Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

Xrati:
What, support that costs $200 per incident? What's the point?

Renegade13:
Its actually rather solid; much more so than XP or any previous MS OS was after release. Some device manufacturers (eg: Nvidia) got off to a poor start with their drivers, but the situation has improved a lot since last January. There are some issues with DX8 and below games, though (like SE5). XP is good to keep around for older games. There are issues with things like network file transfer speeds and such, but they appear to be fixed in the SP1 release candidate. Most of the stuff you see on the 'net about Vista is just regurgitated FUD, however.

I wouldn't really advise buying it to upgrade your current computer, but there isn't much reason to avoid it for a new comp.

Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

There's people working on a Directx 10 port for XP.

Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

The certified network analyst who sold me her used XP box because her job required her to upgrade her home system to Vista, hates Vista with a passion, and thinks XP is the best OS Microsoft ever produced.

That is as unbiased opinion as I can give you, because my opinion of both OSes and Microsoft isn't fit for a public forum.

Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

Vista is the new Windows ME. While it may have some good aspects, there are to many flavors and it's reputation is poor. Plug & Pray. Even for non-tech people, Vista=crap. It doesn't have an overall wow factor that users need to have. It'll go down as a brilliant marketing failure. Pass and wait for the next OS. Microsoft is driving people, universities and corporations to Mac and Linux, which may not be a bad thing at all.

Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

Fyron Fyron, if you buy the $90. version of XP, don't count on calling Mickeysoft [img]/threads/images/Graemlins/icon37.gif[/img] for any help with your OS problem. It is the OEM software that (Dell or any other OEM) would purchase. You would then call (Dell/OEM) for support. The $90. XP version does not include support. Be very careful of what you recommend to people as some do not have the expertise you do, to handle OS problems. With the $190 XP version you can call Bill Gates (just kidding) http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif and get support with any of your problems. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/smile.gif

Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

Anybody building their own computer should be able to work out problems without resorting to $200+ per incident calls..

Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

People will always go with the cheaper price regardless of their situation, Human Nature being what it is. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/image...s/rolleyes.gif

Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

A "review" comparing XP and Vista.

Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

Sounds like he had some fault hardware. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/wink.gif

Re: OT: Building a new computer...
 

Finally an honest review http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/smilies/happy.gif