[ale] OT if you must use windows, upgrade to windows 7, not 8, within a year

Fri Oct 12 13:11:14 EDT 2012

On Fri, 2012-10-12 at 13:20 +0000, Lightner, Jeff wrote:
> If 8 is as bad as you say it will be replaced by 9 quickly like Vista
> was replaced by 7 after the screaming got loud enough.
> 
> However, since people are STILL running XP in many places but
> migrating to 7 I doubt M$ will be forcing folks to upgrade to 8 as
> quickly as you imply.
> 
Doesn't W8 also introduce that "universal something something" boot
process that will lock out the possibility of dual booting with Linux?

> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of
> Ron Frazier (ALE)
> Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2012 4:58 PM
> To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts
> Subject: [ale] OT if you must use windows, upgrade to windows 7, not
> 8, within a year
> 
> Hi guys,
> 
> Forgive me for mentioning the "W" word.  I'm posting this for the
> benefit of those of you who must use windows for whatever reason.  You
> want to think about upgrading to windows 7, not 8, within a year.  I
> use both windows and linux for different purposes and at different
> times.  I don't think I've posted this here before.
> 
> According to what I've read,. Microsoft has totally gutted the user
> interface of Windows with the introduction of Windows 8 and what used
> to be called the metro interface.  They're trying to make one
> interface for tablets, phones, and pc's with large screens, which has
> a whole bunch of large pretty icons designed to be touched with your
> finger, and which don't work well with a keyboard and mouse, which
> seems like an incredibly stupid idea to me.  (What does that remind me
> of, oh yes,
> Unity.)  I have read a number of accounts relating to the lack of
> usability of the new interface, and many people hate it with a
> passion, saying it is essentially unusable on a PC, or it's much
> harder to be productive on it.  I personally don't intend to even try
> it.  I think it's a tremendous step backwards.  If you have PC's that
> you personally own or maintain and are not company maintained, you may
> wish to consider upgrading to Windows 7 in the near future.
> 
> Even though Vista will continue to be supported with security patches
> for some time, Windows 7 will stop being sold 1 year after Windows 8
> goes on sale.  Windows 8 is about to be released, so it will probably
> be impossible to buy Windows 7 after about October 2013.  At that
> point, your only alternative to upgrade a Windows Vista or XP machine
> will be to install Windows 8, which the users will probably hate, or
> Windows 9 or whatever they're up to at the time.  I believe Windows XP
> support ends in 2013.  I have a chart somewhere on the lifecycle dates
> for each Windows system, but I don't have it handy at the moment.
> 
> As you know, it is critical to have an OS on the PC which is getting
> routine security updates.  It is preferable to have one that is
> familiar and easy to use.  Therefore, if you must use Windows, I
> recommend acquiring a copy of Windows 7 OEM from NewEgg or Tiger
> Direct or Frys within the next year and installing it on any non
> company PC's.  These run about $ 100 each.  I would recommend making a
> full backup of the hard drive first.  You want the full Windows
> install disc, not the upgrade disc.  This makes it much easier to
> reinstall if there is a system crash.
> 
> I haven't totally decided what to do yet, or when, but will probably
> upgrade most or all of my PC's.
> 
> Here are some links to look at regarding the "new" Windows interface.
> 
> https://www.google.com/search?num=100&hl=en&site=&source=hp&q=hate
> +windows+8&btnG=Search
> 
> 
> http://www.pcworld.com/article/261567/windows_8_hate_it_already_why_waiting_for_windows_9_wont_help.html
> 
> 
> http://www.pcworld.com/article/251282/windows_8s_metro_ui_7_things_you_may_just_hate.html
> 
> 
> etc.  etc.
> 
> I hope this info is helpful to you.  I haven't totally figured out
> what I'll do yet.  I may just have to break down and buy several
> copies of Windows 7 OEM --- or just switch to Linux.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> Ron
> 
> 
> --
> 
> (To whom it may concern.  My email address has changed.  Replying to
> former messages prior to 03/31/12 with my personal address will go to
> the wrong address.  Please send all personal correspondence to the new
> address.)
> 
> (PS - If you email me and don't get a quick response, you might want
> to call on the phone.  I get about 300 emails per day from alternate
> energy mailing lists and such.  I don't always see new email messages
> very quickly.)
> 
> Ron Frazier
> 770-205-9422 (O)   Leave a message.
> linuxdude AT techstarship.com
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Ale mailing list
> Ale at ale.org
> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Athena(r), Created for the Cause(tm)
> Making a Difference in the Fight Against Breast Cancer
> 
> ---------------------------------
> CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail may contain privileged or
> confidential information and is for the sole use of the intended
> recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure,
> copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is
> prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this electronic
> transmission in error, please reply immediately to the sender that you
> have received the message in error, and delete it. Thank you.
> ----------------------------------
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Ale mailing list
> Ale at ale.org
> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo/ale
> See JOBS, ANNOUNCE and SCHOOLS lists at
> http://mail.ale.org/mailman/listinfo

-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: not available
Type: application/pgp-signature
Size: 490 bytes
Desc: This is a digitally signed message part
Url : http://mail.ale.org/pipermail/ale/attachments/20121012/489ab300/attachment.bin