Test drive Windows Vista

Yes, it's true. It feels like you are actually taking control over a computer running vista, through the web.

http://www.windowsvistatestdrive.com

Note: You must use IE to test drive it. :-/

Yeah, you must install an ActiveX component that probably has spyware built-in and other nice stuff from Microsoft.

Interesting though.

I didn't even think about spyware on that active x thing. whoops! hehe.

BTW, did you actually try it out? I guess not.

Can't... I run Firefox.

I mean, what's the point ? Half the people who need converting can't run ActiveX anyway.

(Many people will get it anyway when they buy a new PC, others are sure that they'll buy it anyway.)

lalala. i am happy with xp. lol.

Test drove it in Sams Club. They had a few laptops running it.

Said By Haggard

Test drove it in Sams Club. They had a few laptops running it.

So, give us your impressions- the good the bad and the ugly.

I've been grabbing releases ever since the alpha M3 build of Longhorn (and that was even before the code restart).
Too bad for Microsoft that I've switched 95% of my activities to Linux and I only switch back to XP for gaming.

The #1 thing I was looking for in Vista were user interface improvements, but there weren't any earth shattering changes. Also, transperant windows does not count as a user interface change. It makes things look nice, but it doesn't change how someone uses an application. Office 2007's ribbons is a good example of a interesting user interface change which I encourage people to try out.

The main problem with Vista taking so long to come out is that during the 5 years between XP and Vista (or 2 years between 2003 SP1 and Vista, where Vista code started), there are tons of 3rd party applications that have large made the Vista upgrade unimportant. For example, enhanced searching functionality was a big feature to look forward to, but was largely amputated by dropping WinFS. However, windows live search and google desktop search already does that and more on XP. Another is the side bar, which has flopped because of the many widget engines that has sprung up for the windows desktop. Vista would be an amazing upgrade with tons of new features if you have never heard of any non-Microsoft products in your life.

Said By aquariancore

Said By Haggard

Test drove it in Sams Club. They had a few laptops running it.

So, give us your impressions- the good the bad and the ugly.

Honestly, I only fooled with it for like 5 minutes, then I had to help my father with a mattress. But the visuals are nice. They added and optional clock and calender to your desktop, which I kinda like. Like I said I only used it for 5 minutes.

from what I heard it is too early to switch over. Unfortunatley i a year we will begin to be forced.

Yeah, unfortunately we will all be forced upon purchasing a new computer. Hopefully by then someone will have come up with a nice modification, that removes some windows annoyances eh?

from what I heard it is too expensive, pointless and harmful (to your multimedia/hardware combination... analog audio out and DRM'd CDs don't mix on vista).

I also have a hunch that the visuals are lousy compared to the competition.

Of course you have to use IE! And with the EvilOverLord Microsoft, there ain't nothing free. I think this is proof that the new OS sucks out the wazoo! They have never ever given us the opportunity to test drive any other OS! Beware!

I am not going to try because of the reasons already specified by Aron Schatz. As of now I do not find any reason to upgrade to Vista. If I need to see the looks I will check it out from my buddies PC.

I think I will pass on this one. It sounds like there is more bad points than good ones to me. I am fine with what I have for now. Maybe once it is out longer I'll change my mind.

Well, just letting everyone know that this test drive was available. But now you can visit any computer department store and try it out yourself!