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All Things Microsoft => Microsoft Software => Topic started by: xyle_one on 11 September 2005, 19:26

Title: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: xyle_one on 11 September 2005, 19:26
Amazing -
Quote

If you've been wondering why Windows Vista has taken a long time to reach Beta 1, we can now tell you why: there's seven separate editions of Vista headed your way. OK, that's not the reason for the delay, but how else do you introduce that many OS versions, without invoking Snow White & friends?

Join me know as I romp through the various editions, many of which you'll see are just barely differentiated.

First up, there's Starter Edition, which like XP Starter Edition, is a crippled (and lame) product aimed at the two-thirds world. It will limit users to three concurrent applications, and provide only basic TCP/IP networking, and won't be suitable for most games.

The next step up is Home Basic Edition, which is really the sibling to today's Windows XP Home.

However, as the name suggests, there's also Home Premium Edition, and this is where we start to split features like hairs and create a cackle of products. HPE will build on the the Basic Edition by adding, most notably, the next-generation of Media Center capabilities, including support for HDTV, DVD authoring, and even DVD ripping backed up (of course) by Windows DRM. For non-corporate types, this is probably going to be the OS that most people use. It's similar to XP Pro in power, but with all of the added bells and whistles for entertainment. Well, most of them.

Windows Vista Professional Edition won't occupy the same spot that XP Pro occupies today, because this time it's truly aimed at businesses. It won't feature the MCE functionality that Home Premium Edition has, but it begins to provide the kind of functionality you'd expect in a business environment, such as support for non-Microsoft networking protocols and Domain support. But don't expect too many businesses to necessarily turn to PE.

Microsoft is also planning both a Small Business Edition and an Enterprise Edition, which build upon pro by adding (seemingly minor) features aimed at appealing to each market. SBE, for instance, includes a networked backup solution, while EE will include things like Virtual PC integration, and the ability to encrypt an entire volume of information.

Last but not least, there's Ultimate Edition.


I can't believe this is real. 7 versions? :( There is no need for 7 versions. I also fear that the general public will fucking eat this up and continue to pay money for what amounts to a severely crippled release of its operating system. I see it as 2 versions, enterprise, and not-enterprise.

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20050910-5298.html

http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/47665/47665.html?Ad=1
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 11 September 2005, 19:37
:D  :D  :D
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: piratePenguin on 11 September 2005, 20:03
More Choice!
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Refalm on 11 September 2005, 21:02
Windows still doesn't include apt-get ;)
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: WMD on 11 September 2005, 21:16
Hmmm...Apple has two: desktop and server.  And many Linux distrobutions only have one version.

MS needs seven...
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: HeroicRaptor on 11 September 2005, 21:25
They need seven so they look productive and to make it easier for hackers to make viruses. How can they not copy code again and again?
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 11 September 2005, 21:36
This is just marketing ploy they're using to try to appeal to as many differant types of user as possible.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: mobrien_12 on 11 September 2005, 22:13
Gee, remember when Bill Gates swore under oath that making separate versions of the same Windows would confuse the industry and cause great damage?
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Lead Head on 11 September 2005, 22:22
i wonder what OEMs are gonna do with so many options
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: skyman8081 on 11 September 2005, 22:49
(http://users4.ev1.net/~bdfaith/Op-Ed/Images/celebrate%20diversity/celebrate%20diversity.jpg)
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: xyle_one on 11 September 2005, 23:48
Lovely contribution right there.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: worker201 on 12 September 2005, 02:54
The more versions there are, the less likely you will be able to find one that suits all of your needs.

And Windows still won't be able to accomplish tasks that awk can handle in seconds or read a usbstick that isn't FAT formatted.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: mobrien_12 on 12 September 2005, 03:45
Quote from: worker201
The more versions there are, the less likely you will be able to find one that suits all of your needs.

And Windows still won't be able to accomplish tasks that awk can handle in seconds or read a usbstick that isn't FAT formatted.


Really?  It can't handle NTFS formatted USB sticks?
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Orethrius on 12 September 2005, 04:27
Quote from: skyman8081
Sauron's pistol pic (removed to save PUB's bandwidth)

Actually, Sauron makes a valid point.
No matter which one you choose, there will still be the unmistakable sound of a pistol being cocked somewhere just out of sight. :D
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: worker201 on 12 September 2005, 04:36
Quote from: mobrien_12
Really?  It can't handle NTFS formatted USB sticks?


It might - my Mac can't format NTFS though!

In all seriousness, I keep my usbstick and iPod in HFS+ format.  Now there's no practical reason why Windows should have a problem providing at least a little support for this format.  Linux - no problem - actually, with the 2.6.15 kernel customized for such a purpose, I can read and write just as well as I could on the Mac.  Stick the usbstick in Windows, and it says it isn't formatted.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Jenda on 12 September 2005, 21:58
Quote
More Choice!

Not for us it ain't.
Quote
The more versions there are, the less likely you will be able to find one that suits all of your needs.

Yup. It's like looking for a needle in a haystack. A haystack that doesn't contain a needle...
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: xyle_one on 12 September 2005, 22:50
Disgusting. It really is. If I go to purchase a SuSE distro, the personal edition, and wanted to upgrade to the professional edition, it would be a simple matter of running some software updates, maybe even paying a fee. With this rainbow of Windows to choose from, you can't just upgrade to the next level. You have to actually purchase it, then wipe your install, and install fresh. I doubt there will be an "upgrade" otpion. What kind of shit is that? The professional edition doesn't even include the media tools from a "lesser" level. I hope this blows up in their face.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Jack2000 on 12 September 2005, 23:27
you see people this is exactly why I hate M$ they could have just pack up every thing in one/two dvds and when you install the os
it would ask you if you want this or that version .
... but nooooooooooooo
they have just desided to make 7 !
just for the heck of it !


man these people are just walking on my nerves
a human/game zone operator can take so much untill he freaks out and kill some one


ps: here we have "places" that are intitled Game zone
where you go pay up and use a computer for an amount of given time :) i dunno if you have that
type of places over there
if you do plese tell me how you call them couse i think of upgradeing after the M$ tidal wave hit bulgaria and
i am going to rename it

pss:yes i am 15 actually it is my brother's  but i do all the computer work ;)

so i wonder wich version should they make me use .
maby a an 8-th version  "ENTERPRISE" edition:D
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 13 September 2005, 00:33
Quote from: Jenda
Not for us it ain't.

I think he was joking.

Quote from: Worker201
The more versions there are, the less likely you will be able to find one that suits all of your needs.

Yes that's Linux for you. :D
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Refalm on 13 September 2005, 01:05
What will stop people from installing software from the Ultimate Edition into the Starter Edition, possibly cracked?

Also, most home users pirate Windows, so expect no to very little Starter Edition users.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Lead Head on 13 September 2005, 01:08
how is limiting it to 3 windows or programs or whatever gonna help users ? So what when they learned enough and want to upgade they have to pay more!!?
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: piratePenguin on 13 September 2005, 03:19
Quote from: worker
The more versions there are, the less likely you will be able to find one that suits all of your needs.
Ultimate edition will suit everybodies needs, but it will probably cost a bomb.
Hopefully then, more people will pirate it, if the other, cheaper and crippled versions don't have what they need (but I think home or at least home premium edition probably would).
Quote from: lead_head
how is limiting it to 3 windows or programs or whatever gonna help users ? So what when they learned enough and want to upgade they have to pay more!!?
Quite correct. And the people that will be using this version will be the less better off people/countries, who really, really would be better off with GNU/Linux from what I can tell.

Microsoft don't give two fucks about their users - they just want to take as much money off them as possible.

"But hey! That's businness! Who gives a crap? Let's just keep giving them what they want and keep our mouths shut - so long they get me a operating system, because that's all that's important." -Joe Stupid
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Jack2000 on 13 September 2005, 03:31
I know what they'll hear soon if they do not stop and listen to us[/you/every one]

Send not to ask for whom the bell tolls: it tolls for thee

*smirk* ;) ;-)
\/^^^^\/
/\ HAHA /\
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: piratePenguin on 13 September 2005, 03:40
Quote from: Jack2000
I know what they'll hear soon if they do not stop and listen to us[/you/every one]
"Us"? You mean the ten or so (if even) people here that give a crap? Maybe ~0.01% or so other Windows users too?

Joe Stupid is a typical Windows user - he doesn't give a crap and neither does half a billion or so other Windows users.

Microsoft know that they can get away with this - otherwise they wouldn't be doing it, it wouldn't be worth the risk (I could be wrong here.).

Maybe I spoke too soon - I certainly hope I did, and that the Windows users rebel.
That'd be fun :).
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: piratePenguin on 13 September 2005, 03:50
Quote from: Aloone_Jonez
Yes that's Linux for you. :D
I like the fact that there are whatever amount of thousand GNU/Linux distributions out there. Even still, it's tough enough to find one that works exactly the way you want it to work (but since when could you do that with Windows, have it work just the way you want it to work?), and if you don't, then, just make your own distribution or compile your own system, or don't.

It isn't easy for new users to understand - but it's a small price to pay, IMO, for the increadible power this fact ("that there are whatever amount of thousand GNU/Linux distributions out there.") offers.

Like - imagine if there was only one GNU/Linux distribution :scared:.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 13 September 2005, 19:14
piratePenguin,
You've made a perfectly valid point but I was joking (hence the  :D smiley) as well as proving worker201's argument being nonsense.

Seriously though I don't know why there needs to be seven versions of Windows, I know they're trying to reach as many people as possible but it's going to make things like technical support even more of a joke than it curently is. Maybe this will be the end for Microsoft, Windows 2000 was good (as far as Windows goes), we still use it at work and college many people haven't even bothered with XP (which was only a minor upgrade) so why should we pay for yet another minor upgrade?
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: piratePenguin on 13 September 2005, 19:49
Quote from: Aloone_Jonez
piratePenguin,
You've made a perfectly valid point but I was joking (hence the smiley) as well as proving worker201's argument being nonsense.
There will be seven versions of Windows Vista, and there are, say, X-hundred versions of GNU/Linux. It's mostly a good thing for GNU/Linux, because each distribution concentrates on different things, and generally any user can find one that suits their needs almost perfectly. I said "mostly", because it's not all good - it introduces confusion for the new user. But IMO, it's not a bad tradeoff.

Now Windows Vista - seven versions. Only a few - the most expensive ones - haven't been intentionally crippled by their creators without their users in mind. Microsoft aren't releasing seven versions of Windows Vista so more of their users can have an operating system that fits all their needs!

Windows users will be confused about these seven versions of Windows Vista - some will find it harder to find one that fits their needs better than the rest and some, when they do find which one fits their needs most might not be able to afford it. Which should be interesting (will they settle for the crippled editions? Will they pirate it? Will they ditch Microsoft altogether and switch to the alternatives?).


What I don't like about this the most is that Microsoft are working hard to handicap the cheaper versions of their operating system just so more people "upgrade" to the more expensive versions, and worse than that, it's not likely that most Windows users will give a crap. They'll just keep gobbling up whatever shit Microsoft throws at them, and they'll continue to give Microsoft what they want no matter.

Of course, this is all IMO.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 13 September 2005, 20:48
Thanks piratepenguin,I understand what he probably meant now.

At the moment Windows isn't suitable for complete newbs, I wonder if Vista will be any more newb friendly.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: piratePenguin on 13 September 2005, 20:54
Quote from: Aloone_Jonez
I understand what he probably meant now.
Well - that's a bonus.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: worker201 on 13 September 2005, 23:10
Kinda off-topic, but one of the coolest things about Linux is that if the distro isn't working for you, you can fix it.  There are tools out there to turn .deb packages into .rpm, and you can, if you know what you're doing***, turn Slackware into Ubuntu.  Not that you would want to do that, but it's nice to know that you could if you really wanted to.

*** - meaning, you are a gnu guru, in Linus' echelon of excellence
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: cahult on 14 September 2005, 00:07
All good things are three, that
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 14 September 2005, 01:15
Quote from: worker201
Kinda off-topic, but one of the coolest things about Linux is that if the distro isn't working for you, you can fix it.  There are tools out there to turn .deb packages into .rpm, and you can, if you know what you're doing***, turn Slackware into Ubuntu.  Not that you would want to do that, but it's nice to know that you could if you really wanted to.

*** - meaning, you are a gnu guru, in Linus' echelon of excellence

I'd like to se you try that with Linspire. :D
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Jack2000 on 14 September 2005, 02:30
Dunno people if they could only make it open source .........






......or someone make a compatible Win<->Unix  system that would work with both ..........



...aaah dreams...
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Refalm on 14 September 2005, 11:34
Quote from: Jack2000
Dunno people if they could only make it open source .........






......or someone make a compatible Win<->Unix  system that would work with both ..........



...aaah dreams...

Stop dreaming, try JAVA, ColdFusion, etc. :)

Anyway, the only reason for Microsoft to be doing this is money. There are enough suckers out there who will pay $ 50 more for Windows Media Player deluxe or something. Look at the number of people buying Microsoft Plus!

All an operating system needs to be parted in is Home/Office, Server and Clusters.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: solemnwarning on 16 September 2005, 02:02
Quote from: worker201
It might - my Mac can't format NTFS though!

In all seriousness, I keep my usbstick and iPod in HFS+ format.  Now there's no practical reason why Windows should have a problem providing at least a little support for this format.  Linux - no problem - actually, with the 2.6.15 kernel customized for such a purpose, I can read and write just as well as I could on the Mac.  Stick the usbstick in Windows, and it says it isn't formatted.


i use ext2 for my usb sticks :) also

kernel 2.6.15?!?! kernel 2.6.13.1 is current cer, what are you smoking?  :p
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: worker201 on 16 September 2005, 03:22
Quote from: solemnwarning
kernel 2.6.15?!?! kernel 2.6.13.1 is current cer, what are you smoking?  :p


Whoops, make that 2.6.12.5.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: solemnwarning on 16 September 2005, 03:40
Quote from: worker201
Whoops, make that 2.6.12.5.


lol, most of my boxes run custom builds of 2.6.13.1 :)
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Pathos on 16 September 2005, 03:41
lol...I don't even know what kernel I use, as long as it works.

Having 7 versions of windows in my mind is similar to the many distributions of linux. If you're too dumb to work out which one is right for you...tough. I don't really care as I'm not buying it.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: piratePenguin on 16 September 2005, 18:38
Quote from: Pathos
Having 7 versions of windows in my mind is similar to the many distributions of linux.
Err, I disagree.
I can only see the disadvantages (for the user) on the Windows end of things (just read my previous posts in this thread)..

I consider all the different GNU/Linux distributions a good thing because each is targeted at a different type of user, and experienced users can have much more control over their computer than new users. I don't think Windows users will ever enjoy the same kind of choice, and the same kind of control over the software their computer runs.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 16 September 2005, 20:14
I agree with piratePenguin these differant versions of Windows won't be that differant to each other. I would agree if they were a few mainly command line driven versions for server and programmers then others geared more at gamers and desktop applications but this won't be the case ven if MS want to imply it is.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Jenda on 16 September 2005, 22:40
A serious and informed individual cannot buy this sorta crap, IMO. I hope it'll cause many migrations to alternative OSes.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: KernelPanic on 16 September 2005, 23:35
Quote from: Jenda
OSes.


Operating Systemes  :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: piratePenguin on 17 September 2005, 00:18
Quote from: KernelPanic
Operating Systemes  :rolleyes:
m4 rules!

Beats common sense, any day.

:rolleyes:
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: WMD on 17 September 2005, 04:44
Quote from: KernelPanic
Operating Systemes  :rolleyes:

heh :D
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: noob on 23 September 2005, 20:28
i bet its like xp home and pro. theres a file in xp that says what windows adons cant be installed. all you did was open it and add an entry saying that XXX package could be installed and then install it. it bet it will be the same. get the home basic, edit this file and just run the updates from the enterprose edition and bingo, the basic version, working as well as the nterprise.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: worker201 on 24 September 2005, 05:24
Quote from: noob
i bet its like xp home and pro. theres a file in xp that says what windows adons cant be installed. all you did was open it and add an entry saying that XXX package could be installed and then install it. it bet it will be the same. get the home basic, edit this file and just run the updates from the enterprose edition and bingo, the basic version, working as well as the nterprise.


If that's true, then Microsoft really are crooked.  Selling the same product in 7 different packages is just about as bad as a marketing company can get.  It would also mean that Microsoft is still up to their awful tricks, obscuring something that should be secured, and building something that should have been designed.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: noob on 24 September 2005, 11:28
the thing is they could do that and just say that the basic version doesnt officially support the features so they stopped them being installed "For a troube free, friently experiance". no one will get the source code, not given by M$ anyway, so they can say what they want.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Jenda on 25 September 2005, 22:13
Yeah right. That does sound very Microsoftish.

Quote
Operating Systemes

I use "OSes" phonetically: oh-sizz. And its still better than "OS's" - that can get confusing ("many OS's" or "the OS's benefits") - or OSs which can easily get confused with OSS.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 9 October 2005, 20:08
That's a point the 7 differant versions of Windows won't be separate operating systems, they'll be differant versions of the same operating system.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Kintaro on 10 October 2005, 11:13
Quote from: Aloone_Jonez
That's a point the 7 differant versions of Windows won't be separate operating systems, they'll be differant versions of the same operating system.


Depends how you look at it, are FreeBSD, NetBSD, and OpenBSD different operating systems?
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Jack2000 on 10 October 2005, 20:21
Why didn't they just have one DVD with all the data
and then let you choose !
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Lead Head on 10 October 2005, 20:42
it would have to be 2 DVDs, or 1DVD and a CD, or 1 DVD and a micro CD, or 1DVD and 200Floppy discs, or 4900 floppy discs
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 10 October 2005, 20:54
No, it's because they can charge differant prices for differant versions in the hope that more people will use their shit. Leadhead you are wrong in saying that you'd need more than one DVD as all seven versions will be pretty similar to one another, LOL they might be exectly the same except for a few minor changes in the set up program. :D
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: NeoZenkai on 11 October 2005, 22:01
Quote from: Lead Head
how is limiting it to 3 windows or programs or whatever gonna help users ? So what when they learned enough and want to upgade they have to pay more!!?

EXACTLY!!! So, Microsoft is going to tell me how many programs I can run simultaneously on MY computer??? No thanks, right now I'm running OpenOffice, Firefox, XMMS, GKRellM, Thunderbird, SciTE, and not paying a damn penny. Thanks Microsoft, but go shove it.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: HeroicRaptor on 12 October 2005, 03:34
hellsfuckingyeah!
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: MarathoN on 12 October 2005, 11:42
Slackware rules. :D
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Kintaro on 12 October 2005, 16:46
damn fucking right
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Orethrius on 13 October 2005, 11:01
/me wonders what people might say if people knew he's converting to Gentoo
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Annorax on 13 October 2005, 17:57
Quote from: NeoZenkai
EXACTLY!!! So, Microsoft is going to tell me how many programs I can run simultaneously on MY computer??? No thanks, right now I'm running OpenOffice, Firefox, XMMS, GKRellM, Thunderbird, SciTE, and not paying a damn penny. Thanks Microsoft, but go shove it.


That's the only thing they've found so far that they can hold over pirates in countries where there either isn't a legit software vendor or nobody cares about the legit vendor (i.e. China). Want a gigantic price break and still have your rig run like shit? Buy this thing.... and once you have your firewall, antivirus, and instant messenger up and running, you get a nice, big "Fuck you" from Microsoft instead of your chosen browser (chosen as long as you choose IE of course). And God help you if you need to run anything else.

Someday Bill Gates will be found in a ditch with his throat slashed from ear to ear and an Ubuntu install CD shoved in the wound. The world will rejoice. :)
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: noob on 13 October 2005, 20:19
"Anything you can do, I can do better. I can do anything better that you." sound familiar?
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: NeoZenkai on 13 October 2005, 22:42
To quote Microsoft.com:

"In computers that can use the new Windows Vista Display Driver Model (WVDDM), windows are translucent, meaning that it's easier to focus on the content of a window rather than the window itself."

WTF? Do they think we're that stupid? So, lemme get this straight, you need a $3,000 computer so that Windows Vista can make the titlebar translucent so you don't get distracted from your work? Who get's distracted by the titlebars? Two words: SUPERFLUOUS BULLSH*T. Everyone likes eyecandy, but you can have a sweet setup on Linux running an old P2. Man I hate Bill.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Aloone_Jonez on 14 October 2005, 00:03
Linux can do translucent Windows, and Windows XP probably can too.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: Pathos on 15 October 2005, 01:11
Yep translucency is already supported in XP. My nvidia context menu lets me turn it on.
Title: Re: Windows Vista - 7 different versions
Post by: MarathoN on 15 October 2005, 01:36
Quote from: Pathos
Yep translucency is already supported in XP. My nvidia context menu lets me turn it on.

That's not in-built transluceny though is it?

It doesn't come with XP... you need the Nvidia drivers installed for it to work. :rolleyes: