Windows XP or Vista?

[Subbynet]

SaaS is generally understood to be deployed via a web API, just a development on from the old Application Service Provider. The architecture is bascially a centralised app with only a browser/lightweight app required at the client end to support it, hence a thin client model.

You've still lost me.. I know the SaaS model and implementation...

I was talking about certain industries not allowing data to be used from a provider of SaaS such as Microsoft's possible future offerings with Office. As such keeping the data local, even local on the network is a requirement for many businesses.

It could be said just about everything on the internet is a Thin Client Model.

I think you've replied to a single post without reading the rest for context?

 

[asonda]

With regards to the Vista.

There aren't going to be any driver problems with the laptop itself. It is designed to work with Vista. You may have trouble with the drivers for peripheral devices, such as printers, webcams etc.

I'm not sure what Datacom was on about, XP didn't need hardly any resources, have a look at the specs yourself, these were taken from MS's website:

Here's What You Need to Use Windows XP Professional

•PC with 300 megahertz or higher processor clock speed recommended; 233 MHz minimum required (single or dual processor system);* Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
•128 megabytes (MB) of RAM or higher recommended (64 MB minimum supported; may limit performance and some features)
•1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available hard disk space*
•Super VGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor
•CD-ROM or DVD drive
•Keyboard and Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

It's a completely different kettle of fish.

Vista, is a Next Generation OS. It's moving with the LATEST hardware, and LATEST software enhancements. It's not for the chap who wants his AMD K6 266mhz to run like a dream. It's for the techs, the people who want the latest, the flashiest,the best looking and the most up to date.

All new items, such as printers etc, support vista...a new colour Multi-Function Printer, (Fax, Scanner, Memory Card Reader) inkjet these days that will work with vista is less than fourty quid!

It's the future. Why pay for outdated software? as soon as SP1 comes out, all the techs will be praising it....

Steve, do you like chess?

Cheers

 

[Cornish Steve]

Steve, do you like chess?

How did you know that? I used to play Board #2 for the Cornish schools team. Haven't played properly, though, in a very long time.

 

[asonda]

Just asking, Vista has a mean Chess game built in

Have a little look here, and watch the video...I think you'll find it looks pretty impressive:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/seeit/default.mspx

 

[Games4Business]

I've never played chess before, not properly anyway (mispent youth!) but I liked the Chess Games beginner option, and could easily take up chess now, so thanks for pointing this out - it just shows how busy I am, I didn't even know there were better games, and I've had vista now for a good 6 months

Just asking, Vista has a mean Chess game built in

Have a little look here, and watch the video...I think you'll find it looks pretty impressive:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/seeit/default.mspx

 

[asonda]

When I finally make the move over to vista (have sold a number of vista computers now to customers) I'm sure I'll be playing on Chess myself. I think it's called Chess Titan, I'm not too sure.

As I have access to OEM vista for system builders, I'm going to build a Quad Core AMD Machine (when they finally release it), Crossfire Graphics, 8GB of Ram, a Raid 0+1 Array with two 500GB SATAII Hard Drives. Undecided on the motherboard yet....I think I may end of with a Top Spec Asus, Sapphire or XFX all three have got all the goodies and plenty of overclockability in them...plus, It'll be watercooled!

Cheers

 

Stop teasing me with your specifications Jamie I am currently planning a new PC for myself, and have been torturing myself with components lately.

Steve

You have done correctly in ordering the additonal graphics, plus ensuring it is Home Premium (rather than basic).

You should have no real problems with the laptop and most if not all of the printers can now get drivers (unless they are too old).

The fact that this is a new PC, with Vista in mind, should ensure you have no real problems.

The only probs I forsee are if you have any existing pieces of software/utilities that may not run on it. It doesn't sound as if you have.

We are still specifying XP on our machines, but also giving an option for Vista (leaving basic well alone). Fine in a new installation, little or no problems now in existing ones.

The 'older' PC's will have to stay with XP - they just will not cope with Vista and there is no real need for them to be changed. Whilst MS will eventually drop the upgrades/patches for XP it will plod happily on for a good number of years yet. I stil support some Win95 PC's

You have almost every angle covered now Steve - get it bought and let us know how much you love it !!

Regards
Mark

 

[creative access]

My new laptop has vista and I have to admit I love it... BUT it's taking a while for software to catch up and there are still quite a few applications I have tried to used which work fine on XP but fall over badly on Vista.

On balance I would choose vista but check the compatibility of any software you will be using first before making the final decision.

 

[asonda]

Stop teasing me with your specifications Jamie I am currently planning a new PC for myself, and have been torturing myself with components lately.

Well.....sorry about that I just want a really really nice machine.

This is for Steve or anybody interested. Today, you'd never guess what happened??? Somebody bought a new Acer Vista Home Premium laptop off me, ordered from the supplier on monday. arrived to me today. This person is a friend, (and on holiday for a week) so he asked if I could set it up, then if I wanted, give it a good test run! So...how was I going to decline that offer.

Its an Intel Core Duo 1.86Ghz (dual core)
Nvidia Geforce Graphics System
120gb hard drive
2GB of Ram (now this is what you need to note, It only came with 1GB. once set up just sitting on the desktop it was taking 67% of that!!!, so I put two Gig sticks in, and it now sits between 29% and 31% - MUCH better, response improved, faster start up)
It's got all the extra bits n bobs, such as a shiny crystal bright screen, 5 in 1 memory card slot, wireless, dvd-rw the whole lot.

Just to add....This is the first Vista Home Premium Laptop I've sold, I've sold a number of computers with it on, but all the laptops to date I've sold have been XP...but now, I feel that the tables have turned, and I'll be selling these as standard and XP on request! Where as before, like Mark (Comspec) it was the other way around...

This responds fine, and from me, is only £499.99 which is on par with laptops direct for this exact model.

Some Piccys (Please excuse the office mess as it's not quite finished yet so stuff is all over the place)

Just wanted to show off my glass desk that everybody advised against

 

[Subbynet]

You show off lol

Is that a PS3 I spy! I've been meaning to drag myself down to an eletrical store to have a demo on a PS3... Im thinking of getting one - you happy with it?

 

[asonda]

I'm MORE than happy with it! Plus, I've got Yellow Dog Linux running on it! Which if you didn't know is the company Sony have chosen to be the official PS3 Linux! so they get all the core code to allow linux to use the wireless for example!

Graphics Superb. That monitor is a Samsung 206BW and is HDCP, so I've got a HDMI to DVI cable plugged in, and the definition at FULL 1080p is just amazing!

Perfect for winding down at the end of a day! At the minute I'm playing on Rainbow Six:Vegas....I'm 3 quarters through it, and it's Solid!

Plus I have the ps3 there, because it just looks so good!

Don't go to the store to demo it, go to the store to BUY IT! don't let microsoft have any more of your money (i.e xbox360), windows will be enough for them, PS3 is spot on!

 

[computerfaq]

Thats almost the exact Laptop I've got, I'm waiting for the extra GB's of RAM to arrive!

Acer are a good make, and I've been using mine for about 3 months now without a single problem on Vista.

 

[Subbynet]

I think you've sold me - so far everyone I've asked has high praise for it.

I have a HD Ready TV but nothing else "HD" so not really benefiting the most from it. (Apart from the rare BBC show on Virginmedia)

I've been thinking about it for a while but before the game I wanted weren't available - I'm only really into driving type games. But the selection has now grown.

Looks like a shopping trip tonight

 

[asonda]

Thats almost the exact Laptop I've got, I'm waiting for the extra GB's of RAM to arrive!

Acer are a good make, and I've been using mine for about 3 months now without a single problem on Vista.

You'll see/notice a difference, your rating in vista will probably stay the same, because of the graphics chip in the laptop, it's the only limiting factor in these things. As vista takes the lowest rating item and uses that as your score!!

They are completely perfect for today's world, cheap, reliable, cost effective and there's so many different models available.

I recommend them every time! I know a lot of people who like them too...People are a bit dubious as there not a High Street Brand, but as soon as I've convinced them to save a few bob, and they get their laptop, they love it!

 

[asonda]

I think you've sold me - so far everyone I've asked has high praise for it.

I have a HD Ready TV but nothing else "HD" so not really benefiting the most from it. (Apart from the rare BBC show on Virginmedia)

I've been thinking about it for a while but before the game I wanted weren't available - I'm only really into driving type games. But the selection has now grown.

Looks like a shopping trip tonight

WHATEVER YOU DO! don't buy Full Auto! It's hurrendous!

Buy Motorstorm, you'll love it....Colin McRae dirt is out soon....I was like you, I love the driving games, but the graphics and gameplay on Resistance Fall of Man converted me! and now I'm into the shooters and driving..

Buy Motorstorm and Resistance with it. it's the most common starting point to show you what this is capable of....at only about 40% of it's potential! Then take it home, hook it up to the internet....download the firmware updates (added things such as upscaling DVDs, sharing media from your PC etc etc it won't let you sign in unless you update anyway)....THEN go to the PS Store and download GT:HD for free of charge....and play on that...you'll be gobsmacked!

 

[Games4Business]

If you are into FPS games, our game Survival Strike will be out soon, www.something2play.com a few out of date screenshots there, but it has everything from tanks, all terrain vehicles, jetpacks, creating fireballs, lasers, explosions, space craft and missions.

WHATEVER YOU DO! don't buy Full Auto! It's hurrendous!

Buy Motorstorm, you'll love it....Colin McRae dirt is out soon....I was like you, I love the driving games, but the graphics and gameplay on Resistance Fall of Man converted me! and now I'm into the shooters and driving..

Buy Motorstorm and Resistance with it. it's the most common starting point to show you what this is capable of....at only about 40% of it's potential! Then take it home, hook it up to the internet....download the firmware updates (added things such as upscaling DVDs, sharing media from your PC etc etc it won't let you sign in unless you update anyway)....THEN go to the PS Store and download GT:HD for free of charge....and play on that...you'll be gobsmacked!

 

[Subbynet]

Cheers Jamie - you know it didn't even cross my mind that I'll be hooking it up to the internet! I never bothered at all on the PS2. How old-skool am I lol...

I was checking the prices of some games just now - the problem is I could spend a fortune in no time lol I'm dangerous when let loose in a boys toys shop and the g/f normally steals my flexible friend lol

I really like the idea of hooking it up to my PC - that was something which made me look at thx XBox360.

 

[asonda]

I really like the idea of hooking it up to my PC - that was something which made me look at thx XBox360.

wash your mouth out boy! Xbox360 is a dirty word.

Basically, you have your PS3 switched on, wired or wireless, go to your PC, then you have a few options..Nero 7 or WMP11 (which I use) simply go to library then select share media...then select the ps3 in the pop up box, and there ya goo...music, videos etc will be available from the correct sections in the PS3 os the XMB

www.ps3forums.com is your friend.

If you are into FPS games, our game Survival Strike will be out soon, www.something2play.com a few out of date screenshots there, but it has everything from tanks, all terrain vehicles, jetpacks, creating fireballs, lasers, explosions, space craft and missions.

looks pretty good? how are the screen shots different now?

 

[Cornish Steve]

Its an Intel Core Duo 1.86Ghz (dual core)

I'm thinking of paying the £15 extra to upgrade from 1.8GHz to 2.0GHz. Do you think it will make much of a difference?

Nvidia Geforce Graphics System

What's the difference between Nvidia Geforce and Nvidia Quadro?

120gb hard drive

The default for me is 80GB at 5600rpm. I could pay a little more for 7200rpm. What would this get me?

I shall probably get the 15.4" widescreen rather than the 14.1". I read somewhere that it's cheaper for manufacturers to produce widescreens; hence, the traditional screens are going to die very quicky. Have you heard the same thing?

 

[asonda]

I'm thinking of paying the £15 extra to upgrade from 1.8GHz to 2.0GHz. do you think it will make much of a difference?


The default for me is 80GB at 5600rpm (I think it is). I could pay a little more for 7200rpm. What would this get me?

Usually it's 5,400rpm on these slim hard drives, however a 7200rpm drive, will seek things faster. Faster loading times etc etc

However, if your not an experienced PC/Techy chap...then to be honest, for desktop applications, your not going to see a difference to be quite frank with you.

I'd say, get the 2.0ghz Dual Core for the extra £15, purely because that works out at 400mhz of extra power (remember a K6 366mhz can run XP Perfectly on it's own) so although it looks like such a little amount it will come into play.

If the hard drive is going to cost quite a bit to upgrade to...don't bother..unless you need really quick loading times on games...it won't make much difference.

Nvidia Quadro is just a better more advanced graphics set. Quadro Nvidia CARDS for normal PC's are usually used at professional levels, with the need for enhanced 3D capability. For what you need, and for the lower cost....the Geforce is perfect..

 

[Games4Business]

They were early development screenshots, much more improved now.

By the way were selling all of our PS2 and PC games that we have in stock during our retailing days, all for £5 each including delivery. All shrink wrapped, in stock and brand new.

PC Games:
http://www.something2play.com/products.php?category_id=49

PS2 Games:
http://www.something2play.com/products.php?category_id=50

wash your mouth out boy! Xbox360 is a dirty word.

Basically, you have your PS3 switched on, wired or wireless, go to your PC, then you have a few options..Nero 7 or WMP11 (which I use) simply go to library then select share media...then select the ps3 in the pop up box, and there ya goo...music, videos etc will be available from the correct sections in the PS3 os the XMB

www.ps3forums.com is your friend.



looks pretty good? how are the screen shots different now?

 

[Subbynet]

wash your mouth out boy! Xbox360 is a dirty word.

HeHe! This was before the PS3 was released but a friend bought one (Xbox360) and I wasn't that impressed - nothing felt faster, and the graphics didn't look any better than my PS2. Plus I don't like the hand controllers for XBoxes.

 

[Games4Business]

Alot of games companies are making their games Vista compatible only. We will try to keep our own games xp/vista and mac compatible. This will be another push for Microsoft to force the upgrade to vista. I believe Halo2/3 on PC will be Vista only.

 

[asonda]

Alot of games companies are making their games Vista compatible only. We will try to keep our own games xp/vista and mac compatible. This will be another push for Microsoft to force the upgrade to vista. I believe Halo2/3 on PC will be Vista only.

I'm so glad there are so many people opposing microsoft on the game front!

 

[Subbynet]

I heard Duke Nukem Forever was being released for Vista lol

 

[brownie]

I believe it will be a flash in the pan... Local Apps are here to stay. Intel and AMD arn't sticking that stonking big V8 of a processor in your PC to use 10% of it.

I was responding to this part of your post, never mind.

 

[Subbynet]

I was responding to this part of your post, never mind.

Yeah, I think your trying to say was Thin Clients are popular?

But SaaS is a service provided externally and Thin Clients have services provided from a central server on the same network.

Also, how many Thin-Client networks have you worked on? For me, apart from one (Unix X11 based), I've never encounted a pure Thin-Client solution used by business. The one I did was in an industrial complex where paint fumes meant a sealed unit such a Thin-Client was a good idea.

In my experience businesses use a Hybrid Model.

Also, Thin-Clients don't have "stonking big V8 processors!"

 

[brownie]

Yeah, I think your trying to say was Thin Clients are popular?

You can tell I'm a techie, pants at getting my POV over in text.

Not at all, quite the reverse in that in a normal work force thin clients have failed and I cannot see SaaS gaining wide acceptance in part due to the points you put forward about data security, etc. I agree with you, although I think there is another problem in particular with Microsoft going down this route. Some years back they tried to grab ownership of the billing cloud for their ASP apps which got canned due to bad publicity. God knows what stunt they'll try with SaaS.

Thin clients may have looked attractive back in the mid-late 90's when a PC cost substantially more then than a thin client.

Thin clients do work in some areas, library terminals, atms, etc. with a custom GUI.

 

[Subbynet]

Ah gotcha

I don't know how MS will convince people to move over to SaaS - I mean for many people and I still hear it alot - that Office 97 does everything they need. Its going to need a big worm dangled to catch these fish.

I have Office 2007 now and I do like it, but its a one off payment, I have it and its mine forever... No silly yearly service charges for software I already have.

One area where MS could have played really nice with Thin-Clients as for POS systems on the Dynamics line, but I found it cheaper to buy a load of X86 boxes than it was for a Single server powerful (and reliable) enough for the whole network. Its just tooo Fat.

I think we have China to thank for killing Thin-Clients!

 

[asonda]

lol, lets be thankful nobodies going to want SaaS. Processing would be done at the provider level, so there goes my new pc sales!