Windows Vista requirements

[Harrm]

GAIM had a transparent window effect. That worked fine, and it was made by a bunch of non-profiteers.

--Harrm

 

[JaFO]

Well, I hate to do this. But you've left me with no choice...
Look, fuckstick, obviously there are questionable (i.e. 'illegal') means of obtaining various forms of media. However, should one choose to pay for their downloadable content - one would find it difficult to disagree that Apple is the most successful and most practical choice (especially when it comes to DRM). Not to mention the fact that they offer the most variety found in one place. Again, I'm saying 'legally', of course.

If you live in the USA perhaps it is illegal to use p2p-services.
Here it *is* legal to download anything you want.
In fact it is perfectly legal
to build and sell hardware that does use these services.

...
Apple's computers are essential to any performing audio professional. ....

So what if the professionals use Macs ?
In F1 racing they use Ferrari's, but that's hardly a brand you'd see on the street, is it ?
And neither can you buy one in the shop around the corner ...

...Regardless of how you feel about the iPod or the format of the songs from iTunes - the strategy was extremely effective, and no other company has been as successful. iTunes holds an 83% market share, has the best pricing strategy (Apple says that consumers will simply go back to illegally downloading if they raise the price above $.99),

Ironically : the price of an iTune-track in europe/the netherlands is €0,99
Given that $1 is worth less than 1 Euro they've already raised the price over and above the 99 cents barrier.

a simple interface and the best consumer rights out of all the services. And say what you will - at least you're not renting songs.

nope, you can only play them on apple-approved hardware.
Unless you burn them to a disc, which gives you 7 chances unless you use tricks to get around that barrier.
It is 'friendlier' compared to other DRM's, but it still is a DRM-restriction that real cd's don't have.

Besides that, they've added television shows,

Except for some odd reason that totally defies the internet you can't buy or see those series outside the USA.

Regardless of which OS you prefer, you have to admit that Apple offers some pretty incredible creative tools for free with their OS. At least give them that much credit.

So the tools Apple offers for "free" are creative, but whenever Windows does exactly the same it suddenly isn't any good ?

Unless you're really into 'Windows Movie Maker'...

I don't care whether it's Apple or Microsoft that dumps such junk onto a users harddisk.

Also, I am posting this from my PC, running XP Pro. I also don't need a skin to help myself pretend that I'm not using Windows. Old-fashioned 'classic' grey wasteland. Fancy that.

pfff ... I'm posting this from my pc running Win2k. I don't need a new OS that doesn't offer anything except higher system-requirements and even more restrictions on when and how I use my own hardware. Which is why I didn't downgrade to XP and it's why I hardly see any reason to downgrade to Vista.
I'd probably end up buying an Apple (if I can find one) before I ever buy any new Microsoft OS.

 

[cracwhore]

If you live in the USA perhaps it is illegal to use p2p-services.
Here it *is* legal to download anything you want.

Sorry, if you aren't part of the Great American Empire, I don't count you. Just how it is, no need to fight over it.

We're talking about an American company and their American service. I figured it would only make sense to apply American laws as well.

So what if the professionals use Macs ?
In F1 racing they use Ferrari's, but that's hardly a brand you'd see on the street, is it ?
And neither can you buy one in the shop around the corner ...

My point is:

It's not dead at all and you are incorrect in your assumptions. You're jumping to erroneous and hypocrtical conclusions from misinformation and extreme bias. You claimed that one of the most innovative and successful computer companies is dead and I proved you wrong.

The professional markets of various mediums use Apple products, especially musicians. So, if Joe Buttfuck and all of his uber1337 'CUSTOM_PC' buddies don't want a mac? Oh well. Apple doesn't lose anything because they still supply a large enough market without keeping a warehouse full of obsolete products (I.E. Dell Computer).

They sell what they make, so they're in the clear. In fact, they're doing quite well.

Also, please spare me the bullshit analogies that don't relate to the topic at hand.

Ironically : the price of an iTune-track in europe/the netherlands is €0,99
Given that $1 is worth less than 1 Euro they've already raised the price over and above the 99 cents barrier.

Like I said, if you aren't part of our Empire, you don't count.

Also, I'm guessing that the iTunes store prices are the same compared to ours, once you convert the value of the currencies. You probably pay more either way (when compared to U.S. prices - ignoring that fact that you probably make more money). I would also assume that those prices are still cheaper than buying a physical CD.

Upon reviewing amazon.de - I see that most CDs are around the €15.99 range. So basically, yes. It evens out. Your pricing is similar to ours, and iTunes is cheaper, just as it is here.

nope, you can only play them on apple-approved hardware.
Unless you burn them to a disc, which gives you 7 chances unless you use tricks to get around that barrier.
It is 'friendlier' compared to other DRM's, but it still is a DRM-restriction that real cd's don't have.

First of all, if you had actually read what I posted, you'd see that I already said that you can only use the Apple hardware to play the songs. I've stated this. I never debated that issue. I made it quite obvious and I even gave you Apple's reasoning behind that. Just for you, I'll repeat it.

Apple states that the RIAA makes more than an 80% of the profit per song. Apple themselves, makes pennies. Also, Apple provides the bandwidth for the iTMS. In the end, they are losing money, since the bandwidth costs far outweigh the profits from the tracks. Apple solves this issue by selling hardware (iPods). They have the tracks you want, at a decent price, with respectable DRM. The catch is that you need the iPod to legally play it.

Also, the 'FairPlay' DRM present on the iTunes tracks is more forgiving than CD-based DRM utilities. The DRM present on a lot of big label release won't even play on some computers, consoles, DVD player, CD players, etc. without major 'know-how' and work-arounds.

Or have you just been hiding under a rock for the past five months - what, with the rootkit fiasco, etc.?

Except for some odd reason that totally defies the internet you can't buy or see those series outside the USA.

For the same reason they don't air European shows and movies over here. It's really not that complicated. Different shows are owned by different companies that operate in different countries, governed by different law. American media companies do not operate under American copyright law when they distribute in the EU.

So the tools Apple offers for "free" are creative, but whenever Windows does exactly the same it suddenly isn't any good ?

No, and let me start by saying you know fuckall about anything that I've discussed so far. Obviously, you've never even seen OSX, let alone, used it. Also, bang-up job on twisting my words.

See, the thing is - MicroSoft doesn't ship any creative apps with Windows, save for the utterly useless 'Windows Movie Maker' (which is buggy, handicapped, and hasn't been updated in years). So this isn't so much a case of, well, whatever-the-fuck you're calling it. As much as it is a case of MicroSoft not providing these services period.

To answer you with a simple bullshit analogy: You're comparing BMWs to Chevrolets. Just because it's a car, and it's cheaper - doesn't mean it's better.

There isn't a music production program, a DVD creation utility, etc. You can't edit a movie, score it and burn it to a respectable looking DVD with any stock version of Windows. Whether you use those services or not, as I've said, you can't help but to at least admire the fact that you have those tools at your disposal for free, using OSX.

But if it pleases you to know, I believe that if MicroSoft actually did try to roll out similiar products, that they would be half-assed, buggy and rushed to the market.

Apple ships their OS with lots of creative tools that are quite useful, especially if you're a novice. It's a great way to see what you're into without dropping thousands of dollars on software. It also makes it easy for people to do something that is otherwise complex - such as creating a menu-based DVD with slideshows, music, etc. What's hilarious is, MicroSoft (in the U.S. at least) makes these Apple-esque commercials about 'creativity' - showing children making music and movies, talking about how Windows is the ideal platform for doing so (despite the fact that MicroSoft not only doesn't create those applications, nor do they bundle any - save for 'Movie Maker').

I don't care whether it's Apple or Microsoft that dumps such junk onto a users harddisk.

Then you can shut the fuck up then, huh?

pfff ... I'm posting this from my pc running Win2k. I don't need a new OS that doesn't offer anything except higher system-requirements and even more restrictions on when and how I use my own hardware. Which is why I didn't downgrade to XP and it's why I hardly see any reason to downgrade to Vista.
I'd probably end up buying an Apple (if I can find one) before I ever buy any new Microsoft OS.

PFFFFFFFFFFFFF!!!! You do that.

 

[JaFO]

'cheaper' ? at 10 Euro/dollars for a bunch of bytes compared to the physical media complete with lyrics, unlimited & unrestricted copying I still consider that pretty damned expensive.

1$ = +/- 90 Eurocents. If you still think that 99 dollarcent = 99 Eurocent after that conversion there's nothing that can be done.

To answer you with a simple bull**** analogy: You're comparing BMWs to Chevrolets. Just because it's a car, and it's cheaper - doesn't mean it's better.

I guess Windows would be the Chevrolet then ... 'cause we already know that american cars are cheap & crap

 

[cracwhore]

'cheaper' ? at 10 Euro/dollars for a bunch of bytes compared to the physical media complete with lyrics, unlimited & unrestricted copying I still consider that pretty damned expensive.

1$ = +/- 90 Eurocents. If you still think that 99 dollarcent = 99 Eurocent after that conversion there's nothing that can be done.

What are you talking about? What's wrong with you? Where did I ever say that one Dollar = one Euro? Why are you debating me on something I agree with? I know that the Euro is worth more than the Dollar.

You must be confused. I'm explaining the price differences on the US iTMS and the EU iTMS:

Look, in the long run - we pay the same price, considering we make less than you do. This is why our downloads are '.99 Dollar cents'. Your money is worth more, and so, your products cost more. This is why your songs are '.99 Euro cents'. It's more than '.99 Dollar cents' because your money is worth more. In the end, it's the same amount of money, given CD prices, etc.

Do you see how that works out? Basically, you're paying the same as we are, considering your economy.

Also, with physical media, you're paying tax as well. Not to mention the CD-based DRMs (rootkits, etc.). Every major label uses DRM technologies. Some CDs come with warning cards on the inside, telling you that it probably won't play in anything you own. For a good laugh, look up the 'Coldplay - X&Y' warning card.

To their credit the iTMS does provide you with album art, and in some cases, music videos with the purchase of an album. Personally, if the downloads were the same as a non-DRM physical CD, I'd go for the CD. But the fact of the matter is, it's cheaper, faster (downloads as opposed to driving to the store or ordering online) and more consumer-friendly in it's DRM.

Granted, I don't use either. I'm simply not happy with the encodings and the DRM with the iTMS - although I admit - it is a nice service. As for CDs, I'll only purchase them if they're DRM-free and tax-free (sold by the band at their concerts).

Like most people these days, I feel that CDs are a hassle anyway. I don't use CDs unless I have to. I sure as hell don't like carrying a CD wallet with me anywhere. Digital download services are the way of the future. Once downloadable content reaches a higher quality, I will most likely partake in the practice. The fact remains that CD audio quality is actually quite shitty. You lose a lot of detail with the current compression. Since most downloadable music is simply a further compression of the CD audio standard, it makes things even worse. Once tracks are 48000Hz 24bit recordings, I'm in.

 

[O_DoGG]

For You Cracwhore, no offense

 

[Hadmar]

Look, in the long run - we pay the same price, considering we make less than you do. This is why our downloads are '.99 Dollar cents'. Your money is worth more, and so, your products cost more. This is why your songs are '.99 Euro cents'. It's more than '.99 Dollar cents' because your money is worth more. In the end, it's the same amount of money, given CD prices, etc.

Do you see how that works out? Basically, you're paying the same as we are, considering your economy.

You make less? I wondered about that a couple of times in the past and so I would be interested in what you base that on.

On a not so serious sidenote: If I can choose to buy a single song for a single ordinary stone (lower value currency) or the same song for a single diamond (higher value currency) ... which of the choices would get me shafted?

 

[cracwhore]

Yes, O_Dogg, that is probably the worst parody of all time. I've seen it many times, and it's still not funny. That guy is a fucking moron. From the sound of it, he's running Windows ME. Many of the things he mentioned aren't possible in OSX. Clicking on 'executables' that 'rename to nothing' from the update manager?

Yeah...not so much...

He's your average, clueless, diehard Windows user. I suppose he forgot about the 'terminal' - which would also allow him to recover anything.

The complaint about not being able to move the dock to the top is a rather silly one - considering the application menu is located up there.

In OSX, applications don't have menus stuck to the windows. Rather, the OS has a menu bar on the top of the screen that lists the functions for whichever application you have selected, along with the usual information (time, volume, battery life, etc.) and system menus.

Also, not to nitpick, but it's a little long for a commercial parody.

You make less? I wondered about that a couple of times in the past and so I would be interested in what you base that on.

I base it on Heavenly Father and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

On a not so serious sidenote: If I can choose to buy a single song for a single ordinary stone (lower value currency) or the same song for a single diamond (higher value currency) ... which of the choices would get me shafted?

Well, again, you're not getting 'shafted'. At your day job, you're being paid in Euros, not dollars. Buy purchasing the songs using Euros, it ends up costing the same as what we (Americans) would've paid - once you convert the currency value. I'm not sure why this is so hard to comprehend.

Of course, it would be ideal for you to be getting paid in Euros and buying things listed in U.S. currency. But the world doesn't work like that, son!

 

[Hadmar]

I base it on Heavenly Father and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Actualy that question was meant quite serious. ... Is this the flowerily way to say "I pulled that comment from a place the sun only shines for the Goats3 man"?

Well, again, you're not getting 'shafted'. At your day job, you're being paid in Euros, not dollars. Buy purchasing the songs using Euros, it ends up costing the same as what we (Americans) would've paid - once you convert the currency value. I'm not sure why this is so hard to comprehend.

Of course, it would be ideal for you to be getting paid in Euros and buying things listed in U.S. currency. But the world doesn't work like that, son!

In other words the Euro doesn't have a higher value if you just live here and don't like to play filthy games with numbers or happen to import your sh!t from the Empire.

 

[cracwhore]

More or less.

 

[Big-Al]

lol, well vista sounds like a bit of a waste of money sofar...


looks pretty, but unless you have a top spec machine... LOL, suckage!

win 2000 was the best OS microsoft ever made...i don't see vista lasting longer that 2000

 

[tomcat ha]

I dont know. I guess i gotta swtich to vista for the games if it wasnt so i would switch too linux.

Big al you arent supposed to post here Go back to the TTR forums.

 

[Big-Al]

I have been playing inf longer that i've been playing TTR

and the TTR forums are still dead (but the temp forums are running ok... http://www.dustinb.com/ttr/ hopfu the official ones will be back before vista is out LOL)

 

[tomcat ha]

hehe