Microsoft issues Windows 7

R.Gatt

Oct 24th 2009, 23:33

Lol the comments below reminded me of this clip from some years ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOEKBC1JPz4

Once upon a time Macs were the deal....in fact many of our local printing presses as well as many local graphical designers still bear witness to this fact. Macs were synonymous with design and printing. However imo, nowadays Macs are simply fashion accessories. There is nothing that a Mac can do, that a PC cannot do better (including crashing).....and cheaper!

Everything costs way more than it actually should, when compared to any standard PC (regardless of OS). God forbid you ever run into hardware/software problems. It shall be already tough to locate a conversant technician, let alone the cost to have it repaired.

With the introduction of cheap data backup media, stability is not too much of a requirement (servers excluded) as it was once upon a time. Standard PC parts are cheap nowadays and only a fool would consider opting for one Mac as opposed to three standard PCs for the same price, when it comes to buying computers for a multi-personnelled
business.

That being said, I still miss the days when Spectrum, Atari and Commodore/Amiga were all the fuss!

edward bartolo

Oct 24th 2009, 19:55

@ Warren Camilleri

I use Debian GNU/Linux. I tried Ubuntu, but I didn't like it. Debian is like Lego for me, I can remove and install almost everything and I have full control on what I can have.

Joe Fenech

Oct 24th 2009, 19:22

T.gauci

"Apple OS but PC wins for rendering and encoding videos and 3rd party applications and those made by MS. anyone who say Mac is faster than PC is not a computer savvy."

Speed is not the only factor affecting the quality of a computer. There is also stability etc. There are still some domains where Mac might be a first choice over PC but to be honest today (as you'd probably more than me) the gap PC/Mac has narrowed.

T.gauci

Oct 24th 2009, 16:03

@G.Pisani

Shutting down and booting has nothing to do with the speed of your computer but rather the OS and the BIOS. windows 7 release candidate shuts down in less than 20 seconds on my 5 year old Pentium 4 PC. as for applications, depends on what applications your daughter was running, if she runs proprietary applications such as iTunes then there's no doubt it will open faster on an Apple OS but PC wins for rendering and encoding videos and 3rd party applications and those made by MS. anyone who say Mac is faster than PC is not a computer savvy.

Warren Camilleri

Oct 24th 2009, 15:43

@ linux users:

ubuntu is one of the best systems linux has to offer, and also there are community sites located in malta so before u moan go and check for assistance on them like my main group with sub sites are ossmalta.com / linuxmalta.co.cc / winmalta.co.cc

@windows users:

i have been using windows 7 beta since vista had a SP1 release, windows vista(longhorn) in my opinoin is a retarded version of & (vienna), 7 is rolled out will lower specs then vista but same graphics card spec will be requiered for aero, and thou it still being built i prefer to have msn in the task bar then as a running app in the application bar!

@mac users:

macs may be cofmterble and the "mercedes of computing" but lets be honest, my ubuntu install is a hell of alot better!!! also go to scan all thier macs are bugged/crash alot!

and i wont pay 1500 euro for a lamed speced mac book

i'l pay that for a gaming laptop, tower and a server for a that price! runing all 4 systems!

@open-solaris users

Welcome to gnome the same GUI used-in-linux

Christian Sciberras

Oct 24th 2009, 15:34

@G.Pisani
"It's amazing that you don't have to run a virus scanner on a Mac. "
Yea, but not for long...

"Many people here think that if anyone likes a Mac they are just fanboys."
That's far from the truth. Repeating my words, I would recommend a Mac to anyone needing a stable and high performance system. Also, thought to point out that Mac is the hardware, OSX is based on Linux (Darwin).

@W.Mercieca - Can't agree less. If it weren't for them, computers would still be in the stage of being used in special cases only (eg, a met office or something the like).

Christian Sciberras

Oct 24th 2009, 15:31

@Ramon Casha -
"What works best for you might not work so well for others."
Which is exactly why people shouldn't go on about a particular OS being the best. I don't think you understand my point. I'm not defending Windows or any other OS, I'm saying people shouldn't be unconditionally deceived/convinced that an OS is better, regardless it being Linux or Windows-based.

"but I've never yet encountered one for Linux."
Does that mean they do not exist? As I said, I never got infected with a virus before, does that mean that Windows doesn't have any virii at all?
Besides, there are lots of cross-platform viruses around, which are especially malicious on non-Windows OS, since they come pre-installed with PHP and Python (such a virus would be Pirus).

"Incidentally, to mute the sound on Ubuntu Linux you can right-click the "loudspeaker" icon on the status bar and select "mute"."
However, I was talking about system sound, rather then normal speakers.

W.Mercieca

Oct 24th 2009, 15:01

If it wasn't for the competition of both apple and microsoft, we would still be using dos interface...

A. Spiteri

Oct 24th 2009, 10:17

Try Ubuntu http://www.ubuntu.com/ This is a FREE operating system - no purchasing costs, no activation codes, no memberships. Lots of documentation is available for this operating system. Also, Open Office http://download.openoffice.org/ is a free desktop publishing software (Word documents, excel sheets, presentations).

G.Pisani

Oct 24th 2009, 10:15

Well I know 3 persons who switched to a Mac including my daughter. They all said they will never go back to Windows as the Mac is unbelievably stable. I have a quad core PC 2.6ghz with 4Gb Ram and my daughter's macbook is a core2 duo 2.0ghz with 2gb ram. The Macbook out runs my PC in boot up, opening applications and shutting down. It's amazing that you don't have to run a virus scanner on a Mac.

Many people here think that if anyone likes a Mac they are just fanboys. Why shouldn't you like a system that just works? Windows only gave me trouble, I spend around 50 euros for technician around every 7 months or so because of problems my system gives. I think the Fanboys are those people who praise a system which is far worse than others aka Windows.

andrew brincat

Oct 24th 2009, 09:50

well wheather u like win 7 or not, micosoft are going to provide support for win xp until April 2014 and phase out xp.

if win 7 is successfull they may stop xp support before april 2014

Ramon Casha

Oct 23rd 2009, 06:04

@Christian Sciberras: There's no such thing as "the best desktop OS". What works best for you might not work so well for others. I use Linux (Ubuntu) for most of my tasks, and keep an installation of Windows for certain games. I've been a software developer for 20 years and I've seen a wide variety of OSes and put them through their paces. Linux is what works best for me.

Judging an OS for its vulnerability to viruses is not stupid at all. Although I've heard about viruses that target non-Windows OSes, it's pretty obvious that the scale of the problem is nowhere near the same. I've lost count of the Windows viruses that I receive in my email, but I've never yet encountered one for Linux.

Incidentally, to mute the sound on Ubuntu Linux you can right-click the "loudspeaker" icon on the status bar and select "mute".

Graham Crocker

Oct 22nd 2009, 22:07

Been using it since the third Beta release and now I'm using a legal copy for Students.
Comparing 7 to Vista is like comparing Marble to dirt.

Christian Sciberras

Oct 22nd 2009, 18:10

@DVella - Yes, Vista was in fact very problematic and a disaster compared to other Microsoft products, even top Microsoft officials said this. Vista could have been improved a lot, in fact, Steve Ballmer also was quoted asking why there was such a lack of drivers for Vista.

DVella

Oct 22nd 2009, 17:39

Steve Ballmer is quoted as saying 'things are looking up again' . . . is that a veiled tacit acknowledgement that the predecessor of this new operating system left somewhat to be desired? (!)

T.gauci

Oct 22nd 2009, 16:38

@Derek Fenech

I think you're missing the point that Mac is a proprietary hardware not an operating system, you can't upgrade the CPU, GPU etc. iMac is inferior compared to any desktop PC except for the Mac pro but that's a workstation not a desktop. your puny 2 core Mac with 512MB on board GPU is nothing compared to quad core PC with 1 or 2GB monster graphic card.

Gianni Xuereb

Oct 22nd 2009, 16:31

@russell mercieca:

LOL...... your clock is like... 2 years outdated. (Bill Gates retired!) What would you expect from a Mac ??

MAC = paying twice as much for two year old outdated hardware. Hello Quod-Core has been out for more than two years! Any Mac with a Quod Core ?????

Christian Sciberras

Oct 22nd 2009, 16:07

@russell mercieca - Thought you should know Bill Gates retired...

russell mercieca

Oct 22nd 2009, 16:02

MAC ALL THE WAY bill gates long way to go windows is far far tooooo complicated

Christian Sciberras

Oct 22nd 2009, 15:24

Linux is simply not the best desktop OS out there, just 2 weeks ago I needed to turn off system sound on Ubuntu, the solution had to be a couple of commands through the console, hardly user-friendly.
Windows on servers is like using an elephant to drive up to my workplace...it finally gets there, but there's too much bloat.
OSX for software development is simply a pain in the back; only a particular proprietary language (or should I say, library) has all the features to write software.

Myself? I don't own a Mac yet, so I'm on Vista running VMWare with Linux Ubuntu and ETHZ Oberon. Definitely not a Microsoft Evangelist, don't you think?

Regards,
Christian Sciberras,
Software Developer.

Derek Fenech

Oct 22nd 2009, 15:20

@Peter Korsten
Just for your information I have worked on both Apple and WIndows and tried a lot of OSs on both machines so I don't go 'parrot' Apple's truth of user friendliness just coz I read what you call propaganda. I make my living using a Mac after years of waste doing so on a Windows machine. The proof of the cake is in the eating. I tried both and while I stick to Apple's sweet taste, memories of Windows sends shivers down my spine.

Christian Sciberras

Oct 22nd 2009, 15:18

@Derek Fenech - I run my software on test unix/linux servers, my own site/services work over linux architecture and starting in the last 2 years, I've been slowly migrating my software from Windows-only to Linux (and in the future Mac as well).

I'm no Microsoft/Windows "fanboy", I wouldn't use the OS in specialized situations and it took me several years to finally settle on using Vista. However, complaining an OS because of virii is stupid, since all OSes* are vulnerable to different exploits.
As to adverts, Microsofts make lame adverts while Apple counters them with cheeky ones, don't know you, but adverts don't buy me.

This isn't a choice between OSes, Windows stays dominant in desktop computing, linux and unix works like a charm on servers, while OSX is lightening fast at rendering/graphics.
**

*Yes, even older mobile OSes, such as Symbian. Remember the latest in mobile security, where a specially crafted SMS can be used to override and control a mobile, remotely?

**continued on page2

E Muscat Azzopardi

Oct 22nd 2009, 15:07

While I love everything Apple, I think Snow Leopard is the result of incremental development, adding features to an existing, reliable and good-looking platform. On the other hand Windows 7 represents real innovation in that it paves the way for cloud behaviour, a system that looks to be the future of computing.

I've been running Win7 for a while, Beta first then RC. I also use XP at home and at work, plus OS X on a MacBook and MacMini (apart from a triple-boot laptop running OSX, Windows7 and Ubuntu - unfair to use as a test-machine though). I think I've had fewer issues with my XP installs than with any other OS but Win7 RC is by far the snappiest. I never took the backwards leap to Vista and IMHO Win7 is what Vista should have been the first time around. It is also the first OS to be slimmer than its predecessor, depending more on online apps and freeing up precious resources (by depending more on the 'cloud' perhaps).

Let's give 7 a chance before dismissing it outright!

Peter Korsten

Oct 22nd 2009, 14:57

@Derek Fenech:
You couldn't be more mistaken. I'm a Unix man, through and through - specifically, Solaris. I wouldn't run a serious service on a Windows machine if my life depended on it.

I's nice that you never had any problems. Tell that to the people who lost all their data with Snow Leopard. It's gone forever, fix or no fix.

And yes, there are more viruses out for Windows than for Mac OS, for the simple reason that it's not worth the trouble writing one for those few Macs about.

Stability is easy to get if you control the hardware as well as the software. If you run on bargain-basement hardware, it'll be unstable regardless of the OS. Windows runs on everything; Mac OS runs only on Apple hardware.

And no, I won't go and read Apple propaganda; I like more objective sources. I've been using computers since before there was Mac or Windows. Windows has all the software and ease-of-use that I need, Solaris has all the power. No reason to buy an overpriced Mac.

But you do fit the stereotype of the fanboy who parrots Apple's Ministry of Truth.

Derek Fenech

Oct 22nd 2009, 14:05

@Peter Korsten and all other Windows evangelists
If WIndows 2000 didn;t use the crash, Microsoft managed to destroy its 'reliability' with Vista apart from never managing to create a hassle free, user friendly computer experience. There are thousands of viruses that cause havoc on a Windows. I have never had any problems on my Mac. And just a small point, I do not own a Mac because I want to make a statement but because I have seen the user friendly approach that Apple have always had in designing their products (OS included) With regards to the Leopard issue I suggest you google the news that it was fixed. Buying a Mac means no hassles, the list is never ending compared to Windows. I suggest you visit http://www.apple.com/getamac/faq/ learn a bit more or have a laugh at Windows by watching the Mac ads unlike the pathetic attempt of Microsoft's ex CEO in the I am a PC campaign.

Thomas Gatt

Oct 22nd 2009, 14:02

@ Christian Sciberras
Well said! 10/10

T.gauci

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:47

for people who complain about viruses, the reason why most hackers don't make viruses for OS X and Linux is because they have less than 10% of market share however that doesn't mean there are no viruses for those 2. Windows still dominate the market share after 25 years now that's a success.

Gianni Xuereb

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:44

@D. Scerri:
Secure too, I see:

Results 1 - 10 of about 1,840,000 for linux exploits.
http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=linux+exploits&meta=
Secure ???

Come on you can develop exploits for all OSes. It's how fast you patch the hole, not how many. It's only your fault if you turn off automatic updates......... Windows Vista/7 have come a long way in security. They implemented ASLR enabled by default. Apple's implementation is still sketchy and in its baby phase. Read more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Address_space_layout_randomization
If you want to talk about security get the facts right. I wonder how many of you ever heard of ASLR! Apple's negative campaigning must be working myriads. But they're only fooling blind fanboys.

Anyone tried the latest Snow Leopard and logged in with a guest account. Guess what happens to all data ? It disappears! How about that for a bug ? This company is still stuck in stone age.

T.gauci

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:25

Best OS so far, i have been using the beta version 7077 since April and never had a problem it's much faster and smoother than XP and Vista. as for Mac you can't do that much with OS X so Windows all the way for me.

Christian Sciberras

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:20

@G.Pisani - If you planned on running games/software on Windows 7, what makes you think viruses aren't already compatible with Windows 7?

@Derek Fenech - So I guess I'm one of the lucky few who didn't get the troubles others claim they got on Windows.

@M.Caruana - Surely will! Just wait :)

@Nigel Lawrence - And people complained about Vista...

@D. Scerri - Correction; no viruses that you know about. Really, some virii work on all platforms, no matter what kind of PC it is. Including Mac and Linux. Windows has always caught the attention of virii/malware, we all know about how you get them on Windows, do we on a OSX/Linux system?
If you're connected to the internet, you're suspectible to attacks, no matter what OS, hardware, firewall or router you're using.

By the way, in the last 6 years I've been running my computer on Windows XP (and later on Vista) I've never got infected. No military-grade software either.

People keep blaming computers and software, the real problem is themselves.

Kind regards,
Christian Sciberras,
Software Developer.

edward bartolo

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:12

@ D. Scerri

So, you are a Linux user! I am another one; I use Debian.

Peter Korsten

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:10

"It's still Windows, still the good old crashes, freezes, errors, viruses and frustrations. Something never heard of if you own a Mac :)"

Except that Snow Leopard may irrevocably destroy all your personal data, which would upset me a bit, to be honest.

Mac OS 9 and before were a total mess. Browse the internet, bang, the whole machine hangs. In contrast, from Windows 2000 onwards, my installations have been rock stable. XP never crashes on me. It helps to buy decent hardware, of course.

I've been using computers since 1982, and my operating system of choice is Sun's Solaris for serious stuff. In an office and at home, it's Windows. Mac is nice if you want to make a statement, or if you don't know what you're doing.

I've never bothered with Vista, after downloading a beta and being seriously unimpressed. Since Windows 7 will have to be great, it'll be great like XP is, and so I ordered three copies.

In the UK, though, where they cost less than half the price of what you pay here.

D. Scerri

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:59

Secure too, I see:

http://www.google.com.mt/search?hl=en&q=windows+7+exploits

D. Scerri

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:56

Stephen Vella claims short term savings. At 579EUR per copy of the full version of this software, how can he possibly claim any savings can be made?

Unless, of course, he's a closet Linux fan.

I'll stick with Linux. It's free, fast, stable, no viruses, simple to use, works on older hardware as well as the latest all-singing, all-dancing kit.

Mint (http://www.linuxmint.com) is an excellent place start. With this at least you know you're saving from day one.

Gianni Xuereb

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:53

@Paul Barrett: I installed Windows 7 on 1 Gig RAM on a 4 year old PC and it wokrs with no hitches.

@G.Pisani: did you ever try a Mac beta OS ? That's what betas are for.... how can you complain about bugs in a beta ? Anyway I have been running Windows 7 RC since May and I must say it is the best Windows ever. IT FLIES!

I noticed my power consumption went down by 20 Watts on my quod-core beast from 95 Watts to 75 Watts. Pretty amazing from just a software update.

Nigel Lawrence

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:30

I tried a beta version on my (newish) Dell laptop. Terrible! Within a couple of days I re-installed Vista.

M.Caruana

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:20

Is Microsoft Malta and the Government going to team up and offer students subsidised rates for the new operationg system like we have for VISTA/Office please?

T Gatt

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:10

@ G.Pisani - Windows 7 is way much better than the previous OS, much way faster, easier and good looking.

You're the only person I heard till now complaining about drivers and incompatibility... which for me sounds strange ...

D. Abdilla

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:01

Used Beta and RC. A Great Platform from Microsoft which did a great job unlike they did with Vista.
Derek Fenech - 9 Months on with 7, not a single crash, not a single BSOD. Unlike Snow Leopard which was a mere update and Deletes your files if you log on with the guest account.

Windows 7 marks a great start for a new OS which also includes Multi-touch features!
All those out there with Vista, Upgrade now to 7!

M.Farrugia

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:58

And here is the review by Trusted Reviews:

http://www.trustedreviews.com/software/review/2009/10/22/Windows-7--The-Review/p1

9/10

edward bartolo

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:54

Windows? Yeah, I installed one in every room of my home, 'cause it's nice to have some fresh air!

D.Carabott

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:46

I personally think Windows 7 is a great upgrade. After the disapointing release of Vista, Microsoft have come up with one of their best versions yet. All the functionality of XP has been retained, coupled with the advanced features that Vista had to offer. For those who would like to learn more about Windows 7 and its deployment, check out WindowsNetworking.com, an independent US-based website with weekly articles and tips aimed at network admins and the general public alike. The following article series by Mitch Tulloch (Microsoft MVP) was extremely helpful when installing it in my work environment. Enjoy!
http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Deploying-Windows-7-Part1.html

M.Farrugia

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:34

I Have been using Windows 7 since may , and it is the best operating system Microsoft has ever developed. I installed in my laptop and netbook and both work faster and have greater battery life. All drivers that work with Vista are compatible. Most of the reviews done by serious sites give it excellent ratings.
If you want to add to your experience install Office 2010 as well (You need to become a beta tester for Microsoft)

Derek Fenech

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:27

It's still Windows, still the good old crashes, freezes, errors, viruses and frustrations. Something never heard of if you own a Mac :)

Peter Vella

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:22

interesting, heard that there are some very sexy new features particularly in Mediacentre and home networking. XP & MAC move over, 7 is here. :)
cant wait to hook it to my xbox!

G.Pisani

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:12

Don't know what the fuss is all about. Did try out the beta version and it still had problems and most my games and applications were not compatible even my motherboard drivers.I heard there are already viruses out for Windows 7!!!!! I downgraded back to XP now. When the time comes to upgrade, it would be Mac for me as that seems to be the trend these days. MS killed it's brand with Vista.

Ramon Casha

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:08

Quick!! Run for cover!!

:-)

Paul Barrett

Oct 22nd 2009, 10:57

Great stuff, it has got to be better than Vista.
One drawback I have read about is that if your machine is say three to four years old, forget about changing to Windows 7. If your machine is recent then you can probably upgrade RAM to 2GB (if it is not 2GB already) and putting in a high end video card.
You can tell if your computer is able to take Windows 7 by checking out at the following Microsoft link:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/get/upgrade-advisor.aspx