New Vista User

[tanzanos]

I recently bought a new PC for my son. Mine has XP while his has Vista installed. I have been using PCs since DOS and to be honest I am at a total loss when it comes to Vista. I always thought LINUX was UN-user friendly until I came across this new OS from Microsoft. I do not doubt that it has very powerful features But it is so difficult navigating and finding anything that I cannot help my son and have to pay for expert help.
Next Month I will upgrade my pc and definitely will reinstall XP.

Also OFFICE 2007 suffers from the same UN-user friendly environment.

I am at a loss here and hope Vista Goes the way of Millennium and very soon Microsoft comes up with a new OS that does not require a certificate in Orientation techniques in order to operate it.

Vista is a definite NO NO!

 

[Dwarf]

Hi tanzanos and welcome to the forums

It may come as no surprise that a good many of us here at the forums had difficulty with Vista at first, but persevere and you will find things become much easier. Remember that we are here to help with any problems that you have. A good place to start is with the Tutorials, and if you are looking for reading material can I suggest that you have a look at the following post which lists the books that I use. I particularly recommend the following: 'Windows Vista Inside Out Deluxe Edition' and '2007 Microsoft Office System Inside Out'.
Dwarf

Tutorials - Vista Forums

http://www.vistax64.com/general-discussion/157456-reference-material.html

 

[Axon]

I thought Vista also sucked the first time I used it, but then I discovered all the things you can do with it that you couldn't do in XP, or wasn't as easy as in XP, and you'll get used to everything in Vista & Office 2007.

 

[tanzanos]

To be honest; I do not doubt the power of Vista, but! The interface is so User UN-Friendly that it is just too much. Why did they change the interface? Most users simply just want to use without having to learn a new more complicated interface. Computers are supposed to become more user friendly and not for the few teenagers who have all the will to bash their brains learning. What is in the new interface that offers more than the older one? The same goes for Office 2007. Just finding the print options took me forever. I really have a hard time navigating with Vista and Office 2007. Reading books just to learn to use an interface that totally lacks instinctive and logical layout is too much.
Vista is probably the best OS out. Fine! But I have asked my friends (including students) and with the exception of totally new users (no prior experience with XP) all agree that the Interface of Vista is to put it plainly HORRID!

As a mere mortal I have no choice but to stick with XP and hope that someday Microsoft will come to its senses, otherwise I might as well go to LINUX!

Thanks anyway for the advice

 

[Fumz]

By "horrid" I gather you mean, "it's not XP?"

Honestly, I can't find a single legitimate complaint about Vista in your posts? I suppose I just don't see what's so radically different about Vista's interface that would give an experienced Windows user such grief "finding" things? It's not more complicated, it's just different; but not fundamentally different in terms of the UI. It's not that Vista lacks a logical layout; it's that Vista lacks XP's layout. That's the complaint really, right?

The start bar is still in the same place, they just removed the word "start". The programs menu is still in the same place, it's just moved to the left a bit. The Accessories are still in basically the same place, you just don't have to move your wrist as much to get to them. System tools, same thing... less wrist movement. Taskbar, toolbars, etc etc, all in the same place. Icons... still on the desktop; even the clock is in the same place. I personally don't think they changed it enough.

Because you're so averse to reading up on Vista I assume you also didn't read up on earlier versions of Office; yet somehow, with a bit of effort, you managed to figure the suite out, right? The alternative being that Office's functionality just came to you one evening in a dream sequence. (ok ok, that last bit of sarcasm wasn't needed, but c'mon, "horrid"? )

Office 07 is going to be the program it is no matter what OS you slap it on. Your navigation problems are going to follow you to XP, so imho, you should accept, sooner rather than later, that your options have narrowed to one: getting fluent in Office's new Fluent User Interface.

 

[Nez]

tanzanos.I have been using XP on my desktop,since late 2001,and by now (mostly),have tweaked it to death.In other words,I feel very comfortable with it.I also have,on a low spec system,Open GEU linux,as I like it's eye candy display,although that is not a good enough reason to try linux!! :eek:

Just over a week ago,I purchased a new laptop with Vista Home Premium installed.Prior to using it at work,on desktops,friends of mine had told me that my laptop would burst into flames,or at least run very hot,as there was "something wrong" with Vista code.Although none of them could say what.
So far,I have added sidebar gadgets,changed the background wallpaper,installed what programs I want,and generally had a poke around.To be honest,I did not think I would like Vista for home use-negative press reports,plus a lack of funds for a new laptop,had prevented me until now.Yes,it looks nothing like XP,it is a different "beast",it is an OS upgrade,and it all takes time.But stick with it,you wont regret it.

 

[tanzanos]

OK! I guess I am one of the very few who seem to have problems with Vista's interface. I must admit though I did not mention that with XP I have the Classic layout; but still even the XP's is far easier to comprehend than Vista's.

I have no problems with all the 3D CAD progs I use even with newer versions. So I do not consider myself too stupid to own a computer; and the reason all my progs are easy to work with is due to their interfaces having a logic to them.

I must be from another planet because I am at a loss with vista. I tried to find properties on network connections and had a very hard time finding them. Yes for people like you it is easy but at least give us mere mortals an option to have the interface we are more familiar with. I don't want the damn thing asking me permission every time I want to do something. Or searching in vain where the hell some menu is. After all how would a classic layout compromise Vista's power?
PCs are for the masses; and the masses are not all computer wizz kids.

Oh well. I guess I shall wallow in my ignorance and hope for an easier OS in the near future.......

 

[bassfisher6522]

Hey there tanzanos, you went from xp to vista and thought that was bad. I went from Windows Me right into Vista. Talking about a shocker, the water is cold at first but it becomes ok after your in it for awhile. Like everybody else has stated, just keep using it and you'll be quite surprised as how fast you can aculmate to it.

 

[tanzanos]

Hey there tanzanos, you went from xp to vista and thought that was bad. I went from Windows Me right into Vista. Talking about a shocker, the water is cold at first but it becomes ok after your in it for awhile. Like everybody else has stated, just keep using it and you'll be quite surprised as how fast you can aculmate to it.

You are either very brave or .........:D

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello tanzanos and welcome to Vista forums!

Do like I did; cheat.

Tutorials - Vista Forums

Like Dwarf suggested, have a look at the link above, Vista is not so bad.







Later Ted

 

[Fumz]

... but still even the XP's is far easier to comprehend than Vista's.

... with the exception of totally new users (no prior experience with XP) all agree that the Interface of Vista is to put it plainly HORRID!

If the novice can comprehend Vista, then Vista is not incomprehensible; the "issue" here remains the XP user kicking and screaming his way into the next century.

... I tried to find properties on network connections and had a very hard time finding them. Yes for people like you it is easy but at least give us mere mortals an option to have the interface we are more familiar with. I don't want the damn thing asking me permission every time I want to do something. Or searching in vain where the hell some menu is. After all how would a classic layout compromise Vista's power?

Start/Control Panel/Network and Internet/Network and Sharing Center. You can disable the UAC, but it's there to protect you. Yes, I agree that at first it can be annoying, but I find that it's something you soon forget about; besides, it doesn't pop up "every time" you try and do something. You can also switch the Control Panel to Classic View if you'd like; have you tried doing that?

Oh well. I guess I shall wallow in my ignorance and hope for an easier OS in the near future.......

Oh come on... what's with all the defeatism? You're not here because you've confused this place with Vista Haters Central; you're here because you want to be convinced and because you dislike the idea of possibly having to ask for help, right? I would not worry about the asking part, everyone here seems genuinely interested in assisting; the forums are quite good in that regard. As for the convincing part... well... lol, get over yourself and that "wallowing in ignorance" nonsense. Some things in Vista are different, big deal?

 

[tanzanos]

As for the convincing part... well... lol, get over yourself and that "wallowing in ignorance" nonsense. Some things in Vista are different, big deal?

This was written in jest. It seems that vista also removes some of the humor in its users. I dislike the way Vista interfaces; but I also acknowledge that Vista is more powerful. What is the big deal. I insulted no one!!!!

I still believe that Microsoft redesigned the interface for redesigns sake and not out of necessity. Just to look new and different.

I design products and part of my job is to make sure that functionality is equal on all end users. Change is not necessarily always a good thing.

Do you mean to say that you are totally happy with the interface?

Please don't be so defensive of Vista. Criticism is necessary if companies are to take heed and design better products.

I am however impressed by the way most replies in this thread have been sincere offers of help; and I do appreciate them all. It seems that since most of you insist I stick with it and I shall get used to it and finally enjoy using Vista is not unreasonable.

Now where have you put that humor?

I shall now return and wallow in the bliss of ignorance; contemplating Microsofts next OS!

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello again tanzanos.

Have a look at this ...

http://www.vistax64.com/vista-news/138586-microsoft-finally-confirms-windows-7-2010-launch.html

and this ...

Windows Seven Beta Forums - Powered by Doughnuts





Later Ted

 

[Fumz]

As for the convincing part... well... lol, get over yourself and that "wallowing in ignorance" nonsense. Some things in Vista are different, big deal?

This was written in jest.

Was the tongue wag too subtle?

I'm fine with the interface. In a very short time (days not weeks) I forgot all about XP; in fact, I'm upset with myself right now for dual booting in the first place. I haven't visited XP since the day I installed Vista. I'm going to remove it one of these days, but first I've got to locate the disc with humor.exe on it... makes tasks like that go more smoothly.

I'm not defensive about Vista. If you really don't like it, that's fine by me. I don't think you're giving it a chance, but that's just my opinion and my opinion matters not as far as you're concerned. I posted the response I did because 1) you didn't post any actual problems you were having with Vista and 2) this isn't Microsoft.com, where critique and/or negative feedback can be acted upon; Vista is what it is. You were just venting frustration on a bunch of guys who spend their free time trying to help others with Vista issues. Not bagging on you, just pointing it out. We're good.

I am glad to hear that you're gonna give it another shot though.

 

[tanzanos]

Well after setting the view to windows classic; I began to feel the acceptance rate rising. OK so it takes some time but I guess it is acceptable. In time I shall probably grow fond of this "horrid" OS and possibly reap some benefits too.

Now how the hell do I get the DOTA maps to work on Warcraft III on my sons pc! He asked me to uninstall Vista and install XP because this game worked perfectly on the old OS. It plays but refuses to recognise loaded maps?? Yes I tried running it under XP sp2 compatibility!

What ever happened to the respect gamers deserve?

 

[Fumz]

Well after setting the view to windows classic; I began to feel the acceptance rate rising. OK so it takes some time but I guess it is acceptable. In time I shall probably grow fond of this "horrid" OS and possibly reap some benefits too.

Now how the hell do I get the DOTA maps to work on Warcraft III on my sons pc! He asked me to uninstall Vista and install XP because this game worked perfectly on the old OS. It plays but refuses to recognise loaded maps?? Yes I tried running it under XP sp2 compatibility!

What ever happened to the respect gamers deserve?

A thousand really good snappy comments just passed through my head, but I've picked on you enough for one week.. so promise me that at some point in the future you'll mention WoW and respect in the same sentence again.

As far as the game goes, are you also running it as Admin? I hate to admit this, but I know people who play WoW and they run fine on Vista. I'll ask if there's anything special they have to do, but I doubt it would be anything more than the usual steps it takes to get games to work.

 

[Everlong]

Well after setting the view to windows classic; I began to feel the acceptance rate rising. OK so it takes some time but I guess it is acceptable. In time I shall probably grow fond of this "horrid" OS and possibly reap some benefits too.

Now how the hell do I get the DOTA maps to work on Warcraft III on my sons pc! He asked me to uninstall Vista and install XP because this game worked perfectly on the old OS. It plays but refuses to recognise loaded maps?? Yes I tried running it under XP sp2 compatibility!

What ever happened to the respect gamers deserve?

A thousand really good snappy comments just passed through my head, but I've picked on you enough for one week.. so promise me that at some point in the future you'll mention WoW and respect in the same sentence again.

As far as the game goes, are you also running it as Admin? I hate to admit this, but I know people who play WoW and they run fine on Vista. I'll ask if there's anything special they have to do, but I doubt it would be anything more than the usual steps it takes to get games to work.

He's not on about WoW, but Warcraft III, two different games.

 

[tanzanos]

Well after setting the view to windows classic; I began to feel the acceptance rate rising. OK so it takes some time but I guess it is acceptable. In time I shall probably grow fond of this "horrid" OS and possibly reap some benefits too.

Now how the hell do I get the DOTA maps to work on Warcraft III on my sons pc! He asked me to uninstall Vista and install XP because this game worked perfectly on the old OS. It plays but refuses to recognise loaded maps?? Yes I tried running it under XP sp2 compatibility!

What ever happened to the respect gamers deserve?

A thousand really good snappy comments just passed through my head, but I've picked on you enough for one week.. so promise me that at some point in the future you'll mention WoW and respect in the same sentence again.

As far as the game goes, are you also running it as Admin? I hate to admit this, but I know people who play WoW and they run fine on Vista. I'll ask if there's anything special they have to do, but I doubt it would be anything more than the usual steps it takes to get games to work.

So far no problems with WoW. Just WIII. For some reason the downloaded maps do not show up in multiplay.

Oh well thank you people. You have all been very supportive; so much so that I have actually started seeing Vista in a different light.

 

[CreepinJesus]

I recently bought a new PC for my son. Mine has XP while his has Vista installed. I have been using PCs since DOS and to be honest I am at a total loss when it comes to Vista. I always thought LINUX was UN-user friendly until I came across this new OS from Microsoft. I do not doubt that it has very powerful features But it is so difficult navigating and finding anything that I cannot help my son and have to pay for expert help.
Next Month I will upgrade my pc and definitely will reinstall XP.

Also OFFICE 2007 suffers from the same UN-user friendly environment.

I couldn't disagree with you more, here.

Vista is so, so, so much easier to find things. For example, the Start menu. Before, I used to have to look through 3 columns of Programs to try to find the one I wanted, and they weren't always in a particularly useful order. But, in Vista, everything's there in alphabetical order - not that I need to look through it; all I need to do is type the name of the thing I want and there it is in an instant. The same applies for files in directories.

As for Office 2007, if you think about the new interface, it's virtually the same - instead of those boring drop-down menus, they now have tabs. So now, instead of going to Insert > Picture, you just click on the Insert tab, then click on Picture. Really difficult, I know, but you'll get used to it.

 

[Fumz]

So far no problems with WoW. Just WIII. For some reason the downloaded maps do not show up in multiplay.

Oh well thank you people. You have all been very supportive; so much so that I have actually started seeing Vista in a different light.

\o/ w00t.

As for Warcraft, I found this:
http://www.vistax64.com/vista-games/104881-warcraft-iii-frozen-throne-compatible-vista.html
and this:

All you need to do i this:

1. Find the WarCraft 3 Icon (Preferably on desktop)
2. Right click on the icon
3. set the compatibility mode for: Windows XP (SP2)
4. Shut down firewall (for accessing Battle.net)

^ That apparently works for some guys, not for others.

I would also update DirectX: http://www.vistax64.com/gaming/162064-latest-directx-update.html and then make sure you have the latest patch.

Hopefully some combination will get you running?