What's Windows Vista Like?

[Clyde]

I've noticed a heck of alot of posts around the basic forums regarding Windows Vista. And I wondered wether anybody here has tried the beta? Or knows any pros and cons over it. For instance if we switched, would we still be able to use language like Blitz And FreeBASIC.

Thanks for the info,
Cheers Clyde.

[Phoenix]

I haven't tried it, but I think it's backwards compatible. From what I've seen the biggest change is the sleek UI, but that's about the only change you can see on screenshots.

[xteraco]

well, its bad.... i havent used it but i herd a rumor that they want to make it subscription based, and if vista's not, then the next one around will be... all just rumor's though i think...  unconermed

[Clyde]

Is that to do with the beta, then I can understand that logic. Or maybe you are getting mixed up with the MSDN subscription, which has been going for yonks.

[cirux]

Is that to do with the beta, then I can understand that logic. Or maybe you are getting mixed up with the MSDN subscription, which has been going for yonks.

Microsoft (and loads of other companies) want to eventually switch from buying a one time license fee to basically rent the software and pay annual/monthly.

[Shockwave]

Which is worrying Cirux, it's not as if they are short of money now, they just want more and more and more.
Micro$oft eh? 

[zparticle]

http://blogs.msdn.com/kamvedbrat/archive/2006/02/22/537624.aspx

http://news.softpedia.com/news/DirectX-10-and-so-it-ends-7762.shtml

[Clyde]

Thanks for that ZP.

Im hesitant on trying out beta's of operating systems, as I've had bad experiences with Windows98 and loosing all my Hard Drive. I've tried the new Office 2007 which is absolutely first class, and it upgrades an existing Office installation which can be easily reversed back.

For those that have downloaded and installed Windows Vista, is there this option or can it be used as a dual installation? So I dont loose Windows XP SP2 entirely.

Cheers and many thanks,
Clyde.

[.:] Druid [:.]

Beta is running on laptop at work (ok, all has been provided by M$, so I presume they selected the hardware they knew as fully compliant..) and honnestly, it's nice looking.  The Aero thingie is really really nice and it seems demomakers were around (yeah since it's really nice to look at..).  Now, honeslty, I don't give a f*** about windows poping etc when working.  It sounds like piece of toys to me.

I'll have it installed within a few days here (i hope, matter of time to be honnest....) and i'll have a closer look: its fonctionalities and not its look.

About the beta thingie and most of you hesitating to install it (i can understand), you may consider the "virtual machines".  It's a good idea to have different os.  Of course, it won't be the same (except if you have one of those HP blades with 8+ cpu and 4gb ram @ home...) but it can give an idea.

And the good point is the virtual software: beta is open @ vmware, it runs fine here

[Clyde]

Thanks so much for the heads up Druid dude, much appreciated.
I've never looked into VM Ware. Will have to make a mental note to check it up.

Cheers and all the best,
Clyde.