MS Changes "Upgrade" Policy on Windows

[Eomer]

DailyTech - No More Clean Installs Using Upgrade Discs With Windows Vista

This is actually a pretty big deal, for me anyway. While Windows XP vastly improved the reliability of the OS and reduced how often I have to install a fresh boot of it, I've still probably done a good 2-3 fresh installs with each of my two XP copies. Popping in a 98SE cd was painless and let me get on with it. I imagine I'll do the same over the life of Vista.

Changing this policy is stupidity, in my opinion. I just don't understand their reasoning, other than wanting to hose people for more money. I have two computers at home, both running Windows XP. When I make the move to Vista (no sooner than a year from now, most likely), if I decide to replace some parts at the same time, I'll have to either purchase a "full" license, or go through with first installing XP on both computers before I can install Vista. That's just fucking retarded.

Makes me even less willing to "upgrade" to Vista.

[Vorph]

I'm more concerned about the OEM license since I would never buy an upgrade version anyway. So far they haven't been enforcing the restriction on transferring the install to different PCs, but that could change at any time.

[Eomer]

Are OEM versions going to be fairly easy to get? I know that only one place locally here sells them, and Newegg doesn't ship to Canuckia. Once you mentioned it, I realized one of my XP licenses is OEM, and one is an upgrade. It would be nice to go with OEM for Vista, but I'm not so sure that I'll even be able to find one.

[Vorph]

Network Supply Canada Inc. Microsoft Canada Co 66i-00788 Windows Vista Home Premium - License And Media 1 Pc Oem Dvd English Eng Prem 1pk 64bit doesn't seem like a bad deal. No idea what that company is like or anything though. Biggest thing to remember with OEM is that you have to make sure you aren't buying the 32-bit version because they don't include both on one DVD like they do for retail. OEM is always cheaper than upgrade from what I've seen, there's just a [so far unused] stipulation that you can't change PCs and reactivate it. They had the same restriction with XP too, just never enforced it.

[Warrik]

Im very curious as to what the activation process is like with Vista. Currently, you can reinstlal Windows XP on as many machines as you want as long as you call and get it activated with the good people over in India, making reinstalls and reactivation a non issue.

Im not sure how it will work with Vista however...

[Vorph]

Currently you can do that with Vista too, and the activation process is pretty much the same still. Supposedly you can change everything but the motherboard without getting the reactivate message, so it really only affects people doing complete rebuilds. I kind of doubt they'll ever really enforce it, especially if you tell them you fried your motherboard and replaced it with a new one. They would have an awful hard time saying no to things like that imo.

PC Perspective - Windows Vista Installation Process - Upgrade and Clean

[Jabberwhacky]

So as an aside, how's Vista for gaming? Any improvements or deprovements? (that's totally a word)

[Vorph]

Catalyst 7.1 was released today for Vista. Nvidia is still slack-assing, especially for the 8800 series.

Not sure on current soundcard status, other than the non-existence of Auzentech drivers for Vista.

I'd wait a while.

[Zuuljin]

Is there a reason to choose 64 bit over 32 bit?

[Vinen]

Originally Posted by Zuuljin

Is there a reason to choose 64 bit over 32 bit?

More ram... just to name one of many reasons

32bit is limited at 4gb ram total~

[Zuuljin]

I remember hearing about compatability problems with XP64 though, so I'm wondering if theres any downside to choosing 64 over 32. That and I dont think many programs take advantage of the 64 bits. Not that I'm buying it tommorow, but it would be nice to know.

[Pizoi]

Originally Posted by Eomer

Are OEM versions going to be fairly easy to get? I know that only one place locally here sells them, and Newegg doesn't ship to Canuckia. Once you mentioned it, I realized one of my XP licenses is OEM, and one is an upgrade. It would be nice to go with OEM for Vista, but I'm not so sure that I'll even be able to find one.

NCIX has all variations of Vista. They're in Vancouver, I've dealt with them many times, and they've been awesome.

NCIX.com - Buy Operating Systems In Canada.

Edit: They just emailed out a newsletter (NCIX). They're offering $0.01 express shipping on all of their OEM Vista sales until Feb 2nd. $244(CDN) for Vista Ultimate 64bit.

[Eomer]

Oh nice, I'm not exactly in love with NCIX, but they've been alright when I've used them in the past.

Still, I'd kill for Newegg to set up a Canadian branch.

[Warrik]

The results from Toms Hardware benchmarking XP and Vista is a bit shocking. It may need some time for a patch to come to truly come to fruition.

Bottom line is that as of right now, Vista has alot of potential, but still has some kinks. I have no doubt that MS will clean it up, it will just take some time.

My question now is will they release Direct X 10 for general download or is it Vista only?

[Braen]

Originally Posted by Warrik

The results from Toms Hardware benchmarking XP and Vista is a bit shocking. It may need some time for a patch to come to truly come to fruition.

Bottom line is that as of right now, Vista has alot of potential, but still has some kinks. I have no doubt that MS will clean it up, it will just take some time.

My question now is will they release Direct X 10 for general download or is it Vista only?

DX10 is Vista only.