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Windows Vista Testing

Started by dew7, September 07, 2006, 06:59:07 AM

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dew7

So has anyone tested Windows Vista yet?  I recently upgraded my graphics card to support Windows Vista Aero technology.  If people here have tested it then what are their opinions on it.  I plan on testing the security features of Windows Vista when RC1 becomes available for download by the general public soon.  I was not interested in the beta stage because it was too early but now I am interested since the operating system is nearing release.
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Yonkey

I haven't tried it yet, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to get it once it's released! XD
"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

racx_00

I'll get it once I've overhauled my computer, otherwise I have a feeling I'll never get it running. XD
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dew7

They have a Windows Vista advisor to test your computer.  ;)
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dew7

Well, I tried out a beta version on my friend's PC who does a lot of work with computers.  It looks really nice especially the aero interface.  I would definitely suggest using that interface and having a video card that is capable of displaying it because it looks so sweet.  It has Windows Media Player 11.  It has more security features in the security console which now mention which anti-spyware program you have running.  I think this is a definite plus because of the amount of spyware that is out there in computerland right now. <grin>  I just looked at it briefly and these were the features that stood out to me right away.  BTW, the version my friend Jeff is testing is the Ultimate version.  I kind of think it is strange that Microsoft has so many Vista versions coming out but I think they are trying to keep as much market share as possible with this strategy.
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Yonkey

Quote from: dew7 on September 09, 2006, 03:56:52 AM
I would definitely suggest using that interface and having a video card that is capable of displaying it because it looks so sweet. 
Wait, what do you mean by that? ???
"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

awesomeasapossum

Does it have that float-y interface?
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dew7

Quote from: Yonkey on September 09, 2006, 06:24:03 AM
Quote from: dew7 on September 09, 2006, 03:56:52 AM
I would definitely suggest using that interface and having a video card that is capable of displaying it because it looks so sweet. 
Wait, what do you mean by that? ???

My older Ati 9200 did not support Aero technology because it did not support the Pixel 2.0 rendering.  My current 9800 XT supports the Aero technology.  The graphics will be similar to XP if you cannot support the Aero technology.
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dark-daventry

I do intend on getting the demo someday, and once it releases, I will almost definetely get my laptop upgraded to it, as well as all neccesary steps to ensure that it works perfectly. I think Vists looks so cool, but I want to make sure my laptop can support it! I have the beta of IE7 that comes with Vista (I think) and it is pretty good. It has been completely redesigned! It has tabs!  ;D
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dew7

DD, get the Windows Vista Beta Adviser to see what your PC needs to run Vista.  BTW, does IE 7 have higher 256+ bit encryption.  IE 6 was limited to only 128 bit encryption which is getting long in the tooth nowadays what with every more sophisticated hackers.  Has the Active X technology been improved in regards to security.  What about the other features and are they better than Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.6?  Thanks in advance for your comments.
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dew7

I have tried and unfortunately I cannot get the sound to work on Windows Vista.  I have a Sound Blaster Audigy 1 and Creative only has beta sound drivers for Vista currently.  I managed to get one speaker to play a little sound but that is all.  I consulted with the Microsoft Windows Vista general newsgroup and Rock, MVP (most valuable professional) is having similar problems with his Audigy card and 4.1 speaker set up like I have.  I contacted Creative and they said no support is currently offered while Vista is still in beta status.  <Release Candidate 1 actually>
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dew7

I have now updated from build 5600 to build 5728 which is actually more buggy than build 5600  :no:  I am currently enjoying the sweetness of Itunes on my computer and using my Ipod Mini for such sweet music. <girn>  The next step is to test the Windows Vista firewall by directly connecting to the cable modem and bypassing the security of the NAT router to see who wants to get my information.  I might even dangle a few lures if I feel ready and want the hackers to try and break the Vista software firewall.  It is the only way that I can see that really subjects a firewall to its motions.  I did this with Zone Alarm Professional and determined that attacks came from many places but the strongest and most frequent hits were from China.  MSN did a recent article on how China is stealing the West's military and technology secrets to get ahead of the game.  Well, the U.S. needs to safeguard their technology better and China may end up reaping what it is sowing.  Remember to Do unto others as you want them to do unto you -- <smile>
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Yonkey

Hehe, sounds like a plan. :P  There are plenty of websites and spyware filled software that would actually do a great job of testing Vista's firewall.

Does Vista's firewall have a good logging feature?  It's always good to keep logs and monitor them regularly, especially after a malicious attack.  They work well as proof and are crucial when reporting the abuse to some higher authority. :)

"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

dew7

Neil, I would hope that Vista has a good logging feature in regards to its firewall.  I have been very busy lately and have had to hold off on some of the planned Vista testing.  I hope to test the firewall within a week.
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Yonkey

No prob.  I was talking to a friend of mine at school and he said that Microsoft was planning on releasing an RC version of Vista, but it had far too many bugs, so it went back to beta. :P

Hopefully, they'll have it in a far more stable state by 2007 because I'm really looking forward to using it. :)
"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

dew7

I already have and am using Release Candidate 1 ---  ::)  8)  8)  ;)

The build is the latest build which is 5728 --- I look forward to testing the next and possibly final build which is being released this month to 50,000---100,000 testers and I am sure Microsoft wants me to be a part of that testing.  The Internet really flies with Windows Vista and for me it is so much faster than the 98SE and XP Pro. connections which were about the same.  The speed of the Internet over a broadband connecition in my case -- Comcast Cable really is awesome.

Unfortunately, I have been unable to test Windows Media Player 11 on Windows Vista since the Sound Blaster Audigy card is in beta status so I cannot get any sound.  I will contact Microsoft and Creative about this problem.
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Yonkey

Awesome! XD

I forget if you mentioned this before, but did you try running TSL Demo on Vista yet?  I'm guessing without the audio, it'll give some OpenAl error, but just try running it to see. :)
"A wish changes nothing. A decision changes everything."

dew7

I guess I could try running it but it certainly would not be the same to have TSL without audio.  Let me see if I can get the audio to work first by convincing Creative to release regular drivers for the next and possibly final build and then I will try TSL.
Carpe Diem  Trying to help all of us including myself understand the merry-go-round of life.