An open letter to Bill Gates

Any non technical person buying Vista as an upgrade is asking for trouble. Wait until SOME of the bugs have been fixed, i.e when service pack 1 has been released

Robert,

Kill the frustration and get a Mac.

Does this article suggest that Macs are the way forward when I replace my laptop in 12 months time?

You forgot the golden rule with any new version of Windows - always wait until the first "Service Pack" is released before you install. Let someone else finish off Microsofts testing.

The Google comparision is unair though - its like comparing a Gas boiler in your home to a nuclear Power Station. Google applications just aren't that complex.

I agree that there are compatability problems with Vista and other software. I have tried to install the latest version of QuarkXpress, version 7, which it refused to do. QuarkXpress is one of the two major desktop publishing software used by professionals, hence is vital for me.

I have therefore had to re-install a version of XP. I bought the Vista version because a valid version of XP would not activate - it now, magically, does! grr.

I also use Macs; they seemed to handle the upgrade to both their latest operating system and the new processor much more smoothly.

Today, I was going to buy a Vista laptop thank you for your timely warning!

Ah, idiocy. Blogman, I must say, blaming Microsoft for your drivers not working is a strange way to do it. Considering they are NOT ALLOWED to create drivers for said Olympus camera, you should be blaming Olympus. Driver compatibility has ALWAYS been an issue, its not MS's fault that new drivers haven't been released. Now for that HP Ipaq, the main software was created by Microsoft, but again, the Synching drivers were by HP, meaning blame should lie with them. Blaming MS for advancing the core of their Operating system, and Manufacturers not keeping up, is ridiculous.

This just makes me even more certain that the public are just unpaid beta testers for Microsoft. As with any of their products I always wait until the first service pack before trying it out.
I bet your laptop battery life will plummet with Vista compared to XP as well.
Best of luck

It is hardly fair to blame MS for the lack of a 3rd party driver for your recorder. It is up to Olympus to provide this and your ire should be aimed at them. After all they had plently of warning Vista was coming.

The IPAQ problems seem a little strange, though I suspect a solution is/or will be available soon.

Simply.... Get a Mac....!

I have not had a single problem upgrading to Vista. It seems that the author is blaming his problems on software written by Olympus, software written by HP, and software written by Apple.

HP customizes the specific interface used on PocketPCs. Apple would never launch OS X 10.5 without working iTunes.

The first beta of Vista was released in September 2005. Where have these vendors been?

This report is far from untypical. There have been many similar ones.

The BBC should urgently reconsider their plans to align so closely with Microsoft for technology to enable digital video distribution.

When the biggest software creator in the world can spend five years writing an operating system that has had so many problems in less than a week, there is something very wrong indeed.

Users shouldn't need to wait for service pack 1. Vista was widely available for testing long before it was released. How come all these fundamental problems still weren't fixed by the date of release ?

Why should an operating system upgrade be something that only a technical person should undertake ? I thought computers were supposed to be smart and to be able to do things for themselves.

wait for atleast six months for matured vista xperience

I’m sure many will remember the shift from Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X; the same applied (possibly to a greater extent) and my G4 ran dual operating systems for its entire lifespan.

If you’re heavily reliant on third party software, you’d be crazy to jump to any OS in its infancy.

Surely everyone knows that Vista is currently not compatible with a lot of the exisiting drivers?

The manufacturers of these drivers will need time to catch up.

In the meantime go into an Apple shop and have a look at the competition, i switched recently (From Windows) and find the mac much easier to use.

Get a Mac, you idiot. Sheesh. How many times does it have to be said?

I went the other way and bought an XP machine a few weeks ago. Dirt cheap and perfectly good enough for word processing, spreadsheets, surfing the web, making free calls, coordinate diaries with PDAs. Sure, it'll be considered out of date quite soon, but then again it'll be better than my 12-year-old PC - which in truth also works fine. The idea that everyone needs Hollywood-calibre editing studios and Emap-style layout packages in their homes is laughable. And if you play games, surely it's better to get a console? If you like music, buy a decent stereo. And if you like films? My wife once asked me how many hours of babysitting we could get for the price of a home cinema. Surely it's better to leave the building, go to the flicks, have a beer and a pizza?

Yes, Chris from Exeter, defect to Mac, I can only recommend it: I did the swap about a year ago, after 10+ years with windows (from 3.1 onwards), and I haven't looked back. It's like using a fridge, you open it, use it, close it. No fuss, no problems, very pleasant experience. All my old hardware works, even the 5 yr old printer (which admittedly was already USB-based)

It's all very well saying 'Get a Mac' as if everything will be fine and dandy thereafter - but I have encountered endless problems with Macs, the latest being that the new ones with Intel do not like Microsoft Office applications (like Word). I am on my fourth replacement MacBook at the moment and the battery has just died on this one. So not perfect... but still better than Microsoft.

Yes, Chris from Exeter, defect to Mac, I can only recommend it: I did the swap about a year ago, after 10+ years with windows (from 3.1 onwards), and I haven't looked back. It's like using a fridge, you open it, use it, close it. No fuss, no problems, very pleasant experience. All my old hardware works, even the 5 yr old printer (which admittedly was already USB-based)

Hi Robert

I totally agree with your criticisms of Gates and Microsoft. Frankly why anyone would risk buying any Microsoft product until AT LEAST six months after release, amazes me. They are so prone to security issues, incompatibility issues etc, that to do so borders on being insane.
Personally I extend that timescale to a minimum of 12 months, and even then will not necessarily buy their products. If you have a copy of Office XP why do you need Office Vista? Office XP is more than adequate for any normal expectation. Take Word, as an example, even experienced typists rarely use more than 15% of its capability.

It is high time we all started to seriously consider getting off the Microsoft band wagon and seriously consider other operating systems - particularly Linux. As for Microsoft Office why not consider a free
Open Office - every bit as good and FREE.

I must also comment on my disgust at the interview Hugh Edwards (BBC1 News) had with Bill Gates recently - I though at one point Hugh was going to get on his knees and kiss Bill's
feet.

He "boldly" queried the pricing structure (in the UK you will pay roughly DOUBLE for the same products as bought in the USA) and then let Gates totally off the hook without him having given an answer. What a total waste of time that interview was. Why oh why do they not get the Jeremy Paxman's to tackle the likes of Gates? Hugh was clearly out of his depth. Failing that the BBC should not promote Microsoft products unless the Gates's of this world answer the questions that NEED to be answered. If you do not give them precious airtime they will ultimately see the light and comply.

In summary don't buy Vista, or Office and bring the Microsoft empire to its knees. This is nothing more that sheer exploitation - deliberately making many computers requiring serious upgrading, and in many cases renewal. This is Microsoft playing "Big Brother" to protect the computer industry at large.

Regards

Peter Woodall

It amazes me that, given Microsoft's track record on issuing 'New' software, then having to issue patches, not to mention upgrades of all its other software so that they work with the new OS, anyone ever bothers to buy the stuff.

Or do they fall for the advertising hype every time & forget what happened to thousands (or is it millions) the last time?

Regarding the issue with your Ipaq PDA, you're spot on with your comment stating "Vista was not ready for commercial release". If you take a very close look at the bottom of the "Windows Sync Center" dialog, there's a four letter word watermark ... Beta

I had the same issue with my Pocket Loox 720 PDA; refused to talk to Vista. Then I identified a Pocket PC application that doesn't work in Vista Sync - Radio Times for PDA (!) Un-installed that app via "Program Settings" and now it syncs fine...

To all the people saying it's not Microsoft's fault that some devices don't work: rubbish! XP has been out for five years, which means it has thousands of working device drivers. Microsoft made the decision to throw all the driver work of 3rd-party developers in the bin, and now it is paying the price for that choice. They could easily - in the five years of development - have made a temporary compatibility layer that ran drivers at a lower speed, but at least gave people the functionality they need.

Get a Mac: your problems will evaporate. If you're an advanced user (sorry, Robert, I don't quite think that's you), give Linux a try. Yes, it has the same driver problems as Vista does, but at least it's free!

Regarding the issue with your Ipaq PDA, you're spot on with your comment stating "Vista was not ready for commercial release". If you take a very close look at the bottom of the "Windows Sync Center" dialog, there's a four letter word watermark ... Beta

I had the same issue with my Pocket Loox 720 PDA; refused to talk to Vista. Then I identified a Pocket PC application that doesn't work in Vista Sync - Radio Times for PDA (!) Un-installed that app via "Program Settings" and now it syncs fine...

"Pretentious Mac-loving types" - a quick search on googe for the definition of pretentious reveals the following: "pretentious - making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction. Can I assure Robert there is nothing pretentious about most Mac-users. The difference is that we enjoy sitting down in front our macs because the whole user experience is usually such a joy compared with the drudgery that is Windows. Come to the dark side, my man ... you know it makes sense ...!!

Vista: the best reason yet to switch to Linux.

Linux is maturing at a great rate and doesn't have to wait for updates and innovations to be put into new releases. Microsoft waits years to make major changes, Linux distributions can do this in months or less.

And for me, the big advance that will help Linux in the next few weeks will be the availability of CNR, or 'Click and Run', created by Linspire for it's own Linux operating system, but now to be available for a number of other Linux distributions. CNR makes searching for and installing applications as easy as, well, 'Click and Run'! CNR.com for more info.

Linux is free and is not as complex or as difficult as people assume, you can even download 'live' CD's to boot on your PC, so you can see if you like it and if everything is compatible before you even install it!

Microsoft had a great chance to deliver many innovations in Vista, many of which are still not in the final product.

It's time for change.

Ahh, remember the "millions of people beta testing the product" well guess what, YOUR one of them.

Every one of Microsofts products have been released relying on users to test them, sometimes (I've heard) they might listen and do something about it.

For me, I'll stick with XP until I have moved all my data into a format that enables a complete removal of MS products, only a couple left then I'll be on the road to safe and easy computing, at last...

Well Microsoft won't even let me get my hands on a copy of Vista that I was promised when I bought a new laptop in November. Maybe I shouldn't care!

no, no mac
coz its not windows

Vista's sole purpose for existence is to allow users sytems to operate. It is incredible that customers are spending money on new hardware in order to make software run when the software's only job is to allow the hardware to work.

on a quick trip to google and with limited info on what MODELs you refare to,it seems that the Olympus uses DSS a non standard format... note always a great idea.. but that there are OSX drivers included (DSS Player) so should work with a mac.

and lots of disscussions on Apples OWN website forum about Ipaq s being hooked up through "The missing Link" software (likely freeware, but i havent checked)

the amount of Macs i see on TV ads and TV programmes shocks me, i even saw a "help with using your PC" series of magazines advertised with Macs on their pages!

ive went from XP to linux and finally to Mac, and i have gotten MORE done in less time.

They really DO "just work"

have a look on ebay and get an intel core2Duo Mac Mini as an cheap experiment, they hold their value so if you dont like it and dont end up letting the kids have it, you will not loose a lot of money. give it a month though :) only took me a day to get used to OSX a week to fly on it.

forget microsoft from here on.

Yes, that's a good idea -- install a copy of Linux, and in a short while you'll realise that Windows really is a very good operating system indeed. And with far, far better driver support than Linux for that matter, although you don't appear to quite grasp the difference between third party drivers and the operating system (nor the 'slight' difference between small web applications and an entire operating system).

Dear Robert
We're not "pretentious Mac-loving types". We just have jobs to do and want to get on with them, many of us don't understand computers, nor do we want to. We just want to work - and Macs let us do that.

I'm constantly suprised that Bill Gates and his employees haven't worked out yet that the world is not full of techies. When they do, Windows will work.

If he's been using MS products for 15 years (presumably windows) then he'd know that you wait a year or so before adopting the latest iteration. Did he try visiting the websites for his peripherals to pick up Vista drivers? Doesn't sound like it. By the time software goes 'gold' and is released to the public, several months may have passed; it's up to the eqiupment manufacturer to release up to date drivers. Perhaps he should try a Mac, it's obvious he struggles with anything more complicated than a single button mouse.

It seems that adopting Vista is turning out to be a right pain in the proverbial. Boy am I pleased I use a Mac. Looks like Vista is going to be one giant headache for ordinary users and could persuade even more to switch to Mac OSX.

I've owned and worked on both WIN & MAC platforms for many years. Mac OS upgrades come every six months and are often horrendous. (iTunes still cannot reliably catalogue new music files and Firewire is as close as you can get to a direct connection to Hell...)
That said while I can easily get my two XP machines to see the Mac on my home network, the XP machines refuse to see each other...
I've just ordered the Vista upgrade for my new NEC Versa.... I really must be mad.

You'd think that Vista would bundle drivers for one of the worlds biggest manufacturers simply from a 'plug n pray' point of view, and also to avoid the giant and obvious pot hole of bad reviews due to incompatibilities with existing hardware. Question is really, why did you upgrade? Exactly what in Vista is actually better than the "proven" (i use the term loosely) technology in XP? What do you need that XP doesn't provide? Some flakey extra security that will still require 3rd party products? DX10 which nothing requires yet? Check the mirror, i think you might have 'sucker' writ large across your forehead.

Why not get a Mac? It's the question most Windows users should be asking themselves.
If the upgrade to Vista leaves you needing new hardware (both in your PC and peripheral), what's stopping you shifting platform entirely? Cost isn't that much of a consideration any more. Go price up a pc and a mac, like for like on specs and the price difference is negligible.
Microsoft don't make PCs, so there is no profit for Redmond in insuring compatibility with the Mish Mash of components that your work a day PC is made up of.
Apple provide the whole deal, so when they produce a new varient OS, it just works on hardware they make.
"People who are really serious about software should make their own hardware."
A quote from Alan Kay (...and he should Know).
Perhaps Mr Gates should take note of this rather than spitting his dummy out over the witty Apple "Get a Mac" adverts.

Wait until SP1 is released? based on past experience I'd wait until they release SP3!!

Macs suck really do and were not talking about apple macs were talking about vista so keep on topic

am so suprised that people havent learned anything with problems when they got xp out for first time theres going to be problems withit because most companys have had time with xp than vista but they have had enough time to update the software. so in away its not microsofts fault its the software companys who dont want to update to fix bugs for the later version

If you get a Mac, you're still locked into a single vendor. For true freedom get a brain and get Linux!

Go to Linux. You won't spend hundreds of pounds on software created by lunatics, and everything will be more reliable.

I bought my Apple laptop this morning and I'm just reading this on it - I've just connected both my camera (Sony) and my phone (SE) (via bluetooth) and copied stuff across and now I'm backing stuff up to the .mac web space - no drivers needed, no hassle - it all just works and I'm by no means an expert. This is why I have given up on PCs - the Mac runs all the software I want from Microsoft as well as others reliably and securely. I would recommend anyone do the same.

I agree with the comment that Microsoft customers tend to be unpaid beta testers for new MS operating systems. More accurately, we are required to pay for the privilege of beta-test Microsoft's new products. I learned my lesson with Windows 98... always wait for at least service pack one, and preferably service pack two. By the time they release service pack two, the operating system is finally mature enough (having been tested by millions of paying customers) to be worth the price of upgrading.

@Beps - "I’m sure many will remember the shift from Mac OS 9 to Mac OS X; the same applied (possibly to a greater extent) and my G4 ran dual operating systems for its entire lifespan."

And every previous major OS update from Apple broke earlier software in exactly the same way so the "Just get a Mac" people are obviously recent passengers on the bandwagon. I mean have they even looked at Robert's problem - does Olympus even provide software on the Mac to do what he wants? Does his Ipaq functionality rely on Outlook? Both of these probably rule out Ubuntu or other linux versions too.

Is the main problem that the Vista on the laptop is the 64bit version (probably)? Had it been the 32 bit version you probably wouldn't have been having these problems but would have not been getting the most from it in the longterm.

Not that I'm advocating Vista in any way shape or form but let's try to keep it rational. It's the bloat and DRM overhead that you should be objecting to.

I agree with all the comments about drivers - the hardware manufacturers create these, not Microsoft.

As for comparing how Apple Macs work, and how Windows work? Well firstly, even Mac's don't upgrade that well all the time - see Beps comment - and secondly, you're comparing a closed box, with set and known hardware, and software that has been specifically written for it, with a piece of software that is designed to work on an infinite combinations of pieces of hardware, all ranging in quality.

Oh, and if you want a Fisher-Price toy of a computer, get a Mac, with their infinite minor-point upgrades.

Well, now you know. Never go for a newly released product, be that new models of cars, operating systems, etc.

Always wait at least a year and let other people find out the defects. Once those have been corrected you'll have something a lot more polished and that's when you should dive in.

Just stick with XP, until Vista releases service packs and software manufacturers make new drivers. XP still does the trick now and still do the trick for a couple of years at least.

Don't get a Mac though, they're shocking.

I bought a new HP laptop with Vista on it a week ago and I'm taking it back to get my money back. Vista is incompatible with the latest tools of my trade too - Visual Studio 2005. As a programmer, I want to be at the cutting edge, but Microsoft's flagship development environment doesn't run on Microsoft's flagship operating system!! So I thought I'd try to go back to XP, only to find that the drivers (the programs that make the hardware work with the operating system) aren't available for XP. And now I'm busy trying to find a laptop that DOESN'T come with Vista pre-installed. If my work didn't depend on Microsoft, I'd actually be looking at an Apple now. Can't believe I said that!!!

As a software developer, and Microsoft Partner, I can defend those responsible for supporting 3rd party drivers. Vista hasn't been an easy Beta to support - for many devices, especially hardware (external and internal), we require a lot of support from the host company. Microsoft have a good developer network, but keeping up with their internal changes is not easy as many aspects of the OS are subject to change over time.

As a Mac developer (as well as PC), I can say that Apple's developer support is much cleaner, even the language is smarter and documentation better presented, organised.

As a Mac and PC user, my wallet is with MacOS, simply because I don't need to worry about the OS - it just works, and you're virtually unaware of it.

Ironically, you may think of Win2k or XP as aesthetically simple and easy to navigate, the truth is that MacOS gives the best Zen-like experience. Vista is prettier, but it's still a game of hurdles. It may be more secure, but as the target of choice for hackers, that won't last for long.

Don't fight with your computer; enjoy working on it. I genuinely hate to use the phrase, but "Get a Mac" is very sound advice.

I'm someone who has worked in the IT industry for 15 years or so.

Past experience would indicate that you are asking for trouble with any Microsoft product if you upgrade too early.

Do yourself a favour, wait at least 6-12 months before upgrading.

Certainly we wont be upgrading for a long time to come. My friends in other sectors of the industry will be doing likewise.

Surely you are more pretentious than the Mac owners you describe?

I suspect the only people who have actually rushed out and purchased Vista are those who need to be seen with the 'latest' technology.

As a Business Editor surely you must have some business nous about you or do you generally buy the first release of a young product?

As for your moaning about 3rd party drivers .. Are you the type that purchases a HDTV and then realises you cant watch EastEnders in HD yet?

Give me back my 5 mins .. I started reading your blog and my troubles begain.

Agree with Jord that there is no need for the average home user to have expensive equipment (though consoles won't cut it for the games I play). For about the cost of a new OS I added RAM and formatted my hard drive- good as new! Runs everything I want.

Oh, grow up! What DID you expect? It's a new project, it is HUGE and it is complex beyond your imagination. The concept that any operating system will work FIRST time with every component out there on the first day shows that you are simply a dreamer!

Microsoft, almost single handedly, has given the WORLD the 'cheap pc'. If it had been Apple, your PC would STILL cost £5000 instead of £500!

You want to be an early adopter? Then put UP with it! That's the real world!

And if you think that Apple stuff works first time, everytime with every piece of kit...... just go an BUY one!

Oh yes; Queen Anne is dead!

Ian

When I wanted a computer I was scared by all the virus/worm/trojan problems with Windows. I have seen friends PCs die slow deaths with them.

So I bought a Mac.

Dear Robert.

It's microsofts fault that the hardware company hasnt bothered releasing drivers for Vista yet?

I'm wondering how you come to that conclusion? You do realise that it is the manufacturers responsiblity to write the software that enables their device to run on an operating system?

It's simply a case of the above named manufacturers being pretty lazy given that Vista has been available for developers for well over a year.

I understand its frustrating using something you don't understand but please at least get the correct company to be angry about.

Simply put there are many thousands more products for Microsoft's operating system than any other - therefore more are going to be unprepared - oh and please buy a Mac.

I'd love to see you take it back after a week.

I agree with Neil Wilson. Macs are overpriced. You've already got the laptop, you don't need to pay out for another one - go and download an Ubuntu Linux CD ( http://www.ubuntu.com/products/GetUbuntu/download ). These can run straight off the CD allowing you to try before you install. It may not be quite as slick and shiny as a Mac, but it's free (and Free).

To Neil Wilson - PCs and Macs are more than "style accessories" - they are essential tools in many industries, especially print/publishing and media production where tools such as Quark Xpress, Adobe InDesign & Photoshop, Avid and Final Cut Pro have real market dominance - and generally with good reason.

To anyone who thinks Macs are the universal panacea, I imagine Apple have fewer problems with their OS because you also buy your hardware from them. If Microsoft started making PCs and said "buy these or the OS will not work" there'd be an outcry, not least in the European courts.

Finally, I generally blame the hardware manufacturer for not releasing an updated driver to work with a new Operating System, not the creator of the OS. Or blame yourself for assuming that the drivers would have been written by now without checking for yourself.

BBC News' impartiality reigns again

I'm already bored of everyone jumping on the "I'm so computer literate I now hate Windows too" band-wagon. I thought there might have been a real story here, other than someone blaming Micro$oft for non-Windows issues. Think a bit deeper, try a bit harder, show a bit of original thought and maybe this would be a better use of space.

More fool you for buying a laptop you don't like the look of, and for not checking whether your two "vital tools of your trade" were compatible! I think you have too much money and make a habit of wagon-jumping!

A lot of comments here smack of blind Microsoft-baiting to me. Bear in mind that the Apple Mac is a proprietary standard, i.e. they control the hardware that the operating system runs on to a much deeper level than Microsoft ever can.

If Apple were faced with trying to get an operating system to run on the plethora of motherboards, hard-drives and processors out there then it would take them longer than five years to develop a new operating system!

I'm planning on getting a laptop next month for gaming purposes - would you recommend getting a vista, xp or mac one? Cheers!

Hi

I switched to a MAC notebook 2 years ago and have never looked back, all those Windows problems and frustrations dissapeared as soon as I turned it on. I have never, ever, had a single problem. A friendly and smart interface, lots a features that I actualy use! Bin the Windows and get a MAC. Say farewell to freezes, hangs, crashes, virus, and all those nasties related to Windows...of course you'll have to put up with shortsighted stockists like PC World shunting MAC owners off to a dusty corner to find the small amount of MAC software on sale!! MAC owners get sterling service from Apple but poor support from everybody else!

Dear Robert

If you get a piece of wood 6 inches long and chamfered to a point at 25 degrees, you can save quite a lot on the other expensive doorstop. Waiting for the service pack is a very good idea! But why should we have to wait?

I've got a desktop pc and a mac laptop.
Comparing the experiences of using both machines, Apple + new device, software, network = 'Hello, I've found something new and I'm ready to work with it right now', MS OS + new anything = 'Mmm, have you got the disk? No that doesn't seem right. Can I access the internet to ask a friend. Nope, they don't know either. Let's just say the device doesn't work. And just in case your aren't happy with this outcome, the driver that I said that I couldn't find, well I loaded it anyway and now its causing a conflict with another device which I've had to switch off.........

Why would Vista be any different?

If you really want to have problems getting devices to work, get a MAC.

Microsoft is not responsible for others Hardware and Software. The beauty of MS is that they allow companies to use the Windows OS to run their hardware. For all the ingrates saying "Use a MAC" Why!! Do you want locking into overpriced proprietary hardware and software!!! I can’t understand people who suggest buying other products that reduce your functionality but put it in a pretty box. Weird…

I asked my computer consultant on Sunday about buying the new machinery and his one liner was: Don't, it's not ready for old f****s like you.

I'm not entirely sure that Microsoft are to blame for your problems. Vista is a big change from XP and it *should* be widely known that most hardware will require new drivers and updated software. The salesperson should have advised you of this.

I'm not sure you can blame Microsoft for Olympus' lack of drivers.

My conclusion is that Vista was ready for release, but hardware manufacturers and 3rd party software providers (eg Novell) aren't ready for it.

Government should charge a very big tax to companies that release unrealiable software. And the patents on software should be limited to 10 years, so when the patent expires there is an incentive to produce an upgrade that really is better than the current operating system.

Anyone buying new kit today should ask for XP to be installed, with the option of upgrading to Vista at a later date - ie. when it's matured, when there's more 3rd party driver support, and as others have mentioned, after the 1st service pack is released.

Working in the IT industry I can so absolutely no business sense in upgrading to Vista so early in its "development cycle".

XP works, and is understood well enough that when it won't do something work-arounds are well known. Vista is just too new to adopt and expect things to "just work".

Hmm...the usual comments at the usual level("buy a mac...you're so dumb to be using windows...nah nah na nah nah","it's all Bill Gates' fault my supergizmo doesn't work").

I've had Vista installed for about 2 months. Stability and upgrade wise its been the best windows upgrade I've had. This isn't however a complement, given the pain of previous upgrades. Things have however improved from "atrocious" to "could do better".

What does grate a bit is the usability "enhancements". A lot of common tasks seem to take a lot longer than with XP. Is this just experience? I guess I'll find out in another 6 months: before then nobody actually knows. If I did change to a mac it would be just as painful, and as my company develops software it really is not an option unless I want to address approximately 0% of my market...

What is frustrating is drivers and software compatibility. There is no excuse for incompatibility with product shipped over the last couple of years, but this is more the hardware and software vendors responsiblity than Microsoft's. Let's face it, the final release candidate came out in October, business has been using Vista since November 30th, a feature complete Vista beta was available to the general public in May 2006, and to Microsoft Development Network subscribers much before. Yet despite that my laptop, purchased just 18 months ago and meeting the minimum hardware spec for Vista easily is deemed "not supported" by my hardware manufacturer, though I could only find this out 2 months after the Vista release to business when I installed. But then why would a manufacturer want to support Vista on a laptop that has already been purchased when they can try to persuade the gullible to buy more kit when they don't really need to? Given the concentration of the pc market shouldn't journalists be looking into this problem? I'd really like to see a report comparing spec of PCs sold over the last couple of years with whether the manufacturer claims that the hardware supports Vista. Actually the only real problem I have is the manufacturer's preinstalled bloatware, and an an inbuilt modem which I can work around for less than than the cost of a new laptop. Frustrating, but not actually Microsoft at fault.

With respect to the most widely publicised software incompatibility, iTunes, is anybody really so naive to suggest that Apple has no competitive interest in suggesting Vista is flaky? Why did they wait until several days after to Vista's launch, at the time of maximum press exposure, when they should have been testing the final release candidate of Vista with their iTunes for 3 months? If iTunes still doesn't work on Vista what does this say about Apple's quality assurance and communications with their end users? This is the real question journalists should be asking.

Sorry for the essay...

I love how all these Apple fanatics simply say "get a Mac".

They all simply forget Apples total cock-up of the first implementation of Mac OS X and as Beps noticeably pointed out, the transition from OS9 to OSX was at very least, excruciating!

Apples aren't without their flaws just as Windows or any OS is. Especially one as immature as Vista.

I'd just like to ask some of the more partial people to put away their smoking guns, and wait for a year or so to see the OS mature. Then come back and comment.

I'm all for OSX. It's beautiful, stable (not virus free as some say....) and works great.....for Mac software which is still not readily available.

I also love linux, as a developer or server platform. It is however, useless for a home user environment. Even in Ubuntu (the supposedly easiest distro, I had to recompile the kernel to install my Nvidia drivers; And people call this easy to use!?!!?!? Come back to Earth guys!!!)

And finally Windows. The best all rounder. Yes it has it's flaws but as a day to day OS, it works wonders. I've never had XP crash on me apart from when I removed that modem card accidentally while messing with the insides of my PC while turned on so in my eyes, that makes it stable for a user OS. And yes, it's easy to load those Nvidia drivers. And it's easy to pretty much do anything!
Perfect for the average Joe! I'm not saying it's best for mission critical stuff, but it's hard to deny it's a good OS.

But like I said. Each and every OS has it's advantages and disadvantages.

I just think these discussions are swamped by Apple / Linux Fundamentalists who have a total inability to be impartial and give a solid argument. (ie. "Simply.... Get a Mac....!", as Mash wrote, etc....).

If you have happy Mac users around who keep raving about their operating system you must know about how great it is.

Therefore, why do you go out and insist on buying a Windows machine?

"oh Oh Vista doesn't work with all my stuff. Therefore its useless, broken, not ready for release".

Did you not think to check compatibility with your existing peripherals *before* you ran out and bought a new laptop?

Dumbass. Get yourself a Macintosh, its made for prats like you.

And good luck with the huge variety and choice of compatible hardware/software for OS X. You'll need it.

Fortunately I tried the beta first on my an Acer Travelmate 292Lmi laptop.

I gave up after discovering that Intel did not provide full Vista support for the wireless card.

My experiences indicate that if one must run Windows, use Windows XP Home/Professional or, if possible, stick to Windows 98SE.

Alternatively, if you can get it to suport your hardware, migrate to Linux which is free.

Even if the problems lie with third-party vendors, surely it is in Microsoft's best interests to get these companies to ensure they have created new drivers and that these drivers work, which at present they clearly do not!

Also, it really is a massive embarrassment on the Ipaq front, even if the problematic driver is made by HP...let's hope Microsoft sort these problems out fast!

"Simply.... Get a Mac....!"

Yes, get a Mac, then instead of having to worry about when the manufacturer of your device will release the updated drivers for Vista, you'll be safe in the knowledge that you'll never have the inconvenience of being able to use that device on your Mac at all.

For some reason, a lot of media-types seem to have forgotten the market share of Apple computers excluding music players is pitiful, hence the marginal support for third party hardware. Still, if its twice the price of a comparitive PC laptop it must be good, eh?

Personally, Id rather just wait a couple of months for the new drivers.

Robert,

Stay way from writting tech atricles, you ignored every rule in the book of '101 tech' just to give yourself a story. I will not rehash other reads good comments that just point out your stupidity.
Mac or PC go with reliability, job/task functionality, cost sensitivity.
Oh and rarely use Preston's Picks blog to evaluate 'tech'!

Once you go Mac, you'll never go back...

>Any non technical person buying Vista >as an upgrade is asking for trouble. >Wait until SOME of the bugs have been >fixed, i.e when service pack 1 has >been released

That's rubbish, It's Windows not some new Linux distribution. It's supposed to be the OS for the masses.

The fact that it doesn't work with the odd bit of hardware is excusable, XP doesn't work with some old hardware. But the fact that an iPAQ PDA (running Windows Mobile) won't work is pathetic.

Once again consumers are beta-testing Windows for Microsoft.

This is a rather silly article. As mentioned in other posts, MS are not responisble for the drivers of Third Party software. The whole point is that you check out the compatibility of your product with Olympus before upgrading. If they are slow to release a driver for THEIR product, surely its Olympus who are the baddies? Vista has been about for a while now in its Beta form, and frankly, shouldn't be a surprise to them. Macs may have positive features, but they are pricey for what you get and also not as flexible as your average PC. Watch me get ripped apart for that statement...

Did you really need a new computer?

I agree with the comments here, with MS software you do have to wait for Service Pack 1. But why should you?!

Get a Mac, it is more reliable, has a more regular upgrade path for the OS and has more intuitive software built in. They managed to change their chipset from PowerPC to Intel without skipping a beat, and launch 3-4 major updates to their OS in the time MS released one.

They are not perfect, they will still crash (occasionally) they will not always have relevant drivers. But on the whole they are more reliable and consistent than PCS, and the hardware looks soo much better!

Typical! Someone who buys the new OS on the day it comes out and expects everything to work instantly. everyone knows you give it a month or so for the 3rd party companies to catch up with the drivers for it!!

I, too, am a Mac fan who went for XP about six months ago, in the form of a laptop. Yes, it does the word processing/email/web browsing/etc stuff that a Mac does, but - and here's the rub - it also does the blue screens/crashes/incompatability issues/bizarre behaviour that a Mac doesn't. I am writing this on my old iMac, not my new laptop. Nuff said...

Try buying a computer on line without Vista - I was aware of the service pack advice but no choice was offered that I could find

I did find it really annoying as well when I tried to get my pocket PC to communicate with Vista. There is a beta version of the new (repackaged Activesync application) syncing software for vista on the microsoft.com/mobile site. Its runs OK, graphics are a little different. What I find frustrating as a person who plays the odd game on my PC is that I have to double up the spec of my PC to get the same performance I was getting in XP. As Carmack of ID software recently said, there is no reason (except for when microsoft stop sending out service packs and patches that is) to stop using XP for years to come.

Well one problem with macs is that Apple controls all the hardware. Resulting in a more expensive machine. I prefer the PC model which is more open to development.

Vista is brand new, so I have built a new computer to run it, and also run windows XP. I dont consider Vista usable just yet until all relevant drivers are ready for it.

Certainly there are issues with the graphics drivers, and soundcard drivers for this computer if I use vista. Eventually there will be 3rd party drivers to make vista run smoothly and stable. Right now it wont though.

I would suggest that if you are upgrading to vista make sure your computer will dual boot into vista and XP so you can try vista and have a slow transition across to it.

Vista SP2 anyone?

My biggest gripe with MS is their pricing policy in Europe MS products cost twice as much as their american counterparts.

The same applies for Apple their computers albeit more flexible than the MS/Intel genre are usually less powerful more expensive and with far less applications.

I truly believe that in this market there is little alternative innovation and customer satisfaction everything is so-so.

Yet another person unable to check whether or not his current hardware will work with new software. Stop complaining and do your research first.

Robert, hi – we were at college together, I think? The simple answer is buy a Mac. The very latest models have an intel processor – no, I'm not sure what that is either, but apparently it means that all windows software can now be run on a Mac. I'm no techno whizz but having worked on Macs in publishing for over a decade I can't imagine using anything else. Imagine – NO viruses in 14 years. Cheers.

I had long since determined that I would not "upgrade" to Vista for a year or so, to give them time to get all the bugs out--and then my primary computer died over the weekend. A trip though several stores (I'm in the States)revealed that on February 3 the only pcs available were running Vista, and so I descended into Hell.
At this point (Feb 6) I am still unable to integrate the machine with my network except by taking down the firewall--not exactly a security feature I embrace warmly. The built-in troubleshooter insists on presuming that the network isn't working, despite the fact that all the other computers can see each other as well as the new machine. Most of the help is online, which would be terribly helpful if your problem prevented you accessing the internet. Some of the software that was bundled with the machine isn't "Vista" compatible, never mind other programs I might need. And the backwards compatibility apparently only extends to XP - good luck to those of us running Win2000/NT servers.
I suppose if you consider your lost time the price of the MAC starts to look reasonable?

Dear Robert,

Describing mac users as pretentious seems a little harsh. As a mac user i would admit to being smug, because MacOS is generally a really easy and enjoyable experience. I know PC users often view our OS as too simplistic, however the writers of the software ensure that Macs usually work with whatever you plug into them. We used to pay more for this privilege, however Macs cost around the same as PCs these days.
Take you PC back and get a mac!

Blogger, it is your fault for not checking that all your hardware was compatiable before buying. Its not vistas fault if manufacturers havent released vista drivers yet. But hey, jump on the bandwagon, why let that get in the way of a good headline?

And to the people who are crying 'get a mac/linux', he wants to reduce compatability issues, not increase them.

I suggest you change your headline to 'Check hardware compatability before upgrading to Vista'.

I agree with the comments here, with MS software you do have to wait for Service Pack 1. But why should you?!

Get a Mac, it is more reliable, has a more regular upgrade path for the OS and has more intuitive software built in. They managed to change their chipset from PowerPC to Intel without skipping a beat, and launch 3-4 major updates to their OS in the time MS released one.

They are not perfect, they will still crash (occasionally) they will not always have relevant drivers. But on the whole they are more reliable and consistent than PCS, and the hardware looks soo much better!

Stop talking rubbish. You won't need to buy any new hardware, just get the updated software/drivers for your current hardware.

Yes, that's annoying and bad if they're not been released yet. Blame olympus! (I'm assuming you've visited the web site to try to obtain Vista drivers?) But it is an entirely new operating system so it's expecting a lot for the XP drivers to work with Vista.

I've been using the final release of Vista every day since the start of December. And whilst it's certainly not perfect, it's certainly much better than XP. And as semi-Mac user too... I'd say that Vista and OS X each have good and bad points.

Swings and roundabouts.

Vista doesn't use ActiveSync (which is why you cannot sync your IPAQ).

Assuming you have a 32 bit version of Vista then you need to download the Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Center Driver for Windows Vista (x86) which can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=83D513EA-9DF9-4920-AF33-3A0E2E4E7BEB&displaylang=en

With all due respect Robert, if I can do the research why can't you!!!!

I, too, am a Mac fan who went for XP about six months ago, in the form of a laptop. Yes, it does the word processing/email/web browsing/etc stuff that a Mac does, but - and here's the rub - it also does the blue screens/crashes/incompatability issues/bizarre behaviour that a Mac doesn't. I am writing this on my old iMac, not my new laptop. Nuff said...

You are not alone with incompatability. Microsoft have alerady admitted to me that although they make Outlook and Outlook Express their files are fully transportabel between them.

Why didn't you check to see if your hardware would work before you upgraded?

It's not surprising this sort of thing is happening all over the world on the release of the latest whizz-bang windows.

Microsoft have whipped up a frenzy of marketing and lots of people are excitedly jumping on the bandwagon without asking the obvious question "Do I really need to upgrade?"

The answer depends on who you are, if you are microsoft, the answer (after many long delays and presumably lost potential profit) is yes, buy it immediately!!!

The actual sensible answer is no, wait at least 6 months! And if you're buying Vista with new hardware, then make sure to get XP with a vista upgrade coupon.

The question that noone seems to be asking is didn't microsoft go through an extensive beta testing phase before release?

I'm a self-confessed dinosaur operating a stand-alone 11 yr. old Mac. clone running OS7.6 using Photoshop, Painter and ClarisWorks. It's never crashed, thrown a fit or lost any info. in all the time I've had it.
I also use a PC running Windows XP, which our son bought us for a birthday present. My last PC ran Windows '98, which I found better for file management.If (not when) the Mac. goes belly-up I'll get an iMac.

It serves you right you clown. Maybe in future you will think before rushing out to buy the latest kit just because its available. Did you use any of the compatibility tools available to check your existing system software?

Did you specifically check that your hardware is compatible with Vista?

Everyone knows not to immediately buy the latest version of windows until a service pack is released.

I will ignore your comparative statement with google as you've obviously read that somewhere and misunderstood it.

Yes, go and use a MAC. Its limited functionality and idiot proof "fuzzy warm feeling" interface will suit you perfectly. Leave the advanced computing to the people who know what they are doing.

Chin up.

Oh how I look forward to reading the personal reply from Bill!

I hope he remembers to include the apology for creating holey, bug-filled software that causes so much stress at home and at work. He must be the greatest contributer to stress related illnesses in the world.

Try buying a computer on line without Vista - I was aware of the service pack advice but no choice was offered that I could find

Why didn't you check for compatibility issues BEFORE you upgraded? Microsoft have provided extensive resources with which to do so. What you have done is, basically, buy an expensive HD-DVD player to attempt to play your MiniDiscs on. Is that now somehow the fault of the people who manufactured the player?

Dear Robert Preston

Did you do any research to be sure that your new software would run your old hardware? If you didnt you have only yourself to blame!

i ran the vista compatbility check on my pc, hardware wise only the grafix card failed - no surprise i use the pc for work not play. But a large number of software applications failed - including MS provided ones, gasp!. I will skip Vista until the PC needs replacing.

Why on earth is someone blaming Microsoft for the failure of hardware manufacturers to release drivers? they've had the framework for months now. If anyone is offering you bad customer service experience, it's HP and Olympus.

I simply love watching the M$ bashing. ure, grab yourself a Mac laptop and pay the Apple Tax every time a decimal shift comes in their software system version.

Eny Fule Kno that drivers don't start a ppearing properly until about a month after launch of any new development in OS world; although I notice that Olympus is one of the worst offenders.

It's not surprising this sort of thing is happening all over the world on the release of the latest whizz-bang windows.

Microsoft have whipped up a frenzy of marketing and lots of people are excitedly jumping on the bandwagon without asking the obvious question "Do I really need to upgrade?"

The answer depends on who you are, if you are microsoft, the answer (after many long delays and presumably lost potential profit) is yes, buy it immediately!!!

The actual sensible answer is no, wait at least 6 months! And if you're buying Vista with new hardware, then make sure to get XP with a vista upgrade coupon.

The question that noone seems to be asking is didn't microsoft go through an extensive beta testing phase before release?

Here we go again. Someone else jumping on the "take a punch at Microsoft" bandwagon. I get bored of reading things like this and seeing the inevitable comparisons with Apple.

Such a blinkered attitude and selective memory is not appropriate for someone from a supposedly unbiased reporting organisation. It is however, fully expected of the Apple "fanboy" fraternity.

Don't get me wrong, I have both types of machine but I can see the positives and negatives of both OSs.

When OSX first came along, it was months before Adobe and Quark had versions of Photoshop and Express that worked on Apple's new OS - and let's be honest here - they are the biggest pieces of software for the platform.

Surely the other accusations of Microsoft "copying" Apple and making their OS look prettier is rubbish too. Let's think of the range of "base" hardware that each OS has to support - who's is widest? MS have a much wider range of motherboards, video cards etc etc that they have to support than Apple and they don't even have the strict controls over the hardware that Apple does too. So, rather than copying Apple, I think the better looking Vista is a natural evolution for the Windows OS. And how many people will be outraged that their five year old PCs won't run Vista and then complain that it's Microsoft's fault? Give me strength...

As for your iPaq, what would your Apple option be there? A Newton?

Yes, it's trendy to take a punch at Microsoft but if you're going to do it, at least have a well though out, reasonable argument for it - not just the ranting of an impatient,
"look-I've-got-a-new-Vista-laptop" muppet ;-)

What a mistake! I spent all day Saturday installing Windows Vista Home Basic UPGRADE on a two-year old notebook (which clearly meets the minimum requirement indicated by Microsoft)... and it was a disaster. A listing of a dozen or so software/hardware items that were not compatible... and it ran extremely slow... you could actually watch IE7 draw it's frames. We won't even talk about firewall and antivirus issues! I reformatted the drive and reinstalled XP2 (and dozens of applications via an external backup drive). Everything runs well now (actually a bit better than before, with a handful of cobwebs removed). A Mac is the next machine... just waiting for their new OS and a few thousand testers, first! On the Christmas list!

Try Linux (Ubuntu is good). It's free, secure and uses fewer resources than Vista needs.

I stopped upgrading Windows at Windows 98 Second Edition, which I am currently running. The Microsoft Money Machine can take a running jump! My 98 SE setup works just fine with everything I want to do.

macs are great if your not a power user and you can run them on dual boot with XP anyway. But yeah vista has its problems as you would expect. The only benefit i can see with it is that it has directx10 which will be good for gaming. But other than that why did you bother?

Why not just run XP?

When i build my next pc in the next few month i will buy visata but only for running games, everything else i will do on the other boot partition which will be running opensuse 64bit which is far better and its what vista was actually modelled on largly.

I stopped upgrading Windows at Windows 98 Second Edition, which I am currently running. The Microsoft Money Machine can take a running jump! My 98 SE setup works just fine with everything I want to do.

Yet another feeble and narrow minded attempt to boost Mac. Lest we forget, it's only recently that Mac has been compatible with anything!

To be honest, this article shows a lack of understanding and wholly unrealistic / simplistic expectations. There are a couple of important points that need to be raised.

Firstly, Vista is an operating system. As an operating system, it is indeed complete and ready for commercial release. Having tested since Beta 2 and now owning a copy which I use as my primary OS on my main machine, I have found the system to be entirely stable and functions as advertised. By its nature, an OS is a base for other applications, but to expect Microsoft to ensure compatibility with every single third-party application of the thousands available is rediculous. As it stands, it is down to the user to ensure compatibility and contact the software publisher if the third-party application fails to work correctly on Vista.

Secondly, the IPAQ does indeed work with Vista, as should almost all Windows-mobile powered devices. All it takes is a little research to find that a newer version of Active Sync, known as Windows Mobile Device Center is required. It's all easy to find and claiming that something doesn't work by just plugging it in is simply ignorant.

Thinking that a complete OS overhaul on a Mac would be any easier shows another lack of insight. For a start, the number of third-party applications available for Mac systems is significantly fewer than for Windows systems.

Good luck with your Windows Vista system, I'm sure that it will serve you well should you actually engage a little common sense and make your expecatations of Microsoft a little more realistic!

Frustrating indeed I guess. That said I have installed the RC2 on a test machine and had little to no problems.

As for the Olympus recorder it is a pain to get drivers for it at any rate.

In terms of the Ipaq, that I admit is a little strange however I would like to remind all "Macs are the best" users that they do not sync with pocket PC so switching over does not help. (Blackberry has only recently got a third party client).

I would also like to remind people that Microsoft actually are the number 1 company in releasing patches and fixes.

This does not condone a rushed commercial release but it is food for thought.

The ONLY reason anyone would ever possibly want a windows machine is to play games on.
The range of games available on Apple and *NIX machines is pitiful, but they will do everything else.
The reason I haven't switched to Mac (yet) is that I do enjoy gaming, and the dedicated games consoles never really appealed, as they come out so frequently, I'd have to upgrade every year.
On the other hand, the Wii looks interesting...

I get the feeling you're not very familar with computers, Mr Preston.

When we at our company upgraded from Mac OS9 to OSX we found dozens of bits of hardware which no longer worked (and some have never been given new drivers). This problem will affect you whether you own a PC or a Mac if you buy the new OS in the first weekend that it is available. Given the thousands of pieces of third-party software that have to work with it, did you really expect every single one to do so perfectly in the first week?

You don't have to buy a new IPAQ or whatever silly knee-jerk reaction you have the urge for; just wait patiently.

Surely the most intelligent thing to do would have been to check compatibility with your hardware beofre upgrading? I'm waiting on one 3rd party to release a driver for my soundcard before I upgrade. That's not Microsoft's fault, it's the lazy/greedy vendor. Lazy as they've had months to write the drivers, and greedy as they probably do it so I go out and buy the newest soundcard.

Surely therefore the most un-intelligent thing to do would be to jump on the Gates-basher bandwagon and suck up to Apple.

Use virtual pc (which is free) and install xp.

Oh dear, many things wrong here. Firstly, perhaps it would have been prudent of you to check if your hardware would be compatible. To be honest, I think it's user error. My iPaq worked without issue under Vista, and quite correctly, it's been pointed out the it's Olympus who are responsible for creating drivers for the OS. I really think you should refrain from making comments such as "And, just so you know, I’ve never once had a comparably horrible experience with the Google boys.", when clearly Google develop and provide web services, content and other products, but NOT operating systems. This statement pretty much invalidates most of your criticisms, as MS clearly know that you don't know what you're talking about. You may as well have said 'Well I've never set fire to my kitchen while driving my car'. Vista's new UI features can be disabled with one click, so why not disable them? And if you're not happy, switch to Mac. Sadly, that's not always an option as OSX simply doesn't have the range of applications that Windows does. OS choice is about your requirements. Research them before whingeing.

The true upgrade to Windows XP is not Vista, but the free Ubuntu, a linux version which directly aims to compete with Windows. It is used by major companies, such as Google. I did the switch myself and was pleasantly surprised on how much better it felt. I tried a Mac for a while, but I definitely prefer Ubuntu. You can download it for free at http://www.ubuntu.com

Mate, you need Linux. Yes, you will have the same issues that BOTH Mac and Microsoft users have with upgrades, but with two important distinctions: it's free, and you have the best tech support in the world (a team of millions of dedicated geeks that Microsoft would kill to get into the brains of).

I can't understand why ANYONE pays for things which are available free and open-source.

Get yourself a nice, stable, easy user interface like Ubuntu and you'll never look back.

You really should have bought a Mac with OSX. Having said that, calling Mac people "pretentious" ... well, you deserve everything you get. Sorry. :)

As a couple of posters have pointed out, it's the third-party manufacturers at fault here. Your issues are with their drivers not with Windows. They have had access to beta and pre-release versions of Vista for long enough now to have sorted this out.

Save yourself some trouble and switch to Mac. The new Macs have the ability to run Windows as well so you can use the lovely Mac OS or switch to Windows XP when you need that one app that hasn't been updated in half a decade to work. This is coming from a Microsoft Certified Professional btw.

Microsoft is not the great Satan. Without MS (or a similar software giant) home computers would be about as compatible with each other as a fridge and a washing machine. Can you imagine having to replace ALL your software and ALL your hardware when you upgrade your pc?

Microsoft has many weaknesses, but the important thing for home (and in many cases, business) users is that the OS is almost invisible - Jo Smith, sitting at home, browsing the web doesn't realise that Windows is running. When his/her kids are playing the latest game, they don't care about the operating system, they just get on and play.

I won't be upgrading to Vista, because my PC won't cope with it. Far too many people upgrade their computers and software because they have been convinced by the marketing hype. I need a PC to write a few letters, and browse the internet - I don't need Vista, or Mac OSx - in fact Windows 98 would still be fine for me (except that I am not averse to playing the occaisional game or two).

Stop blaming Microsoft and look at your own reasons for buying stuff you don't need!!!!!

windows, microsoft!
i love windows!
dont buy a mac, just give bill gates time to work his magic.
macs are fine, for a little bit, but from personal experience, never ever rely on them!
i've just ditched my mac, and im happily going back to microsoft!

Sounds like you upgraded without due diligence. I'm sorry to sound unsympathetic, but I'm afraid it's your responsibility (or your technical support's) to check the availability of device drivers.

Microsoft do supply a lot of device drivers with the operating system, because they want it to work with a good range of devices "straight out of the box" but it is just not possible for them to supply everything you might possibly want, and in fact it's not their responsibility to do so - it's the responsibility of the device manufacturers to provide software that cooperates with the operating system. Sadly, many device manufacturers have a poor record on this front, and Microsoft takes the flak because many naïve users don't know any better. Note that Dorian Moore is honest enough to admit you could have had the same experience with a Mac.

If you haven't already done so, visit the Olympus and HP web sites for information on up to date software, and pressure them if they're not providing it. Don't accept them passing the blame on to Microsoft. Olympus can't reasonably do so. HP might have more of a case, but they are still the right people to pressure; if they are looking bad because of something Microsoft has done, they are more likely to be able to apply effective pressure to get it addressed.

I think there's a reasonable chance you may owe Microsoft an apology.

When will you people realise that a lot of the issues with MS is not the OS itself, but the fact it has to allow for 3rd party hardware and addons, how many people can change the motherboard, CD/DVD drive or graphics card on a Mac? i think the answer is none. If Microsoft made their own hardware like Apple, someone would complain it's anti competitive. If hardware manufacturers wrote their drivers properly in the first place, and lets face it, Vista hasn't only just arrived, then the OS would be stable and secure. Come on people, you can't have an OS that has to be open (according to the antitrust laws) and secure. Which also begs the question, is Mac is so good, why did they switch to intel processors if the ones they had did the job perfectly well. Yes Microsoft has it's faults, but so does Apple, Linux and all the others, just that nobody cares about the non MS software.

Dear Preston:
Not ready to take the MAC plunge? Why don't you ask (nicely) a "pretentious Mac-loving type" -assuming you know one- to create a user name on their machine for you (takes about 2 minutes [*]) so that you can see for yourself 1) how easy that is 2) if the two pieces of kit you mention work "out of the box" 3) what the PC vs. MAC fuss is all about.

Then you can do the maths and see if you'd like to or if it makes financial sense to switch... Your lost week-end is already, of course, a sunk cost but as a MAC can also run Windows (with a software emulator ) your "investment" in Vista need not be... ...and then you can get your Windows fix should you still need it. (See http://www.parallels.com/ or http://www.codeweavers.com/)

[*] Your own user name (account) will allow you to experiment on your friend's machine without damaging her/his data; it can be deleted afterwards easily...

Oh dear, many things wrong here. Firstly, perhaps it would have been prudent of you to check if your hardware would be compatible. To be honest, I think it's user error. My iPaq worked without issue under Vista, and quite correctly, it's been pointed out the it's Olympus who are responsible for creating drivers for the OS. I really think you should refrain from making comments such as "And, just so you know, I’ve never once had a comparably horrible experience with the Google boys.", when clearly Google develop and provide web services, content and other products, but NOT operating systems. This statement pretty much invalidates most of your criticisms, as MS clearly know that you don't know what you're talking about. You may as well have said 'Well I've never set fire to my kitchen while driving my car'. Vista's new UI features can be disabled with one click, so why not disable them? And if you're not happy, switch to Mac. Sadly, that's not always an option as OSX simply doesn't have the range of applications that Windows does. OS choice is about your requirements. Research them before whingeing.

An open letter to Robert Preston...

I presume you spent a reasonable sum of money on this laptop? What possessed you not to research your purchase before running out a buying the latest technology? I am wondering who managed to convince you that Vista is what you actually needed? I wouldn't buy a 4x4 vehicle without a) finding out if I could reach the accelerator, and b) pondering whether I actually needed such a vehicle in the first place.

If you are considering the purchase of a new platform for your PC (or Mac) you need to check that all the hardware and software you currently find so essential will actually run on it, and whether drivers are available on the vendor's web site. Previous incarnations of Windows and Mac OSX, when first released, caused compatibility issues, which are all well documented.

If you don't consider these basic considerations, you will run into exactly the same issues when purchasing a Mac, a mobile phone, or your next 4x4 vehicle.

Maybe you should have spent a few minutes on the web and confirmed that that 'two of the vital tools of your trade' were indeed compatible before your purchase, it's not unheard of for there to be driver issues on a new version of windows.

If you visit the HP website you can download Vista drivers for most of their products - I trust you tried that rather than crying straight away that your toy doesn't work?

It's all very well to say that it's the responsibility of the 3rd party (HP, Olympus) to produce drivers that work with Vista and that's possibly true. But does Microsoft not have a responsibilty to ensure that add-ons that work with XP continue to work with the new OS?

I would add my voice to the advice to not upgrade (at least, not if you need to use your computer for whatever occupation keeps the bills paid) until at least SP1. By then, 3rd party drivers should also be available.

Its been said that these other companies have had long enough to come up with drivers. However, until the OS is actually released, there is always the possibility that Microsoft will make changes that make their new drivers unworkable. Also, it seems historically to have been the case that 3rd party companies cannot get enough access to the new Microsoft OS until its been released on an unsuspecting public.

Having seen Vista this past weekend, the bits of it that seem to be new seem to be direct rip-offs of Mac OS X. Having used a MAc for the first time recently, I would suggest that a Mac is the way to go - after all, if you're having trouble getting Vista to work anyway, what difference will it make if you have some teething problems with OS X? The major upside will be that once those teething problems are sorted, you won't be bombarded by new ones like you're bound to be when they "fix" stuff in Vista.

Here we go again. Someone else jumping on the "take a punch at Microsoft" bandwagon. I get bored of reading things like this and seeing the inevitable comparisons with Apple.

Such a blinkered attitude and selective memory is not appropriate for someone from a supposedly unbiased reporting organisation. It is however, fully expected of the Apple "fanboy" fraternity.

Don't get me wrong, I have both types of machine but I can see the positives and negatives of both OSs.

When OSX first came along, it was months before Adobe and Quark had versions of Photoshop and Express that worked on Apple's new OS - and let's be honest here - they are the biggest pieces of software for the platform.

Surely the other accusations of Microsoft "copying" Apple and making their OS look prettier is rubbish too. Let's think of the range of "base" hardware that each OS has to support - who's is widest? MS have a much wider range of motherboards, video cards etc etc that they have to support than Apple and they don't even have the strict controls over the hardware that Apple does too. So, rather than copying Apple, I think the better looking Vista is a natural evolution for the Windows OS. And how many people will be outraged that their five year old PCs won't run Vista and then complain that it's Microsoft's fault? Give me strength...

As for your iPaq, what would your Apple option be there? A Newton?

Yes, it's trendy to take a punch at Microsoft but if you're going to do it, at least have a well though out, reasonable argument for it - not just the ranting of an impatient,
"look-I've-got-a-new-Vista-laptop" muppet ;-)

When the boss of Windows development can send an email to Bill Gates telling him that were he not a Microsoft employee, he'd buy a Mac, I simply cannot comprehend why anyone is suprised that Vista, just like every previous version of Windows, fails to deliver what users have a right to expect. Just google for Allchin, Gates and email.

windows, microsoft!
i love windows!
dont buy a mac, just give bill gates time to work his magic.
macs are fine, for a little bit, but from personal experience, never ever rely on them!
i've just ditched my mac, and im happily going back to microsoft!

Oh dear, many things wrong here. Firstly, perhaps it would have been prudent of you to check if your hardware would be compatible. To be honest, I think it's user error. My iPaq worked without issue under Vista, and quite correctly, it's been pointed out the it's Olympus who are responsible for creating drivers for the OS. I really think you should refrain from making comments such as "And, just so you know, I’ve never once had a comparably horrible experience with the Google boys.", when clearly Google develop and provide web services, content and other products, but NOT operating systems. This statement pretty much invalidates most of your criticisms, as MS clearly know that you don't know what you're talking about. You may as well have said 'Well I've never set fire to my kitchen while driving my car'. Vista's new UI features can be disabled with one click, so why not disable them? And if you're not happy, switch to Mac. Sadly, that's not always an option as OSX simply doesn't have the range of applications that Windows does. OS choice is about your requirements. Research them before whingeing.

It's funny. It took them years to get Windows XP to the stage where it could accurately be labelled as a 'final release'.

No sooner had that happened, and they bring out Vista.

I suggest that for everyone running an up to date WinXP system, do not upgrade to Vista until the guinea pigs out there (sorry Robert) have tried and tested it.

Oh, and the 'incompatability' issues with some bits of hardware are not a mistake. Call me cynical.

I think next upgrade, will be to either Linux or Mac.

It's quite funny listening to all the Mac owners getting so excited over the release of the latest O/S from Microsoft.

Of course, we all know how it will go. Mac owners will gloat, without good cause I might add, Vista will find it's way onto over 90% of PC's, just like it's predecessors have done and everybody will forget what a Mac is again until the next big Microsoft release where the process will repeat itself.

Strange how PC owners are quite content to use their machines without trying to sell them to every Mac user they know and yet Mac owners seem completely incapable of doing the same.

I am pretty surprised by your comments. I installed a clean version of Vista on a Dell laptop of about 18 months in age. I was expecting a host of issues, and lack of functionality in the Aero graphics. But i have to say I have been totally blown away by the ease of installation. NOT ONE BUG OR PROBLEM, it was a total joy to install. Dell had updated all the drivers I required.

Blaming Microsoft for your drivers not working is a strange way to do it. Driver compatibility has ALWAYS been an issue, its not MS's fault that new drivers haven't been released. Manufacturers such as Dell have had access to Vista for months. I would suggest that HP have no motivation to update drivers... however persuading customers to buy new hardware contains plenty of motivation.

Maybe you should have spent a few minutes on the web and confirmed that that 'two of the vital tools of your trade' were indeed compatible before your purchase, it's not unheard of for there to be driver issues on a new version of windows.

There are far more important issues affecting Windows Vista than relatively trivial short-term issues with drivers (which will be fixed).

Just search the internet for the problems involving Vista and DRM (Digital Rights Management), especially regarding HD (High Definition). There are people who have bought High-Def monitors who cannot watch their High-Def movies. In fact, it was just such a frustration that motivated muslix64's crack.

Save yourself some trouble and switch to Mac. The new Macs have the ability to run Windows as well so you can use the lovely Mac OS or switch to Windows XP when you need that one app that hasn't been updated in half a decade to work. This is coming from a Microsoft Certified Professional btw.

Drivers. Hardware vendors.

D - R - I - V - E - R - S
V - E - N - D - O - R - S

Ok? Get it? The "Vendors" produce the "Drivers" for THEIR "Hardware".

Before you assume that software "x" will support all hardware known to man, check that DRIVERS are available. Especially if the hardware are "vital tools of your trade".

All the bleating about "oh get a Mac" and "aren't Microsoft rubbish" are a waste of valuable bandwidth.

Drivers. Hardware vendors. Repeat ...

Switched to Mac OS X 18 months ago, after 15 years with Windows... and haven't looked back.
I agree that Mac users aren't pretentious we just want others to benefit from the great discovery we've made, especially those of us who've recently switched.

I've done what alot of people seem to be doing. Upon reading a 'Have Your Say' thread about Visa I ended up googling Ubuntu. I dual boot with XP at the moment but am in the process of making the full transition to Linux. I dont believe in lining Bill's pockets with my hard earned cash, come to think of it I wont do the same for Apple. I love the look of their new machines, but it still isnt free!

One of the best things about Ubuntu or the other linux distros is the community that surrounds it. Check out www.ubuntuforums.org to see for your self. If your ever stuck there is always someone who has had the same problem or someone around to point you in the right direction.

Defect, man, defect !!!!
I deep sixed my MS box about 2 years ago for a mac.

It just works... and above all, is FUN to use.

I am running Mac OS X, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Ubuntu (all on an Intel Mac), so I am in a good position to make comparisons.

XP has been around for a while. Although its security stinks, there are drivers for most things. Vista will still be in beta for a year or more, the only difference is that you have to pay to test it now.

Ubuntu seems like a very thin varnish and an very ugly OS and it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get drivers for common hardware items. If you have more time than money, that's the way to go.

I am prepared to pay a little more for something that is a whole lot better- MacOS X.

I'm an IT professional who's dealt with Mac's for nearly 15 years. I tried working with Windows but it's such an exasperating and frustrating experience - and I prefer to go home without headaches. I do still have to deal with the odd PC though and the headaches are still there.

I will say that around 90% of mainstream applications can be found on Macs and Windows, so in theory it doesn't matter which you use, but I've witnessed stauch PC users switching and saying "is it always this easy on a Mac?"

The fact of the matter is, as others have pointed out here, most people using computers for a living need to just be able to get on with their work and not have to wrestle with their machines in order to work properly.

Upgrading an operating system is not trivial. The user should NOT discover after an upgrade that a lot of their hardware no longer works. And expecting the average user to trawl the web for compatible drivers is simply unacceptable, even if they know what to look for.

Imagine taking your car in for a major 10,000 mile service, getting it back to discover the wipers, heater and lights don't work. Oh, and only two brakes work as the new system 'isn't quite ready for four'. And you need a different kind of oil than can only be purchased as one brand of garage. For a lot of money. And you need a password to drive onto the forecourt. But if you've changed the colour of your car they won't let you in.... etc etc etc

With the exception of DirectX 10 there is nothing vista can do that can't be done with XP, why people are wasting money on this rubbish is beyond me.

Try Ubuntu. It installs in about ten minutes, looks great and its fast. Worth a try at least.

Sadly I need Dreamweaver and Vegas Video so have to stick with Windows for the moment. But I'm hoping Linux will develop enough over the next 3-4 years so I'll never have to switch to Vista.

To those who say "its not microsoft's fault you need new drivers". You should remember that NO-ONE asked micro$oft "PLEASE MAKE VISTA INCOMPATIBLE with older software". Its like Ford selling a car with needs a unique tow bar and roofrack and most tyres are not suitable. M$'s standard strategy is to introduce as many incompatibilities as possible - especially with other windows platforms. Then if you add one new machine you fall down the slope of upgrading EVERY machine very quickly because there will be issues otherwise. eg. printer and modem sharing between most versions of windows. Its the same with Office file formats.

I stopped upgrading Windows at Windows 98 Second Edition, which I am currently running. The Microsoft Money Machine can take a running jump! My 98 SE setup works just fine with everything I want to do.

Tried downloading and installing new drivers.........? You shouldn't have to replace your hardware.

The manufacturer for the hardware is responsible for the drivers, not MS.

MS have their faults but can't blame them for everything.

Oh, and reading some of the comments. Ubuntu and any other operating system would have the same problem if they had a major overahul, which is what has happened with Vista, so pulease!!!

It feels somewhat unfair to say it but to go out and buy a machine with a copy of a brand new operating system and expect it to work with all of your third party peripherals is slightly naive. To reinforce what some others have said in response to your letter, you can rarely expect the first release of a complex software product to be free of issues, regardless of much testing has been done prior to release. It may not be ideal but it's simply a fact software development life.

It's also worth noting that unless the manufacturers of the third party products you are having problems with have stated that they will not support Vista, you can safely expect them to release driver updates in the very near future. Talk of being forced to spend hundreds of pounds on replacement equipment therefore seems rather melodramatic.

When OSX first arrived there were compatibility issues with almost all necessary software. Many software companies took over a year to bring their products up to speed OSX. Suggesting that the apple operating system didn't have compatibility issues is dishonest. The user will not have a better time with Ubuntu or other versions of Linux. Not only will most of the article writer's hardware, not work with Linux, but the GUI and lack of software will be like downgrading to WIN 3.1. Vista is what OSX was 4 years ago. For that reason alone, the article writer should consider switching to OSX.

Comment number 4's reference to a power station versus a gas boiler rather misses the point with respect to reliability. Just as a search engine (or a gas boiler) can occasionally fail without catastrophic results, the same cannot be said for a power station.

Apple managed to change an entire OS to a new CPU with less problems than vista seems to be creating. At least 80% of the software still worked if slower on a newer Mac.

Vista looks nice and probably will be a good thing when the kinks are ironed out of it.

I find it very amusing how there are so many versions of it and the price ranges are amazing. You get this feature or that feature spend 300 pounds you can have all features....

Personelly sticking to Apple and OSX just makes more sense in the long run.

I'd like to say I am surprised by your problems, but I'm not. I decided months ago that my next personal purchase would be a Mac. I personally avoid Microsoft software where there is a viable alternative, and I only accidentally installed Internet Explorer 7 because it was sent to me as a 'critical update'!

DO NOT UPGRADE TO VISTA... wait until you need a new machine.

That's right, get a Mac...and pay an extra £300 for the badge! Isn't that what school children do when they have a tantrum about not having the latest pair of street cred trainers??

Why don't you save your money and ask someone who knows what they're doing for help!

Otherwise, go for it, splash out on your expensive (Mac) word processor so that you can send emails and tell your friends you have a trendy computer ;O)

Install virtual pc (which is free) and build a windows xp machine on your vista laptop. You will be able to use your camera and PDA until suitable vista drivers appear.

I've done what alot of people seem to be doing. Upon reading a 'Have Your Say' thread about Visa I ended up googling Ubuntu. I dual boot with XP at the moment but am in the process of making the full transition to Linux. I dont believe in lining Bill's pockets with my hard earned cash, come to think of it I wont do the same for Apple. I love the look of their new machines, but it still isnt free!

One of the best things about Ubuntu or the other linux distros is the community that surrounds it. Check out www.ubuntuforums.org to see for your self. If your ever stuck there is always someone who has had the same problem or someone around to point you in the right direction.

There's another good solution. It's called Linux - and it's free. Try SUSE 10.2 and you'll wonder why you ever bothered with Microsoft

I'm amazed at the number of people commenting on this article who blame everyone EXCEPT Microsoft for things not working with Vista.

Vista is Microsoft's new product - not Olympus, not HP or anyone else. It's Microsoft's job to ensure that older hardware and software works with Vista - not anyone else's. Why did Microsoft design Vista in such a way that it breaks older applications and drivers? They did this - not the developers of the applications and the drivers.

It constantly amazes me how many people are prepared to come up with excuses for Microsoft when Microsoft put out a second-rate product. In most other industries, Microsoft would have been out of business by now for ignoring the basic requirements of their customers.

The reason they can get away with this is simple - they have a virtual monopoly over the PC market (sorry, Mac devotees, the Mac share of the market is simply tiny). About time the competition authorities got serious and broke up this monopoly - we are all paying (literally) for the consequences.

Yours, Mike.

Well what can be said about that? 15 years! If you can’t tell the real benefits of using windows over Mac! And you feel ridiculed by your Mac using friends you should really switch! Vista is extremely simple! I have been using it even in its beta days, I take my hat off to Microsoft! Also if you don’t like the flashy interface as usual you can switch it off!

i would heartilly agree that vista is a flawed operating system where by it has some good points the amount of bad i have found in 3 days of using far outweigh the good.
I have been downloading files from the likes of nero and even microsoft and get crc errors whatever i download over 10mb in filesize and nobody seems to know why..The training socalled help staff have had is appaling they really should have tested this with other commercial software before releasing it for us all to have a woes with it.Now i have got that of my chest catch ya laters guys.

Robert, here is yet another irksome little problem that awaits all new Vista purchasing persons.

Call security now...cancel or allow!

Switching times, perhaps?

http://www.apple.com/getamac/

The ONLY reason anyone would ever possibly want a windows machine is to play games on.
The range of games available on Apple and *NIX machines is pitiful, but they will do everything else.
The reason I haven't switched to Mac (yet) is that I do enjoy gaming, and the dedicated games consoles never really appealed, as they come out so frequently, I'd have to upgrade every year.
On the other hand, the Wii looks interesting, and Solaris is free...

I am pretty surprised by your comments. I installed a clean version of Vista on a Dell laptop of about 18 months in age. I was expecting a host of issues, and lack of functionality in the Aero graphics. But i have to say I have been totally blown away by the ease of installation - even the Aero transparency works beautifully. NOT ONE BUG OR PROBLEM, it was a total joy to install. Dell had updated all the drivers I required.

Blaming Microsoft for your drivers not working is a strange way to do it. Driver compatibility has ALWAYS been an issue, its not MS's fault that new drivers haven't been released. Manufacturers such as Dell have had access to Vista for months. I would suggest that HP have no motivation to update drivers... however persuading customers to buy new hardware contains plenty of motivation.

Would you be happy if you bought a new car and it didn't drive. I rest my case.

i would heartilly agree that vista is a flawed operating system where by it has some good points the amount of bad i have found in 3 days of using far outweigh the good.
I have been downloading files from the likes of nero and even microsoft and get crc errors whatever i download over 10mb in filesize and nobody seems to know why..The training socalled help staff have had is appaling they really should have tested this with other commercial software before releasing it for us all to have a woes with it.Now i have got that of my chest catch ya laters guys.

Oh dear, many things wrong here. Firstly, perhaps it would have been prudent of you to check if your hardware would be compatible. To be honest, I think it's user error. My iPaq worked without issue under Vista, and quite correctly, it's been pointed out the it's Olympus who are responsible for creating drivers for the OS. I really think you should refrain from making comments such as "And, just so you know, I’ve never once had a comparably horrible experience with the Google boys.", when clearly Google develop and provide web services, content and other products, but NOT operating systems. This statement pretty much invalidates most of your criticisms, as MS clearly know that you don't know what you're talking about. You may as well have said 'Well I've never set fire to my kitchen while driving my car'. Vista's new UI features can be disabled with one click, so why not disable them? And if you're not happy, switch to Mac. Sadly, that's not always an option as OSX simply doesn't have the range of applications that Windows does. OS choice is about your requirements. Research them before whingeing.

It is fair to blame MS for the drivers not working, used to work on XP didnt they ?

MS's high handed attitude to vendirs is well documented elsewhere

As always there is some truth and some falsehood here.

As another poster pointed out blaming MS for the lack of a Vista driver for your Olympus digital recorder is ridiculous. You need to pursue your hardware manafacturer to get the right drivers. I could not immediately spot any drivers on Olympus's site (http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_downloads.asp). It is not as though Olympus have not been aware of Vista shipping (or Apple with ITunes). It looks to me as though neither Olympus (or Apple) really care about their customers because they did not make compatible software available for VIsta's launch.

If you have trouble synching your HP Ipaq it may be that you need to install WIndows Mobile Device Centre. You can get it here (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/devicecenter.mspx).

But blaming MS for the faults of Olympus is a bit like blaming MS that
Apple could not be bothered to ready ITunes for Vista. It really is Olympus and Apple's fault.

So, all the apologists for Vista blame the problems on someone else - no drivers, third parties etc. If we are to believe the Microsoft advertising, Vista took 5 years, and millions of programming hours to produce. MS then charge £210 for a copy - yet they still launch a faulty product and expect people to wait until SP1 for the mistakes to be corrected! Can anyone else, in any other industry get away with this? Ford or Boeing for example?
Me? I stick with Sabayon Linux - works out of the box, has a 3D desktop and all the eye-candy Vista can offer and more.

Don't listen to any of the delusional mac zealots. Their simple polo necked lives are enriched only by petty baubles and glittering piffle.

The reason mac users say they have no problems is because they don't use their overpriced machines for much beyond surfing the web for hair gel and designer hats and scarves.

As for linux, it's a disgraceful mess of command line sorcery and low grade open source software, and is only to be considered by people with large beards, no social life and questionable personal hygene.

i would heartilly agree that vista is a flawed operating system where by it has some good points the amount of bad i have found in 3 days of using far outweigh the good.
I have been downloading files from the likes of nero and even microsoft and get crc errors whatever i download over 10mb in filesize and nobody seems to know why..The training socalled help staff have had is appaling they really should have tested this with other commercial software before releasing it for us all to have a woes with it.Now i have got that of my chest catch ya laters guys.

Why do you keep calling it Mac OS? It's Unix people. A standard operating system created by the some genuinely smart guys. All Apple did was a sundae dressing. Microsoft re-wrote it's core operating system. Apple could never dare do that. Cos they have more in common with fashion designers. Apple isn't technology innovator. Never was.

If you understand technology right, you would say, Linux(Deb), BSD, Windows.

Well, I did the same, I upgraded to Vista and here I am, without two Hardware components working. My Netgear SC101 Storage Device for my Hard Drives and my HP 4670 Scanner. Now, this is not Microsoft's fault. The Hardwear Vendors have had two years to get their drivers to work with the new Operating System of Vista. I'm sure they do this for the MAC OSX. So before you start to have a go at Microsoft, you need to see why the Hardware vendors have not sorted out drivers for the hardware. Is is such a major problem for them to produce these drivers?

I don’t put the incompatibility with hardware at the fault of Microsoft.

It is the hardware manufacturers at fault. Vista formerly known as longhorn for many years has been available in beta form for drivers to be made and tested in time for the launch of Vista final.

I have an Epson printer that I cannot get working right with Vista the same with my NVIDIA SLI card setup and lastly my TV card has no final drivers yet just beta.

But they will be along so I can use beta drivers or vista basic drivers in the mean time and this is why I am dual booting with XP.

So it is not MS at fault it is the other companies. As they had ample time to get drivers ready and over to MS as digitally signed and integrated with vista.

Any non-technical user who goes out and buys newly released hardware deserves all they get! Just because the telly says 'Buy Vista' doesn't mean you should buy Vista.

Lack of techinical knowledge about a product is the number one reason not to buy it. If you were actually to do a little research before your purchase, exactly like you would with a new car for instance, you would realise that now is not yet the time for Vista.

Do your homework before spending your hard-earned!

Try Linux (Ubuntu is good). It's free, secure and uses fewer resources than Vista needs.

Microsoft is the one to blame. They release a new OS but they don't leave time to hardware and software company to test and develop Vista compatible products. Even if companies had beta version of Vista, for lots of them there is no point to spent time and money fixing bugs which may not be there in final release. So if you don't want to waste time and money, wait MS fixes releases SP1 and 3rd parties vista ready drivers and software.
People who bought Vista and expected to have a trouble free upgrade was not realistic. Compatibility issues have always existed in the past. So stop complaining or ask a refund...:-)

I don’t put the incompatibility with hardware at the fault of Microsoft.

It is the hardware manufacturers at fault. Vista formerly known as longhorn for many years has been available in beta form for drivers to be made and tested in time for the launch of Vista final.

I have an Epson printer that I cannot get working right with Vista the same with my NVIDIA SLI card setup and lastly my TV card has no final drivers yet just beta.

But they will be along but I can use beta drivers or vista basic drivers in the mean time and this is why I am dual booting with XP.

So it is not MS at fault it is the other companies. As they had ample time to get drivers ready and over to MS as digitally signed and integrated with vista.

My Olympus voice recorder and its software work beautifully on my Mac Powerbook G4 (a machine made in April 2004 and running the latest Mac OS with no issues, after several problem-free OS upgrades). The PB has also never crashed, and has never had a virus (or antivirus software).

I have to jump on the "get a Mac" bandwagon here. What the BBC would have in extra expenses in relation to acquisition, would easily pay off in regard to support and maintainance - not to mention productivity.

Nobody with your experience should willingly buy Microsoft products until they've been on the market for at least a year. Let other poor saps be their free beta testers!

Don't bother throwing more money away buying a Mac laptop until you've tried Linux which IMHO is better than Mac, has a better interface that is X-compatible, is a lot cheaper and will run on your present platform.

Load Kubuntu 6.10 via a live CD to see how it works then install it, partitioning your disk which is probably bigger than you need anyway. That way you can have both systems available until you decide to throw MS away for good. I have Kubuntu 6.10 on my Dell Inspiron 6000 and there were *no* installation problems at all.

There is a learning curve for sure but at least there is also open source maintenance that doesn't depend on the Redmond response rate - or Apple for that matter.

what is the point buying vista when xp works fine, xp is cheaper and works just as well as vista. people may say its more secure, well its not really all you have to do is get a decent sercurity package.

people might say mac is better, its really a mith. there starting to find bugs haha. macs are for advanced users, a little kid wnt want a mac for his 13th birthday its way to anvanced.

Microsoft focus on showering you with unnecessary features to sell their products when all we all want is SOMETHING THAT WORKS.

Fancy graphics with flowers popping up at the bottom of the screen and taking paper clips make me want to vomit, because all of that just eats up the CPU unnecessarily.

When is Microsoft going to realize that Google have the key. It's to take a minimalist approach to the software you provide, and in doing so you can provide something that WORKS, instead of a million features that don't work.

The answer to your problems are simple. There is no need to wait for a new service pack. The problems stem from the fact that Vista is heavily security based. I had similar problems installing some software, but simply by removing certain secuity settings these can be resolved easily.

There is no need to buy any new hardware, just spend some time learning about the system rather than doing the easy option and complaining.

So, all the apologists for Vista blame the problems on someone else - no drivers, third parties etc. If we are to believe the Microsoft advertising, Vista took 5 years, and millions of programming hours to produce. MS then charge £210 for a copy - yet they still launch a faulty product and expect people to wait until SP1 for the mistakes to be corrected! Can anyone else, in any other industry get away with this? Ford or Boeing for example?
Me? I stick with Sabayon Linux - works out of the box, has a 3D desktop and all the eye-candy Vista can offer and more.

For many years before the announcement of Windows Vista, the ongoing project was referred to as project longhorn and was something of a bogey-man that struck fear into the hearts of many of my peers. It was said that the operating system released from Project Longhorn would be Microsoft's final step in taking over the entire IT market, that the OS would make all computers incompatible with anything that isn't Microsoft and force consumers to convert to their OS or face alienation.
It seems that this prophecy wasn't far wrong, if a little melodramatic...
I'm going to sit on the fence and carry on running XP Pro until I've seen how Vista works out; once all of those famous MS bugs which they're so good at making have been worked out. I'd suggest that everyone else should do the same.

Any non-technical user who goes out and buys newly released hardware deserves all they get! Just because the telly says 'Buy Vista' doesn't mean you should buy Vista.

Lack of techinical knowledge about a product is the number one reason not to buy it. If you were actually to do a little research before your purchase, exactly like you would with a new car for instance, you would realise that now is not yet the time for Vista.

Do your homework before spending your hard-earned!

I don’t put the incompatibility with hardware at the fault of Microsoft.

It is the hardware manufacturers at fault. Vista formerly known as longhorn for many years has been available in beta form for drivers to be made and tested in time for the launch of Vista final.

I have an Epson printer that I cannot get working right with Vista the same with my NVIDIA SLI card setup and lastly my TV card has no final drivers yet just beta.

But they will be along but I can use beta drivers or vista basic drivers in the mean time and this is why I am dual booting with XP.

So it is not MS at fault it is the other companies. As they had ample time to get drivers ready and over to MS as digitally signed and integrated with vista.

I have been running Vista on a Toshiba Tablet, HP Slim line Desktop and Dell Laptops for the and had no problems at all everything worked first time. It should be the hardware people you complain about they have had more than enough time to make drivers ready for Vista after all you can't expect Microsoft to test every possible bit of hardware in the world

What a surprise, Microsoft have done what has always worked in the past by releasing a partly tested product with fully tested marketing.
Originally it worked because IBM forgot the P means personal and engineered OS/2 for mainframe software engineers ( true ). Apple engineered their machines to industrial strength reliability, and still do.
Microsoft released poor code and blasted General Management with 'look how cheap we are'. General Management, selling their own customers on totallife cost of ownership, rejected IT Directors warnings about support costs and lost time when PC's crash and insisted on Bill's Bargain.
My next machine will be my first Mac

Don't Buy and they will fix. Its simple. Don't upgrade to Vista and demand XP and Microsoft will get the message and will have to fix. The inherent complexity of windows trying to be all things to all people and forwards and backwards in time, is the achilles heel. Look at Apple. A clean break - with OSX and they're steaming forwards.

Windows should be based on a UNIX file system also. NTFS - please, two folders on the desktop of the same name, one inside the other and XP spits the dummy and cannot give an accurate figure on remaining hard disk space. Come on. Kill NTFS and get Unix under the hood.

Microsoft aren't evil, they're just a cult which believes they're stuff "Rules & Rocks" but in a very MS way.

No one forces you to upgrade. What I don't from windows haters is - if you don't like the software then don't use it !!! No one forces you too. Is it really that difficult a choice ?

No Robert, It's NOT your fault.

Whenever Microsoft bring out a new product they apply marketing pressure, to make those who don't upgrade feel as if they are being left behind.

Of course, anybody who is happy with what is already working is not being left behind but is actually showing common sense. My home PC was purchased in 1999 and still works perfectly with minimal upgrades.

In short, "If it ain't broke don't mend it". If upgrading to Vista breaks your machine, downgrade to XP and reinstall and then it will probably work.

Otherwise go back to the shop and demand your money back as the laptop is unfit for purpose.

Peter Woodall remarks above on Huw Edwards' crawly interview with Bill Gates. Most bewilderingly, Edwards hailed Gates as 'the great innovator'. No demur from Gates, of course, but he must have been having a little laugh to himself. Gates' "innovations" are of the kind of which the great acquisitor and asset-stripper Lord Hanson would have been proud. Windows is built on patent-free, copyright-free software without which it would have neither user interface nor internet capabilities. The relevant code was added over the years before the crazy introduction of American software patents helped Microsoft - an arch collector of the latter - further stifle genuine competitive IT innovation.

If you're miffed with Vista, you can always go to the even more proprietorial Apple, but Linux with its low cost and rock solid reliability and security is ready and waiting, complete with Click'n'Run as several posters say above.

Rob -
1) If you don't like Vista's interface why did you buy a laptop with Vista installed on it. That's like buying a car from a manufacturer having never seen it.
2)You'll probably notice on the packaging to your olympus camera and your HP IPAQ that it has no mention of working on Windows Vista. If it didn't mention that it would work on a Mac and you went out and brought a Mac laptop would that be Apple's problem? Before you go pinning the blame on Microsoft you should pin the blame on yourself for not checking with your product manufacturers that they had drivers / software updates available before you switched to a computer with a different operating system.
Please don't get hacked off at your own ignorance and then pin the blame on someone else for it. Think before you blog!

No Robert, It's NOT your fault.

Whenever Microsoft bring out a new product they apply marketing pressure, to make those who don't upgrade feel as if they are being left behind.

Of course, anybody who is happy with what is already working is not being left behind but is actually showing common sense. My home PC was purchased in 1999 and still works perfectly with minimal upgrades.

In short, "If it ain't broke don't mend it". If upgrading to Vista breaks your machine, downgrade to XP and reinstall and then it will probably work.

Otherwise go back to the shop and demand your money back as the laptop is unfit for purpose.

Rob -
1) If you don't like Vista's interface why did you buy a laptop with Vista installed on it. That's like buying a car from a manufacturer having never seen it.
2)You'll probably notice on the packaging to your olympus camera and your HP IPAQ that it has no mention of working on Windows Vista. If it didn't mention that it would work on a Mac and you went out and brought a Mac laptop would that be Apple's problem? Before you go pinning the blame on Microsoft you should pin the blame on yourself for not checking with your product manufacturers that they had drivers / software updates available before you switched to a computer with a different operating system.
Please don't get hacked off at your own ignorance and then pin the blame on someone else for it. Think before you blog!

After running and testing the beta version of Vista for a while, and knowing it could run my essential applications satisfactorily. I decided to take the plunge and buy Vista on it's release.

Granted, there are some driver problems but on the whole, I find Vista to actually be quicker than my old XP! I am however prepared to go hunting for beta and hacked drivers to get the best performance.

For people who don't even know what a beta driver is or where to go looking for one (ie. Nvidia hacked drivers for my laptop, which have vastly improved Aero performance) then I say stick with XP for a while, at least for say 3 or 4 months until companies such as Olympus have created their drivers for maximum compatibility.

I do, however feel it is unfair to always blame Microsoft with the problems Vista might be having. People have pointed out that it is generally the software DRIVERS created by other companies which are the root of the problems. The final version of vista was actually released several months ago, surely the main companies could have produced compatible drivers by now?

I upgraded as I knew what I was letting myself in for and don't regret it for one second. I have even gone back to IE7 from Firefox 2 as it's more stable so far!

It's quite funny listening to all the Mac owners getting so excited over the release of the latest O/S from Microsoft.

Of course, we all know how it will go. Mac owners will gloat, without good cause I might add, Vista will find it's way onto over 90% of PC's, just like it's predecessors have done and everybody will forget what a Mac is again until the next big Microsoft release where the process will repeat itself.

Strange how PC owners are quite content to use their machines without trying to sell them to every Mac user they know and yet Mac owners seem completely incapable of doing the same.

See the light? Buy a Mac!

Macs aren't the answer. They are the preserve of the supercilious and for those that have a relationship with their computer similar to one that a normal person has with their partner. Have you seen the world of Mac recently? Apple is the new Microsoft.

Really, these things are just tools to do a job. You don't need a flashy computer any more than you need a Gucci garden spade or a Vivienne Westwood lawnmower. I'll stick with what I've got, keep my cash for going out and having a life.

Get a Mac. I have three. The rest of this post ought to be unnecessary detail, but if you must...They look beautiful, work seamlessly, provide consistent reliability, make me happy, update frequently (without fault) and impressively, have never rejected a piece of hardware.

Vista, a new version of Windows, that like previous versions, doesn't work very well. Despite trying its hardest to behave like a Mac, for over twenty years. There's reliability for you!

Dorian, I disagree with your view that Olympus are responsible for drivers. Vista is overwhelmed with system barriers that prevent simple compatibility with third party devices, in the name of security. Microsoft have set out to control third party access to Vista, because it reduces the risks. A Mac will simply recognise the type of device, ask the user if they would like to use it, confirm that the user has the authority to grant permission, and then let the user get on with the task in hand - assuming it presents a security risk. If it doesn't, it will just let you use it!!. And because Macs work, I get other stuff done, instead of wasting hours tracking down and downloading and configuring... Vista is a mass market consumer product. You shouldn't have to wait for service pack 1. The presumption on the part of experienced users, that a SP will follow shortly, underlines Microsoft's major failing in the last decade. It should work straight out of the box. Or will the really experienced users say "wait for SP2...."

No responsibility is accepted for readers of this post using my personal opinion of equipment & software that I have paid for, and used satisfactorily, for nearly five years. Its just my personal opinion. ;o)

Get a Mac? I can't get a Mac, so much software I need is not available on Mac and is unlikely ever to be. Never mind waiting for a couple of drivers, how about not being a large enough Apple user base to ever make it worth porting software to?

//Yes, go and buy a MAC as all these people suggest and then, 80% of websites you view will be messed up, re-buy all your software as it's null and void on a MAC and then spend the next 5 months working out all the keyboard shorcuts that now dont work.
I've used MACS and hate them, they do nothing for me.
Just trendy "Anti-Microsoft" computer nerds who like GMail and IPods.//

80% of websites!!??

are you mad?

in over 18 months i havent come across a SINGLE website i cant access.

as to re-buying software.. most of it is freeware or shareware, OPEN OFFICE for instance FREE.

you say you used macs before, WHEN?

i find people tend to be anti anything thats a pain in the backside.. if thats your OS then change it.

to use the car analogy: you dont go to a garage and buy a windscreen,oil cap, chassis and wheels from seperate vendors and then expect that it will function smoothly.. or if you do, but then it has a problem the oil cap guy will pass the buck to the windscreen guy etc.

Apple provide a one stop solution, there is nowhere for them to pass the buck to.

and as to your comments about keyboards... i bet you HATE mobile phones? still used to the old dial on telephones of the 60s and prior - yeah?

Dear Mr Mercedes
Give me back my weekend. I bought a new Mercedes saloon – and that’s when the trouble began.

My dislike of your new driver controls you can put down to the conservatism that comes with advancing years. However having loyally stuck by the galumphing, unaesthetic functionality of your previous cars over the past 15 years, while faced with ridicule from pretentious Jaguar-loving types, I resent your attempt at an elegance transplant.

But what really grates is that your car is incompatible with two of the vital tools of my old vehicle. My new saloon refuses to accept the mounting bracket for my mobile phone, even though this fit fine in the previous model. And here’s what takes the biscuit. I bought a nice set of after market car mats for my old car, but these simply don't fit right in the new one – even though the mats were made by Mercedes!

In future I think I'll buy a Skoda.

It strikes me that the people exclaiming "it's the drivers stupid!" are missing the point, people shouldn't have to worry about these things. I don't care who's to blame it should all just work. I think I remember being promised "plug and play" nearly ten years ago.

One thought is that drivers becoming incompatible in new releases is one area where the open source community have it figured out - if the drivers source code had been gave to Microsoft they could have made the devices work for every future version, just like the Linux kernel people do.

what is wrong with Linux???? it is free, has far more functionailty, rarely ever crashes, is always being improved and its free software tha comes as standard, is years in advance fo anything windows offers. also, it is easy to use, so long as you uses Suse, ubuntu, or the like.
microsoft takes advantage of a vast marketim to from their own clique, and by the nature of its size, it has to sell all it can to stay big. if people got rid of their intellectual lazines, the would se there are other worlds far better than what Microsoft offer.

I too bought a new laptop this weekend, but chose one of the very few models that wasn't preloaded with Vista. Not because I was worried about becoming the latest beta-tester or because I feel Mac OS is far superior - I actually use both. No, much simpler than that - price.

I regulary use a feature of XP that lets me work on a remote PC (Remote Desktop). I know many others who use this feature too - in fact, it's a pretty indispensable feature for people who either work from home or travel. So, why oh why is this feature missing from the version of Vista (Home Premium) that is preloaded on all the current laptops I've seen being sold? Ah, it's in Vista Ultimate, you say. Well, how much to upgrade from Vista Home Premium to Ultimate? £189 - the same as if you went from a previous version of Windows!!

Come on Microsoft - is nobody being paid to devise suitable upgrade paths?!! I don't want to go from Win2k or XP to Vista Ultimate; I want to go from one version of Vista (that should have the feature I want, anyway) to another - that's all. The Microsoft upgrade pricing gurus are effectively saying: if you trade in your old car for this new one with a towbar, it'll cost you X. But if you've already bought the new car from us - the one we have in ALL our showrooms - and would like a towbar, it'll also cost you X.

Interesting sales proposition from Microsoft that...

My brother (hardware engineer) and nephew (software engineer) have always advised me never, never to touch a new OS until it's at least a year old. Buyers who must have the latest upgrade are always the guinea-pigs.

Though I completely agree with all the comments relating to drivers being the vendors responsibility I do feel Microsoft could do more to emphasise this point to the buying public, especially during the early release stages, it shouldn't just be assumed that everyone knows this! On the face of it you can't really blame people for buying a product marketed as an upgrade and expecting it to work - or maybe you can with Microsoft! Though on this particular issue if you have 'vital tools of trade' at stake it might be sensible to check your tools are certified for use by a new OS before buying it! After all, if you had a problem with a driver for a camera for example where would you go to check for updates - microsofts website, or the manufacturers?

What a wonderful and healthy debate!

O.k., so we have three (or four) camps in this debate: Macs vs. MS (XP and/or Vista) vs. Linux.

Please answer me this then:
Which OS, chip architecture, etc do I choose if I want a "home computer" that:
1. Can be bought online & is cheap (by that I mean I have been happy with Dell prices and sales and delivery in the past).
2. Software pre-installed (or at least the OS pre-installed and the rest EASY and quick to download, install and RUN - no hassles!).
3. Needs no complicated set up or instatallation.
4. Intuitive to use.
5. Works fine with my Tiscali supplied Speedtouch Broadband modem & connection, etc
6. Runs my IE7 and/or Firefox 1.5 browsers.
7. Has an EASY to use media player for playing tunes from my hard drive AND especially online live radio streaming
8. Runs MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Acrobat, Photoshop - all with no problems.
(No thank you - I don't want to have to learn some "open source" Office type application.)

If I answered ALL of the above spec. myself, it would currently be:
buy another Dell but stick with XP.

Prove me wrong (I hope) Mac & Linux boys & girls on:
Cost & delivery
AND ease of use
AND not having to relearn new applications
AND runs 'out of the box'.

Thank you.

Like all MS OS's before, Vista is no different. Like a Ferrari, it has beatifully slick lines outside; solid gold wheel hubs, diamond encrusted wipers, bodywork as soft and smooth as a babies skin,

and under the hood is ......

an engine from a moped. Unlike a Ferrari.

Mr. Gates, Vista may be the most expensive piece of software you've ever developed, but where was that money spent? Making it look good, I suggest. How about actually making the underlying core substantial enough to cope with any piece of 3rd party software. Yes, we can all blame 3rd party software when our system fails, but let me remind you what an OPERATING SYSTEM is meant to do. It's primary purpose is to maintain control no matter what applications may do. It's not beyond the capabilities of Microsoft to allow backwards compatibility.

How many of you Microsoft devotees would accept it if, having purchased the very latest DVD player, you find that your original DVD won't play on it. You've got to go and buy your collection all over again. The new Blu-Ray and HD-DVD player will still play your old DVDs.

But there is one thing Bill Gates is very good at. He knows how to market his products. He could sell ice cubes to an eskimos, sand to a desert nomad.

It is very unfair to judge the OS like this just a few days after its release.
One has to remember that the issues that you have described are nothing to do with the OS itself but rather with the 3rd party programs.

Windows has to run on a much MUCH wider variety of hardware configurations than Mac OS ever has, and to get EVERYTHING perfect upon release is not only difficult, its neigh on impossible!

3rd party developers are yet to update thier software and drivers for the new OS - is that Microsoft's fault? I think not.

"And, just so you know, I’ve never once had a comparably horrible experience with the Google boys."

Oh, because they have a lovely...website? Yes, its very good, but hardly an operating system now is it.

I've just renewed my TV license. I'd rather have used the money upgrading my machine than paying for you to upgrade yours.

It's funny how the BBC seem bent on rubbishing the Vista release (not just this blog entry but the slant taken on the ridiculous story about the speach recognition "bug"). Last time I looked they were lead partner with Microsoft with Paul Almond demonstrating the new Media Player and the BBC having signed a partnership for developing deigital services, including a "radically re-invented" website...

What a world, a plain old experienced user like Robert Peston complains about gross deficiencies and errors in a much hyped new Microsoft "production" Vista operating system and a riposte from one of his readers was "you shouldn't buy it yet". Microsoft has failed miserably to test adequately or they have practiced deceit on the public by selling a "beta" version as production, or possibly both. I do believe Gates and Bulmer need to answer these kinds of seriously dreadful experiences with apologies and reparations as well as fixes. I'm bound to say however that all my experience with Microsoft is of exceedingly fussy tough and time consuming s/w that achieves little more than equivalent freeware and mostly less than Apple equivalents.

Jospeh Foster writes that the only hardware you can rely on to work on a Mac is Apple hardware. I assume he probably means in the event of a major OS release.

Actually MacOS is very good with drivers, and it benefits from being a mature OS. Ok, so yes there was a difficult transition from the old MacOS to MacOS X, but this is was a serious re-write of an entire operating system on top of an *incredibly* stable kernel. Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 2000, Windows XP and now Vista. Win2k and XP have the same codebase more or less. Vista is 4-5 years behind OSX. So maybe you should wait 4 years before buying it - by which time OSX (or XII or whatever) will be in a different place altogether, and thanks to Apple's approach to technology and human interface, you can guarantee it'll be simpler, friendlier and far more pleasurable to use than Vista Service Pack 6.

This is ridiculous, go ahead and switch to a mac and see what happens when they upgrade something. There won't be backward compatibility. Not only that but you will probably never get an updated driver for your hardware.

I am tired of this mac loving crap. It is not even rational. And there commercials have become a little over the top.

Robert,

Do you start slagging off Nokia when you get a poor signal on your mobile phone in the office? No, as it's clearly Vodafone's fault for not having a transmitter nearby.

(Random companies picked for the sake of argument.)

Or it's like complaining to BT when your £19.99 cordless phone from ASDA doesn't work.

So stop jumping on the bandwagon and attacking Microsoft - it's CLEARLY Olympus and HP which are causing the problems here. The final release of Vista has been around since about 8th November, so they've had ample chance to provide their customers with the goods.

And Apple are rubbish too - iTunes still hasn't been properly brought into the modern-day. How long does it take, people?

Fletch writes:
"I've used MACS and hate them, they do nothing for me.

Just trendy "Anti-Microsoft" computer nerds who like GMail and IPods."

It's funny how people get defensive when they have something to be ashamed of.

I don't have GMail, I use OSX Mail. Does a real nice job of filtering spam without me having to configure it.

All of my PC software runs in a window on my Mac (Parallels) - anything that needs graphics intensive stuff is on a Boot Camp partition. And Microsoft's Office for Mac is actually better than Office on Vista (which is just losing the plot).

Ironically, my iTunes library is on my seperate laptop PC.

Funny world. Pick your colour.

As soon as it was announced that linux was able to run a certain mmorpg it sold it to me. Vista sucks, Linux may not be perfect but it is free and (once set up) is rock solid, with lots of frequent updates.

I bought a new laptop before Christmas that came with XP. I've sent off the necessary to upgrade to Vista but I don't care when they finally ship the order (and it's not costing anything anyway). I only stick with Windows because of gaming. My home network server and office apps are run on Linux. Install Fedora Core 6 and watch your Vista woes disappear in 20 minutes ... although you may wonder why you paid for a Windows license in the first place :S

You may wish to give PC-BSD a try, user friendly, easy to update and maintain and DRM free.

The problem is deeper than Microsoft.

You would have no problems if the conduit between devices was standard. As an example, plug in a USB stick. Unless it was an early generation USB memory device it won't need drivers.

That's because, unlike the early years, where they differentiated each other by doing propriatory stuff, they decided the cost of keeping up wasn't worth it and just worked to an open standard: USB mass storage.

If this would be too limiting, if the source code were available and you could compile it, you may be able to find someone who could find and fix the problem.

Unfortunately, though there isn't any real downside for the manufacturer (unless you are forced to buy new kit), all the upsides are really for you, the customer. And, frankly, that doesn't help their bottom line this quater.

Mate, you need Linux. Yes, you will have the same issues that BOTH Mac and Microsoft users have with upgrades, but with two important distinctions: it's free, and you have the best tech support in the world (a team of millions of dedicated geeks that Microsoft would kill to get into the brains of).

I can't understand why ANYONE pays for things which are available free and open-source.

Get yourself a nice, stable, easy user interface like Ubuntu and you'll never look back.

Regarding ascribing to Olympus the problem with support. To an extenr, true. However, Olympus doesn't support Linux.

Yet I can use my Olympus camera in GIMP fine. Even RAW.

There are many other products that work with Linux *despite* (not because) of help from the manufacturers.

Robert followed up with...

"Gosh, it turns out from most of your responses that it's my fault that my previous laptop has collapsed and that what Microsoft touts as the answer to all my computing prayers can't actually do the most basic things I require of it. Stupid me"

It's not your fault that it all went wrong, but you do have some responsibility when it comes to buying a brand new, just released product by a company that (and I'm guessing from your tone) you don't entirely trust anyway.

This is what happens to early adopters. The smart money goes with xp on a new laptop and asks for a vista upgrade coupon.

Stupid no, naive possibly

Listen, anything microsoft and new is full of bugs and whizzy functionality that hardly anyone needs at the expense of the reliability that everyone needs. Yes I like the idea of a Mac too, but they sadly won't run the software I need to use. I'm still having to use win2000 pro. Even with XP I have never understood why the basic office packages are less reliable than ten years ago, take longer to do the same tasks even on a much faster machine, and take 10 times the ram. Call this progress ?!

Poor old Robert, I guess you never expected to get such a torrent of responses to your Open Letter, huh?
It always made me laugh when so many supposedly wise and knowledgeable commentators would pronounce the operating system wars were over, that Windows had won, and it was all just a replay of the VHS vs Betamax format war. If only operating systems were just as static as a video tape format, and they never changed or added anything... well, we could all just get on with our day, do our work, have fun. However, computer operating systems are not and never were anything like a static format. We get better hardware, better software, and tons of new ideas all the time. Is it any wonder that we appreciate newer and more useful operating systems? It seems to me that Microsoft have got themselves into an invidious position. After using all the dodgy business practices they were later found to have used, nearly everyone has ended up using their products. Perhaps this encouraged them to grow fat and lazy, perhaps not. However, one thing is very clear, and even their most ardent fan has to admit, they lost their way very badly in trying to develop a new operating system... the so-called Longhorn project that has ended up as Vista. In the end they have had only 18 months to 2 years, after going back to the drawing board, to bring out the new Vista flagship. It really doesn't surprise me that it is less than satisfactory for many people, such as yourself. I can only agree with many of the others who have posted on here, that this is a good time to look around and se what else is on offer. Comparing the "VHS/Betamax" equivalents of Windows and the other operating systems that were around a decade ago is to neglect the fact that sometimes we just find ourselves in an entirely new ballpark. Notice, this holds true in the good old video format wars arena... none of them are being used now,and we have a host of new and exciting technologies to enjoy. Personally it seems to me that too many people feel they just have to stick with Microsoft products for whatever purpose. Maybe they don't realise that the days of file compatibility problems are long gone. Perhaps they don't realise that maybe 90% or 95% of the documents created every day in Office (be they Word, Ecxel or Powerpoint) could just as easily be created in simpler, cheaper, or even free programs. Very few people actually need the power of Office in their everyday work. However, old habits do die hard as they say. Good luck with your new computer. Sounds like you will be investing lots of time in to it in the future

To the people saying "you upgraded without due diligence"... or stating that staying with XP may be a better option for the next few ( days | weeks | months ) until everything is ready for Vista..

what happens if you need to buy a new machine this week? Re-format it to get rid of the bundled Vista and put XP back on it ?

My simple rule after years of mistakes is, never upgrade the PC operating system. Wait to buy a new computer. From Windows 3.0 to 95, 95 to 98, 98 to 98SE -- every time, problems. I won't buy the Vista upgrade under any circumstances, but I may get a new Vista-based computer.

However, if MAC users want to pretend this doesn't happen on their end, they are in denial. My wife is a photographer and entirely MACed out, and when she upgraded her software many of her peripherals ceased to function until we could locate and install driver patches. Scanner, card dock, printer, back up drive -- just a confusing mess. One tech support person had to talk me through a delte process that brought me to five places on the MAC to remove software, files, and drivers.

Upgrading is often fraught with challenges because of the vast array of devices and opportunities for conflcts. MAC is superior in many respects, but in my experience, not in this one.

What a pointless waste of a post. All you have done is displayed your ignorance of the tools that you claim to use everyday in your work, and stir up the OS nazis as well.

Anybody in their right mind would look at Vista with a healthy amount of skepticism. Performance comparisons have shown that it is slower for games and video encoding - and if XP does what you want, why change immediately? And if your vendor won't ship a machine without Vista - find one that will.

You are not being forced into using Vista.

Macs are not so great, my ibook has broken down. A recent Which survey said that if you look at reliability and value for money you are better buying a Dell, and yet the same survey said that more mac owners would ancourage their friends to buy macs than dell owners tell their friends to buy dells.

Yes the switch to mac was liberating, but the novelty wore off after 6 months.

But yeah, vista, I would wait at least 18 months before even thiking about it.

I think Robert knows now that his problems relate to the lack of drivers from Olympus and H-P. I worked for a firm that made products that needed drivers for Windows, and Microsoft's certification process took a couple of weeks. That ensured that the company would have its drivers on the Windows CD. If not, users could still get the drivers from the company's web site, or the CD that came with the product.

I notice that no one who says "Get a Mac!" will give you any assurance that when the next version of OS X comes out that all the drivers will be present.

One driver that won't be there will be a Mac driver for nVidia's 8800 video card. The card may be the next generation of video, faster than anything ATI produces, and uses the same card slot as the Mac. nVidia says that the only way you'll get a driver is if Apple writes one.

But even if you go to a Mac and enjoy what you can of the computer industry's offerings, with the anti-malware promise of "No one writes malware for the Mac, let's hope it stays that way," we'll see you back on the PC in a few years. If Steve Jobs says that half of Mac buyers are new to the Mac, then the other half aren't enough to cover Mac users upgrading.

But good luck with Vista - when you have these problems resolved then you'll start enjoying the new features.

Hey Mel!

Interesting comment about blaming the driver makers. However...I'm using the latest Mac OSX and the drivers for the Olympus work on my OS X...and my 4 year old iMac G4. If I had one of the new iNTEL Macs, I'm sure that the HP would also work.

Don't need a new computer to run this stuff. Plug it in and it just works!

I tried to switch to Vista on my laptop. I am a gadget geek and was hopeful that Vista would be closer to OS X... I tried it about 3 times now, and each time I rebooted back into XP in disgust.

Vista's main problem is that it doesn't stay out of the way. All my hardware worked out of the box but there is a constant barrage of dialog boxes for anything and everything. Worse, Vista's dialog boxes are huge and filled with paragraphs of prose - and you, the user, need to read all of it to make the correct decision.

I would much rather get some work done, however, so I stick with XP, I am evaluating ubuntu linux and I am saving for a Mac. Thanks, Vista!

Hi Robert,

Have you downloaded the released version of Windows Mobile Device Centre. I have an iPaq (6515) and having installed that everything springs into life. The docs say that it supports all WM devices (HP and others) from 2003 onwards so, depending on how old your iPaq is, it may work for you.

The URL is http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/devicecenter.mspx

The software was released in the last few days (it's been beta for a while).

Dylan.

Microsoft has always been good at creating a lot of hype around their products and managed to send its flawed early versions of its products flying off the shelves.

Sometimes, its efforts to do this verge on the ridiculous. Over here (in Malta) students of all ages, Government employees, teachers and the elderly were given an opportunity to purchase a pack containing full versions of Vista Ultimate and Office 2007 for the equivalent of £50! Around 10% of the entire Maltese population had access to the offer.

Obviously, I signed up for the offer, but on reading all the reports about Vista being half-baked, and the issue with DRM being built into the kernel of the OS, I doubt I will ever upgrade my machine.

Ithought very quick my PC is coming up for 4 years, I can't face another 4 years with Microsoft, I am getting a MAC but certainly not from Tescos!

For different manufacturers' IT and telecomms devices to interwork they must conform with international standards. This is so obvious that it would normally be assumed that it doesn't require repetition.
But it clearly does.
International standards bodies define these standards through technical committees on which industry specialists sit.
Ever since MS has existed, it has consistently refused to play according to the rules. Its products rarely conform with international standards and it doesn't make its source code available to potential competitors. Its goal is monopoly.

Windows: Buy major revision only when you need a new computer for your needs-get the new OS at the cut-rate OEM price. Never upgrade, unless it's to SP1 or SP2. History: Windows 95 (Windows 4.0) was the fix for Windows 3.0; Windows 98 was the fix for Windows 95; Windows ME was just a mistake, just another Redmond won't admit to; Windows 98SE was the fix; Windows XP mated Windows 2000 with DOS-based consumer line, a serious improvement; SP1 made it real; SP2 was critical for the remarkably flawed code base of DOS, security holes aplenty.

Vista aims to do two things: improve security (a fix for XP) and improve the UI, i.e., compete with Apple OS X. It, as with all Windows changes, also seeks to promote Microsoft's attempt to control everything. Same business model: dirt cheap to OEM, expensive in retail box. When it's ready, just buy new computer to get Vista.

General: Don't upgrade OS until you know you'll have the drivers, from whatever source. Don't buy peripherals unless you know you have the drivers first. This applies equally to Windows and OS X.

Truth about Microsoft:
With Vista, Redmond hopes to close the gap with OS X. It does. Yet the same problems linger--security, security, security. Frankly Redmond does not have the guts to create a new OS, so instead it takes the tens of millions of lines of code and cracks it's employees brains to fix and improve them. It was a nightmare. Hey, but it's shipping. If they'd waited till most things were right, it'd be another five years. If you're truly attached to their OS, you should know the drill. Get your wallet ready.

Up next: The Truth About Apple

Robert, why do you persist in childish name-calling towards those of us who have the good sense to use a computer system that actually works ?

Maybe you spend too much time hanging out with small minded, ill-informed people like poster #87 ?

Well, good luck fixing your laptop. I'm off to do some pretentious work on my (problem free) Mac

Get a Mac and I'm not a nerd! I am a CA and management consultant and I have a computer science degree. I have to use PCs at work, but when I can, and always at home, I use a Mac. A Mac generally works like a fridge works -just like any other appliance - open it up and it works. "Crash" is not a word that OS X understands, at least not in my experience. MS Office is available for Macs and it works like it does on a PC or better. Safari browser is just wonderful and if you want Firefox instead, there is a full Mac version.

The big deal is that Macs don't get viruses or spyware and all the peripherals that I use just plug in and work instantly - no flashing lights and long waits like when Windose tries to recognise / remember a peripheral that has been plugged in twenty times before...and then hangs - like my Olympus dictaphone does when connecting to my PC at work.

Macs need wider adoption, and then the software for serious work would be cross-compiled or re-written to run on them. (The software houses need the market to be there before they spend the £££ developing the software.) Or they need Apple to pump prime them with money. (Are you listening Steve?)

Be happy. Get a Mac :-)

i just bought a new SONY VAIO TX3 laptop, and stupidly upgraded to Vista. no compatibility issues... just runs like a dog. the laptop says it's vista capable, but the RAM and CPU just cannot cope. MS shouldn't have allowed SONY to put the sticker on the front.

I use XP and Media Center on my desktops... won't change until SP1 comes out.

"... Any non technical person buying Vista as an upgrade is asking for trouble. Wait until SOME of the bugs have been fixed, i.e when service pack 1 has been released ..."

As a "technical" person, I say "anyone" upgrading to Vista is asking for trouble. Period.

My advice on when to upgrade to Vista is ...

... When Hell freezes over!

Why would any sane, rational person spend the kind of money, you need to spend to get Vista, on a product that is known to be broken?

George

P.S.
Want to buy a car? You say the breaks don't work? Wait for next years model. We'll have a fix by then.

Until then? Just drive slow and don't stop!

@Mel & @Greig

Hahaha! Remind me to tell that to the Windows zealots when there's a Linux discussion and they bring out the "driver argument".

I agree with the individual that cited Ubuntu above. It is probably the most user-friendly linux distro I have ever used. Now on to the fun stuff. I have a MS in Computer Science and have worked with both the Mac and Windows OS's and want to point a few things out. 1) As a repeat from above, your devices do not work because your vendor's dropped the ball. There's no elaboration needed here, see other posts. 2) The reason windows will stay ahead of the mac is partially because of game developer support. Last I checked, this is a huge market and the mac really does not have much going for it. 3) The undertaking Microsoft went through to develop Vista was quite impressive indeed and I would expect issues to arise when you have that many lines of code working behind your system. They will simply fix the most important ones and move on. But I do agree with an earlier post, wait a bit for the issues to be worked out. Give it a few months. 4) You do not need to upgrade to Vista nor move to a Mac immediately. Microsoft will support XP for years to come, so why spend the money? 5) As for the virus arguement with Windows vs Macs: Most script-kitties who write these have a windows PC lying around to play with and not a Mac because of the marketshare Window's has. If the Mac was the leader, I guarantee you would see more virus's and malware. No system is fool-proof as sloppy code exists in all systems, especially those as complex and a Mac or Windows PC uses. As for the comment that computers are supposed to be smart and just work...re-read that and consider what you are saying. A computer is only as 'intelligent' as its creators allow it to be and Mac and Windows developers cross the lines quite often.

Try Ubuntu Linux!!!!!!

I bought a laptop from Emporer Linux with the Fedora 4 version of Linux. Unlike windows, everything just worked and continued to work. Several months later, I upgraded the operating system to Fedora 5. Unlike windows, everything just worked and continued to work. Six months later, I upgraded to Fedora 6. Unlike windows, every just worked and continued to work. In a couple of months I expect to upgrade to Fedora 7. And I expect everything will work and will continue to work.

Anyone who used windows for any kind of work they care about is just not paying attention. One of my children won't upgrade to Linux because he is heavily into some kind of interactive online game. Is there any other reason to stick with windows? I mean other than the virus, malware, spyware part of the experience?

Bob.

Some of the commenters didn't read that it wasn't an upgrade, it was a NEW laptop (at least all the intra-laptop hardware worked).

Vista is still Windows NT at its core so there is no real reason that the NT/2000/2003/XP drivers shouldn't work - except for Microsoft itself doing strange and probably unnecessary things (maybe related to DRM or other content protection). Your Olympus might contain copyrighted stuff, and your iPaq, you need a signed, certified, cryptographic driver.

See what Microsoft (I don't think Gates is still chairman or whatever) got for $8 billion in development? Eye-candy and compatibility problems. But it will insure that both Vista and your Hi-Def disc can't be pirated. It may not run/play at all either, but the copy protection is very strong.

Linux from 2.4 to 2.6 hasn't changed that much, nor has anything from the earliest Mac OS X (9 was a different OS from X). Unless the uptake on Vista is far faster than I imagine, there are more Mac and Linux users combined - so shouldn't the vendors have drivers for them first if they don't already exist?

It seems the other attitude is that no matter what Microsoft does to break things, it is the Vendor's responsibility to make sure it is fixed before they even get a release copy. And make sure it works with every permutation of other driver and hardware under the new software.

But turn that around and it seems no one cares that web pages only look good or work at all in IE. (I don't use IE and haven't noticed problems with Firefox or Safari except for some rare javascript weirdness).

The general rule is also not to wait for the FIRST service pack but the second, as the first will break a lot of things and SP2 will remove the breakage while keeping the fixes.

for your PDA you need to download Windows Mobile Device Center 6 for Windows Vista

This is really not meant to be a complaint one way or the other, for or against any one particular OS over that of another, but rather, an observation over time I've come to realize about operating systems in general. I, like millions of others out there in computer-land, have known the many, many iterations and development cycles of operating systems to much of our chagrin while painstakingly trying to work through the many obstacles of getting our machines to perform to our liking during those often dreaded cycles of OS upgrades. Oh yes, we've all known the depth of despair of recognizing our limits in the face of sometimes trying to solve one of these more complex computer hardware/software issues during the OS upgrade process. That aside, I simply wish here to propose yet another tact we might consider taking along the long and winding road of computer operating system developmental cycles: that of "socializing" the OS itself much like the Linux world has done. I have often felt that an OS such as the Windows platform with its immense distribution worldwide is far too important to allow any one entity or company the sole responsibility of being the gatekeeper for said OS. To me, it would be similar in scope to allowing the English language itself to be maintained and kept by a solitary entity and at the same time it's development and implementation into society at large also the sole responsibility of that same entity. Imagine one whole culture that was completely and utterly dependent upon the English language for its daily survival, suddenly told by this entity, that it was going to scrap the entire vernacular of a society for what it felt to be a newer much improved one, without so much as preparing its people for the shock of consequences it would inevitably bring to their daily lives and functioning. All normal functioning and interfacing to that language would now be turned upside down in favor of a new much more improved language. My point is simple: I just think, feel and sense in my bones that something as uniquely manifold in the world as an operating system should somehow be under the guidance and protection of the people whom it serves. Now what model that that guidance and protection of an OS should take is not yet clear in my mind, perhaps somewhere between the Linux open source model and the Microsoft model there might exist yet another model which could adequately address and allay our fears of constantly having to go through so much pain whilst dancing merrily down the yellow-bricked road to OZ. But again, the path might just be frothed with dangers of bad witches anyway and no amount of Todo's exposing benevolent wizards behind curtains would do justice in the end. Maybe we're left in the end with simply believing that by merely kicking our heals together we can make it all good again. I know, I’m another dreamer.

An open letter to Mr. Peston-

1) My digital camera works just fine. I can't speak for your Olympus, but a quality camera like my Cannon will work over Firewire without a driver. And yes, it works perfectly in Vista. Your camera, if it is indeed newish, should use Firewire or USB 2.0 and require no drivers to just transfer media. Microsoft is not responsible for the FIRMWARE/DRIVERS of your hardware, and not responsible for additional software you purchase. That is the responsibility of the vendor.

2) Typing the words "ipaq vista" into Google reveals an interesting result... the second link will tell you how to fix it.

The sad thing about it is, the easier Microsoft makes software the stupider users become. And the more they complain. Why don't you go buy a mac, the 'pretentious Fischer-price toy for adults'

sincerely,
e.p.

As I only visit political forums and online news sites, Windows 95 works fine for me.

Sven

I only buy Olympus digicams because they use standard interfaces and work on linux/unix with standard USB "mass storage" drivers. So no special driver is needed. It simply shows up as a USB disk, allowing me to access the images directly.

So to hear that an Olympus cam doesn't work with MS Windows Vista is particularly amusing to me.

Windows: Not quite ready for the desktop.

A lot of the 'new' things available on vista have been around for about a year on the mac.

Yes this is another smug mac owner saying 'get a mac' and simplify your life. We are smug for a reason, Apple make the hardware and software, so can tailor all products to run as smoothly as possible, not exactly rocket science is it?

And I'm not bashing Microsoft either, they make some great products, their office software is brilliant and is currently installed on my 2 macs, and they also make...........great........office software, don't they!!

So to all you new vista users, good luck and you never know by 2009, it should work just great.

Lest you forget linux.
It works as good as mac and costs nothing (as compared to windows or mac) and can be installed on most of the laptops and if one can google one can get help on anything for it.

This conversation is going nowhere. I am an ardent fan of both Microsoft and Apple products and cannot imagine a world without them.... when it comes to Vista I would say give it sometime to evolve before you install it. This should be the case if you are just a regular user, know nothing much about computers, should be able to install some software you use frequently for work or home..... also give some more time for the rest of the software world to cope up with this upgrade, it is nothing unnatural and happens always. An OS is too sophisticated to be built to keep in mind installation of every goddamned software in the world.. the software has to upgrade to the parent OS. If they fail to do so it does not mean that you should hate Vista for the sake of other software you have that does not comply... if you want to stick to an older OS that your software are already upgraded to install and run nicely on you are most welcome to do it.. go for any older Windows or the MAC..don't blame Vista for your stupidity.

Mr. Peston,
I've had similar problems in the past but the reason I still stick by Windows is that Microsoft is the only company that has the capability to fix things up quickly and get things working great at the earliest.

Being a engineer myself I have tried my hand at most other operating systems (like Linux, Mac OS X ) and take my word that life is much better with Windows. We hear a lot of complains with Windows simply because 95 percent of the world uses this OS.

As another user commented here .. comparision between Google products and windows is like comparing a home boiler with a nuclear reactor. Also you would want to look at the website of your product's ( camera and printer) makers. They might have released some driver updates.

HTH.

Either use Mac or if you want low cost (Free), use Linux.

Among Linux, Ubuntu is stable, but not necessarily bleeding edge. If you want bleeding edge and stable, go for OpenSuse. In fact I recommend OpenSuse. It had graphics with advanced XGL/AIGLX better than Mac and far better than Vista, which requires a few years to reach that level. It is not just eye-candy, but you can get work done with these and they are free. Installation is smoother than Vista. Someone earlier mentioned that lack of drivers is Vista's issue. Linux had that issue earlier. Now pretty much all drivers are available.

I have been using Linux for more than a decade and Windows from its early days (DOS) and Mac for a few weeks. I go with Linux.

Windows XP is barely functional after 2 Service Packs. Still stalls and hangs all the time. From an engineering perspective it is a complete piece of crap, really hobbyware in quality.

Anyone expecting Vista to do anything competently has outsized expectations bordering on the demented.

F

Blaming third party vendors for not having drivers ready to 'keep up' with Microsoft's operating system upgrade reinforces the idea that Windows is the only game in town - just like the BBC seems to be doing.

This helps only one group - Microsoft - to the detriment of these third parties and, more importantly, the end customer (who, after all and when all's said and done, is paying for these problems and has been paying the wages of all these Microsoft billionaires for the last 30 years earning - as far as I can see - only the contempt that conmen have for their victims).

Perhaps these suppliers should now consider going down the VMC route which enables their drivers to be operating system independent (to the software experts out there, is this possible?). I know this may not allow you to use the very latest functionality of the operating system you choose but, given that all of these peripheral components use relatively simple functionality on the computer, is this really important?

After all, a half full basket is better than an empty one.

Stevieboy

I've been a Mac user from day one since I was first introduced to the computer world by a Mac user. I've enjoyed it quite a bit even enjoyed the "war" between Mac fans and Window fans. I've encountered a few problems with upgrades but nothing major. I've even used Windows when I worked for a software company. It is all about choice which we all have. When we chose to buy a product from someone it's best to do research and check the history of that company and their products. I just prefer Macs because of their day to day ease of use. I'm not a techie nor a gamer. All my gamer friends love Windows and probably for good reasons. Not being one I couldn't care less than I do. I'll stick with my Mac until Msoft convinces me to change.

There's no reason to buy Windows PCs anymore. All the good software is online.

About the "oh, it's HP's fault for drivers" etc. folks:
1. People shouldn't know what a driver is to make things work. Apple understands this.
2. How are drivers breaking on what is essentially XP SP3?
3. Remember the Windows key? MS can pretty much spell out what "partners" should do with Windows-compatible hardware. But they only do that when it makes them money.

As for not buying Vista laptops until sp1? They don't sell XP laptops! That's the point! No one would buy Vista if MS didn't force us to! They would make MS sell XP, like corporations are going to do for the next 3-5 years.

It's 2007, we have usb, wifi, rss, html and x86 formats. There's no excuse for things not working together, but this always happens with MS products. They need to protect their monopoly by creating an excuse for their hardware partners to sell faster computers that take longer and longer to load Word each year.

At this point, they are a public utility and need to be regulated like one. The electricity wasted by this artificial upgrade cycle is a significant cost.

Everyone is saying "wait for SP1", which is why MS is already both working AND talking about SP1. They'd like SP1 out next week so that everyone will then feel it's safe to run Vista. It won't be, of course, but perception is reality.

As a long time Mac user, unwilling to throw away hours trying to install software, I empathize with the plight of PC users everywhere. Let's face it, the PC is second rate. Unless Apple buys out Microsoft, you're never going to catch up.

Run, don't walk, to an Apple store and join the future.

(If you have a boat, your PC will make a great anchor.)

So absolutely typical of all the self-styled uber-geeks and Windows apologists to blame the user.

If you didn't know that you should never believe MS adverts and just go out and buy Vista and try and upgrade to it, you are stupid. If you did not know that you must research the compatibility of all your peripherals then you are stupid. MS bears no responsibility in this at all. This is rubbish!

To the millions of computer users who fight daily with MS programs ...

- You Are Not Stupid.

The people who designed these user-unfriendly abominations are. They are bad software designers.

The Mac OS is better designed from a user interface standpoint, although certainly not perfect, but for the average person who has no interest in learning how to edit their registry, a far better and far more usable option. Geeks who like to hack away at their machines can stick with Windows. (Although true alpha-geeks use Unix - either Linux or Unix on the Mac)

Please, computer users, don't listen to geeks telling you that you are stupid because you can't understand how to use their hacked together, not ready for prime-time operating system,.

As a long time Mac user, unwilling to throw away hours trying to install software, I empathize with the plight of PC users everywhere. Let's face it, the PC is second rate. Unless Apple buys out Microsoft, you're never going to catch up.

Run, don't walk, to an Apple store and join the future.

(If you have a boat, your PC will make a great anchor.)

For those saying it's the vendors fault for not having drivers: Microsoft couldn't get's it's own Zune player to work with Vista until AFTER it shipped. How are hardware vendors without all of MS' expertise supposed to have drivers ready? Yes, it is entirely Microsoft's fault that there is little driver support.
Also, Microsoft are being very disingenuous in their advertising. All you hear about is "wow". They don't mention that not all hardware is supported yet. Nor to they mention that you need a high end machine for that "wow" factor: e.g. Aero. For the average user, all they hear is that Vista is everything they ever wanted, and all they need to do is buy it.

Try Linux, It's free.
See if yours is compatible here:
http://www.linux-laptop.net/

Robert: Vista is about _money_, pure and simple. Micro$oft's monopoly has enabled it to release buggy software and charge whatever they want for it. I love the advice "wait for the 1st service pack". XP's 1st service pack was a disaster. Thing is, monopolies breed arrogance. Apple tries harder, but Linux developers really care. When I had trouble with Reiser File System on my Linux machine (turned out to be hardware), those guys replied the next day!
Too bad, because of my work, I still need Windows...

The advent of Vista is indeed an opportunity to consider other operating systems. If you're not at all willing to buy new equipment, just download Ubuntu Linux or order their free CD if you don't have high speed internet. Installation is easy - intended for non-techies.

Then again, it's hard to go wrong with a Mac. Many of my co-workers are on their 3rd Dell in the period since I bought my G4 Powerbook. Not a bad TCO, relatively speaking, especially when you consider that my PBG4 actually runs FASTER with each new version of OS X. Crossover Mac allows you to run Windows software if necessary without having to install Windows. Parallels for Mac gives you the ability to run multiple operating systems simultaneously. The risk involved in platform migration is lower than ever before.

As mentioned earlier, though, Microsoft is a good Mac software developer. Although they're far from perfect, they've come a long, long way from the dark days of Office 6.

>Combine the might of Ubuntu, Mac look and feel and Windows reach and I would be heaven ! :)

You just might want to check out a well tested, object oriented, data centric, virus free system.
Yes, its still with us.
go to:
http://www.ecomstation.com/
and download a demo CD. (Boots from disc, so there's no worries about cluttering your hard drive)
btw
I just downloaded 'Lucide', a replacement for Acrobat PDF reader that has plugin modules for other formats.
And OpenOffice.org 2.0.4 for eComStation and OS/2 has reached RC1 stage and is now available.

Works for me!

I honestly believe people should have to be licensed before they can own a computer, just like cars...

MAKE THE SWITCH TO MAC!!!!!! They are much better than most of the time more powerful!! Better for all the general public, however Microsoft is a safe haven for computer lovers so knock them off the top!!!!!!!

Well Robert, you've just learned the most important lesson of all when it comes to technology: 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'.

Software doesn't wear out, and, lacking any compelling reason to change, you shouldn't. Just apply patches.

I won't advocate another OS, though I'm a Linux user myself, but I will observe that Linux distributions (and lately Apple) avoid doing what MS have just done: attempting a 'Big Bang' upgrade.

From a marketing perspective it's attractive to have a wholly new product, but from a technological standpoint, 'small, incremental, changes, happening often', has proved to be the most effective approach to marry progress with stability.

This may prove to be a model that MS cannot easily adopt. Persistent, but credible, rumour has it that MS OS architecture is so monolithic and entangled that it is simply impractical to attempt incremental change.

I got Vista last weekend as well & I must say I am surprisingly happy about it. I had no illusions that it would be a pleasant experience having suffered previous Windows OS but it was & I really like it. Everything was were I expected it to be so the learning curve was painless. I did have one compatability issue that resulted in the overdue replacement of an old LCD monitor that I did not like anyway. Other than that it went very well. This is the first Microsoft product I have liked since Windows 3.1.1 so for once I can say well done to BG.

Ah, the Emporers New Clothes!!

Well after 15 years of Messing About, Consider an alternative (clue look at the Capitals).

If nothing else it goes to show that even after 15 years as a consumer some people are not aware of what they are buying.

Firstly - What advice did the sales person give (any decent IT technician would not advise vista as yet)

Secondly - Check before you buy or upgrade surely after 15 years of going through Win 95 to XP Pro you would have learnt.

Thirdly - Before you bemoan microsoft check what programme you are currently reading this in (if you use linux OS or alternatives good on you alteast you have the right to complain because you know the difference)

All said and done do the research first other wise you could end up putting unleaded into a diesel car!

"It's all very well saying 'Get a Mac' as if everything will be fine and dandy thereafter - but I have encountered endless problems with Macs, the latest being that the new ones with Intel do not like Microsoft Office applications (like Word). I am on my fourth replacement MacBook at the moment and the battery has just died on this one. So not perfect... but still better than Microsoft."

This is because office is still running through rosetta, and Microsoft is taking forever to release a new version of it for mac... Office still doesn't run naitivly through Intel... thats why it's goin slow...

Its always been the same. When the Windows errors out and you report it you get invited to join the beta test. When will Microsoft stop treating customers as free test resource and spend the money to do the job themselves.

Actually, that's just the tip of the iceberg of Vista's problems. The technically inclined should take a look at A Cost Analysis of Windows Vista Content Protection, which is a paper on the DRM scheme built into Vista. This is a cradle-to-grave content protection scheme that puts enormous amounts of your computer power to preventing you from copying data on your computer. Somehow Microsoft decided this is a good idea.

Fletch,
You've obviously have not used a Mac in a very, very long time. The current Macs can run all your existing Windows software natively on XP (Boot Camp) or virtually using a program called Parallels. So Mac give you more options then a PC now.
As far as websites go, Safari browser is one of the most web standards compliant browser out there, followed by Firefox, others and then finally IE6. It wasn't until IE7 that MS released something close to the others. Try running IE6 and under threw the Acid2 Test and then try it with your beloved Windows browser. If web page designers would stop creating non-standards complient websites or using Windows only technology in their sites then those websites you speak of would allow all browsers to view them properly.

http://www.webstandards.org/action/acid2/

To say that Mac users are ignorant of computer ways is the real arrogance of Windows users.

Robert, let me make this simple.
1. Sell your Vista machine.
2. Buy a Mac.
3. Use all your favorite software and then some (iDVd, iMovie).
4. For games, you can boot into XP.
5. For switching back to XP and Mac Os X, get Parallels.
6. Be happy and productive.

Cheers

I still prefer Windows over Mac. Of course, I am still running Win 2000 on the machines that really count. Only the kids need XP, for their Microsoft games. I am still wondering if globally, computers have saved humanity time after subtracting support, development, learning curve, security and disposal.

Microsoft's software development model is broken.

Now, in the face of increasing competition from Linux, Apple, and a plethora of online applications, Microsoft is panicking.

Anyone who owns Microsoft shares would be best to sell as soon as possible because Microsoft's position as the industry leader in operating systems and PC applications is in the process of rapid decline.

The specific problem manifested by this article is that, despite numerous alpha and beta testing cycles for Vista, Microsoft rushed out Vista in an unfinished state. The reason it was unfinished is because the development model is broken and the product is a complex can of spaghetti that reflects its undisciplined origins.

Microsoft is on a downwards spiral, and it has no one to blame except itself. And clearly, anyone buying Vista or a system running Vista is in for a shocking headache. Both the Apple Mac and Linux are now viable alternatives and are based on a superior development methodology and underlying platform.

80% of websites messed up? I've had no image problems using Apple's inbuilt web browser, Safari but when a website didn't like Safari (which is not 80% of the time, I assure you), I've used Firefox and things have been perfect. The only thing Macs don't allow is Active X scripting, which can be dangerous anyway because it allows websites to control your PC and run code.

And as for software compatiblility, you can use CodeWeaver's "CrossOver" application to run common Windows programs without even buying a copy of Windows or, if you have a copy of Windows XP, install it on the new Intel Macs and have the best of both worlds.

Robert's comments may well be fair but since when has the BBC website been a forum to hit out at a company without the right to reply.

bbc.co.uk is paid for by license payers and should not be used to "have a go" when other lines of complaint are possible. Especially when the complainee has a privileged position to add to the website i.e Mr Peston.

Truly-A Mac will solve your problems.

I think you nailed the problem: Microsoft released a product that wasn't ready for prime time.

The technology exists for them to preserve compatibility, best illustrated by Apple when they switched from OS9 to OS-X (the former OS, apps and drivers were running in the "Yellow Box" compatibility mode) and later from PowerPC to Intel processors with on-the-fly code translation.

I mean, Apple can change the entire OS or the whole hardware platform from underneath their users' feet with hardly a itch, and Microsoft with their 2,000 expert programmers and $30 billion in the bank can't manage to release a decent OS after 5 years in the works?! They've got to be kidding, right? Well, the joke ain't funny...

Robert,

I feel for you. Just get a Mac, and get your life back, man.

Liberate yourself from the technicalities of using a PC and get something done for a change. Let everyone else struggle with Vista, or the Linux flavor of the week, or whatever, and make things easy on yourself for once.

I did, and I've never looked back. Oh, did I mention? Macs are actually fun, too.

I upgraded a laptop to Vista Business and Office 2007 enterprise (due to the fact that we wanted to use it before we sold it) and the FIRST thing the installer points you to is 'to check compatibilty with existing software and Hardware'. It even asks you to make sure you connect your devices and to run an Upgrade Wizard to let you what problems you may have in order to make an informed choice. No mention of Mac yet but here it comes.....

I too run Macs and PC's and have to say that there are some devices that MAC OS X will not run even some printers. It is easy to forget that Macs have and will continue to have a specific business niche that will never ever compete with Microsoft due to Apples firm hold in the Audio / video and Publishing arena but it does not have the diversity of applications at affordable prices.

In short - Microsoft has it's place, Linux has its place and so do Mac's just make an informed choice first and dont 'knock' others for not choosing yours as they have all helped develope technology that keeps us moving forward......

Get your hands on a live Linux CD and put it in your computer...you will be amazed at what it can do...go with ubuntu, redhat fedora or suse...

Vista is about 1 to 1 and half years away from actually being *ready*. You could buy a mac and you will have fewer problems with things like MP3/MP4 codecs than you will with Linux...however, Linux is a revolution in the making...within the next 2 years you are going to see some massive changes...

I would just like to state for the record that while Gates was trumpeting 64bit computing, Linux was doing it 2 years before hand and while you may think all the 3d desktop stuff looks great...you have been able to do this with Linux for the past year!? One thing it is not is a windows 3.1 system (which some ill informed person said!)

80% of the worlds servers use Linux! Because its stable, secure and doesn't need a nuclear reactor upgrade to use it!?

Oh boy, I also bought a new Vista-equipped laptop this week and have spent the past 2 days pulling my hair out with trying to get existing apps and peripherials to work properly. I seriously wished I'd waited~productivity has gone down the tube and I'm regretting every minute of this perceived investment. I agree with you Robert, and consider this a WARNING to others: VISTA IS NOT READY FOR GENERAL RELEASE... Fortunately I bought my machine from a store which will take it back within 28 days "if not completely satisfied", and that is precisely what I'll be doing tomorrow. As to whether I will buy an alternative OS, the sales staff in the store also sell Apple Macs, and I'll be giving those SERIOUS consideration.

Best wishes

Jason McWhinnie

Read one of the top few comments for my first post, :P

to add a bit, all of you crying for legacy drivers support, thats like saying my old Pentium 2 chip should work in my brand new motherboard. Sure, it COULD be done if Intel wanted it to, but it would cause slowdowns and not really work :P

They changed the main Core of the Operating System, meaning new drivers NEED to be written, legacy supported drivers would just be slower, clunkier, and more prone to crashing.

Joseph Foster wrote... "Flip this around to Apple's way of doing things (which may, or may not, be better, I make no comment in that regard), and the only mobile device you'd truly be able to use on Mac inside of its closed architecture, and be guaranteed for it to work, is one either developed, or licensed, by Apple."

Not accurate in the least Joseph. In fact, the exact OPPOSITE is true. Most devices produced by other manufacturers "Just Work" on the mac. You plug them in and away you go. Your assertion was accurate back before OSX came out 6 years ago, but not so much in the recent past.

I currently use a Proteus Sound Module, two Korg keyboards, a Presonus Firepod breakout box, an off the shelf smart card reader (that was supposed to be windows only), a treo 700p phone from Palm, an HP printer, a Cannon photo copier, a Pentex digital camera, and even a Garmin Street Pilot sync'd through Parallels and XPSP2. All of these items plug in, sync, and play effortlessly on my iMac. The system may be "closed"... but it's far more open than Windows. And it truly does "just work."

Mac users catch a lot of flack for being elitist and fanatical, but that's not really fair. If you see somebody struggling with something, I think it is perfectly reasonable to say "Hey, I use to have that problem, but I found a better way."

I was a Windows enthusiast for years, but it got to the point where I couldn't deal with all of the virus issues and crashes and having to reinstall the OS every six months. In short, I wasn't having fun anymore.

Switching to the Mac was not easy, but I'm so glad I did.

Re: Fletch's post (No. 87)

80% of websites won't work... where does this stat come from? In last year I have only had 2 sites not work in Safari and these are sites which specify an Active X component for security reasons... I don't buy anything from them so until the developers get their act together, they lose sales!

I would expect most software will have to be upgraded to run on Vista so an 'upgrade' to the Mac version of the software should cost the same amount!

We are replacing all dead/gravely ill Windows machines with new Macs at work and all the switchers are delighted and many are buying Macs for home use too! Most of the MacBook users just close the lid rather than shut down and some of them have only been re-booted for a software/system update!

I have a few things to comment on (not all are going to be posted).
1st: "57. At 12:11 PM on 06 Feb 2007,
Drags wrote:
It's quite funny listening to all the Mac owners getting so excited over the release of the latest O/S from Microsoft.
Of course, we all know how it will go. Mac owners will gloat, without good cause I might add, Vista will find it's way onto over 90% of PC's, just like it's predecessors have done and everybody will forget what a Mac is again until the next big Microsoft release where the process will repeat itself.
Strange how PC owners are quite content to use their machines without trying to sell them to every Mac user they know and yet Mac owners seem completely incapable of doing the same."
We get excited because we have a good sense of humor and can't believe that this rip-off will become so widely-used (i didn't say popular). but most people don't care about technology, otherwise they would know about Apple and Linux for dummies, and especially know about Apple.
We like to convince others to switch to Mac because it is always a rewarding experience (Unless you work for MS or companies close to it, and for some reason like your job). And people using Windows are content to not convince others because they are too busy fixing Windows, just used to it so they don't notice.
2nd, "65. At 12:16 PM on 06 Feb 2007,
Doug wrote:
Drivers. Hardware vendors.
D - R - I - V - E - R - S
V - E - N - D - O - R - S
Ok? Get it? The "Vendors" produce the "Drivers" for THEIR "Hardware".
Before you assume that software "x" will support all hardware known to man, check that DRIVERS are available. Especially if the hardware are "vital tools of your trade".
All the bleating about "oh get a Mac" and "aren't Microsoft rubbish" are a waste of valuable bandwidth.
Drivers. Hardware vendors. Repeat ..."
Because the OS is much more compact in Mac os X, the install includes virtually all drivers, and i am 51% sure they are made by Apple, and they come with every new OS, which are consistent enough to run 99% of all drivers, apps, documents such as screensavers, etc. on the new version of the OS.
3rd, "71. At 12:18 PM on 06 Feb 2007,
rockit99 wrote:
I'm an IT professional who's dealt with Mac's for nearly 15 years. I tried working with Windows but it's such an exasperating and frustrating experience - and I prefer to go home without headaches. I do still have to deal with the odd PC though and the headaches are still there.
I will say that around 90% of mainstream applications can be found on Macs and Windows, so in theory it doesn't matter which you use, but I've witnessed stauch PC users switching and saying "is it always this easy on a Mac?"
The fact of the matter is, as others have pointed out here, most people using computers for a living need to just be able to get on with their work and not have to wrestle with their machines in order to work properly.
Upgrading an operating system is not trivial. The user should NOT discover after an upgrade that a lot of their hardware no longer works. And expecting the average user to trawl the web for compatible drivers is simply unacceptable, even if they know what to look for.
Imagine taking your car in for a major 10,000 mile service, getting it back to discover the wipers, heater and lights don't work. Oh, and only two brakes work as the new system 'isn't quite ready for four'. And you need a different kind of oil than can only be purchased as one brand of garage. For a lot of money. And you need a password to drive onto the forecourt. But if you've changed the colour of your car they won't let you in.... etc etc etc"
se previouse reply
4th, "88. At 01:19 PM on 06 Feb 2007,
Ian Petrie wrote:
I notice that many comments to this blog advise Robert to make the move to macintosh. This does reflect the comment on the smugness of mac owner, but there is a point that is overlooked when discussing any of mac's products and that is that Microsoft also produces software for them. Anyone who has uses office for the mac (I own and use both systems) will find it easier to use and much better looking than the version available for the PC.
It seems like a lack of effort not to get their globally dominant software to work properly when it is possible for them to do so on an OS that isn't even theirs. It is this that has finally tempted me to upgrade my PC's operating system, but not to vista. There are many different variants of Linux available and I am currently trialling ubuntu to see if I can live with it, but it won't matter if I can't because it won't have cost me anything to do so.
I would encourage other computer users to use the opportunity that vista has given them to try a change whether that be to the mac or to another PC OS. I am by no means a mac or linux nerd but I'll be happy with anything that does what I want it to.
Ian"
There are 3 good Office programs for the Mac: NeoOffice ($0), iWorks ($80), and MS Office (Varies between the unsupported Student edition @ $150 to the version that has all the needed features@ $500)
NeoOffice is an Open Source alternative (any user that knows how to use Xcode can fix bugs, making thousands on the bug searching program), and is a nice soulutin with a drawing and a painting part. it is a big download and requires you to install the Dictionaries separately. it is a good solution for most of your work, but still a tad buggy and rough aroung the edges.
iWork is Apple's solution, which replaced Appleworks, and is a very nice program that intergrates wel with the UI (ooks very basic with the most commonly features first, but once you get the hang of it becomes a very advanced system. it currently only includes Pages, a word processor, and Keynote, which is a presentation program, although you can do spreadsheets inside Keynote and Pages. it is a very nice unit and works well with the system and, like NeoOffice and unlike MS Office, has no Macro viruses for it.
Microsoft Office is best for people that are very used to Windows (i mean REALLY because NeoOffice is very similar to it), because it carries a bit of baggage whith it (Entourage, similar to Outlook, MSN messenger on the 2004 disk, Microsoft messenger after the upgrades, handheld sync, Windows Media (the latter two required that you locate their installers in the installation) and the shared files between them which should've been in /Libary/Application Support, and a bunch of junk). unless you already bought it, I don't reccomend buying it, not even MS Office 2007 coming 'round the corner.
please note that this is about 1% of my opinion after cutting through all the Bull.

Hey Fletch, nowadays you can buy a Mac and run Windows on it too. In fact Parallels lets you run your Windows apps within Mac OS X, without ever seeing Windows.

The author should've bought a Mac, installed Vista on it, and then when he decided he didn't like it, switch to Mac OS X without having to buy additional hardware.

Oh, and Fletch, websites won't work any better in IE7 because it's finally moving to open standards, so all those sites that only coded for IE6 will have to get with the program.

And those keyboard shortcuts you speak of? Most of them actually originated on the Mac. Just substitute the command key for the control key and you're set.

You should probably give the Mac another shot. I'm sure it was only ignorance that stopped you liking them the first time.

Try this little experiment. Take your Olympus camera to the Apple store in London. Plug it into a Mac. See if it works.

-jcr

I have the impression that Microsoft is shifting its attention to the businesses and large corporate accounts. Consumers are being used to iron out the bugs in Vista, so that large companies will have a more reliable OS when they upgrade.

Xbox 360 and Live are the only segments where Microsoft seems to care about individuals. Apple is increasingly becoming the platform of choice for consumers (yes, I have switched to Macs too).

Is Microsoft becoming the Novell of tomorrow? It certainly appears so.

Why do so many companies use Microsoft PCs rather than Macs? Because bosses don't think for themselves. They ask their computer technicians to select the company's computers.

And ... techicians ALWAYS pick Microsoft PCs over Macs. Why?
BECAUSE THEY BREAK!!!!!!

I have often asked techs why they don't switch to Macs. They always give the same answer. "Hey, I need this job. Macs work!"

Wake up World! You are being conned!!

"Strange how PC owners are quite content to use their machines without trying to sell them to every Mac user they know and yet Mac owners seem completely incapable of doing the same."

that says a lot - apparently windows users don't want others to go to the same thing they do. I know when I used PCs at home, I wasn't that enthusastic, but since I switched, I am very enthusastic and I actually use my computer more at home - since I don't have to work on it. I now just have to work on my work computer.

As for comparing the OS9 to OSX transition to the XP to Vista transiton may not be apples to apples, since OSX was a completely new OS from the ground up, and I believe Vista is still a legacy OS (rewritten, not created).

C'mon, Bob. You know you want one. Just give in, man. Yeah, we're mac fanboys - but there's a reason for that. C'mon, Bob. The water's fine...

Bill Gates stated recently that five million users were enlisted to test the readiness of Vista, I guess that not one of these users had an Oympus digital recorder or an HP IPAQ.

Bill, next time increase the number of testers to five billion, if there is a next time, that is.

I too switched to a Mac(BookPro) about a 9 monthe ago. I'm using all of my old PC gear... HDs, cameras and printers even a PC wireless router. I just makes me smile when I plug things in and thety just work. Drivers what drivers? Not looking back. You really do realise why people are so passionate about their Macs! Bye, bye Microsoft!

All I can say is you had better do something before the BBC jumps entirely in bed with Microsoft. I really couldn't believe this was happening, I thought the BBC had a bit more savy.

You can always ebay your vista headache and get a Mac and be happy. I know two people that upgraded to vista and regretted it as well. Most aren't upgrading. It reminds me of the windows "me" days. In Microsofts defense win2k and winxp weren't all that bad. Problem is, any pc you buy now will have vista installed.

Please, just do as I did and buy a mac. I warn you, after the first 15 minutes of using it, you'll be cursing yourself for not doing it years ago. I must have looked insane tossing profanity at myself after I decided to move all 20+ PC's in my labs at work over to mac 6 years ago. I'm infinitely more efficienct, happier, less stressed, and saving the gov't money hand over fist. I've calculated that, in 2005 dollars, I've saved over $160,000 per year, mostly in gained (previously wasted) professional man hours; ie,.. those spent previously in PC land keeping the machines running, upkeep, printing fiascos, network troubleshooting, and the rest in software upgrades reduced computing hardware costs (INCLUDING the cost of replacing the 20 odd PC's with macs.) Plus there's another $20,000 per year from not having to use in-house professional IT support each year now. Not ONCE have we had to use IT since switching. This is down to literally a weekly basis of dropping off a PC and picking one up.
Just do it man!

Don't listen to Fletch. Anyone who calls a Mac a MAC obviously knows nothing of the machine. Mac is not an acronym; it's a shortened name (I know YOU know that).

That said, I have never had a problem viewing any websites (except in the late 90's/early 2000's when people only wrote pages for IE and nothing else).

Everything w