View Full Version : The Windows 7 Thread
/backslash
24-11-2009, 10:07 PM
The whole product activation thing needs to die in a fire, though.
I think the limited 1 user only needs to die in a fire. Most families/people have more than 1 PC/laptop now and its just plain stupid to keep on buying the same product multiple times considering only I'm going to be using it. I couldn't help myself & installed Windows 7 on my laptop anyway so my 2nd sealed copy is now gone, its just too nice not to use it after Vista
Also I've got the retail version so I shouldn't have many problems if I move onto another laptop
StorminNorman
24-11-2009, 11:38 PM
The entire reason I don't have retail W7 yet is because of that utterly retarded one-license-per-retail-unit scheme. Microsoft don't even sell Office that way, and even the people I've encountered who have to sell Windows think it's retarded.
@Fenrir: Microsoft could easily give away a noncommercial/consumer version of Windows. They make all their money in volume licensing anyway.
Apple, on the other hand, is driven entirely by hardware sales, and they do let you run alternative OSes on their hardware, so I don't know where you're coming from on that.
Lazlow
24-11-2009, 11:44 PM
I totally had Yellowdog Linux running on my old ibook... once >_>
Fenrir
25-11-2009, 12:12 AM
Microsoft gets the most of their money from corporate licensing. Large companies provide MS with their bread and butter.
and
@Fenrir: Microsoft could easily give away a noncommercial/consumer version of Windows. They make all their money in volume licensing anyway.
I'd like to see figures on this one. If they're clawing on to 0.1% of the market with product activation, then, tentatively, sure - I suppose it's unnecessary. If it's more like 10-30%, though, then no ****ing way.
Apple, on the other hand, is driven entirely by hardware sales, and they do let you run alternative OSes on their hardware, so I don't know where you're coming from on that.
No, as in they don't let you run Mac OS X on other hardware, so they can bundle most of the OS costs with the hardware and hence not worry about the amount of OS copies flying around.
Vicious
25-11-2009, 03:19 AM
I'd like to see figures on this one. If they're clawing on to 0.1% of the market with product activation, then, tentatively, sure - I suppose it's unnecessary. If it's more like 10-30%, though, then no ****ing way.
For us to get real numbers we'd have to compare the number of retail versions sold against versions sent to companies and to OEMs.
Still, you're assuming that product activation is a good measure to prevent distribution. It isn't. I could use a crack if I want, but because I'm a legitimate user I don't. What's the point of DRM if it's just going to get broken anyway?
Fenrir
25-11-2009, 03:58 AM
I'm not really convinced that a lot of people subvert Windows activation with cracks - it seems like something not a lot of people would want to **** with.
There's probably a good point in the OEMs - the average end user is likely to buy a pre-built unit with Windows pre-installed, and repair stores these days have a special disc for the job. I'd still like to get an idea of the size and demographics of the market buying retail copies of Windows, though, techies/power users et al are probably the sort to treat DRM-less software as free software.
/backslash
25-11-2009, 04:16 AM
I tried to get around the 'Windows is not genuine' problem with my RC copy on my laptop but it really wasn't worth the trouble and I felt like I was just going to brick it completely by planting some random nasty virus into it. This is why I always buy retail/oem
Cracks for windows? Why bother? Just don't activate it. Your punishment is no wallpaper. Ouch windows, ouch.
Halt, Hammerzeit
25-11-2009, 09:56 AM
They must have changed it since XP, then. If you didn't have the internet you had 30 days to activate it or you couldn't use it anymore.
Pai Mel
25-11-2009, 11:55 AM
That serial number I bought for $30 from an US eBay seller is working fine for me, and activated with no problems. I had to upgrade to the Retail version though from Release Candidate.
Lazlow
25-11-2009, 12:52 PM
They must have changed it since XP, then. If you didn't have the internet you had 30 days to activate it or you couldn't use it anymore.
Unless of course you managed to get your hands on a VLK version of XP Pro >_>
StorminNorman
26-11-2009, 11:20 PM
No, as in they don't let you run Mac OS X on other hardware,
OS X runs fine on non-Apple hardware, with the caveat that you need to build a system with the hardware that it supports (which is actually a fair bit more than Apple have ever used as Macs). The trickiest part is convincing OS X you're using EFI, as most PC motherboards still don't use EFI for reasons I've never quite figured out.
Of course, running OS X on non-Apple ("hackintosh") hardware is entirely unsupported by Apple, but that's within their rights, I suppose.
Starscream
29-11-2009, 11:44 PM
Anyone tried using the inbuilt disk imaging application of W7 yet?
Vicious
30-11-2009, 05:10 AM
Anyone tried using the inbuilt disk imaging application of W7 yet?
Yep, I've been using the same utility since Vista. Works like a charm.
TrinityJayOne
30-11-2009, 04:52 PM
Disk imaging as in what Isobuster does? Where is this?
Starscream
30-11-2009, 08:21 PM
Disk imaging as in what Isobuster does? Where is this?
Hard disk imaging as in Norton Ghost/Acronis True Image
TrinityJayOne
30-11-2009, 08:42 PM
Oh wait, wrong medium. I meant to type "disc".
fishfishmonkeyhat
05-12-2009, 01:48 AM
It's how I do my backups.
StorminNorman
07-12-2009, 05:45 PM
Managed to pick up a Family Pack of this today. It's three licenses for $250, but you can probably find it for less if you look around.
It's still insanely overpriced, but at least it's better than three individual copies. Apparently it's also been released in extremely limited numbers, so you may need to get it quickly.
/backslash
07-12-2009, 06:43 PM
Managed to pick up a Family Pack of this today. It's three licenses for $250, but you can probably find it for less if you look around.
It's still insanely overpriced, but at least it's better than three individual copies. Apparently it's also been released in extremely limited numbers, so you may need to get it quickly.
So according to Microsoft apparently people don't have families anymore & they were aborted as a child *puzzled*. Bill Gates you are an idiot
Starscream
07-12-2009, 08:30 PM
Managed to pick up a Family Pack of this today. It's three licenses for $250, but you can probably find it for less if you look around.
It's still insanely overpriced, but at least it's better than three individual copies. Apparently it's also been released in extremely limited numbers, so you may need to get it quickly.
$237 3 license pack at Dick Smith.
Out of curiousity, with these retail upgrades can I upgrade from Win XP to Win 7?
EDIT: Never mind, apparently you can (thanks google :P )
EDIT2: Better to buy the 3 license pack off ebay (to save money) or buy locally?
Silverwolf
07-12-2009, 09:24 PM
Bill Gates you are an idiot
I Lol'd
Halt, Hammerzeit
08-12-2009, 12:45 AM
Out of curiousity, with these retail upgrades can I upgrade from Win XP to Win 7?
EDIT: Never mind, apparently you can (thanks google :P )
I have no idea why they're calling it an upgrade. They may as well have just sold it as Windows 7 instead of Windows 7 Upgrade. If anybody is running a Windows operating system earlier than XP, they'd need to buy a new computer to run 7 now anyway, and new computers come with it on anyway.
Starscream
08-12-2009, 02:03 AM
I have no idea why they're calling it an upgrade. They may as well have just sold it as Windows 7 instead of Windows 7 Upgrade. If anybody is running a Windows operating system earlier than XP, they'd need to buy a new computer to run 7 now anyway, and new computers come with it on anyway.
At less than $80 per licence, that's good value.
Put it this way: build or buy a new PC (or 3 new PCs) without Win 7, install your XP OS (assuming which everyone should own and activating it) and then use the Win 7 upgrade.
Halt, Hammerzeit
08-12-2009, 09:49 AM
Oh yeah, I get the licence pack and the value of that, I just don't get why they're calling the only version of Windows 7 that they're selling an upgrade when you can use it with just about anything.
StorminNorman
08-12-2009, 11:52 AM
It's not the only version of Windows they're selling. Most stores also carry "full" versions of Windows as well.
The Upgrade license requires that you have a previous Windows licence on the computer, but I've no idea how that works because I've installed it on two computers that didn't have Vista/XP installations on them (they had Windows 7 RC1, though) with no hassles whatsoever.
EDIT: Problem: If I've just installed Windows 7 on a computer, and then I've used the transfer thing to restore a previous account, and now the computer is constantly accessing the HDD and being more-or-less entirely unresponsive, what is the computer doing?
I'm guessing it's running some kind of indexing service?
StorminNorman
08-12-2009, 11:19 PM
So anyway, this dialog appears complaining that there are too many files open by 16-bit applications. Then it moans about something called a "config sys" or some crap.
The hell?
Pai Mel
08-12-2009, 11:29 PM
I think you may have to config your sis to autoexec your bat. *shrugz*
Starscream
08-12-2009, 11:29 PM
Maybe try doing another clean install (32 or 64 bit version?) and not restore your previous account.
Vicious
09-12-2009, 04:19 AM
So anyway, this dialog appears complaining that there are too many files open by 16-bit applications. Then it moans about something called a "config sys" or some crap.
The hell?
Need some information.
What is the exact message the dialog uses?
Did this happen after you installed specific software by chance, or only directly after the recovery?
StorminNorman
09-12-2009, 09:15 AM
Maybe try doing another clean install (32 or 64 bit version?) and not restore your previous account.
This is the plan, although not restoring the previous account is impossible as it is my Dad's account and he wants it restored. 64-bit Windows.
I managed to restore the accounts on our media PC with no trouble, so I'm unconvinced it's the root cause of the problem. I suspect something funky is going on with hardware here.
Vicious: that was the exact message. "Too many files in use by 16-bit applications. Please close some or reconfigure your config sys" or whatever it said.
I'm going to reformat/reinstall. I've got the data backed up anyway.
StorminNorman
10-12-2009, 11:31 AM
Update: It looks like the account restore feature was causing the problem. Laptop works fine if you don't do it.
Moral of the story: Windows Easy Transfer sucks arse.
Starscream
10-12-2009, 02:31 PM
Update: It looks like the account restore feature was causing the problem. Laptop works fine if you don't do it.
Moral of the story: Windows Easy Transfer sucks arse.
I called it.
Pai Mel
10-12-2009, 09:13 PM
How do I enable mouse scroll momentum in Windows 7?
/backslash
10-12-2009, 09:23 PM
Start>Control Panel>Mouse>Wheel
If you can't see 'Mouse' listed, click on 'View By' Large Icons/Small Icons
Space_Monkey
13-12-2009, 10:19 AM
Been meaning to take advantage of the student offer for AGES now.
I'm picking up a new computer soon and I'm going to finally invest in Windows 7.
So anyway which option should I go for? I was thinking home edition, simply because I probably won't need the features of ultimate but that said with the student price, ultimate is only $40 more, so why not?
I'll need Office too, so I can use the student discount for that too but thinking back my girlfriends Dad bought me Office 7 a few months back for my laptop, I still have the disc, can I put that on two computers or does this constitute piracy? Can I just but another licence for that disc?
Fenrir
13-12-2009, 11:56 AM
Yeah, I think by default you're buying just the license anyway - the disc is ~$10 extra or something.
Starscream
13-12-2009, 12:40 PM
Been meaning to take advantage of the student offer for AGES now.
I'm picking up a new computer soon and I'm going to finally invest in Windows 7.
So anyway which option should I go for? I was thinking home edition, simply because I probably won't need the features of ultimate but that said with the student price, ultimate is only $40 more, so why not?
I'll need Office too, so I can use the student discount for that too but thinking back my girlfriends Dad bought me Office 7 a few months back for my laptop, I still have the disc, can I put that on two computers or does this constitute piracy? Can I just but another licence for that disc?
Where can you get Win7 Ultimate at student price discount ?!?!
Barefooted Hobo
13-12-2009, 12:51 PM
http://www.itsnotcheating.com.au (i think)
Starscream
13-12-2009, 07:37 PM
I can't see Win7 Ultimate anywhere.
9warbane
13-12-2009, 08:58 PM
Nope, looks like you cant get ultimate with the student discount but there's pro.
Fenrir
21-12-2009, 11:25 PM
Installed this today. I really liked Vista, but this seems like something special.
texta
21-12-2009, 11:45 PM
Installed this today. I really liked Vista, but this seems like something special.And just like that Fenrir lost all his computer nerd cred.
Fenrir
22-12-2009, 12:16 AM
I've been defending Vista throughout this thread, and you choose now to pounce?
Vicious
22-12-2009, 12:40 AM
And just like that Fenrir lost all his computer nerd cred.
Please tell me you're joking. I've been a big proponent of Vista too -- in fact many have been.
Yes, but everyone ignores you, you're a massive windows fanboy.
Silverwolf
22-12-2009, 01:00 AM
Please tell me you're joking. I've been a big proponent of Vista too -- in fact many have been.
Yup, theres absolutely nothing wrong with Vista, it worked just fine in every way.
Windows 7 seems to be about 80% Windows Vista anyway, just shinier. Installed it on my desktop today since my new hard drive arrived, still adjusting to the new navigation/taskbar.
Its still awesome cause OMG SO PRETTY ^_^
AranchineD
22-12-2009, 01:06 AM
You can argue the technial side of things all you like; to the 'everyday' person, Windows Vista is unobjectively one of the most user unfriendly and resource hogging operating systems they could ever use
Vicious
22-12-2009, 01:07 AM
Yes, but everyone ignores you, you're a massive windows fanboy.
Lex comes from beneath his bridge to say hello.
Next time stay there :rolleyes:
You can argue the technial side of things all you like; to the 'everyday' person, Windows Vista is unobjectively one of the most user unfriendly and resource hogging operating systems they could ever use
Besides the UI (taskbar) so is Windows 7. It's just people have finally thrown most of their old computers away and actually upgraded by now.
Silverwolf
22-12-2009, 01:33 AM
Besides the UI (taskbar) so is Windows 7. It's just people have finally thrown most of their old computers away and actually upgraded by now.
Plus people love their bandwagons.
Windows Vista is unobjectively one of the most user unfriendly and resource hogging operating systems they could ever use
Only because MS over-estimated the average system specs of the consumer at the time of release
Plus people love their bandwagons.
http://www.hyper.com.au/forums/image.php?u=1158&dateline=1261337020
Vicious
22-12-2009, 01:47 AM
Only because MS over-estimated the average system specs of the consumer at the time of release
Unfortunate but true. If you had a decent system it ran fine . . . if not you weren't so lucky.
Silverwolf
22-12-2009, 01:48 AM
http://www.hyper.com.au/forums/image.php?u=1158&dateline=1261337020
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b141/omgwolfeh/lolcell.jpg
texta
22-12-2009, 08:58 AM
I've been defending Vista throughout this thread, and you choose now to pounce?I'm going to be honest with you; I don't always read this thread.
Unfortunate but true. If you had a decent system it ran fine . . . if not you weren't so lucky.
Yeah, probaby why when I fresh installed vista on 2 separate systems, it was unbearaby sluggish until I installed sp1. Both these pcs were quadcores with 4gb of ram. If vista can't make a decent experience in that hardware out of the box, it's doing something very wrong.
AranchineD
22-12-2009, 10:39 AM
Only because MS over-estimated the average system specs of the consumer at the time of release
And they built the system with about 200 features that about 1% of the people who use the system will actually need/use.
Fenrir
22-12-2009, 12:26 PM
Hmm, shiny new operating system or not, my hardware's still having heat problems. Most recently the damn thing hit 99C and froze halfway through a Netbeans install whilst set to Power Saver - I have nfi how to go about cleaning that up.
This'll probably be the last Toshiba laptop I buy.
Vicious
22-12-2009, 12:48 PM
Both these pcs were quadcores with 4gb of ram. If vista can't make a decent experience in that hardware out of the box, it's doing something very wrong.
What chipset, what HDD, what videocard, etc? Describe "sluggish" in empirical terms.
Yes, because MS is in charge of 3rd parties that make hardware and drivers for said system. Let's blame Apple and the Linux community for not supporting my sound card. :rolleyes:
Most of the fixes that occurred during Vista's life were driver related. Anyone that's involved in IT knows that.
And they built the system with about 200 features that about 1% of the people who use the system will actually need/use.
Such as?
Hmm, shiny new operating system or not, my hardware's still having heat problems. Most recently the damn thing hit 99C and froze halfway through a Netbeans install whilst set to Power Saver - I have nfi how to go about cleaning that up.
This'll probably be the last Toshiba laptop I buy.
How old is it? Have you contacted Toshiba about it yet?
But you just said "if you had a decent system it ran fine", which isn't true. These were decent systems that now run wonderfully under W7. Had nothing to do with drivers either, I can assure you of that.
By sluggish, I mean would chug opening a folder with more than 50 files in it, and would hang for no apparent reason.
Vicious
22-12-2009, 01:11 PM
But you just said "if you had a decent system it ran fine", which isn't true.
It would after the drivers matured. The same teething issues XP had when it started out. Sorry I wasn't being pedantic at the time, I won't make the same mistake again :rolleyes:
These were decent systems that now run wonderfully under W7. Had nothing to do with drivers either, I can assure you of that.
. . . you do realize that W7 would have mature drivers from Vista and not the other way around, right?
Also, how could you "assure me of that"? Do you have proof of these claims that it wasn't driver related? I'm sure the community as the whole would love to hear your testing methods and proof that you're so eager to provide.
By sluggish, I mean would chug opening a folder with more than 50 files in it, and would hang for no apparent reason.
Here's the wonderful thing about empirical evidence -- it actually proves something. Your perception on the other hand does not. I've road in a car that felt fast and a plane that felt slow . . . but evidence can show the contradictory.
So basically WAHH YOU CANT PROVE IT IT NEVER HAPPENED. You're right, I can't prove it now, I could have at the time, but obviously it's too late. So it can't possible have happened.
See, this is why everyone ignores you. You're a fanboy unwilling to accept the possibility of a fault in the horse you backed. You are the windows storminnorman.
Fenrir
22-12-2009, 01:20 PM
@Vicious: I've had it for roughly a year and a half. Bought new, but it was the last remaining stock of an older high-end model. The heat problems have been apparent for most of that time, though it seems to've exacerbated over time.
Hasn't really occurred to me that it could be a faulty unit, seems more likely that they were hell-bent on getting the specs up (like I was at the time, too, admittedly) and didn't think of effective heat management as an absolute requirement. The various Dells used by friends, my sister, etc have been fine in this department, so I'm not about to blame Sydney climate.
I'll call Toshiba support to see what can be done about it soon, though.
Vicious
22-12-2009, 01:22 PM
So basically WAHH YOU CANT PROVE IT IT NEVER HAPPENED. You're right, I can't prove it now, I could have at the time, but obviously it's too late. So it can't possible have happened.
So in other words -- you were talking out of your ass as usual?
Never change lex, every forum needs a punching bag like you.
See, this is why everyone ignores you. You're a fanboy unwilling to accept the possibility of a fault in the horse you backed. You are the windows storminnorman.
Are you going back to your bridge yet, or do I need a torch to help you?
@Vicious: I've had it for roughly a year and a half. Bought new, but it was the last remaining stock of an older high-end model. The heat problems have been apparent for most of that time, though it seems to've exacerbated over time.
Hasn't really occurred to me that it could be a faulty unit, seems more likely that they were hell-bent on getting the specs up (like I was at the time, too, admittedly) and didn't think of effective heat management as an absolute requirement. The various Dells used by friends, my sister, etc have been fine in this department, so I'm not about to blame Sydney climate.
I'll call Toshiba support to see what can be done about it soon, though.
Yeah, definitely give them a call. It could have to do with the heatsinking not being properly mounted, thermal paste being improperly applied, all sorts of crap.
Vicious
22-12-2009, 01:27 PM
Just as expected.
You're acting like a Jehovah's witness. The burden of proof is on you, and I'm sick of you knocking on my door.
concrete donkey
22-12-2009, 01:27 PM
Just as expected.
i hope you get hit by a ****ing bus. it stops, then backs over you again. You've never seen so many happy people
Fenrir
22-12-2009, 01:31 PM
@Lex: I'm just inclined to believe you have nfi what you're doing with any of the equipment you're talking about. My laptop's specs pale in comparison to those you just rattled off, and that's before you take into consideration the heat issues forcing lowest possible performance settings - but Vista was pretty far from "sluggish" on it.
EDIT:
Yeah, definitely give them a call. It could have to do with the heatsinking not being properly mounted, thermal paste being improperly applied, all sorts of crap.
Hmm, it seems more likely that the damn thing just generates far too much heat for the poorly-designed cooling system to deal with. The whole laptop is routinely hot to touch, if I recall correctly it even came with warning labels regarding the heat. >_>
I should end up sending it in to have a number of things tended to, though, so they can find out for themselves whether or not there's a fault causing the problems. I think I'll ask them to put in a new CPU, too, and underclock it.
Vicious
22-12-2009, 01:48 PM
Hmm, it seems more likely that the damn thing just generates far too much heat for the poorly-designed cooling system to deal with. The whole laptop is routinely hot to touch, if I recall correctly it even came with warning labels regarding the heat. >_>
That's . . . not good. I've seen cases where thermal paste and mounting issues occurred, but if there were labels even warning of heat I'd be wary.
I should end up sending it in to have a number of things tended to, though, so they can find out for themselves whether or not there's a fault causing the problems. I think I'll ask them to put in a new CPU, too, and underclock it.
Yeah, I'd be pretty peeved about having to underclock it myself though. Hopefully they get the mess sorted out without needing to do something major.
EDIT:
BTW, I thought this was interesting:
nvidia caused most crashes (http://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2008/03/vista-capable-lawsuit-paints-picture-of-buggy-nvidia-drivers.ars)
@Lex: I'm just inclined to believe you have nfi what you're doing with any of the equipment you're talking about.
LOL.
Sorry rap, I just don't talk tech to impress people. I know exactly what I'm talking about, most likely more so than you. Shit, you can't even underclock your hardware yourself?
And yes Vicious darling, burden of proof is on me. Would you like me to buy the exact hardware, from memory, just to test it? coz that's the only way we'll be able to replicate the EXACT results.
Vicious
22-12-2009, 06:13 PM
LOL.
Sorry rap, I just don't talk tech to impress people. I know exactly what I'm talking about, most likely more so than you. Shit, you can't even underclock your hardware yourself?
That's not how I read it. I thought it read that he wanted them to install a new CPU (due to potential thermal damage), and then underclock it (not necessarily having THEM underclock it).
Also, having to boast your own intellect is a great way of showing lack thereof.
And yes Vicious darling, burden of proof is on me . . .
Thanks for playing.
Fenrir
22-12-2009, 06:20 PM
@Vicious: have every intention on delegating said underclocking to Toshiba support. I honestly don't put a lot of value on learning this sort of thing myself.
LOL.
Sorry rap, ...
I think you might be the last remaining person marginally more familiar with my original handle than my current one.
... I just don't talk tech to impress people. ...
Who does? Qualify with evidence, please.
... I know exactly what I'm talking about, most likely more so than you. Shit, you can't even underclock your hardware yourself?
This is pretty desperate stuff - why are you staking your "tech cred" on something as pedestrian and end-user as throwing together a few chunks of productized hardware and installing an operating system? I wouldn't get pissy if I were in your shoes, I sure as hell can't be bothered wasting four minutes of my life learning to underclock a CPU when those budding young tech support guys over at Toshiba probably have the relevant documentation memorized by now.
The whole point is that none of us share your sluggishness problems with Vista, which makes it the least absurd conclusion to assume that you've committed some significant ???????? somewhere along the line. There is little else to go on, here, really.
So... you don't know how. Even though it's so basic. You really should know how. It's basic stuff man.
Lollin'
Vicious
22-12-2009, 06:40 PM
@Vicious: have every intention on delegating said underclocking to Toshiba support. I honestly don't put a lot of value on learning this sort of thing myself.
That's a shame -- I really thought you would have known or valued learning such a technique.
To each their own though.
Regardless, I think it's time to put an end to this. This is the "Windows 7" thread. Let's keep this to Windows 7; otherwise we're just going in tedious circles.
In other news: I freaking hate libraries. I use a 3rd party audio player. When I go to my music via start it goes through the library. Once I access the folder I want to play and select "play all" it doesn't respond. It only works with a MS player selected as default. I also haven't found a way to bypass the library link and go directly to the music folder via the start menu yet unfortunately.
The second complaint is that when overclocked the PC tries to run a Windows performance check once a week. I know I can disable it but I haven't had the time, still annoying as all get out to be watching a video or playing a game and have the system come to a halt having to shut down the process.
Fenrir
22-12-2009, 06:53 PM
So... you don't know how. Even though it's so basic. You really should know how. It's basic stuff man.
Lollin'
I was hoping we could find some common ground on that one, like the "I once masturbated over a dude" confession when a close friend airs grievances over homosexual thoughts. We can get through our lack of power-user-ness together man, an' stuff.
That's a shame -- I really thought you would have known or valued learning such a technique.
I'll probably value learning such a technique at whatever point I need to do it myself (like if Toshiba read out some sort of "sorry, we don't tamper with manufacturer clock rate settings" policy when I ask). I don't really think overclocking is ever worth the reliablility/longevity costs, and I'd prefer not to underclock my processors from the start (though I'm really considering it).
I don't really think overclocking is ever worth the reliablility/longevity costs
That's silly. Doing a sensible overclock will give you a noticeable peformance boost without putting too much pressure on the components.
Vicious
22-12-2009, 07:03 PM
I'll probably value learning such a technique at whatever point I need to do it myself (like if Toshiba read out some sort of "sorry, we don't tamper with manufacturer clock rate settings" policy when I ask).
I imagine that may be the response you get.
I don't really think overclocking is ever worth the reliablility/longevity costs
The only time one need worry about the longevity of an OC is when one messes heavily with voltages. Otherwise it's merely a question of stability anymore. Well, one could be concerned with heat . . . but we should be concerned with that no matter the circumstances.
My OC is 800mhz and I've had no issues with it.
Fenrir
26-12-2009, 10:31 PM
That's silly. Doing a sensible overclock will give you a noticeable peformance boost without putting too much pressure on the components.
and
The only time one need worry about the longevity of an OC is when one messes heavily with voltages. Otherwise it's merely a question of stability anymore. Well, one could be concerned with heat . . . but we should be concerned with that no matter the circumstances.
My OC is 800mhz and I've had no issues with it.
My understanding last I ever looked into it was that an overclock can take a good year off the longevity of the chip - due to heat-related stresses, assume. I'm not staking a lot on that factoid, though.
Probably the main reason I've never bothered to overclock is because my laptop isn't the only system I've had which suffered from heat issues at manufacturer settings. Sydney can get some pretty significant heat waves, my house isn't air-conditioned, I don't tend to have the cash to shell out for better cooling systems, etc.
But yeah, point(s) taken.
I've never noticed this before:
I'm downloading via torrent and the shutdown button has disappeared from the start menu so, presumably, I don't interrupt the download.
(!)
Silverwolf
28-12-2009, 04:53 AM
I've never noticed this before:
I'm downloading via torrent and the shutdown button has disappeared from the start menu so, presumably, I don't interrupt the download.
(!)
But it doesn't matter if you interrupt a torrent!
I know. The shutdown menu returned once I restarted uTorrent... ??
Silverwolf
28-12-2009, 07:09 AM
At least your Windows doesnt freeze whenever you try to play a game =P
When I installed windows 7 I installed it on the drive I knew was in perfect condition, but even when trying to play games (and even sometimes at the desktop now) it still freezes completely, it seems to be my new Samsung hdd to blame, even if im not using it. Reinstalling sucks balls, and I doubt that's even going to fix this problem.
Freezing isn't a built in feature of W7 is it?
StorminNorman
28-12-2009, 11:06 AM
In general, Windows freezes are due to bad hardware.
Starscream
30-12-2009, 10:30 PM
Any particular reason why I should install 64 bit over 32 bit of Win7?
If you have 4Gb of RAM, the 64-bit OS will accommodate the lot (as opposed to the 3.5Gb limit of a 32-bit OS).
Some processors can run a little better under 64-bit architecture, as well, I guess.
Try these links for a little more info:
http://gizmodo.com/5133771/why-you-should-go-64+bit-with-windows-7
http://www.bench3.com/2009/06/benefits-of-windows-7-64-bit-operating.html
http://www.vistax64.com/vista-news/99613-64-bit-more-than-just-ram.html
Fenrir
30-12-2009, 11:03 PM
Probably the best reason is more RAM*. I don't know whether or not compilers are yet taking advantage of the quirky superset of instructions offered by x64 machine code, and based on history (RISC vs "CISC" et al), I'd tend to assume most aren't by default.
More relevantly, there are x64 binaries flying around for like, nine or so commonly-used programs at the moment, which pretty much makes it early-adopter territory. So no, I don't think "should" realy applies here.
*Potentially lots more - theoretically 2^64 bytes instead of the feeble 2^32 (latter's 4GB; throw the former into a calculator, I cbf but it's ridiculously huge), but for some elusive reason I have yet to fathom they've only realized a 64GB limit, if I recall correctly (and I mightn't).
Silverwolf
31-12-2009, 03:59 AM
In general, Windows freezes are due to bad hardware.
Or a bad install, as it turned out to be :O!
StorminNorman
31-12-2009, 12:57 PM
Well, a damaged driver file on the disk may as well be bad hardware, I suppose. :p
Any particular reason why I should install 64 bit over 32 bit of Win7?
Because you have a 64-bit processor (Core2 or better).
If you have 4Gb of RAM, the 64-bit OS will accommodate the lot (as opposed to the 3.5Gb limit of a 32-bit OS).
Note that this is specifically a Windows limitation. 32-bit Linux on the same hardware does not suffer from this problem.
pezhead015
01-01-2010, 03:42 PM
Note that this is specifically a Windows limitation. 32-bit Linux on the same hardware does not suffer from this problem.
How about OSX?
StorminNorman
02-01-2010, 01:51 PM
It doesn't happen there, either.
Just caught this on /g/:
http://www.dreyx.com/2010/01/how-to-enable-godmode-on-windows-7.html
Clockw0rk
04-01-2010, 08:56 AM
That's pretty cool.
It works, for anyone worried about x64 compatibility.
dimorphic
04-01-2010, 09:11 PM
Pretty cool. I'll leave it on my desktop, I'm sure it'll be useful at some point.
Same. I hate trawling through the current control panel just because it's so different to XP. Not the categories themselves, but the way they are named can be awkward to search through.
I'm very pumped to have scored an OEM copy of Win7 Home Premium from a mate.
I'm planning on getting a new CPU later on in the week so I'll be holding off the new install until then :D
9warbane
06-01-2010, 11:48 PM
Any programs anyone's came across that don't work on 7?
bitripper had some error when I tried to run it and handbrake comes up with a unexpected error and closes now and then. Photoshop CS4 64 bit is also being a bitch.
Operation Flashpoint, Planescape: Torment.
That's about all I can think of for the moment.
9warbane
08-01-2010, 11:29 PM
Had trouble getting 7 to recognize a LG dvd drive to use with raw dump but it was quick to just boot up in XP then to mess around trying to get it to work.
I like windows dvd maker, nice menus but seems to take quite a while to do one dvd.
Most annoying thing is when I put a dvd in and windows media player will try to play it. Which I don't want it to do especially when I'm listening to music with it.
Just make sure you choose another program to load DVDs by default
Clockw0rk
12-01-2010, 12:29 PM
Quick noob question here:
I can buy the retail version from shops for $350 or the OEM version from a supplier for $195. Is there any actual difference between the versions?
Shorty
12-01-2010, 01:18 PM
IIRC, OEM versions can only be legally sold with a complete computer system by licensed "system builders".
Quick noob question here:
I can buy the retail version from shops for $350 or the OEM version from a supplier for $195. Is there any actual difference between the versions?
IIRC, OEM versions can only be legally sold with a complete computer system by licensed "system builders".
Shorty is only half right.
I bought an OEM from Gemerald, installed it (yesterday), validated it and it's fine. There is no question during the install process about where the copy of Windows came from.
Silverwolf
12-01-2010, 03:15 PM
No, shorty is completely right, its just the disc and serial keys don't care who sold them =P
Clockw0rk, at those prices you're getting ripped off anyway, but get the OEM version.
Vicious
12-01-2010, 08:16 PM
IIRC, OEM versions can only be legally sold with a complete computer system by licensed "system builders".
They also used to be able to be sold with cheap parts, like a cable. The EULA keeps on changing now to the point where they're trying to prevent individuals who built their own systems from installing it, but honestly the regulation of it is dismal.
Clockw0rk
13-01-2010, 12:49 PM
I'm able to get a copy of Windows 7 OEM, so the main thing was just making sure it's not functionally different to the retail version.
Anyone know where I could get it cheaper than NZ$195 +shipping?
TSplodey
13-01-2010, 01:09 PM
I bought my copy of Win7 online from a Brisbane shop. When I spoke to one of their workers over the phone his words were along the lines of "Can only sell OEM with a piece of hardware vital to the computer's operation." Like RAM, HDD, Mobo and soforth.
I had a link saved for an Aussie online PC store that sold OEMs by themselves, but I'll be damned if I can remember the url. Pretty sure it was posted in this thread...
banjoeskimo
15-01-2010, 06:32 PM
Managed to pick up a full retail version of Ultimate for $50, should be arriving in a day or two in the mail. Can't wait!
Italian Stallion
15-01-2010, 06:43 PM
How did you manage that?
If it's one of those dodgy eBay ones, you realise they could easily ban the key? And probably will whenever they release SP1.
banjoeskimo
15-01-2010, 06:45 PM
Friend who works at MS, abused his employee discount. :D
pauljdavidson
16-01-2010, 04:46 PM
I bought a OEM copy of Win7 through http://www.gocomp.com.au, with the purchase of a system part, of which I just bought a cheap HDD with it.
I just found Aero Flip 3D!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Devest8r/Untitled-1.jpg
Windows key + TAB, if you weren't aware... >__>
Halt, Hammerzeit
19-02-2010, 09:36 AM
My work is finally selling staff copies of Windows 7. Cost me $30 :p
Clockw0rk
19-02-2010, 09:38 AM
Christ that's cheap :(
I paid $195 for my OEM copy of Home Premium.
Silverwolf
19-02-2010, 09:46 AM
I just found Aero Flip 3D!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v648/Devest8r/Untitled-1.jpg
Windows key + TAB, if you weren't aware... >__>
Welcome to Windows Vista.
Clockw0rk
19-02-2010, 09:54 AM
I love how this was one of Vista's most-hyped features.
Halt, Hammerzeit
19-02-2010, 10:12 AM
Christ that's cheap :(
I paid $195 for my OEM copy of Home Premium.
My work does lots of software at extremely discounted prices. I got a copy of Office 2007 for $18 and it had 3 licences with it :p.
Welcome to Windows Vista.
Welcome to I skipped Vista, jerk
TrinityJayOne
19-02-2010, 10:55 AM
welcome to i skipped vista, jerk
12345!
Silverwolf
19-02-2010, 10:56 AM
Welcome to I skipped Vista, jerk
Which is pretty much my point.
Fenrir
19-02-2010, 01:12 PM
I skipped Vista
Not really.
quantum
20-02-2010, 11:44 PM
would it be cheaper for me to get the whole home edition (not the upgrade), or should i get the 64 bit disc by itself for cheaper.
Slippery
08-03-2010, 04:10 PM
Can I get the "student upgrade" for $50 on a new computer or do I have to buy a normal priced one from the guys selling it to me?
Clockw0rk
27-04-2010, 09:35 PM
Just DL'd the beta of office 2010. I've got no real use for it, but figured I'd give it a try.
igotnewsuper8systemWRONG!
27-04-2010, 09:48 PM
How's the clip art?
9warbane
27-04-2010, 09:48 PM
OneNote is fantastic.
texta
02-05-2010, 04:33 PM
Office 10b is excellent. It's not so much the new features, but the way they've improved the access to existing features. For noobs like me, things like pivot tables have never been easier.
banjoeskimo
24-02-2011, 08:13 AM
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is now live, you can grab it by manually running Windows Update.
Here's what you can expect (http://www.winsupersite.com/article/windows-7/Sneak-Peek-A-Quick-Look-at-Windows-7-Service-Pack-1.aspx).
There was nothing that needed massive improving anyway. Cool.
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