SE4, SE5 and Vista?

Fyron · #1 April 3rd, 2007, 01:41 PM

I've yet to find a (non-ancient game that requires dosbox anyways) program I use that won't work in Vista.

Raapys · #2 April 3rd, 2007, 02:20 PM

But if Vista doesn't even include the new file system, what is the point with it?

It can't be just a slower version of WinXP, can it?

GuyOfDoom · #3 April 3rd, 2007, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Raapys said:
But if Vista doesn't even include the new file system, what is the point with it?

It can't be just a slower version of WinXP, can it?

It's going to "revolutionize the world." But yeah it's just an excuse to force an upgrade and push the need for spending more money on computers.

Baron Munchausen · #4 April 3rd, 2007, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Raapys said:
But if Vista doesn't even include the new file system, what is the point with it?

It can't be just a slower version of WinXP, can it?

It most certainly can be! They cancelled most of the 'innovative' features, such as the new file system (WinFS), just to be able to get it out the door. The primary changes are the fancy 'Aero' interface, the DRM garbage, and a bunch of API changes to make old programs incompatible.

Fyron · #5 April 3rd, 2007, 09:14 PM

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.

AMF · #6 April 9th, 2007, 01:42 AM

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

Atrocities · #7 April 9th, 2007, 02:03 AM

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

Fyron · #8 April 9th, 2007, 04:15 AM

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.

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...

AgentZero · #9 April 9th, 2007, 04:46 AM

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!