Is it not ok anymore to be content with what we have?
I have had Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 sitting on my desk for more than three weeks now. I spent nearly $300 buying the stupid products so that I can install them on my machine, but I haven't. It's not because I haven't had time...I just have no burning desire to go through with the change yet. My Windows XP machine is running awesome, I like the configuration of my system and just don't want to upset the apple cart yet. I still occasionally turn on my backup machine that is running a beta version of Windows Vista, but I have only used it about ten times since I installed the beta version last September.
Don't get me wrong, I don't plan on moving to a utility free cabin in Montana. I still love technology and new computer gadgets, but I have seen Vista and used Vista and it doesn't excite me in the least. In fact, the whole software industry right now bugs me...the endless cycle of useless upgrades is irritating. Is it not ok to be content for a little while? Can't computer companies pour their collective minds and talents into producing a truly innovative and useful product rather than dribble every six months?
I will install Vista and Office 2007 on my machine eventually for you. After all, it is my job to learn about the new stuff and how to best utilize it so you can be productive with it as quickly as possible. I'm just discouraged this time around because the product is so radically different and not necessarily in a good way for most consumers.
How about you Vista users that adopted early? Is Windows Vista making you say "Wow" the way Gates and company wants you to say Wow? And how about you Office 2007 users? How is the new 'ribbon' layout working for you?
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Vista and Office 2007
I have not tried either, not from lack of interest but my 512 RAM machine won't work with Vista. Besides, XP works just fine.
I am so sick of useless "upgrades" I thought seriously of buying a Mac. But price and lack of software and local service turned me off there, too.
I'll keep my present machine as long as it's still usable and experiment with Linux.
Harold in Cedaredge
Vista
Being a serious computer hobbyist, and having bought the full versions of 98 and XP, I will probably buy the full version (installable on pcs without Windows) of Vista Ultimate (why anybody would want any other version after comparing features escapes me), if for no other reason than to have as a collector's item.
As for avoiding being a "dud who doesn't like the pioneering spirit," I think experimenting around and trying to learn Linux does a whole LOT better job in that area than merely buying Vista! Hey, I still have around somewhere one of my old hard drives from a 486 with Windows 3.1 on it. I guess I keep it for old-times' sake.
To my mind, there is absolutely nothing wrong with prefering XP to Vista. Frankly, even though I am a devout free-marketer, I hope to eventually learn Linux if for no other reason than my good friend Bill Gates already has enough of my money!
Ribbon
The ribbon layout is nice and easy and works well once you figure out what Microsoft put it there for.
It's just an extension of the "customizable toolbar" idea and I'm not sure why MS couldn't have just offered that as an add-on or a downloadable update for Office 2003.
Upgrades
The only time I am ever happy with an upgrade is when it fixes something that was broken with the old version. I'm not convinced that either Office 2007 or Vista do that. Microsoft seems to have the government/bureaucracy philosophy nowadays: "If if ain't broke, fix it until it is"
My office computer is screaming fast and working very well with XP. I have upgraded to Office 2007, but it's not "blowing my skirt up". There are some nice features and some things are easier to do, but I've also noticed a performance drop when opening certain files. Also, I haven't yet seen any feature that makes me more productive or helps me get my job done quicker.
I'm holding off on the Vista upgrade as long as I can because I have a dread feeling that it's going to cause problems and slow me down...
VISTA AND OFFICE 2007
I have both of subject programs installed and love them both. Sure, you have to learn new things, and especially in Office you must learn new ways to do things. I am 69 years old and have been learning to do new things all of my life. That is the spice of life, and why we are not still driving black model T Fords and why we have been to the Moon.
Your comment which means "if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it" is for nice little bunnies and stay at home duds who don't like the pioneering spirit.
Yes, Microsoft makes me angry. No, I do not say "Wow" when runnning Vista. Yes, XP and the old office will get you by just fine thank you. But I love the new ones and can't wait to see the next versions of same.
Walter Stout
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