Windows Vista/Windows Media Center And DRM---The End Is Near

[ed klein]

http://computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9005047&pageNumber=1

The End Is Near

[RFBurns]

This is why it is very important to keep your current working systems and not throw them away or overwrite them with this new OS.

[codajohn]

Should we all start buying up pre-Vista machines?

[ed klein]

If you don't want to build the computer yourself, and you want to purchase a bare bone high speed model, and then soup it up yourself, there still seems to be options for the operating system, most default operating systems are the Microsoft Media Center with an upgrade to the Windows XP Pro. But SOON the default setting is going to be Vista.

But, not sure if the motherboard changes with the upgrade to Pro version, probably not.

[RFBurns]

Should we all start buying up pre-Vista machines?

That is not a bad idea. I would also stock up on a couple of motherboards that you currently have, as well as spare HD's, memory, peripherial cards etc.

I have machines going back to DOS 5 and spare hardware for each. I can swap out the mobo if necessary on any of my PC's. I also have stored any and all OS updates, patches, drivers for the various cards, plus the spares so if anything were to die, I can revert to the spares and continue.

I have yet to use any of the spare parts (knocks on wood), or have had to break out the backup archive to re install stuff. It is a comforting feeling knowing that I have plenty of backup, both hardware and software in case of some major catastrophe.

[codajohn]

I smell a lucrative business in retro hardware and software in the not so distant future.

[soup]

All this stuff is retro before you even buy it nowadays (obselete).

[RFBurns]

I smell a lucrative business in retro hardware and software in the not so distant future.

Yep. Though I have found that alot of the end users who buy the older hardware and software are folks that like to run the older games since they dont run very well or at all on the faster, newer platforms.

But for the user who wants to continue to backup DVD's etc and get around this new brew-ha-ha in copy prevention, keeping the current working systems running for years to come is something most here might begin to consider and start planning a strategy to have the necessary backup hardware and software..before its too late.

Who knows, backing up movies and games may become even more difficult than what is anticipated with this new OS on the horizon. It is always a good idea to have a "back door" when the front door is sealed.

[RFBurns]

All this stuff is retro before you even buy it nowadays (obselete).

This is true! And the prices are extremely cheap, making the task of building up a hardware/software backup that much easier.

Pay close attention to close-out ads and auctions. Monitoring on-line auction sites is a good idea too. Once in a while liquidation companies go to various cities and hold huge cash only sell-outs on retro stuff. These are gold mines in finding the outdated stuff.

[AlienX69]

I currently have 4 boxes myself, one on the fritz (P4) that I'm trying to revive, just RMA the mobo (AGAIN).

Where I'm going with this is to suggest that you test these spares to make sure they will work when you need them. Best to build a configuration and just leave is sit, this is what a currently do with a P3, P2, AMD 3800 (currently the primary). Thinkin of goin to Fry's an purchasing another $100 AMD/mobo combo (backup).

[RFBurns]

Yes! Testing the spares every so often ensures they are good to go when the call of duty whistle blows!

I test my spares about once every 4 months or so. I store them in anti-static bags and place dry packs in them to keep out moisture.

If one were to begin building a spare pile slowly now, it will pay off soon enough when everything switches over to this new Vista system.

Then as others who ignore the warnings, they will be screaming and doing the hair-pulling party, while the rest that took the advice continue to back up movies while sipping on some good wine or other spirits and having a "happy" party instead!

[AlienX69]

Todays deals at one of my other favorite stores .... CLICK HERE

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More Combo Deals .... CLICK HERE

Not BAD .... CLICK HERE .... mobo/CPU/ + RAM .... for a $113 (needs a CPU fan, I just happen to have a brand new stock fan)

[celtic_druid]

Well there is always Linux. For people who want to run Windows, perhaps the release of Vista will increase the development efforts of ReactOS. You don't have to buy or run windows.

[tigerman8u]

I tried the beta version of vista for a couple of days. I formatted the HD and put xp pro back on.

[codajohn]

tiger,
What were some of the issues that made you go back to XP? Besides the issues mentioned in ed klein's link.