SoyLaTigre

what exactly are the differences between Vista and XP?

Comparison of Vista and XP side by side with pretty pictures! Nice article btw.

@ Orchid

Nothing intelligible, eh? Perhaps you should just stick it up to your ass and stow it. Take that as a friendly, non-intelligent suggestion. ;)

@ Who-cares

Thus far DirectX9 has been enough, so why would we need v10? Okay, you could argue that with 'improvements', but other software can offer that same functionality too (take OpenGL, for example). In fact, third-party equivelant would be preferable since it won't be tied to just one OS.

Thinking in a bit longer scope, the concept of 100% cross-compatible games sounds pretty appealing to me and, another example; MONO can be used to code applications that work on Linux, Mac, Solaris, BSD, and Windows. All 32 or 64-bit. It's one dream, but it's sure as what that Microsoft (oh, no; not Microsoft) will never strive for such a goal.

I mean who needs a GUI when you're that good. Mind you we are on a site that has wallpapers for our computers! Oh a novel idea to personalize our computers! Coming from a person that uses windowsBlinds! Bah traitor!

Sounds like you are talking about some DOS-age OS. Have you ever used a modern Linux? You should try it sometime because you might be happily surprised how customizable it is. In fact, if you can make it look like Windows within a minute if you just want to.

Yup, because downloading illegal material is what all the cool kids do! Look, no one is forcing you to buy these things.

How did you come to this conclusion? I have never mentioned a word about illegal material, so why are you making up stuff? Perhaps you should try revising that earlier post of yours just to clean out blatant mistakes like this.

*Put on tin foil hat, and locks the doors* I'm not parnoid are you? What's there to worry about? Nothing I do on my computer is even worth seeing.

"I have nothing to hide, so be free to mess through my stuff if you want to." That's exactly how they would like it to be in the name of "security." But, of course, since we have nothing to hide, perhaps we should just install security-cameras to our homes, toilets, and boost it up by allowing satellites to track us? Even better, radio-tracked skin-implants and routine check-ups by police. 100% secure.

The point is that even though your stuff isn't exactly interesting, there is no reason to allow foreigners mess with it. Because this same reason people use firewalls nowdays.

Wordplay

@ Orchid

Nothing intelligible, eh? Perhaps you should just stick it up to your ass and stow it. Take that as a friendly, non-intelligent suggestion. ;)

So I don't have a right to reply when you're being a dumbass (always)? Huh. News to me.

Also, while DX9 may be "enough," games will eventually require the new API whether it makes use of features proprietary to the new API or not.

Oh yeah, one last thing: some of the comments you're replying to were made with sarcasm. It's a writing device people use sometimes. Not that you know jack shit about writing anything.

First im just going to point out that im not going to get involved in the current fight im seeing in this thread. Not wroth it. heres what im going to do about the next OS. Thanks for the link Who-cares, im reading it now.

First i don't plan to get it when it first comes out inless it is cheap. I live in New Zealand and im not spending $400 bucks on a OS and i am worried about how much the version i want.

First of one question, will a Celeron D 3.3GHZ be able to run vista at all? thats is what my next computer will have on the basis that the equirvent one would require three times the cost for the processor. The vista version i want is the one after basic. The pemiun one or something like that. Im not getting the home basic since i like to play around with my computer and that one is designed for a basic user. Im no basic user!

Wordplay

Thus far DirectX9 has been enough, so why would we need v10? Okay, you could argue that with 'improvements', but other software can offer that same functionality too (take OpenGL, for example). In fact, third-party equivelant would be preferable since it won't be tied to just one OS.

Dx10 Info, and even has the limitations of dx9 and 8.
Here
Btw DX is much more than just a graphic libraries. For games I do agree that OpenGL is better.
Here

Wordplay

MONO can be used to code applications that work on Linux, Mac, Solaris, BSD, and Windows. All 32 or 64-bit. It's one dream, but it's sure as what that Microsoft (oh, no; not Microsoft) will never strive for such a goal.

No one is forcing developers to make programs only for windows. (ID software is doing great in cross-platform). It's just that developers would rather focus on the platfrom with the largest market share.
Look here at the Mono and Microsoft FAQ. I've never worked with Mono personally, but I'm sure if it was as easy as you say it is, I'm sure a lot more developers would be using it. I just don't know enough info about mono to conclude otherwise.

Wordplay

How did you come to this conclusion? I have never mentioned a word about illegal material, so why are you making up stuff? Perhaps you should try revising that earlier post of yours just to clean out blatant mistakes like this.

I'll quote you again:

Wordplay

"anti-piracy" measures that walk over your rights and send all kind of data to Microsoft.

What's wrong with anti-priacy? People work hard to program/sing/act/work etc, they should get paid. It's how I make a living, and it's what makes this world go 'round. I want a Bugatti Veron, but because I can't afford one, doesn't give me the right to steal one. I mean what else would "anti-piracy" imply?

Wordplay

That's exactly how they would like it to be in the name of "security." But, of course, since we have nothing to hide, perhaps we should just install security-cameras to our homes, toilets, and boost it up by allowing satellites to track us? Even better, radio-tracked skin-implants and routine check-ups by police. 100% secure.

Now that's what I'm talking about! *puts on tinfoil hat, and salutes Wordplay* Honestly I don't have anything to hide. I go out in public all the time. People see what I do all the time, and I could care less. So if it isn't public paranoia, then it's in the "privacy" of your home you're worried about. Well just to inform you the internet isn't your private getaway. It's public information. Anything you do can be seen by others. So what if "they" know I browse Anadtech, [M], or 4chan, or that I bought a usb thumbdrive from newegg. I hand my credit card to waiters all the time and I've never had any issues *knocks on wood*. "Routine checkup by police" Hell yea and drug checks too.

So if it's nothing of interest, why are you so worried about it? *adjusts tinfoil hat*. I toss my dirty trash out all the time, but I don't put it outside with a burly guard armed to the tooth. Take my trash for all I care, that's why it's out on the streets.

I don't know about you, but my firewall is intended to prevent unwanted (viri or maleware) programs from accessing the internet, and I haven't had a virus or maleware in years (nod32, SB-SD, Adware, M$ anti-spyware). I'll admit that I never watch the damn thing, as I could care less, but the only time I've had anything try to go out was recently installed apps that I've willingly installed (GR3). Are you going to tell me next that Microsoft aviods it's own firewall to "phone home?" The only reason we use a firewall at work is two-fold: 1. Stop certain interal traffic from getting out (AIM etc). 2. Filter out stuff we don't want coming in "Torrents etc" We don't use it to stop big brother. Not to mention that if someone wants to get into your network/computer they'll get in no matter what.

Btw you can be too serious some times. Lighten up!

Evinta

First of one question, will a Celeron D 3.3GHZ be able to run vista at all? thats is what my next computer will have on the basis that the equirvent one would require three times the cost for the processor. The vista version i want is the one after basic. The pemiun one or something like that. Im not getting the home basic since i like to play around with my computer and that one is designed for a basic user. Im no basic user!

I'd worry more about your graphics card than your processor, as it's far more tasking on your gpu than your cpu.

Edit: Minimum requirements, Because linked info is always good.

Thats the thing, i got no idea what brand the gfx card will be till i go and buy it. All i know is the fact that its a PCI-E.

Just has to be a Directx9 capable card. The link I posted has all the dx9 nvidia~ati cards.
Lowest Nivida card is the 6200 GPU, and those cards go for around 50 bucks USD. So you won't have to pay a huge amount for hardware if you don't absolutely need it.

Ok then, im sure it will be since i heard that all PCI-E ones are. I know that i should know the comp specs but im getting it next year. What i get now will change and all i know is the motherboard and the processor. I will be using DDR-2 ram and such, ooo i can't wait XD

Btw DX is much more than just a graphic libraries. For games I do agree that OpenGL is better.

Well then; shouldn't it be an obvious choise for us gamers then if it is better and cross-OS compatible? Like one of those articles said, "To be DX10 compatible you need a new rig, new OS, and DX10 compatible games" when it could be "To be OpenGL compatible you don't need to do anything."

MONO was just a vision from my part, but a nice one, no?

What's wrong with anti-priacy?

It becomes 'wrong' when a) you can't use the software you have purchased (no Internet connection), or b) you can use the software only when and how the company has dictated (e.g: music that cannot be played on computers), or c) the anti-piracy measures are just commercial spyware or endanger your privacy (rootkits, anyone?).

So if it isn't public paranoia, then it's in the "privacy" of your home you're worried about. Well just to inform you the internet isn't your private getaway. It's public information.

That depends of your POV. Computer is like a extension of your home and thus is also covered by the privacy laws. It's completely logical too: you store your private pictures, stories, and works on your computer. Many activities you do on it can reveal a lot of sensitive information about you and in wrongs hands can even cause serious damage. For example: how would you like it if your banking information got into wrong hands? Or perhaps the "private" pictures about you and your wife -published the next Sunday in Sun?

It's not paranoia; it's common sense to protect your rights when the corporate interests threaten them. Even if you, personally, don't think you have anything of interest, it might not be so in the case thousand others.

Btw you can be too serious some times. Lighten up!

Remember that AP is just one board among many and that some people are much less tolerant than you. Orchid was just from the lenient end.

Wordplay

Btw you can be too serious some times. Lighten up!

Remember that AP is just one board among many and that some people are much less tolerant than you. Orchid was just from the lenient end.

Aww! It's okay sweetheart, I don't hold a grudge. Just remember that you started it.

I still think your writing sucks though.

@ Wordplay (quoting is too damn large so I'll just reply in order)

I cannot see in the future, so I cannot see how well dx10 is going to fair against OpenGL. We'll all just have to wait for these dx10 games. Xbox360 dx10, Ps3 OpenGL. It's a looping debate, that I'd rather watch from the side. It's up to the developers, and well we all know money talks...sadly.

My hardware is well within specs of vista and the price won't be an issue for me, but I can see how the harsh requirements will leave some people out. BUT the only thing they are missing is dx10 (high end games) and eye-candy. I'm sure the majority will be fine with Winxp/dx9. Maybe Vista + cost of upgrade will encourage more people to pick up linux distros. And as easy as Ubuntu and SuSe are the only thing keeping people back is change, and windows only software applications. I use Ubuntu (boo I know, but I'm a noob at linux) for nearly everything but gaming. Playing on Wine is a good break from windows, but the performance hit (If it works) is too noticeable for me, and my current played games, Oblivion and Ghost recon 3 still don't work on wine. Not to mention how horrible ATI's linux drivers are.

A. There usually is ample time to register via online or telephone.
B. It only stops the technically inept, and is a rather poor solution to the problem. Pirating is rampant, talk to any one that uses a computer and they'll tell you how easy it is.
C. Haha Rootkits, I agree with anti-piracy, but that was too far. Good thing they stopped that. And yes I've been hit with the rootkit myself.
-I'm sure there will be a unique way to deal with media in the future, but that involes registering everything (even hardware) and we know how well that works (winxp) -_-. "A locked door only keeps an honest man out"

I agree, but there's no way "they" are getting my pictures and I can say that with 100% confidence. Most stuff sent out to (spyware etc) marketers are harmless view habbits, email, location (yes location), IP address etc. But that's one of the pitfalls of accessing the internet.

My banking information is encrypted, but even then it's not like the culprit is going to get away scott-free. I've even had my bank call me numerous times and even withhold money, because of my large on-line purchases. The only way someone gets access to my bank accounts is by either finding my username + pin + password, or hacking.

I cannot see in the future, so I cannot see how well dx10 is going to fair against OpenGL.

It doesn't require much to see where it will be heading if you let the history repeat itself: Vista comes bundled with IE7, DX10, and probably a whole media-player too. Since Microsoft is a major player in the markets Vista will be almost automatically a success. And with that success it will thwart aside most of the competition since it offers an convinient and integrated solution for the lazy masses. Once the competition is gone, Microsoft can once more relax and forget the after-sales development, leading to worse, more expensive products in the long run. This happened after Netscape got thwarted -ever wondered why IE is still holding over 50% of the browser-market despite the fact that it's the worst alternative?

Playing on Wine is a good break from windows, but the performance hit (If it works) is too noticeable for me

Wine only alleviates -it does not solve the problem. Which is that Linux is not a gamer's OS at the moment. But you can play emulated games (SNES, NES, etc) on them as well as on any platform, if that is of any comfort. The the point is that by staying on WinXP and installing, say; SuSe alongside it, you can have the best of both worlds until the switch can be done completely. If there is enough people doing the same, perhaps developers will start seeing them both in the same light.

a, b, and c were just some examples of the abuse. You get the point. By the way, one key-logger can get both your pin and username, so it's not that difficult. In fact, you could invite a buddy to your home and he could rob you blind without you noticing if you don't take precautions. Likewise consumers should take precautions. But this just repeats what have already been said.

Not to sound like I'm defending Microsoft, but you're looking at this from the idealist standpoint, where I'm looking at it from the literalist standpoint. Because of Microsoft's death-grip on the OS market, software companies will be forced to follow their lead, therefore, consumers will have to follow as well.

Windows needs to include things like an internet browser (the fact that IE is basically the explorer.exe front end is nice for efficiency and reduced memory overhead, regardless of Microsoft's intentions), a media player, and an API, simply because the majority of computer buyers really don't know better than to use what's included. IE has been in need of an update (more like an overhaul) for a long time, but get this - when IE7 drops, it'll be the most advanced browser available, unless someone unleashes something big before Vista is released. Also, it's not like you can't install a new browser or media player and have all of the functionality of the embedded ones.

As for OGL vs. DX - well, which one is better might be arguable, however DX is more feature-robust. Though, it gets a bit sad considering the fact that Microsoft, Nvidia and ATI get into scuffles over the DirectX spec.

Microsoft is the leader when it comes to operating systems because it's easy to use and linux is synonyms with being hard to use. We cannot deny that, especially when the other option is linux which scares most users and Mac. Secondly because it's so popular the demand for applications for it is higher. If linux was easier to use making the switch wouldn't be so hard, but unlike Mac, linux still needs to be refined for the tech-impaired.

Those %50 don't care what browser they're using. I once showed a co-worker Opera and Firefox, but she was so used to IE that she didn't like either because she said they were hard to use. To some people getting to know how computers work is not fun, they'd rather do what they want it to do. No more no less. To these people there is no alternative.

I have SuSe, Ubuntu, RedHat, Windows2k Server on one box, and WindowsXP on another connected via KVM. Which one of those do you think is the easiest to use and play games on? Sure I can switch to Ubuntu to browse, chat, email, make noob walls etc, but so can Winxp and it's even easier. Most people won't even bother with the hassle, and even the "easiest" linux distros can be daunting for a novice. What's the advantage to a normal computer user to migrate from windows if linux adds features most won't even notice besides it looks neato and has multi-desktop (that's what all new users tell me at work). They could care less about security.

Yup, if someone wants your info they'll get in one way or another whether it be hack/deceive/forcibly. No software/guard is going to stop the determined. It's bound to happen, it's being prepared for it, is what makes the difference. With todays technology go ahead and steal my money, it's covered by cases like this anyway.

Sadly some people are naive and often turn a blind eye because they have an anti-virus/malware programs installed. It's those people that you need to worry about. Hackers will often go the easiest route in finding victims either by duping/phishing email or through their greedy tendencies (warez).I know I'm ok, unless downloading anime/manga will get me a key-logger, then no. Does that mean I have to have peer-guardian up, along side my firewall, and get myself a leased fiber-optic line? There is a logical reasoning to security and then there is the paranoid.

My point is that the user is the weakest link, not your computer. Anti-virus/malware can't save you if your as dumb as bricks when it come down to basic security and preparation.