What’s with this cat? Apple had two years to make it happen as good as Tiger and yet, things all over the hard drive don’t spin like they should. While I’m not quite prepared to call this a Vista issue like some are, I am disappointed. Ironically, I’m more grieved with Apple’s update, 10.5.1, than the out-of-the-box version. As previously blogged, the update does more harm than good. Constant crashes, complaints of applications not responding to log outs, and permission issues, Apple’s update to fix its network copy bug is just horrible. I couldn’t believe that Apple’s very own iMovie 08 would not open for the life of me after installed last week. I never did get it to open under 10.5.1. Carbon Copy Cloner made a perfect copy of my not-so perfect install and I went back to 10.5.0. Things are better but still, minor issues are there.

Now Oliver Rist at PCMAG.COM has a whole different feeling on Leopard. He thinks Apple pulled a Vista. While his article has some valid points, I find it a bit comical to go that far. His first point is the “wait for the service pack” before you install it. Since I’ve already established the 10.5.1 is actually worse than 10.5.0, and since it only corrects the network copy bug with a few other minor fixes, this already is untrue. Granted, it kind of puts more credence into his statement, but only at face value. The truth is (and by the way, NEVER move files people, COPY and you’ll be just fine), Vista has been out just nearly a year now and there are still tons and tons of issues that the upcoming SP1 will supposedly to fix. The number one issue with Vista is hardware. No one can get even peripheral less than a year old to work in Vista. Ah, last I checked, this isn’t an issue in Leopard. Read the comments in Rist’s article and you’ll find one poster stating that he used his PowerBook (Apple stopped making these nearly three years ago) to upgrade to Leopard and then download drivers for his Vista machine!

Other complaints from Rist include “useless” visual effects. He thinks Apple’s translucent Finder menu bar is very much like Vista’s all-over-the-place translucent borders and title bars. I agree with Rist, Aero is horrible. I turn it off any Vista machine that I must work on. Apple’s single bar on the top is not that bad. Unlike Aero, it actually grows on you. Rist also poo-poos the Dock and I do agree, the dinky shinny star as a running application indicator is a poor choice for a company known for it’s expertise in user interfaces. The reflective Dock, though, ain’t that big of deal to complain about.

Other issues, such as networking (outside of my fluke first install, I’ve had zero issues with networking), and Rist’s whining of Time Machine as a poor bundled app, again, does not make this a Vista comparison.

In summary, I agree, Leopard has its issues and I am quite annoyed with Apple for allowing this to happen; however, Vista it ain’t. When a multi-billion corporation has nearly seven years to update it’s operating system, the mistakes should not be as great as it is with Vista. There is not a mass exodus of Mac users returning to Tiger as there are Vista users running back to eXPerience (remember that? ) With major PC manufacturers going back to Windows XP as a pre-install choice and Vista installs with a “Go Back to Previous Version” options, I really can’t see how anyone could honestly call Leopard Apple’s Vista. No, Microsoft has earned its smelly fish of an operating system all by itself. ]]> http://svenontech.com/2007/12/12/is-leopard-apples-vista/feed/ 3 http://svenontech.com/2007/11/27/wow-windows-vista-wins-cnets-worst-tech-product-of-the-year-award/ http://svenontech.com/2007/11/27/wow-windows-vista-wins-cnets-worst-tech-product-of-the-year-award/#comments Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:52:53 +0000 Sven Rafferty http://svenontech.com/2007/11/27/wow-windows-vista-wins-cnets-worst-tech-product-of-the-year-award/

What’s being called this centuries Windows ME, Bill Gates will be happy to officially leave the company he co-founded with the award of “Top ten terrible tech products” by CNET. Keen to the fact that Microsoft took six years – SIX YEARS folks! — to develop this operating system upgrade it should have just been so much more than it turned out to be. From incompatibility hardware woes to constant warning boxes that must be acknowledged to the sell-out to Hollywood with DRM-everywhere, Vista is in CNET’s words, “terrible technology”. My favorite quote from the article:

Any operating system that quietly has a downgrade-to- previous-edition option introduced for PC makers deserves to be classed as terrible technology.

The funniest thing about this is I’ve had customers already perform this on their newly purchased laptops after “a day of hell with Vista”! Even funnier is the various versions you can buy of this horrendous release and just how much they all cost you.

Man, Microsoft, you REALLY missed the boat on this one. Six years!! HAHAHAHA. Put down the X-Box controller and start working!

Hehehe. You’ve got to love what the dollar can buy you. Apple purchased a spot on the main Vista page of CNETs site to place a very amusing Flash advertisement that uses two banner ads that work together. You find PC and Mac in one banner looking up at another a yet to be lit board with some words on it. PC attempt to get all the lights to brighten the message, “Don’t give up on Vista”, yet things just don’t seem to work out that way. Stop by and see for yourself. Pretty funny.

So Microsoft, whatcha gonna put on the Apple page? The gloves are off! ]]> http://svenontech.com/2007/11/21/wisely-placed-apple-ad-on-cnet-vista-page/feed/ 0 http://svenontech.com/2007/06/15/the-best-firewall-for-windows-gets-updated-just-for-vista/ http://svenontech.com/2007/06/15/the-best-firewall-for-windows-gets-updated-just-for-vista/#comments Sat, 16 Jun 2007 04:31:09 +0000 Sven Rafferty http://svenontech.com/2007/06/15/the-best-firewall-for-windows-gets-updated-just-for-vista/

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. today announced the availability of ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7.1 for the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system. ZoneAlarm Antivirus and the free ZoneAlarm firewall were also made available today for Vista.

Check Point is the first major security vendor to utilize the next generation Windows Filtering Platform application programming interface (API) for Microsoft Vista. This also marks the first time that ZoneAlarm’s exclusive Operating System Firewall protection has been made available for Microsoft Vista. By leveraging these and other leading technologies, ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite delivers superior levels of protection and reliability.

“By utilizing Vista’s new API and providing a deeper OS-layer firewall, ZoneAlarm can provide consumers with greater protection and stability on the Vista operating system,” said Charles Kolodgy, research director at IDC. “As hackers innovate, security vendors can not rely purely on old methods and old technologies — it’s good to see ZoneAlarm lead the way.”

With comprehensive multi-layer protection, including best-of-breed antivirus, anti-spyware, and the renowned ZoneAlarm firewall, ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7.1 safeguards PC users against today’s most complex online threats. Through its exclusive operating system firewall, ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite employs the deepest levels of integration with the Vista operating system to proactively prevent threats that basic, traditional firewalls and signature-based systems miss.

“Today’s complex and dynamic Internet threat environment commands security solutions that use the latest and most innovative technologies to stay one step ahead of the bad guys,” said Laura Yecies, vice president and general manager of Check Point’s ZoneAlarm consumer division. “By supporting Microsoft’s new Vista operating system with the latest technologies available, ZoneAlarm continues its longstanding tradition of offering users the highest levels of security without infringing on the user’s experience.”

Pricing and Availability
ZoneAlarm Internet Security Suite 7.1 is available immediately in retail stores and online at http://www.zonealarm.com (single user list: $49.95, special promotion rate: $39.95; 3-user family pack: list $69.95, special promotion rate: $49.95). Existing customers can update to version 7.1 for free if their subscription is current, and will receive a notification within two weeks of availability. The basic ZoneAlarm firewall continues to be free for personal and non-profit use.

Envision Peripherals Inc. (EPI), home to the AOC and Envision branded displays, today expanded its Envision line of value priced high-performance displays with the introduction of a new series of TFT active-matrix LCD monitors that allow users to take advantage of the benefits of Microsoft’s new Windows Vista Operating System.

Leading the new line of LCD displays is the 19-inch widescreen Envision G918w1, offering Windows Vista Premium certification to complement Microsoft’s aim to provide enhancements for productivity, multimedia and entertainment. EPI also announced the addition of two new Windows Vista-ready TFT active-matrix LCD displays, the 19-inch Envision H1981 and 17-inch Envision H1781.

The new line of Envision branded monitors is designed to be as attractive as it is functional. Featuring a matte-black cabinet with sleek low-profile design, these units complement virtually any PC or Mac computer, while saving valuable desk-top real estate. Their durable screens are finished with a glare-resistant hard coating that reduces eye-strain and helps prevent scratch-damage.

Vista Premium Certified Envision G918w1

Built to maximize screen space for Windows Vista Premium’s Sidebar feature, the new Envision 19-inch G918w1 meets Microsoft’s strict standards for Windows Vista certification, leaving plenty of room for viewing multiple applications simultaneously. The widescreen format also takes advantage of Windows Vista Premium’s Aero Flip, allowing users to save time by easily navigating between multiple windows open at one time.

Equipped with the Digital Video Input w/HDCP interface – needed to “unlock” protected HD content – the Envision G918w1 allows high-quality audio and video playback from the latest high-definition program sources, including HD-DVD and Blu-ray DVDs. For maximum versatility, the unit also delivers HD 720P/1080i compatibility allowing it to display digital TV programming delivered by Cable, Satellite and other Set Top Boxes equipped with DVI-HDCP.

The Envision G918w1 delivers 1440×900 maximum screen resolution for stunning picture clarity. The dynamic 800:1 contrast ratio, super bright screen and fast 5 millisecond response time make the unit ideal for a wide range of entertainment and multimedia applications. The sleek ergonomically designed unit fits on any desk and provides comfortable viewing with screen-angle adjustments. The Envision G918w1 has a suggested retail price of $219.

Vista Ready Envision H1981 and H1781

With their clarity and sharp image quality, the new Envision 19-inch H1981 and 17-inch H1781 LCD displays are exceptional performers. Offering a 1280×1024 resolution and an ultra rich 700:1 contrast ratio, the displays boast swift 5 millisecond response times ensuring virtually no ghosting for the ultimate gaming and DVD viewing experience. The Envision H1981 and H1781 easily connect to Windows Vista and carry the “Works with Windows Vista” logo. The units have suggested retail prices of $229 and $199, respectively.

Each of the three new units unit carries a comprehensive factory warranty. They are also ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive) compliant which means they have minimal amounts of hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB & PBDE. EPI products are available through leading national and regional retailers and select online outlets.

CallWave, Inc. today announced the launch of its text messaging gadget (also known as a widget) for Microsoft Vista – a free, desktop-based application enabling users to send text messages to virtually anyone, anywhere from their computer whether their handset is nearby or not.

For mobile phone users who also use the web each day, the CallWave Free Text Messaging gadget delivers invaluable ease and efficiency – making the PC a natural companion to the mobile phone.

By making it easier to send text messages worldwide, CallWave Web 2.0 widgets and gadgets can dramatically increase text daily usage and adoption. While text messaging continues to grow in popularity, many consumers find it difficult to text on a phone’s small interface. CallWave solves this problem – using the familiarity and ease of the computer for text messaging. Additionally, users who are in front of their computers everyday may prefer the convenience of communicating in that environment.

During the beta, subscribers can send an unlimited number of text messages to phone numbers in the United States and Canada. The service also supports international SMS. With the gadget running on Microsoft Vista, users can view a list of contacts and select who to text. Replies to the message are routed to the subscriber’s handset. Subscribers will be given access to their messages stored in a permanent, searchable archive, accessible from a personal web page.

The CallWave Free Text Messaging gadget is free and available at http://www.callwave.com and the Windows Live Gallery.

NVIDIA and LG Electronics have recently announced their brand new line of LG Z1 notebook computers which will be equipped with Microsoft’s Windows Vista and the NVIDIA Preface Personal Media Display (PMD). Preface is used to enable Windows SideShow, which gives consumers access to all their favorite things, right on the notebook lid. SideShow can be enabled even when the computer is asleep or powered off, allowing users to see their media playback, calendar, email, slideshows of their favorite pics, all on the notebook lid. The new technology allows the operating system (Vista) to drive displays and NVIDIA’s Preface lets users link to the data/programs they want displayed.

One of NVIDIA’s general managers, John Milner, said this about the new notebooks equipped with Preface technology: “In the consumer electronics market, the line between work and entertainment devices has become increasingly blurred. The LG Z1 with NVIDIA Preface technology allows consumers to get more from the notebook experience—they can be more productive throughout their workday and enjoy personal media along the way.”

The LG Z1 looks pretty slick, what with it’s glossy black exterior and white keyboard. It comes with 1GB of DDR2 memory, an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, a 12.1 inch widescreen display, and of course the secondary screen embedded in the lid, equipped with Preface media platform.

Paradial has recently announced the new availability of RealTunnel for a couple of new platforms. RealTunnel can now support not only Windows XP and Vista, but also Windows Mobile and Linux platforms, along with XMPP (Extensible Mesaging and Presence Protocol.) More platforms supposedly will be made available in the coming months.

RealTunnel provides excellent connectivity and call completion on all the major operation systems. Paradial first released RealTunnel back in 2002. It is the most mature, advanced firewall NAT product on the market today, and is also very cost effective. It is also the only product on the market that supports any SIP client/registrar, and the only supporter of application, voice, and video sharing across any and all firewalls with no network or firewall modification.

RealTunnel is used not only by the leading telecommunications carriers, but also by telecommunication and video conferencing manufacturers and SIP/IM vendors. Espen Skjæran, CTO at Paradial said that: “The availability of RealTunnel on Windows Mobile allows mobile operators and service providers to expand their product offerings by easily deploying IP-audio / IP-multimedia services with maximum call completion rates to end-users on mobile devices. This RealTunnel release also shows Paradial’s commitment to making RealTunnel available on all major end user platforms and to support all popular IP-communication protocols”, said Espen Skjæran, CTO, Paradial. More info is available at www.paradial.com.

If you are a fan of PC’s and plan on making a purchase of the all new Windows Vista, then you are probably wondering what the easiest way to move all of your files, programs, and everything from your old OS to your new one. Or maybe you are purchasing a new computer altogether and you need to move everything from the old unit to the new unit. The new PC Mover program makes these seemingly daunting tasks simple.

PCmover is the only migration system that moves programs and files from your old to your new PC using either a Laplink USB cable, Laplink parallel cable, or Windows Easy Transfer Cable. If you have multiple users on the same PC, you can migrate either all the users or a select few, the choice is up to you. All the security and ownership settings along with the access control settings and preferences will remain the same for each user you transfer. You don’t need any of your old CDs or anything. Just transfer the programs over and they will be fully installed and function the same as they did on the old PC, no need to enter serial numbers or anything.

PCmover is compatible with Windows 95 and later. So if you are going to purchase a new PC computer or switch to Vista, PCmover will make it simple. Or you could just buy a Mac and not worry about anything.

RICAVISION International, Inc., a leading provider of home digital entertainment solutions, announced the launch of the RICAVISION Microsoft Windows Vista SideShow Media Center Remote Control early this month, which makes use of the Vista SideShow auxiliary display platform to allow convenient access to information received from a Windows Vista-based PC. The Vista SideShow Remote Control has a built-in 2.5 inch color QVGA LCD display that features Class 1 (100-meter) Bluetooth capability. Using Windows SideShow, applications can send data to an ecosystem of devices that can then send control commands back to the application on the PC. For example, an e-mail application can send the last 10 received e-mail messages to one of the devices, or the user can schedule a TV program to record on a Media Center PC.

RICAVISION Vista SideShow Remote Control package is also the only one that comes with an external USB RC6 receiver and with a Class 1 Bluetooth receiver. It turns the Vista PC into a Bluetooth computer capable of receiving data from any other Bluetooth device within a 100-meter range.

The RICAVISION Vista SideShow Remote Control provides a set of four Gadgets that will be an extension of the Media Center for Windows Vista:

• TV
• Music
• Pictures and Videos
• Now Playing

RICAVISION SideShow Remote offers more extensive Gadgets than ever, to enable the user to extract data from the Media Center in Windows SideShow XML format and send it through Windows SideShow to compatible devices, such as a remote control device, an LCD display panel, etc. It will also accept incoming navigation commands from the various devices and send them back to the Media Center.

Due to the development timeframe, these Media Center Gadgets will not be available as part of Windows Vista, but the Gadgets will be available separately for release during the Windows Vista RTM timeframe.

The RICAVISION Vista SideShow Remote Control provides a range of different kinds of information that can be accessed by users on a remote control device:

TV
• Browse TV and schedule recordings
Browse the TV program guide, view metadata on upcoming or current shows, and pick shows to watch and record (single showing or series) without interrupting your TV viewing experience.

• Recorded TV
Select a previously recorded program to play back, without interrupting your TV viewing experience.
Music
• Play music
Browse the media library and control music playback on the PC by using the remote control device instead of the primary display, such as a TV.

• Play radio presets
Browse your radio presets and play back that station through your Media Center.

Pictures and Videos
• Browse the picture and video libraries
Make a selection on the remote and that picture or video will be displayed on the TV.

Now Playing
• Provide “now playing” information
The remote control device shows information about the current playing medium, such as the track title or the time elapsed.

The remote control device will also have access to any other Gadgets that have been enabled for this device through the SideShow Control Panel.

Access other information
• Select other Gadgets on the remote control device, and view information such as e-mail, calendar, and RSS feeds.

Receive notifications
• The remote control device shows notifications from Gadgets on the PC such as calendar reminders or instant messaging sign-ins.

On the top-level menu, the options are laid out in a way similar to the options in the Media Center UI. The user navigates up and down among category headings (Gadgets). The menu will be “center locked,” so that the selected category is always in the center of the screen, with the menu scrolling up or down as the user changes selection.

The RICAVISION Vista SideShow Remote Control package also comes with an external USB RC6 receiver and with a Class 1 Bluetooth receiver as well. It turns the Vista PC into a Bluetooth computer capable of receiving data from any other Bluetooth devices within a range of 100 meters.

RICAVISION’s product line currently consists of two (2) groups: Microsoft Vista SideShow products and Microsoft certified Windows Vista Remote Control RC6 receivers. RICAVISION provides both Basic and Enhanced SideShow products for all custom applications, such as SideShow remote controls, SideShow keyboard, SideShow LCD monitors, SideShow HTPC, and SideShow notebooks. RICAVISION is also one of the official OEM’s for Microsoft Windows Vista green button remote controls. Its product range covers the standard Vista remotes, Multi-function Vista remotes, Universal control Vista remotes and SideShow remotes.

The RICAVISION Vista SideShow Remote Control and Receiver Kit feature an MSRP of $199 and will be available in April of 2007.