Ok, I see that you have a legitimate reason to upgrade to Vista, but why Ultimate?!? For a gaming rig, you should be just fine with Home Basic (which is a lot cheaper by the way).
The Gui wireless in Linux is still Hit or Miss. If your lucky and get the right card everything works fine. Other cards work somewhat and others not at all, others not at all until you do a text base config as the GUI doesn't allow you to enter these options.
Since Ubuntu 8.04, almost all wireless cards work fine, the only thing you may need is the binary drivers, which it asks you to install on first boot (I consider this part of an OEM install).
The Not signed by Microsoft error is different then the Non-Free Error. Not signed by Microsoft says this may break things, we can't be responsible for it. the Non-Free error says this will probably work however it doesn't fit our politics so we will warn you about it. But it says it in a way that makes you think it will cost you money.
Almost all messages I have seen like this, specifically mention that this has NOTHING to do with money (in Ubuntu anyways).
Because Linux doesn't support Active X isn't really a feature, it is a lack of a feature as people who want to go on an Active X site.
Active X sites (legitimate need) are becoming VERY rare now-a-days (except china where I believe banks us it). When I set up a windows machine for somebody, I give the Firefox anyways, which also has no Active X and I have NEVER had anyone complain about not having it, EVER!
Also if there were a spreading Linux Virus Not having a virus warning mechanism can cause a lot of damage.
First of all, this just happened to Apple, and nothing serious has happened yet. Second, Linux HAS AV! ClamAV is a well-respected anti-virus that has been used on Linux Server and Desktops to protect their windows friends.
My uncles only problem was his GPS (it works with qlandkart, just not the browser plugin for geocaching.com).
My grandmother just needs VirtualBox and help with OpenOffice. Virtual box is for CanTax since she runs an income tax business. She does a LOT of geaneology, so she has a TON of word files (VERY badly formatted, so she needs help fixing them.
Even with the problems my grandmother has, it has actually been easier. She got some geaneology info from a friend in a weird format, so I ssh'd in (using 2048b keys), installed the app (gramps) from the repo and emailed her back saying it would work. If she has problems with a word document, I sshfs her home folder, check out the file, and email her back.
It's amazing how liberating it is to know that you don't have to worry about viruses, can do updates and fixes remotely and they barely even notice the different!
I have to seriously disagree with you on a couple of your points. In my old high school, all IT decisions were decided by the district (very large area). We specifically asked to have firefox installed every time a district level tech was in, and their response was always "Firefox has not been approved by the district for security, etc." We were not even allowed to run it off a pen-drive (which we did anyways).
Also, most of the teachers I've had couldn't be bothered to open txt files, let alone try a Linux OS on their home machines. Expecting a teacher to learn how to use a new OS, when they do not see any benefit for themselves, is like asking a student to learn efficient composting.
Now I'm not going to touch the "stupid user" situations, because they will always exist. I will, however, argue against your "Microsoft is improving it's security to a level close to *nix" argument.
The biggest problem with Microsoft introducing those updates "now", is that anyone who didn't buy their computer recently is still using XP, 2000, 98, etc. For them to upgrade, they not only need to pay $200+ for a new OS, but $500+ for new hardware!
With linux, almost anyone can update the kernel and the programs they use, and still expect it to run on their old hardware, without paying for software or hardware upgrades.
Microsoft is basically, screw people with anything less than a 1.5GHz CPU and 3GB of RAM, if they won't pay another $700+ for a new computer, they don't deserve security. I know it is unfeasible for them to continue to support old OS's, and that is the main reason why Windows will never be a good platform when it comes to security.
Wow, I actually remember submitting a "feature request" exactly like what you mentioned to one of the email client sites (I believe it was evolution). I agree that when your email is "someone@gmail.com", the program should be able to tell that you use, gasp, GMAIL! Maybe a simple selection between IMAP and POP3 (if both are available), but that should be it.
The future email setup window (hopefully):
Email: __________
Password: __________
IMAP (@) or POP3 ( )
Actually, they could sue for damages. This could be in the thousands or even millions depending on popularity and what kind of mood Apple's lawyers are in.
Thank you. 50% of the people who responded where complaining that he PS3 generated a lot of heat. I never said it didn't Generate a lot of heat, just that it wasn't hot. The reason it is cooler is because it dissipates the heat. If you put a PS3 and a 360 in the middle of a room and let them run, I guarantee the 360 will be a lot hotter than the PS3.
Again, thank you for being the only person that realizes heat-dissipation requires air circulation in order to dissipate the heat!
I think a better idea would be to have a red LED (or something similar) on the front of the camera blink when a picture is taken. This would alert anyone in the line of fire that a picture was taken without disturbing those around you.
Preferably put the LED somewhere that is visibly awkward to cover with your finger.
Yeah, I find it funny how badly the X-Boxes generate heat. I own a PS3 and run it (literally) for 2 weeks at a time, and the case is barely warm. No this is not idling, it actually runs FAH 24/7 when not being used for gaming or movies.
Not only does it run cooler, but it's the same size as the X-Box and the power brick is INSIDE the case! The power plug on the back is literally a standard computer power cable.
There is also the fact that they do not try to lock you out of anything (other than the GPU). With X-Box, you need to hack the HD in order to run any other software. With the PS3, you simply go into the system menu and select (install other OS).
Actually, at my old school, they simply had a District-Wide proxy server that everything went through. This saved the local IT guys from having to screw with stuff and kept the costs down a bit.
Slashdot Mirror
Ok, I see that you have a legitimate reason to upgrade to Vista, but why Ultimate?!? For a gaming rig, you should be just fine with Home Basic (which is a lot cheaper by the way).
The Gui wireless in Linux is still Hit or Miss. If your lucky and get the right card everything works fine. Other cards work somewhat and others not at all, others not at all until you do a text base config as the GUI doesn't allow you to enter these options.
Since Ubuntu 8.04, almost all wireless cards work fine, the only thing you may need is the binary drivers, which it asks you to install on first boot (I consider this part of an OEM install).
The Not signed by Microsoft error is different then the Non-Free Error. Not signed by Microsoft says this may break things, we can't be responsible for it. the Non-Free error says this will probably work however it doesn't fit our politics so we will warn you about it. But it says it in a way that makes you think it will cost you money.
Almost all messages I have seen like this, specifically mention that this has NOTHING to do with money (in Ubuntu anyways).
Because Linux doesn't support Active X isn't really a feature, it is a lack of a feature as people who want to go on an Active X site.
Active X sites (legitimate need) are becoming VERY rare now-a-days (except china where I believe banks us it). When I set up a windows machine for somebody, I give the Firefox anyways, which also has no Active X and I have NEVER had anyone complain about not having it, EVER!
Also if there were a spreading Linux Virus Not having a virus warning mechanism can cause a lot of damage.
First of all, this just happened to Apple, and nothing serious has happened yet. Second, Linux HAS AV! ClamAV is a well-respected anti-virus that has been used on Linux Server and Desktops to protect their windows friends.
Ummmm, What exactly are you looking for?
99% of consumer routers have a web interface (GUI).
99% of linux distros have a GUI for networking such as (k)network-manager, WICD, etc.
Where are my mod points?
I have a grandmother and uncle both using Linux.
My uncles only problem was his GPS (it works with qlandkart, just not the browser plugin for geocaching.com).
My grandmother just needs VirtualBox and help with OpenOffice. Virtual box is for CanTax since she runs an income tax business. She does a LOT of geaneology, so she has a TON of word files (VERY badly formatted, so she needs help fixing them.
Even with the problems my grandmother has, it has actually been easier. She got some geaneology info from a friend in a weird format, so I ssh'd in (using 2048b keys), installed the app (gramps) from the repo and emailed her back saying it would work. If she has problems with a word document, I sshfs her home folder, check out the file, and email her back.
It's amazing how liberating it is to know that you don't have to worry about viruses, can do updates and fixes remotely and they barely even notice the different!
Man I would love to see their faces when the windows wobble and the desktops spin!
:D
Come to think of it, I should take it on an airplane
Ah, sorry about that, I mis-understood your use of the word "here".
I have to seriously disagree with you on a couple of your points. In my old high school, all IT decisions were decided by the district (very large area). We specifically asked to have firefox installed every time a district level tech was in, and their response was always "Firefox has not been approved by the district for security, etc." We were not even allowed to run it off a pen-drive (which we did anyways).
Also, most of the teachers I've had couldn't be bothered to open txt files, let alone try a Linux OS on their home machines. Expecting a teacher to learn how to use a new OS, when they do not see any benefit for themselves, is like asking a student to learn efficient composting.
Now I'm not going to touch the "stupid user" situations, because they will always exist. I will, however, argue against your "Microsoft is improving it's security to a level close to *nix" argument.
The biggest problem with Microsoft introducing those updates "now", is that anyone who didn't buy their computer recently is still using XP, 2000, 98, etc. For them to upgrade, they not only need to pay $200+ for a new OS, but $500+ for new hardware!
With linux, almost anyone can update the kernel and the programs they use, and still expect it to run on their old hardware, without paying for software or hardware upgrades.
Microsoft is basically, screw people with anything less than a 1.5GHz CPU and 3GB of RAM, if they won't pay another $700+ for a new computer, they don't deserve security. I know it is unfeasible for them to continue to support old OS's, and that is the main reason why Windows will never be a good platform when it comes to security.
Just look at the bathroom stalls in the high schools.
For a good time call Jane Doe
555-123-4567
Wow, I actually remember submitting a "feature request" exactly like what you mentioned to one of the email client sites (I believe it was evolution). I agree that when your email is "someone@gmail.com", the program should be able to tell that you use, gasp, GMAIL! Maybe a simple selection between IMAP and POP3 (if both are available), but that should be it.
The future email setup window (hopefully):
Email: __________
Password: __________
IMAP (@) or POP3 ( )
Ummm, no... And Firefox is installed on most distributions to start with anyways.
Technically it was not a "touch" interface, since the user never actually "touched" the screen.
Tomorrow's headlines: Doctor's say athletes foot and planters warts have become worryingly common in the pas few months...
Actually, they could sue for damages. This could be in the thousands or even millions depending on popularity and what kind of mood Apple's lawyers are in.
Wow, you guys must not have any NCIX or SMI's near you huh?
Thank you. 50% of the people who responded where complaining that he PS3 generated a lot of heat. I never said it didn't Generate a lot of heat, just that it wasn't hot. The reason it is cooler is because it dissipates the heat. If you put a PS3 and a 360 in the middle of a room and let them run, I guarantee the 360 will be a lot hotter than the PS3.
Again, thank you for being the only person that realizes heat-dissipation requires air circulation in order to dissipate the heat!
Ummm, youtube isn't bocked here....
Japan actually has very strict uniform codes in the schools. I believe that skirts are actually mandatory for girls going to school.
I think a better idea would be to have a red LED (or something similar) on the front of the camera blink when a picture is taken. This would alert anyone in the line of fire that a picture was taken without disturbing those around you.
Preferably put the LED somewhere that is visibly awkward to cover with your finger.
Wow, your post is even funnier after reading your name...
texting
But what about blind and deaf lepers? Some of them might be children!
Yeah, I find it funny how badly the X-Boxes generate heat. I own a PS3 and run it (literally) for 2 weeks at a time, and the case is barely warm. No this is not idling, it actually runs FAH 24/7 when not being used for gaming or movies.
Not only does it run cooler, but it's the same size as the X-Box and the power brick is INSIDE the case! The power plug on the back is literally a standard computer power cable.
There is also the fact that they do not try to lock you out of anything (other than the GPU). With X-Box, you need to hack the HD in order to run any other software. With the PS3, you simply go into the system menu and select (install other OS).
please be joking. please be joking. please be joking. please be joking.
Actually, at my old school, they simply had a District-Wide proxy server that everything went through. This saved the local IT guys from having to screw with stuff and kept the costs down a bit.