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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: tunnie on 12 September 2009, 17:57:17

Title: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 12 September 2009, 17:57:17
Stole borrowed a PC from work on a permanent basis  ::), stuck Windows 7 on it. Must say i am impressed, its fast!

Machine is not that special, 3Ghz, 2Gb of ram, but its really fast to use. Stuck a USB wireless stick in a bought ages ago, picked it up in seconds, knew what i was without installing drivers, within 1 minute of plugging it in, had entered WEP code and was surfin!

General use its very fast, as is boot. Much improved over Vista which takes any machine and just cripples its performance.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: Ghost on 12 September 2009, 19:21:31
Vista is crap, how can I get it off my pc any tips?
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 12 September 2009, 19:22:30
Either get a Mac, or buy Windows 7.

Can't explain how much of an improvement Windows 7 is  :y
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 12 September 2009, 21:33:41
Vista was a big improvement on XP, but suffered from a different (but essential) architecture needing different drivers.

Now that pain has passed, Vista remain an excellent OS, and Win7 is a evoluntionary step on. Microsoft have obviously done a lot of work to improve perfromance, which means its runs well even on older technology hardware (such as P4s etc)
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 12 September 2009, 21:38:12
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Vista was a big improvement on XP, but suffered from a different (but essential) architecture needing different drivers.

Now that pain has passed, Vista remain an excellent OS, and Win7 is a evoluntionary step on. Microsoft have obviously done a lot of work to improve perfromance, which means its runs well even on older technology hardware (such as P4s etc)

This was key, even huge spec machines seemed to stuggle with Vista.

Its even running ok ish on a 600mhz laptop  :o
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 12 September 2009, 21:49:58
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Quote
Vista was a big improvement on XP, but suffered from a different (but essential) architecture needing different drivers.

Now that pain has passed, Vista remain an excellent OS, and Win7 is a evoluntionary step on. Microsoft have obviously done a lot of work to improve perfromance, which means its runs well even on older technology hardware (such as P4s etc)

This was key, even huge spec machines seemed to stuggle with Vista.

Its even running ok ish on a 600mhz laptop  :o
My laptop - fairly middle of the road Core2 Duo, pretty standard Centrino2 setup - ran Vista absolutely fine.  I'm convinced those who claimed Vista was slow on new hardware didn't really know how to get it working well  :-/

But, yes, Win7 is much faster, particularly on older hardware (where Vista tradiontally struggled)
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: KillerWatt on 13 September 2009, 08:01:19
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My laptop - fairly middle of the road Core2 Duo, pretty standard Centrino2 setup - ran Vista absolutely fine.  I'm convinced those who claimed Vista was slow on new hardware didn't really know how to get it working well  :-/
I agree, the old ladies Tosh laptop (2GB RAM, AMD Turion ) is more than happy with Vista (so happy in fact, it showed no signs of strain whatsoever with the workload it was given yesterday).
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: yatesDELTA on 13 September 2009, 17:37:06
On this topic, when the retail version is released can it be installed and work on 2 computers at once?
dont really want to buy it more than once but would like it on both of my computers.

Out of interest where are you people getting it from as it cant be bought til next month can it?
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: Welung666 on 13 September 2009, 17:39:05
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On this topic, when the retail version is released can it be installed and work on 2 computers at once?
dont really want to buy it more than once but would like it on both of my computers.

Out of interest where are you people getting it from as it cant be bought til next month can it?

No, but I downloaded The Beta and then RC1 directly from Microsoft. Too late to do that now though.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: KillerWatt on 13 September 2009, 17:39:41
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On this topic, when the retail version is released can it be installed and work on 2 computers at once?
dont really want to buy it more than once but would like it on both of my computers.
Unless you have a corporate license, then 1 machine = 1 license key.

Quote
Out of interest where are you people getting it from as it cant be bought til next month can it?
Dunno about the others, but mine came from MS direct (MVP).
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 13 September 2009, 17:45:06
we got it from the official Microsoft MSDN network
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: yatesDELTA on 13 September 2009, 17:52:04
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Quote
On this topic, when the retail version is released can it be installed and work on 2 computers at once?
dont really want to buy it more than once but would like it on both of my computers.
Unless you have a corporate license, then 1 machine = 1 license key.

Quote
Out of interest where are you people getting it from as it cant be bought til next month can it?
Dunno about the others, but mine came from MS direct (MVP).
Can the same license key be used on other machines though? im sure i have done this in the past (although i may be wrong lol)
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: KillerWatt on 13 September 2009, 17:58:13
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Can the same license key be used on other machines though? im sure i have done this in the past (although i may be wrong lol)
No it can't.
Since XP, MS have used hardware signatures in conjunction with the PID (installation serial number)....so they will know as soon as you visit WU if 2 machines have the same PID.

At this point, if 2 different machines with the same PID are detected, then both systems will be tagged as running a "bent" OS and you'll have to call MS to sort it.

There are plenty of ways to defeat MS's efforts, but I can't tell you how it's done here as the Admin will crap themselves and delete the post.

Take a look at my profile though, and you'll find a clue or two as to where to find forums that aren't scared of being threatened with action just for talking about something that isn't necessarily legal  ;)
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: yatesDELTA on 13 September 2009, 18:01:01
Damn, evil MS. They should be pleased i want to buy a legit copy of the software lol
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: KillerWatt on 13 September 2009, 19:26:10
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Damn, evil MS.
I know what you mean....fancy having the audacity to ask for money for your efforts.....greedy ba$tards eh.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 13 September 2009, 19:36:01
Apple are more evil, they just employ a better PR agency  ::)
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: yatesDELTA on 13 September 2009, 19:52:08
Lol...i have an ipod and use itunes, other than that apple dont concern me, happy with both of these though.

I absolutly refuse to pay for microsoft office when its atleast £100 (from memory) when i can get Open Office for nothing

Although i suppose £50 (on tesco offer) isnt to bad considering OS' used to cost more i believe?
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 14 September 2009, 18:32:06
Each and every installation needs a valid licence. Even Corporate versions (now protected via MAK keys rather than the open installation available to XP Pro Corporate).

This is pretty much standard licencing with software.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: yatesDELTA on 14 September 2009, 18:33:50
Anyone know of a deal better than the £50 Tesco are offering for a preorder then?

Also a good place to buy some RAM, i think my laptop may benefit from it as i only have 1Gb, i know there is an additional RAM slot.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 14 September 2009, 18:33:54
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Apple are more evil, they just employ a better PR agency  ::)
Nah, its just more 'trendy' to slate Microsoft ;)
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tmx on 14 September 2009, 18:35:25
Hmm i bought Vista Home Edition Premium X32 in June will i get a free upgrade to 7?
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 14 September 2009, 18:35:25
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Anyone know of a deal better than the £50 Tesco are offering for a preorder then?

Also a good place to buy some RAM, i think my laptop may benefit from it as i only have 1Gb, i know there is an additional RAM slot.
Is that deal still valid (for Home Premium)? I thought phase 1 preorder ended a month or so ago :-/

I preordered a few copies for myself at the £50 rate (I like to be legalish)
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 14 September 2009, 18:36:27
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Hmm i bought Vista Home Edition Premium X32 in June will i get a free upgrade to 7?
Did you get an upgrade voucher? I think you're too early...
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tmx on 14 September 2009, 18:38:27
no voucher just the usual Vista Manual, DVD ,Box & License
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 14 September 2009, 18:38:48
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Anyone know of a deal better than the £50 Tesco are offering for a preorder then?

Also a good place to buy some RAM, i think my laptop may benefit from it as i only have 1Gb, i know there is an additional RAM slot.
For RAM, I tend to use Crucial.  And 7% cashback iirc via Cashbackkings (see my signature) :D
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tmx on 14 September 2009, 18:39:16
if tesco are doing it for £50 i shall go in later and reserve one or 2 copies!

ive got the RC2 on my old computer and i was quite impressed with it
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: hoj on 14 September 2009, 18:45:34
Once had a copy of windows 98 a copy copy that is and it wasnt long before the PC eventually crashed along with several mates who had used the same licence key
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: KillerWatt on 14 September 2009, 19:50:16
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Once had a copy of windows 98 a copy copy that is and it wasnt long before the PC eventually crashed along with several mates who had used the same licence key
The license key had sod all to do with the PC's crashing.

The crashing was either down to crap hardware, a crap installation, or a combo of both.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 14 September 2009, 19:52:31
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Quote
Once had a copy of windows 98 a copy copy that is and it wasnt long before the PC eventually crashed along with several mates who had used the same licence key
The license key had sod all to do with the PC's crashing.

The crashing was either down to crap hardware, a crap installation, or a combo of both.

Or user error  ::)

As said license key has naff all to do with the running of windows 98.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: Welung666 on 14 September 2009, 19:55:46
[size=14]TESCO[/size] (http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-4754.aspx)[/b][/url]
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: KillerWatt on 14 September 2009, 19:56:34
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Quote
Quote
Once had a copy of windows 98 a copy copy that is and it wasnt long before the PC eventually crashed along with several mates who had used the same licence key
The license key had sod all to do with the PC's crashing.

The crashing was either down to crap hardware, a crap installation, or a combo of both.

Or user error  ::)

As said license key has naff all to do with the running of windows 98.
There is that possibilty, but Win 9x wasn't that great to start with TBH.
It was simply a 32 bit front end sitting on top of a 16 bit OS (DOS).
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: yatesDELTA on 14 September 2009, 20:22:01
ffs....yesterday it was still on their website for £50, almost ordered it aswell. I think it was home premium not pro?
In that case i think i shall live without it, not paying that amount. Used to use copies of OS's that wern't legit but my XP a few years ago came up on startup that it was dodgy
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 14 September 2009, 20:29:29
£50 for Windows 7? Thats quite a good price its usually around £80 ish. They have made it harder these days to use dogey copies. As KillerWatt says, they store what keys are used and will cripple any machine using same muliple keys.

There are of course ways of stopping it sending the key, but then you don't get any updates.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: yatesDELTA on 14 September 2009, 20:29:53
Amazon have a preorder for £64
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 14 September 2009, 20:30:26
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Amazon have a preorder for £64

Well worth it!
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: KillerWatt on 14 September 2009, 20:35:18
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£50 for Windows 7? Thats quite a good price its usually around £80 ish. They have made it harder these days to use dogey copies. As KillerWatt says, they store what keys are used and will cripple any machine using same muliple keys.

There are of course ways of stopping it sending the key, but then you don't get any updates.
You don't stop it from sending the key (in fact, you can't stop it). What you do is patch one particular system file (wga.dll to be precise), and you get the updates all day long.

Same aplies to Vista Ultimate & Win 7...patch it properly and it just works.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 14 September 2009, 20:39:15
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Quote
£50 for Windows 7? Thats quite a good price its usually around £80 ish. They have made it harder these days to use dogey copies. As KillerWatt says, they store what keys are used and will cripple any machine using same muliple keys.

There are of course ways of stopping it sending the key, but then you don't get any updates.
You don't stop it from sending the key (in fact, you can't stop it). What you do is patch one particular system file (wga.dll to be precise), and you get the updates all day long.

Same aplies to Vista Ultimate & Win 7...patch it properly and it just works.

Sure i remember an old method of 'activating' windows offline, and keeping it offline, then patching something, before going online. Must have been an out dated method  :-/
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: Entwood on 14 September 2009, 20:43:43
Rumour going round the office that MS will be offering a "special deal" to those running the RC windows 7 versions to upgrade to full release.

Anyone know owt about that ???

I've got the RC on a seperate hard-drive and am playing around with it, one thing I can't get it to do is to "remember" window size in IE .. always opens in a reduced window not full screen.. :(

Is certainly pretty quick and stable ... also not had any problems finding working drivers .. even for the crappy old web cam   :)
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 14 September 2009, 21:01:43
i plugged in a old USB wireless stick i had lying around, picked it up in seconds, all drivers installed, then listed all the wireless networks around. Its what Vista should have been.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 14 September 2009, 21:04:09
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ffs....yesterday it was still on their website for £50, almost ordered it aswell. I think it was home premium not pro?
In that case i think i shall live without it, not paying that amount. Used to use copies of OS's that wern't legit but my XP a few years ago came up on startup that it was dodgy


So are th any other £50 offers on the go.  Have seen amazon just under65.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: Welung666 on 14 September 2009, 21:06:55
Is the Amazon £65 version Ultimate?
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 14 September 2009, 21:07:50
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Is the Amazon £65 version Ultimate?


No
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 14 September 2009, 21:08:15
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002DUCMT2?ie=UTF8&tag=shopag-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B002DUCMT2&gclid=CLKosNvw8ZwCFUxs4wodn1hAkA
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: Welung666 on 14 September 2009, 21:08:23
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Quote
Is the Amazon £65 version Ultimate?


No

break that then ;D
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: tunnie on 14 September 2009, 21:11:19
running ultimate here, not sure what the spec is across the different versions but having Media Centre is a bonus. (its hooked up to the 46" Bravia)

Thinking of getting a couple of NAS boxes for all shared tunes, videos and pictures.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 16 September 2009, 12:51:48
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Quote
Once had a copy of windows 98 a copy copy that is and it wasnt long before the PC eventually crashed along with several mates who had used the same licence key
The license key had sod all to do with the PC's crashing.

The crashing was either down to crap hardware, a crap installation, or a combo of both.
Depends on definition of crashing I guess - if you class crashing as a pop-up syaing you've been a naughty boy, and now can't use PC until you've been a good boy, then licence key will be cause.  If, like most people, you correctly class crashing as an abnormal termination of a process/system, then, yup, poorly built system (hardware or drivers)
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 16 September 2009, 12:57:45
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Quote
£50 for Windows 7? Thats quite a good price its usually around £80 ish. They have made it harder these days to use dogey copies. As KillerWatt says, they store what keys are used and will cripple any machine using same muliple keys.

There are of course ways of stopping it sending the key, but then you don't get any updates.
You don't stop it from sending the key (in fact, you can't stop it). What you do is patch one particular system file (wga.dll to be precise), and you get the updates all day long.

Same aplies to Vista Ultimate & Win 7...patch it properly and it just works.
Think there is now more too it that that single dll. Seem to recall that loop hole was 'fixed' in Vista.

Obviously, the hackers will always find ways around any new methods given time.



Obviously, OOF is not the place to discuss that, I've had enough dust-ups with lawyers this year, and there are plenty of more appropriate places on the net to discuss such activity :y
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 16 September 2009, 12:59:42
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running ultimate here, not sure what the spec is across the different versions but having Media Centre is a bonus. (its hooked up to the 46" Bravia)

Thinking of getting a couple of NAS boxes for all shared tunes, videos and pictures.
Assuming you use other methods to ensure integrity (ie, backups!), pop in a couple of 1.5TB disks into your Media Centre, RAID0 - cheaper than NAS, an ultimately better perfromance, particularly if you are limited to 100Mb LAN
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 16 September 2009, 13:00:18
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Quote
running ultimate here, not sure what the spec is across the different versions but having Media Centre is a bonus. (its hooked up to the 46" Bravia)

Thinking of getting a couple of NAS boxes for all shared tunes, videos and pictures.
Assuming you use other methods to ensure integrity (ie, backups!), pop in a couple of 1.5TB disks into your Media Centre, RAID0 - cheaper than NAS, an ultimately better perfromance, particularly if you are limited to 100Mb LAN

Ultimate (the Betas/RCs were Ultimate) and Home Premium are the ones with MCE.
Title: Re: Windows 7
Post by: TheBoy on 16 September 2009, 13:01:38
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Rumour going round the office that MS will be offering a "special deal" to those running the RC windows 7 versions to upgrade to full release.

Anyone know owt about that ???

I've got the RC on a seperate hard-drive and am playing around with it, one thing I can't get it to do is to "remember" window size in IE .. always opens in a reduced window not full screen.. :(

Is certainly pretty quick and stable ... also not had any problems finding working drivers .. even for the crappy old web cam   :)
The 'official' beta testers are getting a freebie Ultimate.  The 'public' beta testers get nought other than the cheaper Phase 1 pre-order (long passed now)