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Mike Labbe

Mike Labbe

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Windows Vista, the replacement for Windows XP, is now shipping. (a week before the expected date) http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/ It is being sold in 4 flavors: Home Basic, Business, Home Premium, and Ultimate.

If you are installing this on a POS, CMC, or VISUALIZATION machine, I suggest waiting a few weeks to check with your vendor to make sure they are VISTA READY. Vendors will need time to test their products with this new operating system. (most probably have already, but check with them to be sure)

If upgrading, you may also want to make sure the machine is fairly recent/fast, and has a lot of RAM (2gb recommended if using it with a POS or Visualization) Check with the driver manufacturers for all of your cards, and get the VISTA drivers in advance. (or you may just want to leave XP on that machine for the rest of its useful life) Here is a handy utility that will check your current PC out and let you know what needs to be upgraded. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

After WCAF, I'll post another round of PC DEALS. The reason I haven't for a while, is because I was waiting for them to include the new operating system. As of next week, all new PCs will be shipping with VISTA instead of XP. There may be some close out deals that have XP, as well, if looking for a bargain. XP is still a solid and capable performer and will be around for many years.

Mike
 
I bought today!!!

$149.00 at newegg.com Business Vista.

Had to have the new toy to play with...

I bet it's 3 - 6 months to get the drivers right.

framer
 
It is pretty much rock solid so far.

That link above will analyze all of your drivers and tell you if they have new ones for the hardware in your machine.

I just have a beta here, but my released business version is on order too.

Mike
 
:shrug: I don't get it...

The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor works with 32-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. It will not work with Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.

They want you to upgrade but they will only help if you already have XP. Lame, just lame....

framer
 
I've been using it at home for about a month now.. I like it, but the new security features are so annoying that I just turned it all off. After I did that it's mostly just like XP with upgraded Explorer and some other fancy stuff (like the Sidebar gadgets). I like the new eye-candy too.

That said, just about every app I installed had compatibility problems until I turned of the new security mode (where you basically run as a normal user instead of Administrator, even if you log in as Administrator). Should be interesting, but I don't see everyone running out to buy this unless you're a total geek like me, Mike, and Framer.. :)
 
I rec'd an email today from Quickbooks if you did not get it and you use Quickbooks you will want to read this:

Dear Tim,

You may have heard about the upcoming release of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista. Microsoft has made significant changes to how software runs on Windows Vista.

I'm sending you this important service alert because you are using a 2006 or earlier version of QuickBooks software.

Since QuickBooks 2006 and earlier versions were developed
and released before the introduction of Windows Vista,
these versions may be adversely affected when used on
a computer running Windows Vista.

This will impact Simple Start, Basic, Pro, Premier, Payroll and Point of Sale, as well as other QuickBooks products and services. We recognize that your QuickBooks software is an important business tool and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.



WHAT YOU SHOULD DO TO STAY UP AND RUNNING ON QUICKBOOKS

• If you do NOT upgrade to Windows Vista

No action is required. If you plan to stay with your existing Windows operating system (for example, Windows XP or Windows 2000), you can continue to use your current QuickBooks products.


• If you choose to upgrade to Windows Vista

We recommend that you use QuickBooks 2007 (and Point of Sale v6.0, if applicable). QuickBooks 2007 is the only version of the software built to run on the new Windows Vista operating system.

To learn more about your options for running QuickBooks products
on Windows Vista, please visit www.quickbooks.com/support/vista.
You'll find detailed instructions on how to use QuickBooks while
you consider the transition to Windows Vista.




Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you would like to send us feedback on QuickBooks and Windows Vista, please visit our Windows Vista Resource Center at www.quickbooks.com/support/vista.

Thank you for making QuickBooks a part of your business.

Sincerely,

Brad Smith
Senior Vice President, QuickBooks

Please print and save for your records.
 
I received the same e-mail alert.

With Quickbooks such a major supplier of software to small business - it is amazing that there is such a problem with the compatability of the 2 systems.

Vista has had Beta versions out for some time. I wonder if it was Quickbooks who dropped the ball or Microsoft. Opps that is a self answering question. ;)
 
I think QB is just trying to put themself on record that it was not tested so they can't be responsible for any problems. It might be fine but you are on your own.

framer
 
I am staying with XP till the bitter end.

It works for me, and my applications, hardware and games are on very friendly terms with XP.

Who am I to separate such dear ones from each other!
 
1st Post with Vista for me.

I got it overnight and just installed it.

more later.

framer
 
Paul N said:
I am staying with XP till the bitter end.
Click to expand...
That's why I am still using NT 4 (1994 technology) for my server.

It works. Good.

Then again, 2003r2 has a lot of very nice features, such as internal patch update control, that are verrrry tempting.
 
Micro$haft, er, Microsoft, is in the business to make lots of money by making it's operating systems expire / obsolete on a regular basis. But this is not a box of Aspirin, this is an operating system that has been patched into perfection. It will not become obsolete unless forced to.

Can somebody tell me, with a straight face, what VISTA offers and can do that XP SP2 cannot do? And if you somehow find an answer, how relevant is that??

And why would aunt Wilhelmina who just emails her grand son in Wichita need a new PC with 2 gig of RAM to run Vista, as XP is suddenly no longer available??

And please don't tell me it'll' be more secure. Ha!

And, to make it more interesting, please enlighten us about the differences between the 4 versions of Vista, and which one is good for a home or a small business. And why so expensive?? :fire:

I mean, I really don't want to contribute to Bill Gates's philanthropic adventure, no matter how noble it is!

Just my .2 kilobytes.
 
Hey Paul, this is about it in a nutshell:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/windowsvista/torres_duel.mspx

If you have a PC that'll run the new "Aero" shell / skin, it's a pretty neato upgrade. There's some other interesting things, such using a flash-drive to make booting the computer faster (though I never turn my system off so I don't ever use it). Speech recognition is supposed to be fully integrate but I haven't tried that either.

For programmers, there's quite a bit more under the hood too.. but it'll be a while before apps start to really take advantage.

For gamers, supposedly the new DirectX 10 game engine is exclusive to Vista, and MS has certainly gotten a ton of flack for it so I wouldn't be surprised if its made available for XP eventually.

That's about it. :)
 
Thanks Steve!

You proved my point actually, Aero is just eye candy!

And as for DirectX10, one has yet to see one game using this standard. And there are already some video cards on the market (XP compatible) that support Directx10, just in case....;)
 
Another question that I cannot seem to find the answer to is:

Which version do I get.. the 32 bit one or the 64 bit one.

Thankyou in anticipation
 
Which version do I get.. the 32 bit one or the 64 bit one.
Click to expand...

The 64bit version is only for computers with a 64bit CPU, and even then it's optional. From my personal experience it was a bit harder getting everything to work correctly in native 64bit mode as many of the vendors didn't have 64bit drivers yet, but that's probably improved quite a bit.

The most compelling reason for going 64bit to me is for severs as you can stuff a whole lot more memory in them.. here's a good article about it: http://www.windows-vista-update.com/Windows_Vista_64_bit.html
 
Thanks Steve
I am running an AMD 64 Dual core so that would seem to be OK, yet I understand most of the programmes are only 32 bit. will they still run.

Computer Muppet trying to understand here.
 
JFeig said:
I received the same e-mail alert.

With Quickbooks such a major supplier of software to small business - it is amazing that there is such a problem with the compatability of the 2 systems.

Vista has had Beta versions out for some time. I wonder if it was Quickbooks who dropped the ball or Microsoft. Opps that is a self answering question. ;)
Click to expand...

I know Quickbooks isn't too forward looking. I'm actually still using Quickbooks 5 (bought in 1999, hey it still makes up invoices just fine) and I had to download a patch for it to be Y2K compatible (remember worrying about that?)

You would think programmers would already be preparing for that when they write a program that comes out in '99.
 
vista or ...whats that other computer

another new MS OS -what is this now DOS 42?
starting with a level foundation is the only way to make a straight house
 
OK! The bad news, XP-TV card no good, XP-DVD software no good. Now I'm being told I need the Ultimate or home premium which allows my TV card to work again and the codec's for the DVD's to play are included.

RIP OFF... MS

Now after spending $429.00 on a new nvidia 8800 video card I will need to spend another $20.00 for the codec dvd driver so I can watch my DVD's again with MS Media Player 11. Gee thanks Nvidia, couldn't include it in a $429.00 video card, you cheap company.


The good news, it is cool. Runs nice and finds solutions to problems for you.

more later..

customer........
 
I wish my real (non beta) copy would arrive. (ordered last month)

Codecs are easy to find, and I bet they release new drivers for those devices so you'll be good to go. For that price, I agree that they should have been included!

Mike
 
I bought an el cheapo USB TV tuner off Amazon last week, and amazingly it installed on Vista but not on XP (kept getting blue screens whenever it tried to initialize the driver).

Weird thing though is that WinDVR's video works great but no sound. I downloaded another software (ChrisTV? I had never heard of it before) and that one's sound is great but the video is scambled. Ugh. I just want to record the occasional show and put mr VCR out to pasture.
 
Vista Update:

Nvidia released a new video driver yesterday and many things are working better.

framer
 
>Cant see myself rushing out to buy 8 licenses for business vista just yet all the same...

While there's no doubt Vista is an improvement from XP, and will be the future, I don't suggest everyone run out and get it immediately. Like XP, I would give it time to get the rough edges worked out - and for vendors to update their drivers.

As of now, I have heard that some pos systems are not yet Vista compat. The same goes for visualization systems. Most visualization systems borrow some of their code from the Canon camera company, to handle the camera aspects of the software (It is called a WRAPPER or SDK). Because of changes in Vista on how these devices communicate, the software has to be re-written.

Some video cards, printer drivers, webcam drivers, scanners, etc are not yet vista capable. Eventually everything will be, just not today :)

If you are getting a new pc with VISTA for home, I say go for it.... But if you are putting it in the shop, I would wait.

Vista is also much more demanding and should only be used with a fairly new PC that has at least 1gb of ram. (2gb suggested!)

Mike
 
Vista, Shmista, I am an XP kinda guy!

I am buying a new PC for home in a couple of weeks, and it will have XP. At least I know for sure everything I have WILL work with it.

I will upgrade to Vista maybe in 2 years (unless by then Micro$haft has another new Windows version...) when it reaches version 4.0 or something like that, and is REALLY stable and can work with everything.

Till then, it's XP, baby.
 
FWIW I skipped XP most my systems use win2000pro IMO a great OS. Only in the last few months has MS started to make a few things that won't work on W2K to force the upgrade issue. I got one copy to of Vista Ultimate to start. It is a learning curve from W2Kpro. Time moves on and I'm not about to buy old "XP" at this time.

My leased Wizard uses XP so I guess I do have a copy, but I not messing with that computer no way it works fine.

framer
 
You guys and gals across the pond are way ahead of us here.

Have just installed VISTA Home Premium and after a few (?) teething problems, it is running sweet now.

Question for the Computer Anoracks out there. With all the security in the new OS. Do I actually need Norton Internet Security 2007 running in the background as well.

I have the Freebie AVG anti virus running instead of Norton at the moment.

Just a little confused. Please help
 
John:

Windows firewall plus AVG for anti virus are very good substitutes for Norton (and much less invasive and annoying, as well!).

I have both on 2 different PCs and am very happy with the results.
 
Well it's been a month since I installed Vista into a new machine. Just today I got my last needed driver to use my Epson 4000 printer with it.
Everything is running very nice it almost spooky. I am running my old clipper (dbase3 compiler) workbench which was written for Win95 and the debugger part has not worked in 98 2000 and I tried XP also without success. It works in Vista. Go figure!

Expect a small learning curve but IMOH it was a smooth roll out for me.

FYI I did buy all new hardware that was known compatible with Vista. Nothing old was put into this system.

Because of the activation is only allowed on the original computer it's installed on. Don't install it on an old system 1st and plan to transfer it to a new computer later. You may reinstall it all you want to the computer that it was 1st installed on.

Let me backup a second. You may install it and be careful to not activate it and then use it for 30 days and see if it works before activating.
Once activated that computer owns the OS.

I have heard the retail version may allow a transfer but don't believe it until you check with the source.
 
Last week just before I took a short 5-day vacation my old business notebook died. I had resurrected it once before, so this time I decided to lay it to rest (Compaq Presario 2500 RIP after 4 good years!).

On returning from vacation I bought a shiny new notebook (Acer Aspire 5610Z) ... not a bad price at $599 ... and of course it comes with Vista Home Premium ... pretty but no real advantage to my business versus XP that I was running on the old system.

So now I have had to upgrade Quickbooks to 2007 Pro version (+$150) ... no real benefits to my business from the 2006 version I was running.

And although I could get Office 2000 to install there were issues with Outlook so I decided to upgrade to Office 2007 (+$239) ... again very pretty but no real advantage to my business.

And I had to spend time downloading new drivers for scanners, printers and the like ... actually losing a few useful bits of software in the process .. definitely no benefit to my business!

Bottom line I have a pretty new machine but there is definitely a common thread here!!!!!!!

Vista schmitza!
 
Well Andrew, I placed an order last weekend for a $2000 home PC, state of the art, (really loaded, fast chip, tons of memory, best and fastest graphic card on the market, etc).

And guess what I specifically asked to be installed: Yes, good old Windows XP.

Yes, it comes with Vista upgrade for $49, but that will wait till I am convinced.
 
For those of you contemplating Vista and using Data Deposit Box for online backups be advised that there are "a small number" of cases where the backup runs incredibly slowly under Vista. Data Deposit Box developers are working on a solution ... hope it arrives soon or I am going to have to change part of my backup strategy!
 
I am buying a POS software & visualization Feb but want to purchase a few computers this week to get them in my 07 year. I am planning on using XP Business OP sys. Mostly so I don't have to get new drivers for my 7 yr old LaserJet & so I can use my CS version Adobe AI & Photoshop & Office inc Access. What would you do? Do you think there will be POS & Visualization support for XP for at least 5 years yet? What do you recomend. I here Visata is a hog & the only real advantage for me would be faster file search (which is nice but not at the cost!)
 
Vista is fantastic, but I still suggest XP for a frame shop.

Canon has yet to release third party developer drivers for Vista (They've only had a year and a half to get them done!), and may never do so for the older cameras. They have released them for the higher end EOS line of cameras, but not for the S series and A series. (S1 IS, S2, IS, S3 IS, S5 IS, A80, A85, A90, A5xx, etc) This makes it an easy choice for shops using visualization technology. Canon usually releases a December update.

Both versions of windows have service packs on the near horizon, with many improvements. (both service packs are in public beta at this time)

If you need me to find some PC deals, let me know. You can also check techbargains.com (left column)
 
My girlfriend has had nothing but problems with vista on her new laptop.

A little background. I bought a Dell laptop about a year ago with most of the bells and whistles with XP, and she loved mine. So about 3 months ago she ordered almost the exact same machine, but I talked her into getting Vista, because everyone I talked to said it was the thing to do.

Well, it's been a PIA from day one. Nothing seems to work right. I bought a new HP 3-1 wireless printer, which works fine on my laptop, but even after a patch doesn't print on hers. Her software to upload songs to her phone works sometimes, sometimes not. I've had two different computer guys over to the house to try to straighten things out, with little success.

Of course it's my fault since I talked her into getting Vista. Can you get rid of Vista and re-install XP?
 
Vista is usually fine as long as the programs you install are certified for/current version(s) for Vista.

I have a dell laptop bought exactly 1 year ago this week, which included a free upgrade to Vista (which I installed late Feb/early March). I haven't had ANY problems, and use it daily.

If having problems with the laptop, I suggest going to Dell's website with the system/service id tag # (support section). Click DOWNLOADS and it will give you a list of all the drivers that apply for your setup and operating system.

I bet many of the drivers in there now have been updated since the initial release of Vista, and may be troublesome. (video card, network card, etc) The vendors scrambled to get these released, and in some cases they fixed problems a few months later. If the release date is newer than the date she switched to Vista, you'll want to get 'em.

The firmware for the system board should also be updated, which will often improve basic functionality. You'll find the system bios in the same list.

As long as the software is from mid 2007, and she has current drivers for the peripherals, she should be having a trouble free experience. Vista picks up where XP left off, and has some great features.

Just not in the frame shop yet... :)
 
The problems are generally not with Vista, but with vendors who have been slow or reluctant to update their programs and drivers. Can you understand "buy new products" that are compatible. This happened when XP was new, but not to as great an extent.
 
Pat Murphey said:
The problems are generally not with Vista, but with vendors who have been slow or reluctant to update their programs and drivers. Can you understand "buy new products" that are compatible. This happened when XP was new, but not to as great an extent.
Click to expand...

We have two Dell Inspiron 6400 laptops, one with XP, the other with Vista. The wireless printer I bought was brand new. It works fine on my XP computer, but doesn't work on the vista machine, even after two computer repair guys looked at it. One is coming back this week for another go at it. That is just one of many problems we have had with her Vista machine.

Both of the repair techs said Vista has been a boon for the computer repair business.

Another friend had so many problems with her Dell Laptop with Vista that Dell sent her a new computer. I'm thinking of calling Dell and trying that with my girlfriends machine.
 
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