Windows Vista

leenieweenie · 07-05-2007, 07:54 AM

My parents recently purchased me a laptop with Windows Vista as the OS. I really don't like it, so far it has been nothing but a huge pain in my butt. How do you guys feel about Vista, and do you have any suggestions for a different OS. I am fairly inexperienced with other operating systems, and have no clue what other systems are like.

bobthecockroach · 07-05-2007, 08:04 AM

Windows XP suits me fine.

leenieweenie · 07-05-2007, 08:25 AM

The problem is that you cannot get XP anymore, and I am not feeling aqcuiring a pirated copy.

bobthecockroach · 07-05-2007, 08:32 AM

Um, yeah, you can get XP.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wind...3645906&sr=8-1

leenieweenie · 07-05-2007, 08:34 AM

hmm..I was told you couldn't, somebody gave me faulty information...

Any other suggestions?

bobthecockroach · 07-05-2007, 08:35 AM

Pretty much your only other option is some breed of Linux, but the chances of it working on your computer are slim at best.

Jenacen · 07-05-2007, 08:50 AM

I kinda like Vista. It's a bit different to figure out, but I like the look at least. Me, I prefer the Windows classical look; better color customization.

leenieweenie · 07-05-2007, 08:56 AM

I will agree that I like Vista's looks, and the way they did the Start Menu. However since I got my computer all I have done is stay up late at night trying how to fix the new problem I am having with it.

MrCrabby · 07-05-2007, 09:26 AM

Maybe we can help you with your problems; is it driver-related?

Bryan · 07-05-2007, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leenieweenie

I will agree that I like Vista's looks, and the way they did the Start Menu. However since I got my computer all I have done is stay up late at night trying how to fix the new problem I am having with it.

well once i stopped it from asking me if I really want to run the isntall program I just double clicked on I've been happy with it. It's Mail, Calendar, Contact and Photo Manager are great. If you like cluttering your desktop with useless stuff there are widgets available to you.

tht00 · 07-05-2007, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobthecockroach

Pretty much your only other option is some breed of Linux, but the chances of it working on your computer are slim at best.

That's not entirely accurate. I'd say your chances of getting a mainstream Linux distro to work well with minimal tweaking are high -- more likely with a desktop machine. The biggest hurdle with laptops are wifi and some extra peripherals (built in card readers/webcams/etc).

If you want something that works like Windows, stick with Windows. If you're ready to learn something radically different (although quite rewarding) and be willing to spend quite a bit of time with it, give Linux a shot.

Oh, and it's worth mentioning: Most Linux distros are absolutely free... and yes, something free can be awesome.

JesusFrEaK0077 · 07-05-2007, 03:07 PM

My mom "upgraded" our computer to Windows Vista. And I agree it sucks, and she knows that too. We'll be going back to Windows XP. It works best I think.

PatrickStar4491 · 07-05-2007, 03:44 PM

My new laptop has Vista on it. After I got it working the way I want, I happen to like it. UAC was my biggest annoyance, which I just disabled. I also changed the start menu power button to shutdown instead of standby. That was my second one I think.

Tell us your problems, there are several other Vista users here that can probably help you out.

leenieweenie · 07-05-2007, 05:29 PM

There are a number of issues I have with Vista but most of the technical problems I have run into i have fixed. I guess, I mostly just don't like it. I have never really like Windows period Right now I am looking into different Linux distros

PatrickStar4491 · 07-05-2007, 06:01 PM

Ubuntu seems to be a common one around here. I have also heard good things about OpenSUSE.