quasi-newbies like myself?

Thanks,

AMF

Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

I wonder if you can buy a system already set up with a Linux OS?

Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

Ubuntu is a good distro. For any hardware you are thinking of getting, some Google searching will turn up compatibility issues. Its usually better to buy your own hardware, rather than get a prebuilt system. Some PC manufacturers use some screwy parts that have less compatibility. Sometimes you can be fine; just make sure to do some research.

Don't buy anything ATI; their *nix drivers blow.

You aren't going to be able to do quite everything on linux that you can on XP (probably mostly gaming). Dual booting always works though. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

AT:
Yes, there are boutique vendors that will sell you a system with linux pre-installed, but it'll cost you. Interestingly, Dell is currently floating the idea of selling systems with Linux, though they haven't settled on a distro yet, to my knowledge.

Its not that hard to install linux these days, however. Provided you go with a distro geared towards ease of use rather than elitism, of course...

Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

If I managed to install Linux, anyone can. Of course, I quickly abandoned the whole linux experience after discovering that my sound card isn't supported. I needs my sound!

Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

You can get machines with vendor-installed Linux, but what I have seen aren't all that good compared to roll-your-own.

http://store.madtux.org/index.php

Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

Ok,so, I've sort of made up my mind that when I get back I'm going to get an empty box from Dell, and install some version of Linux on it.

Is there any consensus on the best releaseof Linux to use for a quasi-newbie with a new machine? I'm concerned about drivers (I always seemed to have hardware that was lacking linux drivers...) and I'd rather not have to compile it all, just buy a version that I can install (*just* until I get smarter at linux!)...

Also,given that I want to play SE4 (and maybe SE5) on it, what is the best emulator to use?

Sorry for all the questions. I just trust and value the opinions of people on this board more than I do others. It's also hard for me to do lots of research at the moment...and maybe I'm a leetle bit lazy...

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif

Thanks in advance...

AMF

Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

ubuntu is good for a beginer, you won't be able to play se5 on it though, might be a good idea to have a duel boot and have windows on it too.

Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

I'd second the recommendation for Ubuntu. The Ubuntu people will mail you free installation disks, IIRC. You can also just download the CD images for any distribution for free.

Be aware that you won't be able to play SE5 under Linux. SE4 can be played with Wine or Cedega, but not SE5 at this point. You can always create a small partition for Windows though, and boot into it to play SE5. Assuming you have a Windows install disk, of course..

Re: SE4, SE5 and Vista?
 

So what is the scoop on Vista Ultimate? Has anyone here used it before?

I am thinking of buying a new laptop with Vista on it. It comes included with Vista Business, with Media (whatever that means) and will only cost me $50.00 more to upgrade to Vista Ultimate, with Media (again, whatever that means).

So what are the pros and cons with Ultimate?

Note: I am not looking to start an XP vs Vista argument.

Edit: I'm dumb. I know what "with Media" means. Gees, one of those days...