Computers and Related Hardware/Software

FF3 has sucked of late...going back to IE7 or Opera...

runpup wrote:going back to IE7

That's not an improvement. :bleh:

bmwracer wrote:
That's not an improvement. :bleh:

Yeah, you're probably right...

So, instead I d/led Google Chrome...so far I like it..it's fast and has some useful features...

I haven't noticed any real problems with FF3 other than some slowness... It still offers the most add-ons and themes of any browser, I think. :victory:

Has anyone tried out the Windows 7 beta?

I've been trying out the Windows 7 beta the last few days and while it's been a smooth performance so far, it just doesn't stir my interest as much as Vista. The little things, such as Device Stage, Network Connection, Libraries, Aero Peek, etc. makes Windows 7 a bit easier to use than Vista, but it's not such a dramatic change as it was going from XP to Vista. My Vista experience has been a pretty good one, so I'm probably not as eager to make the jump to Windows 7. It'll come down to how Microsoft prices Windows 7 for me.

For anyone interested, Microsoft is providing a download until Jan. 24th for for 32- and 64-bit versions of the Windows 7 beta.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/

I've also been using Fedora 10, trying to learn how to use a Linux OS for once. It's been a bit difficult, particularly trying to install programs without the use of package manager. Using the terminal is a bit strange for me, as I'm not used to command-line interfaces. I also don't like that Fedora does not have a few codecs pre-installed. I was surprised to find out that I had to download the MP3 codec before I could listen to any music.

Small things like that have me backing off as using Linux as a primary OS, at least the Fedora version of it. I think I'll try to learn how to use Fedora 10 before trying out another version.

deseipher wrote:Has anyone tried out the Windows 7 beta?

Unlike FF3, I'm not that daring. :sweat:

bmwracer wrote:
Unlike FF3, I'm not that daring. :sweat:

I double dare you! :beaten:

Compared to my Vista beta experience, Windows 7 has been running smoothly so far. It's still a beta though so I've installed it on a separate partition and saving anything important onto another partition.

deseipher wrote:I double dare you! :beaten:

LOL, what are you, Robert Conrad for Energizer batteries?? :rofl:

bmwracer wrote:
LOL, what are you, Robert Conrad for Energizer batteries?? :rofl:

Not fair, making references I'm too young to know about :beaten: I had to do a Google search just to find a commerical on Youtube to figure it out :puppydog: What's up with slapping that battery on his shoulder anyway?

Anyhow, I'm about to give up on Fedora 10. I've been trying to install Songbird and VLC, but both will not run properly. I need to look for a free, easy to use version of Linux. I really want to give Linux a shot, but with so many different versions it may be a while before I find one I like.

deseipher wrote:

Anyhow, I'm about to give up on Fedora 10. I've been trying to install Songbird and VLC, but both will not run properly. I need to look for a free, easy to use version of Linux. I really want to give Linux a shot, but with so many different versions it may be a while before I find one I like.

I use Fedora/Red Hat at work, and I've never really liked it.

The usual distribution recommended to new Linux users is Ubuntu, it was partly developed with Windows users in mind. The user community is very large and helpful. If you want to get something up and running quickly, and don't want to explore the guts of the operating system it is ideal. It tends to have it's favoured applications, and gives the user fewer choices in low level control.

If you want to be able to have more control over the system try OpenSUSE. The GUI based configuration/software management system YaST is excellent, and there are ample opportunities to delve deeper into the guts of the Linux operating system if and when you want to. I think it doesn't have all the multimedia codecs out of the box, but they are simple to install. Debian (Ubuntu is based on Debian) is similar, but I haven't really used it.

For cutting edge distribution I recommend Arch. You only install what you want, and this produces a bloat free, lightening fast system which boots in seconds. You do have to use the command line, and edit the configuration files yourself, but you have complete control over the system. I have it installed on all my PCs. I've been a Linux user for (gulp) over 15 years it's best distro I've used, but it could be a little daunting for the new user.

Each of the above (along with most of the other distros) are available on a Live CD, so you can try them out without installing them on your hard disk.

Good luck with your Linux adventure.

deseipher wrote:Not fair, making references I'm too young to know about :beaten: I had to do a Google search just to find a commerical on Youtube to figure it out :puppydog: What's up with slapping that battery on his shoulder anyway?

LOL, I had a feeling I was dating myself... :beaten: :ashamed:

Cerebus wrote:

I use Fedora/Red Hat at work, and I've never really liked it.

The usual distribution recommended to new Linux users is Ubuntu, it was partly developed with Windows users in mind. The user community is very large and helpful. If you want to get something up and running quickly, and don't want to explore the guts of the operating system it is ideal. It tends to have it's favoured applications, and gives the user fewer choices in low level control.

If you want to be able to have more control over the system try OpenSUSE. The GUI based configuration/software management system YaST is excellent, and there are ample opportunities to delve deeper into the guts of the Linux operating system if and when you want to. I think it doesn't have all the multimedia codecs out of the box, but they are simple to install. Debian (Ubuntu is based on Debian) is similar, but I haven't really used it.

For cutting edge distribution I recommend Arch. You only install what you want, and this produces a bloat free, lightening fast system which boots in seconds. You do have to use the command line, and edit the configuration files yourself, but you have complete control over the system. I have it installed on all my PCs. I've been a Linux user for (gulp) over 15 years it's best distro I've used, but it could be a little daunting for the new user.

Each of the above (along with most of the other distros) are available on a Live CD, so you can try them out without installing them on your hard disk.

Good luck with your Linux adventure.

Thanks for your information and suggestions. I'm new to Linux, and really would like to know how to use it at least on a basic level. I'll look into Ubuntu and OpenSUSE. Arch sounds pretty daunting to me, but hopefully in time I'll learn enough about Linux I will feel comfortable enough to give it a try.

deseipher wrote:

I double dare you! :beaten:

Compared to my Vista beta experience, Windows 7 has been running smoothly so far. It's still a beta though so I've installed it on a separate partition and saving anything important onto another partition.

I'm running both my notebook and desktop on windows 7 now. It's been going great. Some minor power issues with my desktop (I think the mouse is preventing it from sleeping properly) and some sound card issues (Creative Labs only recently got their vista act together... kinda, they're a vestige from any early age, really), but the notebook has been flawless and the overall experience has been excellent. I really am enjoying the new usability stuff.

phlargo wrote:

I'm running both my notebook and desktop on windows 7 now. It's been going great. Some minor power issues with my desktop (I think the mouse is preventing it from sleeping properly) and some sound card issues (Creative Labs only recently got their vista act together... kinda, they're a vestige from any early age, really), but the notebook has been flawless and the overall experience has been excellent. I really am enjoying the new usability stuff.

I'm liking the small things so far, such as being able to resize a window to take up half the screen by dragging it to the side. A small thing, but a very useful addition. Makes looking at two separate documents or windows much easier. The Libraries are nice as well, being able to add multiple folders so I can centralize all my documents, pics and music without to redirect the link. Being able to rotate wallpapers is something I like as I tend to change wallpapers often. Nothing productive, but certainly nice from a personalization standpoint. At first I didn't think these changes were dramatic enough to warrant an upgrade, but after a few days of use, I think those small changes add up to an easier experience.

deseipher wrote:I'm liking the small things so far, such as being able to resize a window to take up half the screen by dragging it to the side. A small thing, but a very useful addition. Makes looking at two separate documents or windows much easier. The Libraries are nice as well, being able to add multiple folders so I can centralize all my documents, pics and music without to redirect the link. Being able to rotate wallpapers is something I like as I tend to change wallpapers often. Nothing productive, but certainly nice from a personalization standpoint. At first I didn't think these changes were dramatic enough to warrant an upgrade, but after a few days of use, I think those small changes add up to an easier experience.

Hmmm...

I've got a spare drive in the closet.... Maybe. :sweat:

What happens when Windows 7 is officially released? Do you still have to cough up for a license?

Anime Dad wrote:What happens when Windows 7 is officially released? Do you still have to cough up for a license?

I'm sure.

Else, everyone would be downloading 7 as a freebie.

bmwracer wrote:
I'm sure.

Else, everyone would be downloading 7 as a freebie.

That's true. Micro$oft's way of getting people interested enough to want to pay, I suppose.

Anime Dad wrote:What happens when Windows 7 is officially released? Do you still have to cough up for a license?

Yup. The beta will expire on Aug 1, 2009.

dochira wrote:Yup. The beta will expire on Aug 1, 2009.

That's Ryoko-chan's b-day. :beaten: