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Microsoft to follow Apple's Lion lead with digital delivery of Windows 8 - Page 2

post #41 of 127
11/22/11 at 9:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveMcM76 View Post

When I bought Windows 7 Home Premium (first version of windows I've ever actually paid for - bought 2 copies at £45 each with the pre order discount) you got both the 32 and 64 bit DVDs in the same box and a single license code, so I'm not sure they really count as separate products any more like they did with XP... You can't buy "Windows 7 32 bit" and "Windows 7 64 bit" separately.

Saying that though it could still get very confusing for your average consumer as to which DVD they need to install from...

Yeah, Windows 7 included both w/the purchase, but Vista sold them separately I believe and the 64 bit version of XP was something that came along down the pipe. I'm sure wikipedia will correct me if I'm wrong
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post #42 of 127
11/22/11 at 9:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveMcM76 View Post

When I bought Windows 7 Home Premium (first version of windows I've ever actually paid for - bought 2 copies at £45 each with the pre order discount) you got both the 32 and 64 bit DVDs in the same box and a single license code, so I'm not sure they really count as separate products any more like they did with XP... You can't buy "Windows 7 32 bit" and "Windows 7 64 bit" separately.

Saying that though it could still get very confusing for your average consumer as to which DVD they need to install from...

I bought vista a while ago and that says "64-bit" on the box, no hint of 32-bit, even whilst installing. I also get copies of windows 7 free (courtesy of MSDNAA) and those only come with one DVD in a box with EITHER 32 or 64 bit installs on said DVD.

... at night.

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... at night.

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post #43 of 127
11/22/11 at 9:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by benanderson89 View Post

The thing I really hate about windows...

You have unused icons on your desktop...You have unused icons on your desktop. OK, OK stop it already.

Life is too short to drink bad coffee.

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Life is too short to drink bad coffee.

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post #44 of 127
11/22/11 at 9:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mstone View Post

You have unused icons on your desktop...You have unused icons on your desktop. OK, OK stop it already.

Well maybe if you didn't put all my icons on the bloody desktop! STOP WITH THE ICONS! *cries in the corner*

... at night.

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... at night.

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post #45 of 127
11/22/11 at 9:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mac.World View Post

Which to download?

Windows 8 business edition
Windows 8 personal edition
Windows 8 executive edition
Windows 8 super secret edition
Windows 8 semi-personal, but mostly business edition
Windows 8 a little bit of business, but somewhat personal edition

Check, got it. Little bit of business, but somewhat personal.

Commence download... Wait 3 hours... Wait 2 more hours for security patches on a brand new os? (wtf!)... Wait 45 more minutes to configure and 50 restarts

Reboot final time, wait for screen to load, click on my computer... BSOD. I love windoze.

How about Windows 8 business in front, party in the back edition*.

* Yes I just implied that if you use Windows 8 you may be a redneck, or Canadian.
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post #46 of 127
11/22/11 at 9:47am
Quote:
Originally Posted by boriscleto View Post

How about Windows 8 business in front, party in the back edition.

Best post of thread!

Life is too short to drink bad coffee.

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post #47 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:02am
I think it's unfair to say MS is "copying" Apple. They are certainly following their lead, but online SW distribution already existed.

I read today that there are to be 50 Ultrabooks at CES in January. That's a lot of machines without any internal optical drive. This was inevitable.
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post #48 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:03am
Quote:
Originally Posted by hmurchison View Post

Redmond start your photocopiers

I hate the burst your bubble but Microsoft had this option when Windows 7 came out...BEFORE...Lion.

Notice the download option on the right...

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/..._PID_235488300

Complete instructions on how to do it....with OUT a DVD drive...

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...load-windows-7
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post #49 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by bettieblue View Post

I hate the burst your bubble but Microsoft had this option when Windows 7 came out...BEFORE...Lion.

Notice the download option on the right...

http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/..._PID_235488300

Complete instructions on how to do it....with OUT a DVD drive...

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...load-windows-7

Except for being an internet-based option that is pretty much the opposite of simple. MS is following Apple lead here, as usual.
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post #50 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:13am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mac.World View Post

Which to download?

Windows 8 business edition
Windows 8 personal edition
Windows 8 executive edition
Windows 8 super secret edition
Windows 8 semi-personal, but mostly business edition
Windows 8 a little bit of business, but somewhat personal edition

Check, got it. Little bit of business, but somewhat personal.

Commence download... Wait 3 hours... Wait 2 more hours for security patches on a brand new os? (wtf!)... Wait 45 more minutes to configure and 50 restarts

Reboot final time, wait for screen to load, click on my computer... BSOD. I love windoze.

LOL. And true. Each edition will cost at least $129 for the upgrade.
And, I have actually seen Windows installer BSOD. No joke. It happened to me once while installing Windows XP, years ago. It BSOD while still in "DOS screen mode" during the initial setup screens, right before it asks you which drive you want to install Windows on. That was puzzling because during setup, ONLY MICROSOFT DRIVERS are running. Any BSOD is due to a bug in their drivers. Never going back to Windows.
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"And just like that, everyone here realizes you're just another sweaty little Google licker with an axe to grind and no idea what he's talking about." --addabox
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post #51 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:20am
I can imagine quite a few disasters during the process as numerous pop ups tell users they need to click here and there to update this and that and that this has failed and that this was unable to find a driver. Windows will no doubt try to run an update the current version for many at the same times as it is downloading the new version and none of this takes into account the anti virus software trying to do its thing, or even their things. I've lost count of the PC users I have helped that had three or four anti virus programs all checking everything even though most had expired, they simply didn't have the latest databases but were still chugging along competing for CPU cycles and disk access...

Oh this will be fun.
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Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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post #52 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:21am
Went into Apple Store, saw an ad for Lion, and thought, hey... How about an impulse buy. Was going to get a family pack. But... Nowhere to be found.

Electronic distribution only or heavily pushed is stupid. Why pose obstacles to letting customers buy something? Have both... easily accessible.
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post #53 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:24am
Consumers will also be able to purchase the latest biography by Sir Walter Isaacson named 'Steve Ballmer'. With a working title of 'Monkey Boy: The Chair Tamer' Isaacson threw caution to the wind and really let his creative juices flow writing this epic.
"I really felt so connected to this Steve, much more than the last one. Steve B is so ruggedly handsome, when I look upon his manly visage, I feel all funny in my little bits.. Teehee! He is like a sweaty Ronald Reagan! Sigh!"
Critics have applauded the latest book which was overwhelmingly positive in it's view of The Man From Redmond.
When asked for comment, Steve Ballmer was characteristically concise with his response. While chewing thoughtfully on a banana, he scratched his privates and then pronounced "Steve like".
Microsoft representatives could not be reached for comment, as they dealing with a 'I.T Problem' back in Redmond. Rumours were swirling that all of the companies computers has crashed while tried to upgrade to the latest version of Windows.
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..... the greatest fame comes from adding to human knowledge, not winning battles.
Paraphrased from Napolean Bonaparte, 1798
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post #54 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:25am
I'm happy Microsoft is still loyal to Apple and keeps copying it instead of Google's OS. Plus for Redmond!
Apple had me at scrolling
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Apple had me at scrolling
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post #55 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:26am
Quote:
Originally Posted by benanderson89 View Post

I bought vista a while ago and that says "64-bit" on the box, no hint of 32-bit, even whilst installing. I also get copies of windows 7 free (courtesy of MSDNAA) and those only come with one DVD in a box with EITHER 32 or 64 bit installs on said DVD.

You bought Vista only a while ago? Are you a masochist or something?
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Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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post #56 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaarrrgggh View Post

Went into Apple Store, saw an ad for Lion, and thought, hey... How about an impulse buy. Was going to get a family pack. But... Nowhere to be found.

Because there's no such thing as a family pack anymore. Please read up on stuff before just randomly going to buy it.

Quote:
Electronic distribution only or heavily pushed is stupid. Why pose obstacles to letting customers buy something? Have both... easily accessible.

They are. Both. Accessible.

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MD256Z/A
PhilBoogie
That's Google alright. For a stupid company they sure do dumb things.
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PhilBoogie
That's Google alright. For a stupid company they sure do dumb things.
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post #57 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by digitalclips View Post

You bought Vista only a while ago? You are a mosochocist or something?

A while ago being 2007. Shortly afterwards I said to myself "fuck it, I'm buying a Mac!" - and now I have two.

... at night.

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... at night.

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post #58 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:29am
Quote:
Originally Posted by iVlad View Post

I'm happy Microsoft is still loyal to Apple and keeps copying it instead of Google's OS. Plus for Redmond!

They haven't figured out how to copy anyone else yet. Thirty years is a long time in one rut you know!
Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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post #59 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by boriscleto View Post

How about Windows 8 business in front, party in the back edition*.

* Yes I just implied that if you use Windows 8 you may be a redneck, or Canadian.

Will the startup music for that edition of Windows be Achy Breaky Heart?
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post #60 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:30am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suddenly Newton View Post

It happened to me once while installing Windows XP, years ago. It BSOD while still in "DOS screen mode" during the initial setup screens, right before it asks you which drive you want to install Windows on. That was puzzling because during setup, ONLY MICROSOFT DRIVERS are running. Any BSOD is due to a bug in their drivers. Never going back to Windows.

Probably some hardware issue. Not the installer application's fault. Usually bad memory or HD partition has unmarked bad blocks, etc.

Life is too short to drink bad coffee.

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post #61 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:31am
Quote:
Originally Posted by benanderson89 View Post

A while ago being 2007. Shortly afterwards I said to myself "fuck it, I'm buying a Mac!" - and now I have two.


Phew! That's a relief ... I read into it 'just' ... a while ago. My bad.
Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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post #62 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:32am
But Windows 7 was already offered as a digital download right from the start. I remember getting free copies of both 32 bits and 64 bits version of Windows 7 Professional off the MSDN Academic Alliance website years ago. And the installation process sure had improved over the previous versions. Can't wait to see if the stuffs they claim for Windows 8 are true.
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post #63 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SSquirrel View Post

Will the startup music for that edition of Windows be Achy Breaky Heart?

Come on, you are assuming the sound drivers work!
Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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post #64 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:34am
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mock Turtleneck View Post

But Windows 7 was already offered as a digital download right from the start. I remember getting free copies of both 32 bits and 64 bits version of Windows 7 Professional off the MSDN Academic Alliance website years ago. And the installation process sure had improved over the previous versions. Can't wait to see if the stuffs they claim for Windows 8 are true.

Did it actually install or just give them the data to burn an install disk the traditional way?
Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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post #65 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:38am
Quote:
Originally Posted by digitalclips View Post

Did it actually install or just give them the data to burn an install disk the traditional way?

If I remember correctly, you get an ISO file which you could mount it on a USB disk or burn it onto a DVD prior to installation. Or is this article talking about some other forms of digital delivery?
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post #66 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:41am
Quote:
Originally Posted by zindako View Post

Is Redmond going to also copy the price points of Apples operating systems sold on the Mac App Store? I doubt it lol.

Simple : they will show their table size tablet

(http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/...-pre-order.ars)

Which will demonstrate they can make BIGGER products than Apple, in BIGGER stores
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post #67 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mock Turtleneck View Post

If I remember correctly, you get an ISO file which you could mount it on a USB disk or burn it onto a DVD prior to installation. Or is this article talking about some other forms of digital delivery?

There is also another option to do an install from an installation on the current version without needing an external disc. But it's nowhere as straightforward and simple as Lion is and Win8 will be.

PS: One thing I wish Apple would do is make creating a bootable installer disk/disc an option that doesn't require you to jump through some hoops. The directions are simple enough to follow, but you'll definitely need to look up the first time to know where to find the DMG and how to copy/burn it using Disk Utility. This is one area where MS is considerably more straightforward than Apple. It's great they have the Recovery Partition but having to re-download 4GB again if you choose to reinstall is a PITA.
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post #68 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by aaarrrgggh View Post

Went into Apple Store, saw an ad for Lion, and thought, hey... How about an impulse buy. Was going to get a family pack. But... Nowhere to be found.

Electronic distribution only or heavily pushed is stupid. Why pose obstacles to letting customers buy something? Have both... easily accessible.

Some things to consider:

1) Electronic only distro reduces costs, warehousing, packaging, labor, disposing of obsolete stock

2) That contributes to lower retail prices, green effect... all beneficial

3) A single Lion download is installable on multiple Macs -- Every Lion is a Family Pack
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"So at the end of the presentation, Steve came up to me and said: Is the iPhone worth criticizing? And I said: Make the screen five inches by eight inches, and you’ll rule the world."
– Alan Kay –
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post #69 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:50am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mstone View Post

I wish it would stop telling me it found new hardware wanting to install drivers for my RAID, a couple minutes after it already booted from said RAID.

Have you installed the newest drivers from the manufacturer? Unless you're dealing with something very obscure or outdated*, my guess is that there is an easy solution.

Generally you get that error if you are using a driver which is missing a digital signature.

If your manufacturer does not have a proper driver, get a new RAID, because you likely have more to worry about than an annoying workaround. I assume that your data is valuable to you.



*(Unless you are running XP or 2000 or something or a very old RAID with Win7).
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post #70 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Mock Turtleneck View Post

If I remember correctly, you get an ISO file which you could mount it on a USB disk or burn it onto a DVD prior to installation. Or is this article talking about some other forms of digital delivery?

The Lion install is from a user point of view, 'click to purchase and install'. Come back later and you are running Lion. An 83 year old lady I help did this herself on an iMac last week.
Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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post #71 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:55am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mac.World View Post

Which to download?

Windows 8 business edition
Windows 8 personal edition
Windows 8 executive edition
Windows 8 super secret edition
Windows 8 semi-personal, but mostly business edition
Windows 8 a little bit of business, but somewhat personal edition

Check, got it. Little bit of business, but somewhat personal.

Commence download... Wait 3 hours... Wait 2 more hours for security patches on a brand new os? (wtf!)... Wait 45 more minutes to configure and 50 restarts

Reboot final time, wait for screen to load, click on my computer... BSOD. I love windoze.


Well...

If I, personally, had a small business... ...not saying that I do, mind you... what version of Windows 8 should I get?

...I need something that will not only tickle my fancy... but will reach my expectations...

Ooops... got a little sidetracked there... Sorry!

"So at the end of the presentation, Steve came up to me and said: Is the iPhone worth criticizing? And I said: Make the screen five inches by eight inches, and you’ll rule the world."
– Alan Kay –
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"So at the end of the presentation, Steve came up to me and said: Is the iPhone worth criticizing? And I said: Make the screen five inches by eight inches, and you’ll rule the world."
– Alan Kay –
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post #72 of 127
11/22/11 at 10:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by benanderson89 View Post

Well maybe if you didn't put all my icons on the bloody desktop! STOP WITH THE ICONS! *cries in the corner*

That is the thing I hate most about iOS. It looks like a newbie using a Windows machine.

I find the "all your icons in a grid" paradigm to be much less useful than other methods.
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post #73 of 127
11/22/11 at 11:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ConradJoe View Post

That is the thing I hate most about iOS. It looks like a newbie using a Windows machine.

I find the "all your icons in a grid" paradigm to be much less useful than other methods.

I wish you could make custom icons for folders on iOS.

Life is too short to drink bad coffee.

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post #74 of 127
11/22/11 at 11:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ConradJoe View Post

That is the thing I hate most about iOS. It looks like a newbie using a Windows machine.

I find the "all your icons in a grid" paradigm to be much less useful than other methods.

Oh poor you. I'm sure Apple will alter their failed UI when they read this.
Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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Been using Apples since 1978 and Macs since 1984
Long on AAPL so biased. Strong advocate for separation of technology and politics on AI.
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post #75 of 127
11/22/11 at 11:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mstone View Post

Probably some hardware issue. Not the installer application's fault. Usually bad memory or HD partition has unmarked bad blocks, etc.

People think that updating to a new OS on a barely functioning POS will magically cure everything that ails it. It doesn't work that way.
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post #76 of 127
11/22/11 at 11:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by mstone View Post

I wish you could make custom icons for folders on iOS.

Yeah. They all appear in a grid which moves around when you change the location of any other icon. And they all look so similar to each other that you need to read the label, obviating the need for an icon in the first place.

Other app launchers work better.
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post #77 of 127
11/22/11 at 11:06am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SSquirrel View Post

Yeah, Windows 7 included both w/the purchase, but Vista sold them separately I believe and the 64 bit version of XP was something that came along down the pipe. I'm sure wikipedia will correct me if I'm wrong

Windows XP 64 bit Edition was a ridiculously expensive, never really supported that well afterthought if memory serves...

I've never seen 64bit vista so I wasn't sure how that was sold - One of my old laptops came with 32 bit vista preinstalled which I upgraded to Windows 7 at the very first public preview opportunity as even early alpha / beta windows 7 was far more reliable than vista.

Vista sucked big time... windows 7 is a vast improvement and a I find it a very stable and usable operating system all things considered... As I said earlier, it's the first Windows version I've seen fit to actually hand over cash for retail copies.

I've never owned a mac (boo, hiss!, I know ) so my experience of OSX is pretty limited to make any comparisons to windows of any version.
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post #78 of 127
11/22/11 at 11:08am
Quote:
Originally Posted by digitalclips View Post

Oh poor you. I'm sure Apple will alter their failed UI when they read this.

Not when their current (and their targeted) customer base includes so many people who use the "grid of icons" approach on their current PCs.

Apple knows what makes most of their customers comfortable. That is one reason for their success.
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post #79 of 127
11/22/11 at 11:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dick Applebaum View Post

If you can buy their OS online...

With what will MS stock the shelves of their high-priced retail stores?

Items for purchase at a MajorCrap retail store:

1. MS branded USB keyboard
2. MS branded USB mouse
3. MS branded wireless keyboard
4. MS branded wireless mouse
5. MS branded PS/2 to USB adapter
6. Empty boxes displaying Windoze 8 OS. Tear sheets listing URL for download purchase (free)
7. MS decals (copied from 1984-2011 Apple decals)
8. Maps & directions to nearest Apple Store (free with any MS purchase)
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post #80 of 127
11/22/11 at 11:25am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Garamond View Post

Monkey see. Monkey do.

Yes, because Apple pioneered downloading software of the internet
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