AfterDawn: News

Windows 7 to come in 5 varieties

Although they have been criticized for offering Windows Vista in far too many versions, Microsoft has confirmed that the upcoming Windows 7 will come in five different versions, with the company "focusing" on two.

The different versions of Windows 7 will be, Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate. The company did note that "Home Basic" would only be sold in emerging markets however.



"We're going to focus on two versions," noted Microsoft Senior Vice President Bill Veghte. Veghte added he expected the Home Premium and Professional versions to account for 80 percent of Windows 7 sales.

The Starter version will be "severely limited" and will most likely only be sold in emerging markets as well or to those who simply want a cheap OS. The crippled version will have screen resolution limitations, processor limitations, and will only be able to have three applications running at the same time.

Cnet also adds that upgrading will be much easier this time around and "Windows 7, despite its many versions, will actually come as a single piece of code, or image. That means all the features will come loaded onto a Windows 7 PC, ready to be unlocked with an upgrade product key."

A functional beta of Windows 7 has been available from the company since early last month.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 3 Feb 2009 15:17

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• 55 comments

• Shinraboy

  I mean it's not BAD but really...a starter version? Save the money and release a theme for the XP instead. Personally I don't care if they come out with a thousand versions so long as they get it right. ^_^

  3.2.2009 15:48 #1

• 21Q

  The cheapest version >> does it have any possible actual use? I mean, I have more programs running in the task bar than that. I do find the upgrade key idea is much better than the current vista upgrade system.

  3.2.2009 16:16 #2

• Javan39

  three programs running at one time? That is a waste but I guess the most common user probably only reads email and listens to music.

  3.2.2009 16:26 #3

• SProdigy

  I've been using Windows 7 in beta and really like it, so much that I've been installing it on multiple machines to see what it runs on and how it runs. (In the forums here, I have posted that I had it running on an old Sony Vaio with 512mb of memory and 1ghz processor.)
  
  Anyhow, this is crap news. I really hate all of the "differences" that MS is trying to sell us on. I was hoping that the "Ultimate" in name on the beta was only a holdover from Vista. And really, Vista Ultimate users get what, Dreamscape and Texas Hold'em for the "ultimate" downloads? I'll pass on that.
  
  As for Starter, I see it as a stripped down OS for Netbooks, just like the squeezed versions of XP showing up on those systems now. Small footprint, limited use. You get way you pay for, no big deal.
  
  Now, Home Basic and Home Premium: what a farce. Vista and XP had little difference between Home and Professional. I see it says Basic, which is the Aero-less version for Vista, will be a limited release too, but I'm kind of ticked at MS.
  
  The whole idea behind XP was to merge to one OS, relinquishing the legacy paths from 95/98/ME and the NT versions. Instead of moving toward this trend, the trend has gotten worse and more confusing. XP had Home, Pro and Media Center Edition. MCE was an OEM only system, but was Pro without Domain support. Home was missing a few other components of Pro, and neither Home/Pro had Media Center. Why not one version to rule them all?
  
  Of course, Vista had Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. So does "Business" become "Professional" again in salesman terms? I just wish MS would stop smoking crack and come out with 2 skus at best: Consumer and Enterprise. Or maybe just ONE sku. That's all that's needed. Is the added "domain support" worth the extra money that's on the price tag?

  3.2.2009 16:35 #4

• tripplite

  windows cat? windows dog? windows goldfish? windows dead goldfish? windows normal dead goldfish?
  
  only FIVE optionz...common i expected more...like at least more then i can count.....enough to confuse me maybe?....pffft i heard Microsoft was a "challenging" company for consumers but this is tooo easy...they should put the operating systems behind doors and THEN let me choose, now that's a sale!
  
  from what i understand there all the same, just different products piled into them or certain utilities or user capabilities added or removed, nothing bad with vista variations, i think they just packaged it wrong by making the option available to everyone, just confusing lol....

  3.2.2009 16:35 #5

• Mik3h

  Windows 7 is pretty great in my opinion. Few bugs here and there, but looking forward to it.

  3.2.2009 16:44 #6

• arcanix

  Quote:I just wish MS would stop smoking crack and come out with 2 skus at best: Consumer and Enterprise. Or maybe just ONE sku. That's all that's needed.Amen.

  3.2.2009 16:59 #7

• core2kid

  Quote:Quote:I just wish MS would stop smoking crack and come out with 2 skus at best: Consumer and Enterprise. Or maybe just ONE sku. That's all that's needed.Amen.
  With my personal use, I saw a slight difference in XP Home and Pro and no difference in Pro and MCE except for the Media Center add on. Basically MCE was the best, fully featured OS.

  3.2.2009 17:06 #8

• canuckerz

  Quote:Quote:Quote:I just wish MS would stop smoking crack and come out with 2 skus at best: Consumer and Enterprise. Or maybe just ONE sku. That's all that's needed.Amen.
  With my personal use, I saw a slight difference in XP Home and Pro and no difference in Pro and MCE except for the Media Center add on. Basically MCE was the best, fully featured OS.Agreed 2 or even 1 is just fine this 5 sku thing is just a giant bs money grab, all they're doing is watering down their product so they can make the real product cost a fortune and make it look like it's a decent price. Xp will likely be my last windows, I'm tired of their crap.

  3.2.2009 17:43 #9

• Seclusive

  Been testing it on a Virtual PC. I have been insanely satisfied thus far. Much prefer it over Vista already. I'm only allocating 1GB of my RAM to use it, and it runs so smooth. I had to upgrade from 1GB on Vista to 2GB to get it to work smoothly without lag, not to mention upgrade my CPU, but Windows 7 is so much different.
  
  It's got a unique style to it, and it's very intuitive, yet the bulk of Vista is gone. The new controls are great, too. It automatically picks up all devices connected to your network, including gaming consoles and other PC's. You can also sign on to another networked PC by using a password given to you during installation. It's basically direct connecting OS's because if another user has Windows 7, you can share your systems files to them directly like an FTP. It also comes with it's own TVersity-like video program to relay video streams directly to your media devices.
  
  Also, minimizing apps is totally different, and much easier. Instead of those long bars on your taskbar when you minimize something, you're just minimizing the program in to it's icon, for example, if you're using AIM, you get the little yellow guy in a tiny box, and by hovering over it you can open certain tabs, such as IM's, or you can sign off. Same thing goes for all programs.
  
  I've also tested "Windows 7 recommended security programs". Well, just the new Kapersky, but I have to say I am well impressed by it. Much better than before. Also, Microsoft has discontinued its amazing security suite OneCare Live, which is sad, but happily, they are basing a new protection app based on the same features specifically for Windows 7 called Moro. They also suggest a new Norton and another companies Windows 7 software, but forgot the name to it, and haven't tested them yet.
  
  By the way, say good-bye to those annoying security pop-ups we get in Vista every 5 seconds! It'll alert you in the form of a taskbar icon instead.
  
  So far, I haven't found too much that isn't supported, though currently, AOL 9.1 is not supported. Neither is Live OneCare. For gaming, MAME32 and Project64 are beaten as well(Vista started, 7 just finished them off). I'm still installing new apps as I come to them to see what works or not.
  
  There's a new Windows Paint! Finally, eh? It's basically got the same features with a few smaller add-ons, but with a great new design.
  
  There's a vast amount of customization when it comes to viewing your desktop and it's properties if you're in to the whole aesthetic thing with your OS AKA making it look pretty. Custom color taskbars, easier display consoles with better customization, such as focusing on all text at a certain percentage besides the default 100%. I found it comfortable at 116% personally.
  
  Also, anyone who wishes to have a touchscreen compliant monitor and actually use it with their OS can! Windows 7 has touchscreen compatibility built right in to it! All you have to do is enable it in options and buy a touchscreen monitor, so if you're big in to graphic design and such, this is fantastic! More options for Photoshop drawing besides the Tablet, which still doesn't give you the real hand-drawn feel when you create something.
  
  
  This is only after one day of testing it, but I have to say... if you're an XP user looking for a good new OS by Microsoft and are not satisfied with Vista, shoot on over to Windows 7 when it's released. It most likely will be worth it by the time it's out.

  3.2.2009 17:51 #10

• bomber991

  Yeah they just do this 5 versions crap so they can say "Windows 7... starting at $49.99!!!"

  3.2.2009 17:56 #11

• SProdigy

  Here are a few Tablet PC screen shots I took with Windows 7:
  
  http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/2/738907
  
  Paint does rock. Wordpad is improved too, but they need to do something about Notepad, and "borrow" some ideas from Notepad++.

  3.2.2009 18:05 #12

• bobiroc

  OMG 5 Versions aimed at different user groups... The world is ending because there are so many different versions of Windows its so hard to choose.
  
  Please, how many flavors of Linux are there out there. Yeah you only get two flavors of MacOS but that is because MacOS only works on Macs. I swear the versions and their naming schemes are not that complicated but many make it out like MS is trying to confuse the consumer. They break down their OS to give people more of a choice on what features you want to pay for or have included in your OS because a bunch of whiners cried that MS was forcing their applications on them and yet you still whine.

  3.2.2009 18:06 #13

• kubapolak

  Did anybody hear of any hints as to when will Windows 7 be a available for sale?

  3.2.2009 18:07 #14

• gallagher

  Quote:"Windows 7, despite its many versions, will actually come as a single piece of code, or image. That means all the features will come loaded onto a Windows 7 PC, ready to be unlocked with an upgrade product key."Or more like a hack.

  3.2.2009 18:07 #15

• bobiroc

  Originally posted by kubapolak: Did anybody hear of any hints as to when will Windows 7 be a available for sale?This is not confirmed but I was told that I could expect my copy of Win7 sometime this fall but as early as September they say. I got this from our Microsoft regional rep.

  3.2.2009 18:09 #16

• ThePastor

  This is all fine and dandy, until you are a software developer trying to not only develop for five different versions but perform technical support.
  It's already a nightmare in Vista, this will be crazy.
  
  "What? You mean your program doesn't work on my Windows 7??? But I paid a whole $49.99 for this STARTER version it had damn well better work"!!!
  
  Insanity at its finest.

  3.2.2009 20:14 #17

• bobiroc

  Originally posted by ThePastor: This is all fine and dandy, until you are a software developer trying to not only develop for five different versions but perform technical support.
  It's already a nightmare in Vista, this will be crazy.
  
  "What? You mean your program doesn't work on my Windows 7??? But I paid a whole $49.99 for this STARTER version it had damn well better work"!!!
  
  Insanity at its finest.I haven't run into any applications that work with Vista that will not work with all editions. Its all the same code the differences being the features.

  3.2.2009 20:36 #18

• DSWarrior

  Why pay for a cheap limited OS (W7 Starter)?...If you want something cheap go for Linux...After all they've improved a lot and most distros don't have actual "limitations" like Windows 7 Started will...
  
  The OS looks promising but if they don't stop playing monopoly with computer market they'll end up losing everything. They already started losing market share in the Internet Browser category, let alone Web searches...and Apple is slowly crawling up the market share stairs while Microsoft keeps stumbling down...
  
  Linux on the other hand might not be as user friendly as Windows, but it's just personal taste.

  3.2.2009 21:28 #19

• SProdigy

  Quote:I haven't run into any applications that work with Vista that will not work with all editions. Its all the same code the differences being the features.That's how it's "supposed" to work, but it completely skipped my mind that there will be 32 and 64 bit versions of this software too, so maybe 10 skus???

  3.2.2009 22:12 #20

• bobiroc

  Quote:Quote:I haven't run into any applications that work with Vista that will not work with all editions. Its all the same code the differences being the features.That's how it's "supposed" to work, but it completely skipped my mind that there will be 32 and 64 bit versions of this software too, so maybe 10 skus???Well aside from Drivers and maybe software like Antivirus you should be able to run your 32bit apps on 64bit Win7 with out a hitch. I ran into a couple apps that were a bit fussy with Vista64, but with an update patch from the developer or a relatively easy work around all my 32bit apps seem to work very well. I find it hard to blame MS for any 32bit apps that do not run on the 64bit OS. Vista has been out for over 2 years and if by now the application developers have not fixed them to run in a 64bit OS then they are to blame. They had plenty of time including the beta and even as far as XP 64 to realize that 64bit is going mainstream. In fact I think Win7 will be the last MS OS that will come in 32bit only.

  3.2.2009 22:18 #21

• CJ007

  Doesn't matter how many difference editions M$ try to confuse the consumers, the only edition I care about is the Piratebay Edition.

  3.2.2009 22:19 #22

• bobiroc

  Originally posted by CJ007: Doesn't matter how many difference editions M$ try to confuse the consumers, the only edition I care about is the Piratebay Edition.Seriously dude. Advocating piracy? Are you a student in High School or College? I am pretty sure that they will offer the OS dirt cheap to students as they have in the past. I work in education and got Vista Ultimate for $75. Can't beat that.

  3.2.2009 22:23 #23

• blueboy09

  Originally posted by bomber991: Yeah they just do this 5 versions crap so they can say "Windows 7... starting at $49.99!!!" yeah, i mean what's the point really? Does anybody remember the days when we only had to worry about just 1 version and 1 version only? Saved alot of headaches and confusion about what to buy, IMO.

  4.2.2009 05:09 #24

• ZippyDSM

  Quote:Originally posted by bomber991: Yeah they just do this 5 versions crap so they can say "Windows 7... starting at $49.99!!!" yeah, i mean what's the point really? Does anybody remember the days when we only had to worry about just 1 version and 1 version only? Saved alot of headaches and confusion about what to buy, IMO.That one version was 300-400$
  
  They should offer 2 basic versions(Starter highly limited under 50$,Home basic with mobile option for under 100) and 2 premium versions(Home premium under 200, Home ultimate under 250) and 2 business versions one normal+mobile and one server based for twice as much.
  
  I would buy a stable and solid windose OS for under 100 but the way they have it now even if I buy a PC I can't keep my windose because they wont let you "install" it.... so ya know MS..and big box PCs...screw you I don't need your cheap hardware in custom rigs I can not easily repair nor do I need your throw away OSs.

  4.2.2009 05:36 #25

• i_am_alex

  More money for them.
  

  CPU: C2q 6600 @ 3.6GHz
  Cooler: Asus V70 (saving for WC’ing)
  RAM: 2x2GB Kingston 800MHz DDR2
  MoBo: Asus P5E Deluxe
  GPU: Asus EN9800GT Hybrid Power
  PSU: CoolerMaster UCP 1100W
  Case: CoolerMaster ATCS 840 (modded)
  Storage: 750GB Samsung Sata (internal)
  250GB Samsung IDE (external)
  Monitor: 22” BenQ 16:9 Widescreen

  4.2.2009 07:37 #26

• ZippyDSM

  IMO 3 consumer focused versions is all you need, less packaging and advertisements you have to spend on.
  
  OEM for students and vendors cheap arse holes simple cheap and easily hackable to unlock for the non sheeple.
  
  Basic costs 100% more(100-130$ range) and you get most features out of it.
  
  Premium costs 50-80% more and offers it all.
  
  
  
  

  Fallout 3 has stole my soul, for about 30 hours till the paint wore off.... even if its a action focused FPS RPG, at least its a FPS RPG not a under deved shooter like Bioshock!

  4.2.2009 08:37 #27

• bobiroc

  Quote:Originally posted by bomber991: Yeah they just do this 5 versions crap so they can say "Windows 7... starting at $49.99!!!" yeah, i mean what's the point really? Does anybody remember the days when we only had to worry about just 1 version and 1 version only? Saved alot of headaches and confusion about what to buy, IMO.Its about choice. Giving the consumer options on what they want to pay for. Maybe a person wants to build a basic unit for their grandmother that all she wants is email and the internet and to play solitaire. Why shouldn't he or she have the choice to pay less for a basic OS to do that. Then you got the power user that wants all the bells and whistles so they are willing to pay more for those features. If 5 levels of the OS (most in 32bit and 64bit flavors) is too many and confusing then people are more dumb than I thought. Should car makers just make 1 car model or 1 level of car for each model? No! If Microsoft just made 1 version with all the features you people would cry that they are "forcing" those on you. So now they make different version levels to give a choice and you stil cry. I don't get it.

  4.2.2009 09:13 #28

• ZippyDSM

  Quote:Quote:Originally posted by bomber991: Yeah they just do this 5 versions crap so they can say "Windows 7... starting at $49.99!!!" yeah, i mean what's the point really? Does anybody remember the days when we only had to worry about just 1 version and 1 version only? Saved alot of headaches and confusion about what to buy, IMO.Its about choice. Giving the consumer options on what they want to pay for. Maybe a person wants to build a basic unit for their grandmother that all she wants is email and the internet and to play solitaire. Why shouldn't he or she have the choice to pay less for a basic OS to do that. Then you got the power user that wants all the bells and whistles so they are willing to pay more for those features. If 5 levels of the OS (most in 32bit and 64bit flavors) is too many and confusing then people are more dumb than I thought. Should car makers just make 1 car model or 1 level of car for each model? No! If Microsoft just made 1 version with all the features you people would cry that they are "forcing" those on you. So now they make different version levels to give a choice and you stil cry. I don't get it.But the majority of cars are made to large have to many needless features and are very inefficient the industry is to top heavy cars cost to much we have to many dealers to many cars on the road and in stock, hell with them breaking down in less that 5 years thats added cost the industry has to bear.
  
  Build them better and cheaper and drive sales based on the disposable mentality of the modern consumer...
  
  MS is at least moving in the right direction, but perhaps they can trim off 1 or 2 of the 5 options..

  4.2.2009 09:21 #29

• bobiroc

  Quote:Quote:Quote:Originally posted by bomber991: Yeah they just do this 5 versions crap so they can say "Windows 7... starting at $49.99!!!" yeah, i mean what's the point really? Does anybody remember the days when we only had to worry about just 1 version and 1 version only? Saved alot of headaches and confusion about what to buy, IMO.Its about choice. Giving the consumer options on what they want to pay for. Maybe a person wants to build a basic unit for their grandmother that all she wants is email and the internet and to play solitaire. Why shouldn't he or she have the choice to pay less for a basic OS to do that. Then you got the power user that wants all the bells and whistles so they are willing to pay more for those features. If 5 levels of the OS (most in 32bit and 64bit flavors) is too many and confusing then people are more dumb than I thought. Should car makers just make 1 car model or 1 level of car for each model? No! If Microsoft just made 1 version with all the features you people would cry that they are "forcing" those on you. So now they make different version levels to give a choice and you stil cry. I don't get it.But the majority of cars are made to large have to many needless features and are very inefficient the industry is to top heavy cars cost to much we have to many dealers to many cars on the road and in stock, hell with them breaking down in less that 5 years thats added cost the industry has to bear.
  
  Build them better and cheaper and drive sales based on the disposable mentality of the modern consumer...
  
  MS is at least moving in the right direction, but perhaps they can trim off 1 or 2 of the 5 options..Well the way I see it there are 2 choices for Home Use (Home Premium and Ultimate) and 2 for Businesses (Professional and Ultimate/Enterprise). They did say that Starter and Basic will be limited so I do not think we will see much of those. I really do not see the confusion.

  4.2.2009 09:29 #30

• ZippyDSM

  Quote:Quote:Quote:Quote:Originally posted by bomber991: Yeah they just do this 5 versions crap so they can say "Windows 7... starting at $49.99!!!" yeah, i mean what's the point really? Does anybody remember the days when we only had to worry about just 1 version and 1 version only? Saved alot of headaches and confusion about what to buy, IMO.Its about choice. Giving the consumer options on what they want to pay for. Maybe a person wants to build a basic unit for their grandmother that all she wants is email and the internet and to play solitaire. Why shouldn't he or she have the choice to pay less for a basic OS to do that. Then you got the power user that wants all the bells and whistles so they are willing to pay more for those features. If 5 levels of the OS (most in 32bit and 64bit flavors) is too many and confusing then people are more dumb than I thought. Should car makers just make 1 car model or 1 level of car for each model? No! If Microsoft just made 1 version with all the features you people would cry that they are "forcing" those on you. So now they make different version levels to give a choice and you stil cry. I don't get it.But the majority of cars are made to large have to many needless features and are very inefficient the industry is to top heavy cars cost to much we have to many dealers to many cars on the road and in stock, hell with them breaking down in less that 5 years thats added cost the industry has to bear.
  
  Build them better and cheaper and drive sales based on the disposable mentality of the modern consumer...
  
  MS is at least moving in the right direction, but perhaps they can trim off 1 or 2 of the 5 options..Well the way I see it there are 2 choices for Home Use (Home Premium and Ultimate) and 2 for Businesses (Professional and Ultimate/Enterprise). They did say that Starter and Basic will be limited so I do not think we will see much of those. I really do not see the confusion.ya refresh my memory home basic is the one that dose not let you use task manger thus you can not close froze programs right?
  
  That turned me off of vista, now I used home premium a few weeks ago and was minorly impressed at its performance, 3GB ramm, 2.0 Athlon X2 mobile and a 81XX or 82XX nvida chipset, played HD movies(MKV/ogg,ect) without skipping a beat even for seeking,playing and changing windows.
  
  Even on desktops with twice better CPUs and equal or lesser chipsets they stuttered.

  4.2.2009 09:34 #31

• ThePastor

  The only reason Windows has the monopoly it has now is because they had a single OS for everyone. Now they are fracturing it all up. As far as the whole..."It should work in all versions..." sure, it should, but try to do tech support with Grandma who is running a version of Windows that doesn't have all of the features. "Yes ma'am, please start up the Group Policy editor and add your name to the list. What? You don't have a Group Policy editor?"
  
  And what is up with these prices??? The OS costs more than the HARDWARE! The price of hardware has steadily gone down while the OS has steadily gone up.
  
  It's a pricing scheme and nothing more. They could offer ONE REASONABLE PRICE for ALL FEATURES YOU WANT/NEED. It's SOFTWARE, for crying out loud. It doesn't COST MORE to install an extra feature after that feature has already been built!!!

  4.2.2009 13:55 #32

• bobiroc

  Originally posted by ThePastor: The only reason Windows has the monopoly it has now is because they had a single OS for everyone. Now they are fracturing it all up. As far as the whole..."It should work in all versions..." sure, it should, but try to do tech support with Grandma who is running a version of Windows that doesn't have all of the features. "Yes ma'am, please start up the Group Policy editor and add your name to the list. What? You don't have a Group Policy editor?"
  
  And what is up with these prices??? The OS costs more than the HARDWARE! The price of hardware has steadily gone down while the OS has steadily gone up.
  
  It's a pricing scheme and nothing more. They could offer ONE REASONABLE PRICE for ALL FEATURES YOU WANT/NEED. It's SOFTWARE, for crying out loud. It doesn't COST MORE to install an extra feature after that feature has already been built!!!If you are trying to walk grandma or any average home user through group policy editing then theres a problem in that. But that is a topic for another forum.
  
  The cost goes to pay the developers and designers and every software/hardware company does it. Should Quickbooks Pro be the same as Quickbooks STD? Should the Adobe Creative suite charge the same for their standard and premium offerings? Should all levels of Windows Server be the same price? That is just a few but most software companies charge more for more features. Hardware companies do to. How many video cards are there that the manufacturer clocks down the GPU/Memory or turns off features and charges more to have those turned on. I am pretty sure Intel did similar with their Celeron chips verses the Pentium equillivant. Windows/Microsoft is NOT a monopoly so I wish people would quit throwing that word around. Yeah they are the biggest player but monopoly no. There is nothing stopping a person from installing another compatible OS on their computer. If they do not like that most OEMs offer Windows then go to you neighborhood computer shop and have a computer built or build one yourself. If you cannot do that then you take what is being sold and what the manufacturer knows that will sell. Companies are not going to invest millions/billions into R&D to cater to 3% of their potential customers. That is why I build my own computers. I can never seem to find the computer I want from an OEM and I can build them cheaper.

  4.2.2009 14:49 #33

• EvilDeeds

  "The Starter version will be "severely limited" and will most likely only be sold in emerging markets as well or to those who simply want a cheap OS. The crippled version will have screen resolution limitations, processor limitations, and will only be able to have three applications running at the same time. "
  
  It's like they want Linux/OSX to take the market. It's this sort of stupidity that will end them, and it's unfortunate, because I'm a .NET programmer. :(
  
  More versions = more room for dissapointed customers + increased windows hacking (to break the shackles of the cheap versions).
  
  Vista fell on it's arse because they over-complicated its design, it was too drm heavy, too many different versions, and just something as simple as copying a file over a network resulted in a drop in performance over xp/nt/osx/*nix systems... Win 7 was meant to be them going back to basic slim design, they should do Home and proffesional and be done with it - if emerging markets can't afford Windows they will pirate it until they can afford it, or use something else... Starter is a waste of time!!

  4.2.2009 17:44 #34

• windsong

  Originally posted by Seclusive: For gaming, MAME32 and Project64 are beaten as well(Vista started, 7 just finished them off)Sorry but this is a deal breaker for me. I NEED Mame32, PJ64 not so much. But Mame is a requirement. I'd imagine some of the more unstable emulators like those for the PS2 will be f'ked as well for a long time with W7. I also use NullDC for ISOs. Works great in XP..but we'll see for windows7.

  4.2.2009 18:04 #35

• joe777

  New windoze.......yawn.......... Sometimes no news is good news

  4.2.2009 18:39 #36

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by joe777: New windoze.......yawn.......... Sometimes no news is good newsIt is newz since it runs as good or better than XP pro.

  4.2.2009 18:42 #37

• joe777

  Originally posted by ZippyDSM: Originally posted by joe777: New windoze.......yawn.......... Sometimes no news is good newsIt is newz since it runs as good or better than XP pro.Not as good as linux, no where near it. So again yawn....
  Ah zip dont take me too serious:P
  Hope the death of proprietary software comes swiftly.

  4.2.2009 21:21 #38

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by joe777: Originally posted by ZippyDSM: Originally posted by joe777: New windoze.......yawn.......... Sometimes no news is good newsIt is newz since it runs as good or better than XP pro.Not as good as linux, no where near it. So again yawn....
  Ah zip dont take me too serious:P
  Hope the death of proprietary software comes swiftly.
  :P no hard just trying to keep to the facts and the lulz.
  
  
  The trouble is Lunix/unix is as "proprietary" you need spacial stuff to run it and while its nice to be able to alter the kernel on the fly compared to windose its lack of simplicity and support is as incomprehensible as windoze self service to your anus..
  
  What we really need is a Non profit org to buy either Win2K or XP(and all its sub parts) from MS and make it open source MS can sell to the noobs and the community can truly fix and in part future proof.
  
  Hell MS could sell them packs that bring the OS up to date on secondary things like DX and they could in turn sell at cost the upgrades.
  
  That or a more true windose clone is about the only way you'd get a huge movement in open source OS.
  

  Fallout 3 has stole my soul, for about 30 hours till the paint wore off.... even if its a action focused FPS RPG, at least its a FPS RPG not a under deved shooter like Bioshock!

  4.2.2009 21:32 #39

• joe777

  Originally posted by ZippyDSM: Originally posted by joe777: Originally posted by ZippyDSM: Originally posted by joe777: New windoze.......yawn.......... Sometimes no news is good newsIt is newz since it runs as good or better than XP pro.Not as good as linux, no where near it. So again yawn....
  Ah zip dont take me too serious:P
  Hope the death of proprietary software comes swiftly.
  :P no hard just trying to keep to the facts and the lulz.
  
  
  The trouble is Lunix/unix is as "proprietary" you need spacial stuff to run it and while its nice to be able to alter the kernel on the fly compared to windose its lack of simplicity and support is as incomprehensible as windoze self service to your anus..
  
  What we really need is a Non profit org to buy either Win2K or XP(and all its sub parts) from MS and make it open source MS can sell to the noobs and the community can truly fix and in part future proof.
  
  Hell MS could sell them packs that bring the OS up to date on secondary things like DX and they could in turn sell at cost the upgrades.
  
  That or a more true windose clone is about the only way you'd get a huge movement in open source OS.
  The prob is that some hardware vendors will not give up their source to the linux community and have them writing better software for free. But for example Ubuntu will run almost everything right out of the box. Now with my experience with windows that has never happened, always having to install some drivers here and there.
  The ease of use with linux now is the mutts nuts. Very simple to use especially installing most software, it has all been made for the newcomer in mind.
  With gnu/linux being open source projects I hear you when your saying about proprietary software also being used, with regards to, for example, graphic cards. But the truth is linux will run it right out of the box without the need for the vendors proprietary drivers.
  And support, man theres loads of support for linux within the community.If more people used linux then I think it would take over. I dont think its anything to do with ease of use, cause its prob easier to use than windows and compared to windows linux is bullet proof.
  Anyway enough rambling from me

  4.2.2009 22:23 #40

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by joe777: Originally posted by ZippyDSM: Originally posted by joe777: Originally posted by ZippyDSM: Originally posted by joe777: New windoze.......yawn.......... Sometimes no news is good newsIt is newz since it runs as good or better than XP pro.Not as good as linux, no where near it. So again yawn....
  Ah zip dont take me too serious:P
  Hope the death of proprietary software comes swiftly.
  :P no hard just trying to keep to the facts and the lulz.
  
  
  The trouble is Lunix/unix is as "proprietary" you need spacial stuff to run it and while its nice to be able to alter the kernel on the fly compared to windose its lack of simplicity and support is as incomprehensible as windoze self service to your anus..
  
  What we really need is a Non profit org to buy either Win2K or XP(and all its sub parts) from MS and make it open source MS can sell to the noobs and the community can truly fix and in part future proof.
  
  Hell MS could sell them packs that bring the OS up to date on secondary things like DX and they could in turn sell at cost the upgrades.
  
  That or a more true windose clone is about the only way you'd get a huge movement in open source OS.
  The prob is that some hardware vendors will not give up their source to the linux community and have them writing better software for free. But for example Ubuntu will run almost everything right out of the box. Now with my experience with windows that has never happened, always having to install some drivers here and there.
  The ease of use with linux now is the mutts nuts. Very simple to use especially installing most software, it has all been made for the newcomer in mind.
  With gnu/linux being open source projects I hear you when your saying about proprietary software also being used, with regards to, for example, graphic cards. But the truth is linux will run it right out of the box without the need for the vendors proprietary drivers.
  And support, man theres loads of support for linux within the community.If more people used linux then I think it would take over. I dont think its anything to do with ease of use, cause its prob easier to use than windows and compared to windows linux is bullet proof.
  Anyway enough rambling from meWhich is all nice but without out reasonable support from MS to let the nixs run windose app its moot, perhaps one day they will build a better emulator but for now its wiondose or nothing..
  

  Fallout 3 has stole my soul, for about 30 hours till the paint wore off.... even if its a action focused FPS RPG, at least its a FPS RPG not a under deved shooter like Bioshock!

  4.2.2009 22:26 #41

• ddp

  i_am_alex, edit your sig to conform to forum specs ASAP. yours is 10 lines of text.
  1. Text-only signatures should have at most 5 lines of text.

  4.2.2009 23:14 #42

• varnull

  Life amongst the sheeple.. what a bunch of losers
  
  yawn XD
  

  
  
  Free open source software = made by end users who want an application to work.
  I would rather you hate me for who I am than love me for what I am not.
  Welcome to the other side of the looking glass Alice

  4.2.2009 23:31 #43

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by varnull: Life amongst the sheeple.. what a bunch of losers
  
  yawn XDMeh windose is like gas/cars you have a standardize unleaded that can be used on most vehicles if you go diesel or bio diesel or eletric your ability to drive far and do things may be hampered.
  

  Fallout 3 has stole my soul, for about 30 hours till the paint wore off.... even if its a action focused FPS RPG, at least its a FPS RPG not a under deved shooter like Bioshock!

  4.2.2009 23:35 #44

• EvilDeeds

  Quote:Originally posted by varnull: Life amongst the sheeple.. what a bunch of losers
  
  yawn XDMeh windose is like gas/cars you have a standardize unleaded that can be used on most vehicles if you go diesel or bio diesel or eletric your ability to drive far and do things may be hampered.But my car's a diesel! :( I do live in Europe though, where our petrol (gas) stations always stock at least 2 types of fuel! :)

  5.2.2009 03:29 #45

• ZippyDSM

  Quote:Quote:Originally posted by varnull: Life amongst the sheeple.. what a bunch of losers
  
  yawn XDMeh windose is like gas/cars you have a standardize unleaded that can be used on most vehicles if you go diesel or bio diesel or eletric your ability to drive far and do things may be hampered.But my car's a diesel! :( I do live in Europe though, where our petrol (gas) stations always stock at least 2 types of fuel! :)In the past 20 or so years diesel has always been cheaper than gas, for the past 2 or so its been higher.
  Much like gas OS's can suck the more universally sound one genreally tends to be the cheaper one.

  5.2.2009 09:35 #46

• SProdigy

  Originally posted by joe777: The prob is that some hardware vendors will not give up their source to the linux community and have them writing better software for free. But for example Ubuntu will run almost everything right out of the box.Intel and HP support Linux builds. Usually easy to find a driver.
  
  As for Windows finding drivers, well, that all depends on the build. Ubuntu has new builds every 6 months or so. If I go back to v6, a couple years ago, my wireless card in my laptop did not install by default with Ubuntu, but it does now with v8.
  
  As for Windows, an XP SP3 install disc will have more drivers than an original XP disc. Same goes if the CD/DVD have custom drivers slipped into it, such as an OEM HP restore disc. On the same laptop mentioned above, neither XP retail disc installed the wireless, but the HP OEM did and so did Windows 7. It's all relevant.
  
  As for making Windows open source, would that cause more virus related issues or less? The only reason Linux operates faster is because of no need to have antivirus/spyware apps running in the background.

  5.2.2009 10:12 #47

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by SProdigy: Originally posted by joe777: The prob is that some hardware vendors will not give up their source to the linux community and have them writing better software for free. But for example Ubuntu will run almost everything right out of the box.Intel and HP support Linux builds. Usually easy to find a driver.
  
  As for Windows finding drivers, well, that all depends on the build. Ubuntu has new builds every 6 months or so. If I go back to v6, a couple years ago, my wireless card in my laptop did not install by default with Ubuntu, but it does now with v8.
  
  As for Windows, an XP SP3 install disc will have more drivers than an original XP disc. Same goes if the CD/DVD have custom drivers slipped into it, such as an OEM HP restore disc. On the same laptop mentioned above, neither XP retail disc installed the wireless, but the HP OEM did and so did Windows 7. It's all relevant.
  
  As for making Windows open source, would that cause more virus related issues or less? The only reason Linux operates faster is because of no need to have antivirus/spyware apps running in the background.Well if something is popular enough it will have virus and worms on it unless it simply dose not have those holes.
  

  Fallout 3 has stole my soul, for about 30 hours till the paint wore off.... even if its a action focused FPS RPG, at least its a FPS RPG not a under deved shooter like Bioshock!

  5.2.2009 10:15 #48

• joe777

  The reason linux runs more effecient is because its a multi user platform, thats what it has been built for. The OS which of course is the kernel only, is like night and day between linux and windows. Windows are playing catch-up and trying very hard with vista and now windows7. But my opinion is they would have to go back to the start with their OS's and build from scratch if they want to compete with linux.They built the NT kernel and everything since then has been a slightly different version of that kernel and you know what they say, "you cant polish a turd" Another prob is satisfying the media monkeys, which in microshafts world will prob be impossible to do with proprietary software in mind.
  I would also say that the big prob with linux is it's diversity, which could be changing with Ubuntu for the average user.
  I see Dell are also offering notebooks pre-installed with linux and as for intel and HP, of course they support linux as most of the worlds servers are run on linux/unix systems and that on its own tells you a story.

  5.2.2009 10:34 #49

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by joe777: The reason linux runs more effecient is because its a multi user platform, thats what it has been built for. The OS which of course is the kernel only, is like night and day between linux and windows. Windows are playing catch-up and trying very hard with vista and now windows7. But my opinion is they would have to go back to the start with their OS's and build from scratch if they want to compete with linux.They built the NT kernel and everything since then has been a slightly different version of that kernel and you know what they say, "you cant polish a turd" Another prob is satisfying the media monkeys, which in microshafts world will prob be impossible to do with proprietary software in mind.
  I would also say that the big prob with linux is it's diversity, which could be changing with Ubuntu for the average user.
  I see Dell are also offering notebooks pre-installed with linux and as for intel and HP, of course they support linux as most of the worlds servers are run on linux/unix systems and that on its own tells you a story.But its still equitable to bio diesel because of how limited it is.
  

  Fallout 3 has stole my soul, for about 30 hours till the paint wore off.... even if its a action focused FPS RPG, at least its a FPS RPG not a under deved shooter like Bioshock!

  5.2.2009 10:36 #50

• omegaman7

  Originally posted by varnull: Life amongst the sheeple.. what a bunch of losers
  
  yawn XD
  LOSERS??? Sheeple??? Kinda harsh dont you think :) Diehard linux fan to the end huh(:D :D)? Windows is for people who want a SIMPLE user interface. (If there are simple Linux user interfaces, I apologize for that statement). THERE ARE ALOT of those kind of people. Given time however, learning, adapting, some people get fed up enough to make a switch to another software/OS. I know I MAY!!! I think they went to far with wanting people to make a switch. Ive come across something rather irritating. You can read about it in the windows 7 beta forum. So yes, you were right varnull. M$ has BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPed me off!!! Ok, breaks over, LOL. Back to my build. :D

  7.2.2009 02:43 #51

• leglessoz

  Stupid and ill thought out as usual with Microsoft. Someone who has the limited lower end versions will have just as much of their drive filled up with Windows as the high end version but unable to use the code. Talk about bloatware.

  7.2.2009 09:00 #52

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by leglessoz: Stupid and ill thought out as usual with Microsoft. Someone who has the limited lower end versions will have just as much of their drive filled up with Windows as the high end version but unable to use the code. Talk about bloatware.WElll...... not really.....only 2 real versions of the driver 32 and 64, for the limited version it just means it has a app/ramm limit.

  7.2.2009 09:22 #53

• Fred_Mack

  5 versions - which one is in the Windows 7 Beta Customer Preview?

  20.3.2009 01:42 #54

• Mik3h

  Originally posted by Fred_Mack: 5 versions - which one is in the Windows 7 Beta Customer Preview?Ultimate.
  
  Run DXDIAG and will show you :)

  20.3.2009 10:28 #55