Vista anyone???

[gb4fan92]

So is anyone going to plunge into Vista this week via an upgrade or new computer??  Looking into todays paper I saw the system that I want. And with surprisingly approval from her "You're going to buy it no matter what so why are you asking me??" Guess I'm going to take the plunge. With 2 teenage kids and only one computer its been  a struggle for anyone to use the computer. My goal is to network the computer  right away and then eventually stream the content from the main computer to the TV/Stereo creating a home entertainment center. Any advise out there before I plunge?

[waterhead]

A report that I read says that Vista has been optimized for DRM (Digital Rights Management or copy protection).
Read this report:
A Cost Analysis of Windows Vista Content Protection

[HDefinicktion]

There is a Microsoft release "party" in Brookfield that I was invited to and hoping that a free copy is involved.  If not, I am waiting for the 64-bit version to be back in stock to install.  I figure that there are many new issues that I will be dealing with, but that always happens being an early adopter.  I have similar plans to run music over my network to a MCE 2005 box.  After reading some of this article, I am sure that many things that I take for granted now, will no longer work.  I can already see an issue with HDCP compliant devices, like the 8800GTX that I just got.  Keep me posted with your setup.  

One thing that I could suggest that seemed to work for me was the Logitech Wireless Music System
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/products/details/US/EN,CRID=2653,CONTENTID=10855.  

Not nearly as nice as streaming over the network to another computer, but works for playing playlists.

I used to use the Dlink Media Lounge often, but as my music collection grew, it became more and more difficult to use, thus resulting in building an MCE box to stream media.

[LowSignal]

I have a vista premium upgrade on it's way to me, debating To install it or flip it. I really like XP right now.

[waterhead]

If you have a spare hard drive, you can "back up" your WinXP installation to it. If you find Vista is not to your liking just go back to your XP installation.

A program that I use to back up an installation is BootIt NG. You can back up to a hard drive or DVD's. It is share ware, so it will cost nothing.

Boot It Next Generation

Just so you know. If you use this to copy WinXP for a different PC, WinXP will notice that the hardware is different and require you to re-register it. (I tried )

[murdoc]

I tried out the Beta version of Vista a while ago.  It was a bit buggy and crashed a lot.  I got a release copy a few days ago, and it is quite stable and VERY fast.  I installed Vista Ultimate and it flies.  It is easily twice as fast as XP on my windows machine (AMD Athlon X2 3800, 2GB RAM, 250GB HD, GeForce 6600GT).  I haven't decided if I should install it on my iMac though...

[kevbeck122]

Vista RC2 ran great on my computer (Intel Core 2 E6600, 2GB RAM, Geforce 7600GT) when I had it installed.  I'm going back and forth as to whether or not I want to sell that machine.. so I doubt I'll get the released version of Vista anytime soon.

I recommend at least 1GB of RAM.. 2 if you can.  When I had Vista RC2 installed, it was using ~700-800MB of RAM with nothing but the sidebar open and all the special effects on.

[waterhead]

I recommend at least 1GB of RAM.. 2 if you can.  When I had Vista RC2 installed, it was using ~700-800MB of RAM with nothing but the sidebar open and all the special effects on.

According to the report that I linked to previously, this is because it is constantly checking for illegal media being played.

[HDefinicktion]

Do you think that without any music stored on a local hard drive that it would not use up as much system resources?

I have heard that the Aero uses plenty of RAM, and many people have said that 2GB is minimum for the Ultimate edition if you want the interface to run smoothly.

Murdoc, what speed memory are you running?

[murdoc]

Murdoc, what speed memory are you running?

184 pin, DDR SDRAM, PC3200 MB/sec (2 x 1GB)

Edit: And I may have plenty of illegal music.

[HDefinicktion]

Well, I got back from the launch and no Vista to show...just envy of the presenter and his machine.  Being a partner, they did however give out Office 2007 professional and Groove 2007.  I guess I will wait until they come back in stock to purchase...

[kevbeck122]

Anyone know if the OEM version can be transferred to another computer after it's installed and activated (legally)?

With XP I know the license stated that you could transfer as long as you took it off the original computer.. but I was reading that they changed some of the terms in the license.  I know you can't transfer OEM versions you get from Dell and others, but I wasn't sure about the OEM version you can get at Newegg and other online stores.

[Talos4]

I'm picking up a new PC this weekend. It will be Vista Premium capable.  

XP for me. I like bandwagons as much as the next guy.  But, installing a new operating system from microsoft at the time of the release is like buying a new car model in it's first year of production.

You guy's let me know when the major bugs are worked out then I'll get it.

Of course I just replaced my Tandy 1000 TL/2 two years ago, what do I know:D

[LowSignal]

Installed home premium, So far so good. 6300 Core2Duo/2gigs DDR2/X800GTO2
I like it, IMO it runs faster then My previous XP MCE install.

[PaulKTF]

If you care about your privacy; stay far, far away from Vista... And if you must upgrade; at least wait a year or two for all the security holes and bugs to be fixed. Me; I'm sticking with Windows XP SP2 from here on out.