Updates available for 2K, XP, 2K3, Vista…
New System Specs. Final request for input.
I’ve got my system narrowed down (thanks to you guys) and would like to make one last request for input.
I’ve ordered a Q9450 for $300 thanks too Taylor.
***edit – holy cow, this thing has already shipped! Talk about wicked fast service!
Just a quick email to let you know your package has shipped and will be delivered to the address listed below.
I’m trying to jump on this deal for a video card and PSU (having some issues that they are working on).
Here is the rest at Newegg.
Not sure if I’m gonna get a case or not. I don’t really ‘need’ one but I’m open to suggestions. Must be a full tower (or large mid) and no freakin’ door.
Sound card, well since I will not ever buy a Creative product again (due to the latest BS with daniel_k and no Linux support for X-fi), I’ll go with onboard sound unless someone can suggest a better sound card (no Voyetra and must have full Linux and Vista support).
Any comments or suggestions? Am I missing something?
**edit 08APR2008** I’ve ordered the system (see comments) THANK YOU to everyone who commented along the way.
*edit 09APR2008 – I’ve added the Noctua NH-U12P from Xoxide based on the review at [H]ardOCP and from Wesley Fink at Anandtech.
Windows Xp SP3, The Perfect Time For A Clean Install
Windows XP Service Pack 3 will arrive shortly and that’s the perfect time to do a clean install. [Read more…] about Windows Xp SP3, The Perfect Time For A Clean Install
The Vista license “loophole” that isn’t
Ed Bott discusses the issue of using a Vista upgrade disk when doing a non-upgrade install.
Look, you can argue that Microsoft’s prices are inconsistent and illogical, but that has nothing to do with the issue at hand here. An upgrade license is intended to replace a previous license, period. Advising readers to violate the terms of a license agreement is pure sensationalism, and it’s wrong.
I know it isn’t a popular stance but I agree with him 100%. I pretty much said the same thing February of last year in my Installing Windows Vista guide.
3 – Do I need an Upgrade or Full version?
If you intend on installing Vista on a machine that already has a Windows operating system, and you intend to upgrade (install over it) then get an upgrade version. Otherwise the license requirement says you need a full version. Yes you can do a clean install using an upgrade disk (instructions below). Please note, the Vista license agreement states that if you use an upgrade version then the OS you installed Vista over is no longer valid. This may or may not be a technicality based on your own set of morals. Example, I recently got a new laptop from Dell which came with XP installed and a free upgrade to Vista when available. Since I wanted to dual-boot (run both OS’s) XP and Vista I could not legally use the upgrade disk so I had to buy the full version.
(please do not write to me and whine about how expensive Vista is to justify your using an upgrade disk. Vista is not a “must have”. Stick with XP or try Linux, it’s free.)
25 Great Geek Websites
Extremetech put up a decent list of 25 Great Geek Websites. Got any you would like to share? Post it here. I can’t understand how they left Major Geeks off the list.
Battlestar Galactica, New Season Starts Friday
For everyone who is a Battlestar Galactica fan like me, the new season starts up Friday at 10 (9 Central)!
iTunes 7.6.2 Is Out
This includes an updated Quicktime.
iTunes 7.6.2 provides bug fixes to improve stability and performance…QuickTime 7.4.5 includes fixes that enhance reliability, improve compatibility with third-party applications, and address security issues.
Microsoft's Vista Blogger Quits…
Nick White, Microsoft’s in-house blogger who wrote about all things related to the Windows Vista operating system, has resigned. It’s the latest in a series of key departures from the software maker.
Geeze, whatever the reason he left it doesn’t look good image wise for Microsoft and Vista. I don’t care what you think about Vista as an OS, it’s karma just seems awful.
Microsoft’s Vista Blogger Quits As Redmond Exodus Builds
KDE 4.0.3 Release Announcement
April 2, 2008 (The INTERNET). The KDE Community today announced the immediate availability of KDE 4.0.3, the third bugfix and maintenance release for the latest generation of the most advanced and powerful free desktop.
I haven’t even had time to try KDE 4. Most of what I’ve heard is “not ready for prime time”. Anyone out there using it? You like, or no?
I believe Ubuntu(April 24) and Fedora 9(April 29) will be the first big distros with an official release of KDE 4 with openSUSE 11 coming in June (someone school me if I’m wrong).
KDE 4.0.3 Release Announcement
Why No New Linux Sotware Posts?
A reader wrote in to ask why I don’t do blog posts for updated software in Linux like I do for Windows.
Answer…
In Windows:
– For apps that have auto update, most Geeks have auto updates for the various apps turned off (I do too).
– This applies to Windows Update too.
– Not every app has auto update.
– There is no way to track driver updates for everything (without a 3rd party update tool).
– I do these posts for folks who (like myself) disable all the auto updates. This way they know when these are updated.
In Linux:
– Depending on your distribution, most Linux Geeks use Synaptic or Smart or the distros built-in package manager (like YaST Software Management).
– These can provide updates for the OS, all the software, and all your hardware.
– So, these sorts of posts aren’t really necessary (IMHO).