Vista, Windows 7, and Windows XP's future

[Celebrimbor]

Scanning Google revealed some interesting results.  Microsoft plans on starting the first phases on ditching windows xp by the end of June!  Currently there's a save windows xp petition going on, with staggering results.

I hate the idea of Microsoft getting rid of XP.  Vista is a poor, poor replacement.  Unless windows 7 makes a huge improvement, I'm going to go all linux soon.

Here are some other links of interest.  Must read:

Microsoft responds to save xp petition
Windows XP VS Vista: an explosion of opinion

[FingolfinFinwe]

Wow seriously?  I can't stand Vista.    Both of my pc's have XP.  I have higher hopes for Windows 7, but I really don't want to be forced into something else.  But if they are going to force me out of XP, then I'll probably head to Linux as well.  Already use Open Office   

[DáinIronfoot]

I've been forced to use Vista since I bought this computer this spring. STILL not happy with it and want my XP back! Or even Windows 2000, which I liked even more than XP.

I might be forced into Linux soon. At least that doesn't drastically change every two years, just as I'm getting used to the old way of doing things.

[SomeRandomDude]

Linux is cooler already. Unfortunately, I don't own my own PC, thanks to being broke, and thus am forced to use Vista.

I want XP back.

[Kralik]

Forced to use Linux... as if it's a bad thing?

vLite is an awesome program than can trim down and optimize Vista so that, even being Vista, it's not half bad. And then there's Server 2008, which is better than Vista IMO.

NB, what about booting Ubuntu off of a USB Flash drive?

[Kralik]

I might be forced into Linux soon. At least that doesn't drastically change every two years, just as I'm getting used to the old way of doing things.

I used to run Linux (a few flavors over the years) and with automatic updates it was fun to see new features randomly popping up in my everyday applications. I still updated my distribution on the "fast-track" six-month schedule, though. My younger brother was crazy in that he would impulsively reinstall his Linux system every few weeks just so he could sit back and watch the progress bars.

The best feature IMO that Vista/Server 2008 have is not Aero (meh), it's SuperFetch. Not too useful if you have little memory, but MAN, with 4gb, it's awesome. Other than that I would go back to Windows 2000 Professional. For you current Linux users: is there a good implementation of this for Linux?

[CarpeGuitarrem]

Ubuntu off of a flash drive...nice.

[lem0nhead]

I've been forced to use Vista since I bought this computer this spring. STILL not happy with it and want my XP back! Or even Windows 2000, which I liked even more than XP.

Ditto! Grr stupid MS and their stupid new crappy OS.

[leokula]

Am I the only one who prefers Vista over XP?

I still think Vista is a more structured and organized operational system. Has its flaws (like XP does too), but overall, Windows is heading towards Mac OS, which is something to look at. My only problem with it are constant windows asking for permission, but other than that I think Vista is still better. Complaints that it's too heavy or eats RAM aren't valid, just check out Mac OS that runs on loads of GB and high end machines. It's the best OS out there and it runs only on duo core 2GB+ machines. I think a better OS should demand a better machine. Linux is light cause u need to be a programmer to set it up if it doesn't detect a driver or two and it does almost nothing for you. Again, excellent for programmers but still not an OS for the usual end user.

[Kralik]

My only problem with it are constant windows asking for permission...

Turn off UAC!

[CarpeGuitarrem]

My only problem with it are constant windows asking for permission...

Turn off UAC!

That's not really a bad thing. It's good to have that much control over what programs can and can't run on your computer. Stops malicious software dead in its tracks.

Vista is now running on a machine at home, and so far, I like what I've seen of it. It does need its beefed-up system, but with it, it's good, from what I've seen.

[Kralik]

Vista is now running on a machine at home, and so far, I like what I've seen of it. It does need its beefed-up system, but with it, it's good, from what I've seen.

Part of the problem is that when Vista was first introduced, Microsoft was certifying PC's as "Vista Capable" when they couldn't run it very well. I'm looking at you, cheapo 512MB 1.2GHz laptop! 1GB of RAM would be a better minimum to avoid constant paging; 2GB is a better recommendation. In some ways it's a good thing: Software requirements (or bloat, depending on your perspective) often drive hardware improvements. Nowadays, most computers with Vista pre-installed actually do fine.

[Celebrimbor]

Vista turns green with envy comparing with other OS's , regarding compatability with older, popular programs.  Linux can run virtually any program written for an older version of linux, thanks to built-in compiling support.  Mac OS so backwards compatible...

Anyways I have to say that Ubuntu is awesome.  It has a "multiple desktop" feature, allowing many separate workspaces.  The only problem with Ubuntu i have is that Wireless card support is very spotty, as well as for dial-up modems, which is a bummer because the only way I could get a driver for that to work on my system is through dial-up anyways.

[CarpeGuitarrem]

I love Ubuntu workspaces...

[leokula]

Linux can run virtually any program written for an older version of linux, thanks to built-in compiling support.

Ok mate, it's not quite as ur saying it. Linux can virtually run "anything", as long as you spend LITERALLY (and i MEAN that cause I've been there b4) HOURS tryin figuring out how to do it. And by the way, don't forget some programs run better on a given distro rather than another. Actually you could spend hours trying to install a program already made for Linux LOL which is quite sad. Kralik can confirm it.

So that statement of yours really means nothing, cause if we are to talk about programs, then Linux will really be the worst OS of all, cause it doesn't have a standard for installation of new programs (it has a lot of standards, but how does that help?) and different distros will need different stuff and deal differently with programs and so it's a huge mess. On Windows every program has a setup.exe; double click it, next, next, ur done doesn't get much easier than that. Even a 5 yr old can install Warcraft.

Don't get me wrong, I like Linux! but i wouldn't use it for my home pc, it's not easy and practical enough. It's nice when you get Ubuntu for example, that comes with tons of software and you don't have to touch it once you install it. But try installing a pure Debian linux, for example, and then install the programs you need one by one, including the graphical interface. I'm sure it'll drive you nuts if you're not an expert.

Linux is still AWESOME for servers. Free and stable.