pkphilip

I've also received very reliabile rumour that Windows XP will be removed from the shelves (retail) and OEM on June. It seems Microsoft finally made up their mind to put XP into "extended support" after SP3 for this 7 years running OS.

XP started at 2000, and lots of people (including myself) complained about bad it was compare to Windows 2000, I guess most people was using Windows 98 or even ME so the real benefit from 98 -> XP was well deserved the upgrade.

I am running Vista as well as XP, Vista definitely runs faster than XP. The only thing I would like Microsoft to include is XP GUI pack for those who like the interface of XP.

You can obtain XP cheaply by either 1) buy OEM version or 2) install XP with a pirated key, then try to activate your key online, then MS offer XP for cheap.

Philip

pkphilip

While I don't like Synthetic Benchmark, but PCMark 05 is the only thing I use to test a computer's performance for everyday application. I tested Vista and XP cleaned installed on my XPS, each OS on 2 identical hard disk w/ all updates performed. XPS has T7200 CPU, 2GB RAM, GF 7400 Go video.

Result:
XP pro: 3887
Vista Ultimate: 4676

Vista scores 600 more points than XP on everyday tasks such as web site rendering, music compression, RAR, etc.

If you want to experience Vista in full, you need to have the latest hardware. Intel worked closely with Microsoft on Vista, and the codes in Vista is meant to take advantage of the newer hardware. Vista will have a life cycle for the next 5-6 years, therefore MS needs to accomodate what's next rather than what's now. So forget about software/hardware compatibility, MS won't make it happen. They just simply wants us to go out and buy all new stuff in the next 2 years.

I run DirectX 10 games on Vista, paired with the 8800, compare to the games like Lost Planet and BioShock at work on my demo consoles; those games running on my computer looks much much better.

It's really sad that to see XP go, but the industry cannot stay at the current phase forever. XP has reached its limitation. If you ask me, Vista is actually not ready. Rather, MS is forced to push it out to align itself with the hardware manufacturers. Look at how fast the hardware/software cycle in the industry lately? Intel pushes out 2 new thing every 1/2 year. Obviously hardware cannot survive without software support, and that's where MS jumps in to faciliate the industry.

As end-users, we don't have a choice but to accept what's coming at us. We can complain, but who will listen? Rather than rejecting what's coming, why not just embrace what's coming and adjust our POV a little?

In my line of work everyday, I get bombarded with new product info, and I can see quite clearly even hardware giant like Apple is joining the "WinTel" bandwagon... faster cycles, faster adoption rate to penetrate the market. For me, I just don't care anymore. Vista/XP/Leopard, I will simply accept anything as long as it works.

Philip

pkphilip

Vista is not defective, it is crippled and need more fine-tuning. MS has to strip out many of the features in Longhorn in order to push it out last year.

Vista is a rock solid OS with much lower BSOD or security flaws than XP. In my line of work, I fix more XP problems than Vista. XP security is a joke as well, I could access someone's secured share simply in Safe Mode and reassign security privilages... go figure!!

Since I work on Mac, the new OS Leopard is not that much different from Vista if you ask me. Systems that is running Core Duo or earlier shouldn't even get it because the system becomes less responsive. Systems with Core 2 Duo or Extreme on the other hand, enjoyed the newer OS as they take advantage of the newer Intel instructions.

Philip

[ 本帖最後由 pkphilip 於 2008-2-10 21:47 編輯 ]

pkphilip

XP and Vista Service Pack is now in RTM (Release to Manufacturers) status. We should expect Vista SP1 out on the 18th and XP SP3 out on the 23rd.

However, these will not be available to the public until March.

Philip

pkphilip

I worship Boot Camp and Parallel!!! Both of these software keeps me in my job!!! Caz many Mac people don't know how to work Windows!!

It is a must for those who must run Windows... such as realtors and doctors.

Philip

[ 本帖最後由 pkphilip 於 2008-2-11 22:48 編輯 ]