Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Al


 Podcast discussing many of its uses and benefits here (along with
 transcript and show notes):
 http://www.grc.com/securitynow.htm#129

I find Steve very hard to listen to; stuttering, run on sentences, etc.

if, if the machine is on and allow it to, to properly synchronize
and, and, and receive Windows updates...

Good thing for the transcripts.


Al


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Anthony Q. Martin
You must have a hard time with normal conversations then...most people 
talk that way...when not making speeches


Al wrote:
  

Podcast discussing many of its uses and benefits here (along with
transcript and show notes):
http://www.grc.com/securitynow.htm#129



I find Steve very hard to listen to; stuttering, run on sentences, etc.

if, if the machine is on and allow it to, to properly synchronize
and, and, and receive Windows updates...

Good thing for the transcripts.


Al

  


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Thane Sherrington

At 10:06 AM 05/02/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
You must have a hard time with normal conversations then...most 
people talk that way...when not making speeches


No, Steve can be rather hard to listen to at times.  And he is 
sometimes factually wrong and sometimes doesn't fix the errors.


T 



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Al

Thankfully; _most_ people don't fill in the spaces in their thoughts
with repetitive speech, at least to his degree.

Anthony Q. Martin [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 You must have a hard time with normal conversations then...most people 
 talk that way...when not making speeches
 
 Al wrote:
 
  if, if the machine is on and allow it to, to properly synchronize
  and, and, and receive Windows updates...


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Anthony Q. Martin



Thane Sherrington wrote:

At 10:06 AM 05/02/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
You must have a hard time with normal conversations then...most 
people talk that way...when not making speeches


No, Steve can be rather hard to listen to at times.  And he is 
sometimes factually wrong and sometimes doesn't fix the errors.




You're certainly entitled to your opinion..but I submit that Steve 
wouldn't have made like ~130 podcasts on SN if he were that hard to 
listen to. Might it be that the subject matter can sometimes be hard to 
explain in a manner that can be made understandable to a general 
audience?  And I hear him making corrections or clarifications all the time.


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Thane Sherrington

At 10:38 AM 05/02/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:



Thane Sherrington wrote:

At 10:06 AM 05/02/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
You must have a hard time with normal conversations then...most 
people talk that way...when not making speeches


No, Steve can be rather hard to listen to at times.  And he is 
sometimes factually wrong and sometimes doesn't fix the errors.


You're certainly entitled to your opinion..but I submit that Steve 
wouldn't have made like ~130 podcasts on SN if he were that hard to 
listen to. Might it be that the subject matter can sometimes be hard 
to explain in a manner that can be made understandable to a general 
audience?  And I hear him making corrections or clarifications all the time.


I listen to his podcasts, but they aren't the best, and he could be a 
better speaker (he has also not corrected some critical errors even 
after emailed about them - there are several other podcasts that have 
talked about this.)  Numbers aren't any guarantee of quality - heck, 
Uwe Boll has made something like 20 movies, hasn't he? :)


Once one gets used to Steve's style, he is engaging, and the podcasts 
are a good starting point for a people who want to learn.


T 



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Joe User
Hello Thane,

Tuesday, February 5, 2008, 9:14:38 AM, you wrote:

 At 10:38 AM 05/02/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:

 Once one gets used to Steve's style, he is engaging, and the podcasts 
 are a good starting point for a people who want to learn.

Yes, people could listen to worse.

e.g. We love Steve too O.K.?

-- 
Regards,
 joeuser - Still looking for the 'any' key...



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Anthony Q. Martin



Thane Sherrington wrote:

At 10:38 AM 05/02/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:



Thane Sherrington wrote:

At 10:06 AM 05/02/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
You must have a hard time with normal conversations then...most 
people talk that way...when not making speeches


No, Steve can be rather hard to listen to at times.  And he is 
sometimes factually wrong and sometimes doesn't fix the errors.


You're certainly entitled to your opinion..but I submit that Steve 
wouldn't have made like ~130 podcasts on SN if he were that hard to 
listen to. Might it be that the subject matter can sometimes be hard 
to explain in a manner that can be made understandable to a general 
audience?  And I hear him making corrections or clarifications all 
the time.


I listen to his podcasts, but they aren't the best, and he could be a 
better speaker (he has also not corrected some critical errors even 
after emailed about them - there are several other podcasts that have 
talked about this.)  Numbers aren't any guarantee of quality - heck, 
Uwe Boll has made something like 20 movies, hasn't he? :)


I don't know who Uwe Boll is! :)


Once one gets used to Steve's style, he is engaging, and the podcasts 
are a good starting point for a people who want to learn.


I don't think one can hope to learn any kind of detailed info from his 
podcast unless one is already very close to that field. Some extra study 
will be required.  Still, I think his podcasts are very good overall. 
Certainly better than listening to a top 40 station on the way to work!




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Thane Sherrington

At 12:40 PM 05/02/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:


I don't know who Uwe Boll is! :)


You need to watch more crappy movies. :)  Bloodrayne, for 
instance.  But don't pay for it. :)



I don't think one can hope to learn any kind of detailed info from 
his podcast unless one is already very close to that field. Some 
extra study will be required.  Still, I think his podcasts are very 
good overall. Certainly better than listening to a top 40 station on 
the way to work!


Amen.

T 



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread Rick Glazier

He tries to think and talk at the same time,
and does updates mid-sentence

 Rick Glazier

From: Al 


I find Steve very hard to listen to; stuttering, run on sentences, etc.

if, if the machine is on and allow it to, to properly synchronize
and, and, and receive Windows updates...

Good thing for the transcripts.


Al


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-05 Thread j maccraw
LOL Uwe's so bad his either infamous for being bad or
totally unknown!

Steve has always been controversial and like some of
the geekier geeks a bit 
hard to listen to without good filters on the
listeners. I dig SN even if 
there is not total accuracy I think they manage to
explain some tough topics in 
a way that enables smart people to get it. Like
reading Wiki's, one can fill 
in the blanks or correct the errors after you consume
the data. ;)



Thane Sherrington wrote:
 At 12:40 PM 05/02/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
 
 I don't know who Uwe Boll is! :)
 
 You need to watch more crappy movies. :) 
Bloodrayne, for instance.  But 
 don't pay for it. :)
 
 
 I don't think one can hope to learn any kind of
detailed info from his 
 podcast unless one is already very close to that
field. Some extra 
 study will be required.  Still, I think his
podcasts are very good 
 overall. Certainly better than listening to a top
40 station on the 
 way to work!
 
 Amen.
 
 T
 
 


  

Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-02-04 Thread Brian Weeden
Update to this discussion.  Microsoft released their SteadyState tool
for XP which greatly simplifies the task of locking down a system.
Everything from completely locked down library computers to
mildly-locked down normal user machines.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/sharedaccess/default.mspx

The key is that no writes are allowed to the boot (system) drive.  All
such writes are stored to a temp cache.  On logout/reboot the cache is
cleared and system goes right back to its pristine state.  The beauty
is that it only affects the boot (system) drive so if you put the My
Docs and all the user stuff on a network share or second HD the user
can make changes there all you want.  Many more options for making
group policy changes and the such.

Podcast discussing many of its uses and benefits here (along with
transcript and show notes):
http://www.grc.com/securitynow.htm#129

Of course, one can come up with many theories as to why this was such
a muted launch.  maybe Microsoft didn't want to piss off the
Anti-virus /spyware/malware market as this product sort of makes them
obsolete.  Maybe Microsoft realized that this eliminated one of the
key advantages for Vista acceptance in the business world.


Brian Weeden

On Jan 15, 2008 2:05 PM, Greg Sevart [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista for
 group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But people
 tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly, the
 interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.




  -Original Message-
  From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-

  [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brian Weeden
  Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 12:05 PM
  To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com



  Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!
 
  You can make the case for home users to use Vista.  I wouldn't, but
  the case can be made.  The problem is for business users.  There is
  not a single good reason for them to upgrade to Vista and in fact a
  lot of bad reasons.
 
  What improvements have Microsoft added to Vista?  DX10 gaming, HD and
  BluRay video playback (via HDCP and lots of DRM of course), cool
  window animations and glassy effects.  NONE of those should be used in
  the average workplace and in fact if I were an IT administrator I
  would say they are an argument AGAINST installing Vista.





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-20 Thread j maccraw
V as in Via, go figure you'd have problems with any
brand of board! Now if you 
had bought the A7N instead we would not be having this
conversation.

Asus may not be perfect but have made way more good
products than bad. Enough to 
be considered a safe choice as one of the top
manufacturers IMHO.

Wayne Johnson wrote:
 At 05:18 PM 1/16/2008, Ben Ruset typed:
 I have three Asus barebones servers in my server
room. I had the 
 motherboard go bad on one. It took about a month to
get it back up and 
 running, partly because Asus doesn't cross ship,
and the first 
 replacement board they sent me was completely
wrong.
 
 I had problems such as this with an Asus A7V333 on a
non server board as 
 well as other Asus boards  shall never buy another
unless I get a great 
 deal like I got from Chris. 6 months or so ago that
I'm running 2k3 Sp2 
 x64 on. Thanks Chris.
 
 
  ---+--
 I'm a geek that loves to tweak.
 
 
 


  

Be a better friend, newshound, and 
know-it-all with Yahoo! Mobile.  Try it now.  
http://mobile.yahoo.com/;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ 



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-16 Thread Hayes Elkins


Uh, those policies are pretty common, and it would cripple a citrix farm (for 
example) if not...

 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:17:12 -0600
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

 You clearly have not ever worked in a formal IT department in a corporate
 environment. Frankly, if corporate executive management knew it was
 possible, they'd have us implement software restriction policies to only
 allow Outlook, Excel, Word, Project, and Internet Explorer to run in the
 first place.

 Greg

 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anthony Q. Martin
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 6:08 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

 IT is generally charged with making sure corp. stuff works, not to lord
 over employees like gods.

 DHSinclair wrote:
 Thanks Ben,
 That is really what I was trying to not so gracefully get to.
 I agree with this totally. IT gets to be internet COP. That is
 what
 the
 folks are paid for. Whether we like this or not is a separate
 discussion.
 Best,
 Duncan

 At 18:24 01/15/2008 -0500, you wrote:
 Yes you most certainly prevent people from attaching any sort of
 device to a computer.

 How is this playing God if these are corporate PC's? Users plugging
 in ipods, flash drives, etc. is a security risk. End users should
 not
 be using their company owned computers for anything but doing work.

 Anthony Q. Martin wrote:

 One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to
 block
 hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely
 love to
 prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my
 network...\

 You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their
 machines. Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are
 intended to be used
 But why do you need to play god?





_
Make distant family not so distant with Windows Vista® + Windows Live™.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/digitallife/keepintouch.mspx?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_CPC_VideoChat_distantfamily_012008

Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-16 Thread Ben Ruset
You clearly have no experience working in corporate IT. Corporate IT has 
a responsibility to enforce policies set by the company.


Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
IT is generally charged with making sure corp. stuff works, not to lord 
over employees like gods.


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-16 Thread Rick Glazier

I personally know someone that had a problem where
they work by not watching the Employees close enough,
and/or catching their illicit activities faster.
All being run from (and on) the company computers.

For other reasons, they accidentally caught them running
some entire very illicit company from the employers system.
(They were not the best behaved employee at actual work either.)

This could have been very embarrassing for the real company
had this gone on longer, and if someone else found it, instead of them.

Rick Glazier


Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
IT is generally charged with making sure corp. stuff works, not to lord 
over employees like gods.


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-16 Thread Ben Ruset
What gives you the right to attach non-company owned equipment to a 
company owned PC? What happens if your flash drive caused a voltage 
spike and ruined the USB ports on the machine? Who is responsible?


There are plenty of good reasons to not let people bring removable media 
into work. Viruses, and the very real possibility that confidential data 
will find it's way to that USB drive and either be leaked, lost, or at 
best misappropriated.


I think that there are corporate standards, and if one of those 
corporate standards are no outside devices then thats what the policy 
is, and people either choose to accept that or find another job.


I don't ban USB drives and ipods at my office. But I can appreciate why 
some companies would see it as a security risk and want to act accordingly.


Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
It is not always a security risk for a user to attach a flash drive. 
What, you think everyone there is an idiot but you?  Please explain how 
connecting a flash drive to a PC means they are doing anything but 
working?  Get real people.  ARe you glued to your work every minute you 
are there?  Do you really think people are drones who shouldn't touch 
your machines unless they are working.


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-16 Thread Hayes Elkins



IT isn't Corporation X's internet cop, they are the IT handymen who make 
sure their fleet of desktops, servers, and network gear are working properly.

For any large corporation, the only sane policy to make sure there are no leaky 
pipes on the network is to have completely controlled, locked down user desktop 
environment where the user has no admin rights or access to any program or 
device unless expressly permitted. Nobody is trying to play god here, we just 
want nobody fucking up the network, nothing personal. It's not a matter of 
trust either, in my experience, most damage to an open network by a user is 
unintentional.

Does anybody accuse management of a god complex when they block 900 numbers 
and international calls from the company phone system? Same principle. The IT 
department is nothing but a money pit in the eyes of management, we make no 
money for any company (only save expenses at best), so you prove your worth by 
having the most streamlined, efficient shop set up. Having a wild wild west 
network is just asking for trouble.



 Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 18:40:59 -0500
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

 Thanks Ben,
 That is really what I was trying to not so gracefully get to.
 I agree with this totally. IT gets to be internet COP. That is what the
 folks are paid for. Whether we like this or not is a separate discussion.
 Best,
 Duncan

_
Watch “Cause Effect,” a show about real people making a real difference.
http://im.live.com/Messenger/IM/MTV/?source=text_watchcause

Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-16 Thread Hayes Elkins

You wont believe how many requests I see put in our help desk queue for a user 
to bring in their laptop to download music and videos onto it. They ask with 
a straight face not even expecting this request to be scorned or the activity 
in question malicious.

Kids these days coming out of the wild, wild west of college have no reference 
point to follow on the legalities of computer use.

All desktops in our enterprise after a few years ago come built with no 
floppies or ROM media devices, and I thank Dell for having the ability to shut 
down individual USB ports in the BIOS. 


 Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:05:18 -0500
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

 What gives you the right to attach non-company owned equipment to a
 company owned PC? What happens if your flash drive caused a voltage
 spike and ruined the USB ports on the machine? Who is responsible?

 There are plenty of good reasons to not let people bring removable media
 into work. Viruses, and the very real possibility that confidential data
 will find it's way to that USB drive and either be leaked, lost, or at
 best misappropriated.

 I think that there are corporate standards, and if one of those
 corporate standards are no outside devices then thats what the policy
 is, and people either choose to accept that or find another job.

 I don't ban USB drives and ipods at my office. But I can appreciate why
 some companies would see it as a security risk and want to act accordingly.

 Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
 It is not always a security risk for a user to attach a flash drive.
 What, you think everyone there is an idiot but you? Please explain how
 connecting a flash drive to a PC means they are doing anything but
 working? Get real people. ARe you glued to your work every minute you
 are there? Do you really think people are drones who shouldn't touch
 your machines unless they are working.

_
Share life as it happens with the new Windows Live.
http://www.windowslive.com/share.html?ocid=TXT_TAGHM_Wave2_sharelife_012008

Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-16 Thread j maccraw
Mass-manufactured PC's suck in general!

Until you consider it's cheaper to replace one then it
is to debug/repair it 
esp. if your corp. bought a large number of them at a
clip which elevates your 
support level.



Joe User wrote:
 OK... so we've had XP/Vista, 'The AV argument', next
is Dell vs.
 Custom Built/White boxes...
 
 
 DELL SUCKS.
 DING!!! - Round ONE
 
 


  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  
http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-16 Thread Ben Ruset

What I like about them is a single vendor to go to for support.

If I have RAM go bad, I call up Dell and I have a replacement the next 
day. If I have RAM go bad in a whitebox, I have to remember where I 
bought the RAM, then either go to them (if it's generic) or go to 
Crucial, Corsair, Kingston, etc. and fight with them to get an RMA 
number, then mail the bad part in and either pay for a cross ship (if 
they will do it), or wait 2-3 weeks to get a replacement shipped to me.


Multiply that by any quantity and it makes supporting whitebox stuff 
very hard.


I have three Asus barebones servers in my server room. I had the 
motherboard go bad on one. It took about a month to get it back up and 
running, partly because Asus doesn't cross ship, and the first 
replacement board they sent me was completely wrong.


j maccraw wrote:

Mass-manufactured PC's suck in general!

Until you consider it's cheaper to replace one then it
is to debug/repair it 
esp. if your corp. bought a large number of them at a
clip which elevates your 
support level.




Joe User wrote:

OK... so we've had XP/Vista, 'The AV argument', next

is Dell vs.

Custom Built/White boxes...


DELL SUCKS.
DING!!! - Round ONE





  

Looking for last minute shopping deals?  
Find them fast with Yahoo! Search.  http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping




[H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Thane Sherrington
Go to this page and sign the Save XP petition.  Friends don't let 
friends get stuck with Vista.


http://weblog.infoworld.com/save-xp/

T



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread The Beave
This is getting to be ridiculous. Yes, Vista is different.  A lot of PC
users do not grasp on how to use Vista. There are ways to turn off certain
warnings and what not. In fact, if you have the hardware for it why not go
vista? You'll miss out...

The one thing I do not like about vista is the Audio control.  No more
Directsound to hardware. It's all done in HAL (Not the 2001 Computer
either). This makes a lot of gamers pissed off, especially when they use
SDPIF to connect to their speaker system.

I remember not so far back that XP was getting the same, if not more of the
same treatment.  BTW, I've been told Mac's new OS is faster than Vista. Who
knows.

Regards,

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 8:19 AM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: [H] Save XP!

Go to this page and sign the Save XP petition.  Friends don't let 
friends get stuck with Vista.

http://weblog.infoworld.com/save-xp/

T





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Brian Weeden
You can make the case for home users to use Vista.  I wouldn't, but
the case can be made.  The problem is for business users.  There is
not a single good reason for them to upgrade to Vista and in fact a
lot of bad reasons.

What improvements have Microsoft added to Vista?  DX10 gaming, HD and
BluRay video playback (via HDCP and lots of DRM of course), cool
window animations and glassy effects.  NONE of those should be used in
the average workplace and in fact if I were an IT administrator I
would say they are an argument AGAINST installing Vista.  The added
DRM features to the audio and video subsystem is already causing all
sorts of unforeseen glitches.  The Aero desktop just means that you
have to go out and add either lots of new video cards and/or RAM
and/or new machines.  And the new interface means that users that were
just getting used to the old interface are now lost again.  All of
that means tons more support calls and lots of frustration for your IT
staff.

So when Microsoft announces that it will be soon dropping all support
for Windows XP there is a very good reason for business IT people to
petition against it.

On Jan 15, 2008 12:52 PM, The Beave [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 This is getting to be ridiculous. Yes, Vista is different.  A lot of PC
 users do not grasp on how to use Vista. There are ways to turn off certain
 warnings and what not. In fact, if you have the hardware for it why not go
 vista? You'll miss out...

 The one thing I do not like about vista is the Audio control.  No more
 Directsound to hardware. It's all done in HAL (Not the 2001 Computer
 either). This makes a lot of gamers pissed off, especially when they use
 SDPIF to connect to their speaker system.

 I remember not so far back that XP was getting the same, if not more of the
 same treatment.  BTW, I've been told Mac's new OS is faster than Vista. Who
 knows.

 Regards,

 Tim The Beave Lider
 MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave


 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
 [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 8:19 AM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: [H] Save XP!

 Go to this page and sign the Save XP petition.  Friends don't let
 friends get stuck with Vista.

 http://weblog.infoworld.com/save-xp/

 T







-- 

--
Brian Weeden
Technical Consultant
Secure World Foundation


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Al

The Beave [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

 This is getting to be ridiculous. Yes, Vista is different.  

Respectfully, I think the point is that there is room for both.

best,
al


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Greg Sevart
I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista for
group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But people
tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly, the
interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.



 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brian Weeden
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 12:05 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!
 
 You can make the case for home users to use Vista.  I wouldn't, but
 the case can be made.  The problem is for business users.  There is
 not a single good reason for them to upgrade to Vista and in fact a
 lot of bad reasons.
 
 What improvements have Microsoft added to Vista?  DX10 gaming, HD and
 BluRay video playback (via HDCP and lots of DRM of course), cool
 window animations and glassy effects.  NONE of those should be used in
 the average workplace and in fact if I were an IT administrator I
 would say they are an argument AGAINST installing Vista.  




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin

But yet, it makes problems to use it right out of the box

Greg Sevart wrote:

I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista for
group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But people
tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly, the
interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.



  

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Brian Weeden
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 12:05 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

You can make the case for home users to use Vista.  I wouldn't, but
the case can be made.  The problem is for business users.  There is
not a single good reason for them to upgrade to Vista and in fact a
lot of bad reasons.

What improvements have Microsoft added to Vista?  DX10 gaming, HD and
BluRay video playback (via HDCP and lots of DRM of course), cool
window animations and glassy effects.  NONE of those should be used in
the average workplace and in fact if I were an IT administrator I
would say they are an argument AGAINST installing Vista.  





  


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Tim,
I do understand your position. Really, but, let us agree to disagree.
This is my personal rant. I really do mean no disrespect, really.
Let's consider this my personal spew

I have spent the past 8 years of my life reading this List's bitches, 
comments,

concerns, platitudes, and such while WinXP matured to the product it is now
@SP2.  Besides just this List, I get the same commentary from other sources.
I'll agree that my sources are far less than yours.

And, I still use Win2KProSP4 as my basic OS. Why? It just flat works. 24/7.
Yes, I am testing WinXP.  I do know I may have to move there.  Still searching
for vendors willing to sell it w/o having to buy ~$1500 worth of new 
computer

stuff just to be able to buy a stinking MS CD of WinXP. Sheesh!
Yes, OK. I do have limited contacts and search criteria. My bad... Am 
working

with my older Brother on this ATM :)

I do know that you need to stay on the bleeding edge of OS technology because
of the service and experience you have.  How many personal versions of 
Vista have
you actually bought for personal use?  If you got your personal use copies 
via your
work-20, all bets are off.  From everything I have read, Vista is very 
expensive.
And, not just the base OS. It demands additional expense in hardware also 
for some

of us.  Are we just supposed to toss out our own old personal computers?
Do you honestly think this will happen?  ... :)

And, yes, I do understand that this is one of those technology gates too. 
We are
moving from the 32-bit OS world into the 64-bit OS world.  IIRC, moving 
from the 16-
bit OS world to the 32-bit OS world was a PITA, but nothing like what I 
read these

days.  OK. I am perhaps grossly uninformed. Accept this. Excuse me!

OK. You like Vista. Fine.  Many on planet Earth do not.  If MS wants to 
push this,

I suspect Apple and *nix will most likely get many, many more converts.
And, this is JMHO too. And, /rant. :)
Best,
Duncan

At 09:52 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:

This is getting to be ridiculous. Yes, Vista is different.  A lot of PC
users do not grasp on how to use Vista. There are ways to turn off certain
warnings and what not. In fact, if you have the hardware for it why not go
vista? You'll miss out...

The one thing I do not like about vista is the Audio control.  No more
Directsound to hardware. It's all done in HAL (Not the 2001 Computer
either). This makes a lot of gamers pissed off, especially when they use
SDPIF to connect to their speaker system.

I remember not so far back that XP was getting the same, if not more of the
same treatment.  BTW, I've been told Mac's new OS is faster than Vista. Who
knows.

Regards,

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 8:19 AM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: [H] Save XP!

Go to this page and sign the Save XP petition.  Friends don't let
friends get stuck with Vista.

http://weblog.infoworld.com/save-xp/

T




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Greg,
Can we agree that IT administrators is a very small subset of total
expected/planned users?  I do understand your focus, but let's look at
this just a bit more broadly. Thanks.
Best,
Duncan

At 13:05 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:

I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista for
group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But people
tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly, the
interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.



snip



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Jeff Lane

Bravo T !!

Jeff

Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 8:19 AM
Subject: [H] Save XP!


Go to this page and sign the Save XP petition.  Friends don't let 
friends get stuck with Vista.


http://weblog.infoworld.com/save-xp/

T




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Sam Franc

Dear DHSinclair,

http://buycheapsoftware.com/ms_products~subcategory~139.asp
You can buy XP here for $147
Sam


DHSinclair wrote:

Tim,
I do understand your position. Really, but, let us agree to disagree.
This is my personal rant. I really do mean no disrespect, really.
Let's consider this my personal spew

I have spent the past 8 years of my life reading this List's bitches, 
comments,
concerns, platitudes, and such while WinXP matured to the product it 
is now
@SP2.  Besides just this List, I get the same commentary from other 
sources.

I'll agree that my sources are far less than yours.

And, I still use Win2KProSP4 as my basic OS. Why? It just flat works. 
24/7.
Yes, I am testing WinXP.  I do know I may have to move there.  Still 
searching
for vendors willing to sell it w/o having to buy ~$1500 worth of new 
computer

stuff just to be able to buy a stinking MS CD of WinXP. Sheesh!
Yes, OK. I do have limited contacts and search criteria. My bad... 
Am working

with my older Brother on this ATM :)

I do know that you need to stay on the bleeding edge of OS technology 
because
of the service and experience you have.  How many personal versions of 
Vista have
you actually bought for personal use?  If you got your personal use 
copies via your
work-20, all bets are off.  From everything I have read, Vista is very 
expensive.
And, not just the base OS. It demands additional expense in hardware 
also for some

of us.  Are we just supposed to toss out our own old personal computers?
Do you honestly think this will happen?  ... :)

And, yes, I do understand that this is one of those technology gates 
too. We are
moving from the 32-bit OS world into the 64-bit OS world.  IIRC, 
moving from the 16-
bit OS world to the 32-bit OS world was a PITA, but nothing like what 
I read these

days.  OK. I am perhaps grossly uninformed. Accept this. Excuse me!

OK. You like Vista. Fine.  Many on planet Earth do not.  If MS wants 
to push this,

I suspect Apple and *nix will most likely get many, many more converts.
And, this is JMHO too. And, /rant. :)
Best,
Duncan

At 09:52 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:

This is getting to be ridiculous. Yes, Vista is different.  A lot of PC
users do not grasp on how to use Vista. There are ways to turn off 
certain
warnings and what not. In fact, if you have the hardware for it why 
not go

vista? You'll miss out...

The one thing I do not like about vista is the Audio control.  No more
Directsound to hardware. It's all done in HAL (Not the 2001 Computer
either). This makes a lot of gamers pissed off, especially when they use
SDPIF to connect to their speaker system.

I remember not so far back that XP was getting the same, if not more 
of the
same treatment.  BTW, I've been told Mac's new OS is faster than 
Vista. Who

knows.

Regards,

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane 
Sherrington

Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 8:19 AM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: [H] Save XP!

Go to this page and sign the Save XP petition.  Friends don't let
friends get stuck with Vista.

http://weblog.infoworld.com/save-xp/

T









Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Greg Sevart
Oh, I understand completely. If you go back and look, however, I was
responding specifically to Brian's primary position that Vista is especially
bad for IT admins.


 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 1:42 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!
 
 Greg,
 Can we agree that IT administrators is a very small subset of total
 expected/planned users?  I do understand your focus, but let's look at
 this just a bit more broadly. Thanks.
 Best,
 Duncan
 
 At 13:05 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:
 I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista
 for
 group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But
 people
 tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly,
 the
 interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.
 
 
 snip





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin
Vista being bad for IT admins isn't really a reason not to use Vista. In 
fact, if Vista did have something real to offer me I'd be willing to use 
it and if it caused headaches for admins, too bad. At least they'd have 
job security.  I don't let no admins on my machine anyway (thankfully I 
can do that!).


Greg Sevart wrote:

Oh, I understand completely. If you go back and look, however, I was
responding specifically to Brian's primary position that Vista is especially
bad for IT admins.


  

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 1:42 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

Greg,
Can we agree that IT administrators is a very small subset of total
expected/planned users?  I do understand your focus, but let's look at
this just a bit more broadly. Thanks.
Best,
Duncan

At 13:05 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:


I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista
  

for


group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But
  

people


tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly,
  

the


interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.


  

snip






  


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Brian Weeden
I would think that any time saved for admins by the group policy
improvements would be totally wiped out by the added timesinks of all
the other stuff I mentioned.

Although I can't prove it - I just administer my 3 machines and that
is timesink enough :)

On Jan 15, 2008 3:42 PM, Greg Sevart [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 Oh, I understand completely. If you go back and look, however, I was
 responding specifically to Brian's primary position that Vista is especially
 bad for IT admins.


  -Original Message-
  From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
  Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 1:42 PM
  To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com

  Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!
 
  Greg,
  Can we agree that IT administrators is a very small subset of total
  expected/planned users?  I do understand your focus, but let's look at
  this just a bit more broadly. Thanks.
  Best,
  Duncan
 
  At 13:05 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:
  I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista
  for
  group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But
  people
  tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly,
  the
  interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.
  
  
  snip







-- 

--
Brian Weeden
Technical Consultant
Secure World Foundation


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread The Beave
 I do understand your position. Really, but, let us agree to disagree.
 This is my personal rant. I really do mean no disrespect, really.
 Let's consider this my personal spew

No problem...  I personally and use it in business apps as well.

 And, I still use Win2KProSP4 as my basic OS. Why? It just flat works.
24/7.
 Yes, I am testing WinXP.  I do know I may have to move there.  Still
searching
 for vendors willing to sell it w/o having to buy ~$1500 worth of new 
 computer
 stuff just to be able to buy a stinking MS CD of WinXP. Sheesh!
 Yes, OK. I do have limited contacts and search criteria. My bad... Am 
 working with my older Brother on this ATM :)

I still use Windows XP SP2 on my work computer main machine.  Why?  Well,
the Data Recovery software I use only supports Windows XP.

 I do know that you need to stay on the bleeding edge of OS technology
because
 of the service and experience you have.  How many personal versions of 
 Vista have
 you actually bought for personal use?  If you got your personal use copies

 via your
 work-20, all bets are off.  From everything I have read, Vista is very 
 expensive.
 And, not just the base OS. It demands additional expense in hardware also 
 for some
 of us.  Are we just supposed to toss out our own old personal computers?
 Do you honestly think this will happen?  ... :)

I have bought the complete DVD version of Vista Ultimate, includes 32-bit
and 64-bit versions of the OS for my XPS Laptop.  The Cost was like $399 I
think. I also, purchased an OEM version of the OS in 32-bit version and it
cost like $135, I think.

 OK. You like Vista. Fine.  Many on planet Earth do not.  If MS wants to 
 push this,
 I suspect Apple and *nix will most likely get many, many more converts.
 And, this is JMHO too. And, /rant. :)

I do have issues with Vista as well.  Many people do as well. Once SP1 of
Vista comes out it should address some issues with Vista.

At 09:52 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:
This is getting to be ridiculous. Yes, Vista is different.  A lot of PC
users do not grasp on how to use Vista. There are ways to turn off certain
warnings and what not. In fact, if you have the hardware for it why not go
vista? You'll miss out...

The one thing I do not like about vista is the Audio control.  No more
Directsound to hardware. It's all done in HAL (Not the 2001 Computer
either). This makes a lot of gamers pissed off, especially when they use
SDPIF to connect to their speaker system.

I remember not so far back that XP was getting the same, if not more of the
same treatment.  BTW, I've been told Mac's new OS is faster than Vista. Who
knows.

Regards,

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 8:19 AM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: [H] Save XP!

Go to this page and sign the Save XP petition.  Friends don't let
friends get stuck with Vista.

http://weblog.infoworld.com/save-xp/

T

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Thanks Sam,
I will check this out.
Best,
Duncan

At 12:25 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:

Dear DHSinclair,

http://buycheapsoftware.com/ms_products~subcategory~139.asp
You can buy XP here for $147
Sam


DHSinclair wrote:

Tim,
I do understand your position. Really, but, let us agree to disagree.
This is my personal rant. I really do mean no disrespect, really.
Let's consider this my personal spew

I have spent the past 8 years of my life reading this List's bitches, 
comments,

concerns, platitudes, and such while WinXP matured to the product it is now
@SP2.  Besides just this List, I get the same commentary from other sources.
I'll agree that my sources are far less than yours.

And, I still use Win2KProSP4 as my basic OS. Why? It just flat works. 24/7.
Yes, I am testing WinXP.  I do know I may have to move there.  Still 
searching
for vendors willing to sell it w/o having to buy ~$1500 worth of new 
computer

stuff just to be able to buy a stinking MS CD of WinXP. Sheesh!
Yes, OK. I do have limited contacts and search criteria. My bad... Am 
working

with my older Brother on this ATM :)

I do know that you need to stay on the bleeding edge of OS technology because
of the service and experience you have.  How many personal versions of 
Vista have
you actually bought for personal use?  If you got your personal use 
copies via your
work-20, all bets are off.  From everything I have read, Vista is very 
expensive.
And, not just the base OS. It demands additional expense in hardware also 
for some

of us.  Are we just supposed to toss out our own old personal computers?
Do you honestly think this will happen?  ... :)

And, yes, I do understand that this is one of those technology gates too. 
We are
moving from the 32-bit OS world into the 64-bit OS world.  IIRC, moving 
from the 16-
bit OS world to the 32-bit OS world was a PITA, but nothing like what I 
read these

days.  OK. I am perhaps grossly uninformed. Accept this. Excuse me!

OK. You like Vista. Fine.  Many on planet Earth do not.  If MS wants to 
push this,

I suspect Apple and *nix will most likely get many, many more converts.
And, this is JMHO too. And, /rant. :)
Best,
Duncan

At 09:52 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:

This is getting to be ridiculous. Yes, Vista is different.  A lot of PC
users do not grasp on how to use Vista. There are ways to turn off certain
warnings and what not. In fact, if you have the hardware for it why not go
vista? You'll miss out...

The one thing I do not like about vista is the Audio control.  No more
Directsound to hardware. It's all done in HAL (Not the 2001 Computer
either). This makes a lot of gamers pissed off, especially when they use
SDPIF to connect to their speaker system.

I remember not so far back that XP was getting the same, if not more of the
same treatment.  BTW, I've been told Mac's new OS is faster than Vista. Who
knows.

Regards,

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 8:19 AM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: [H] Save XP!

Go to this page and sign the Save XP petition.  Friends don't let
friends get stuck with Vista.

http://weblog.infoworld.com/save-xp/

T








Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Oops, my bad.  I had not gotten to Brian's comment yet.
No harm, no foul :)
Good point.
Best,
Duncan

At 14:42 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:

Oh, I understand completely. If you go back and look, however, I was
responding specifically to Brian's primary position that Vista is especially
bad for IT admins.


 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 1:42 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

 Greg,
 Can we agree that IT administrators is a very small subset of total
 expected/planned users?  I do understand your focus, but let's look at
 this just a bit more broadly. Thanks.
 Best,
 Duncan

 At 13:05 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:
 I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista
 for
 group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But
 people
 tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly,
 the
 interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.
 
 
 snip




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair
OK. OK. Let's calm down a bit.  I did not mean to step on any sore nerves 
(although there does seem to be lots of these with Vista).


My thought: An IT Admin is that person that works in a commercial space to 
maintain his/her companies computer/internet infrastructure.  For this 
work, he/she is paid a salary.  That he/she is able to transfer these 
skills/experience from a commercial space to his/her home environment and 
implement the same experience/ability is not part of my 
definition.  Perhaps I might just be too old. :)


Brian, like you, I could be an IT Admin. I administer my home LAN of 5 
machines, 2 switches, 1 router, and a dsl modem.  And this, just to be able 
to get to the internet for all of my charges.
Do I feel like an IT Admin? Not a bit!  This LAN business is something I 
may never figure out.
That it seems to work as well as it has for all these years is a prayer I 
say to the many that came before I even started playing with this stuff... :)

I'm stupid now; but I'll get smarter via this List!  That I am certain of.

The basis of my rant was that on this List WE are Early Adopters. 
Period.  We do play with everything just as soon as WE can get our grubby 
keyboard on it.  I do understand this.
This is an admirable service to a community that most likely just does not 
care for the most part..(I suspect)


I vented. I ranted. That is all.  If there are members that have and like 
Vista, fine. I accept this;
just as I accept the fact that most of the members I share thoughts with 
are far ahead of me in
both skills and general computer knowledge.  I learn a bit each day from 
all of you.  Just a List

member sharing with the community at large.
Best,
Duncan

At 16:11 01/15/2008 -0500, you wrote:

I would think that any time saved for admins by the group policy
improvements would be totally wiped out by the added timesinks of all
the other stuff I mentioned.

Although I can't prove it - I just administer my 3 machines and that
is timesink enough :)

On Jan 15, 2008 3:42 PM, Greg Sevart [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
 Oh, I understand completely. If you go back and look, however, I was
 responding specifically to Brian's primary position that Vista is 
especially

 bad for IT admins.


  -Original Message-
  From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
  [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
  Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 1:42 PM
  To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com

  Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!
 
  Greg,
  Can we agree that IT administrators is a very small subset of total
  expected/planned users?  I do understand your focus, but let's look at
  this just a bit more broadly. Thanks.
  Best,
  Duncan
 
  At 13:05 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:
  I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista
  for
  group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But
  people
  tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly,
  the
  interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.
  
  
  snip







--

--
Brian Weeden
Technical Consultant
Secure World Foundation




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Thane Sherrington

At 02:04 PM 15/01/2008, Brian Weeden wrote:


What improvements have Microsoft added to Vista?  DX10 gaming, HD and
BluRay video playback (via HDCP and lots of DRM of course), cool
window animations and glassy effects.  NONE of those should be used in
the average workplace and in fact if I were an IT administrator I
would say they are an argument AGAINST installing Vista.  The added
DRM features to the audio and video subsystem is already causing all
sorts of unforeseen glitches.  The Aero desktop just means that you
have to go out and add either lots of new video cards and/or RAM
and/or new machines.  And the new interface means that users that were
just getting used to the old interface are now lost again.  All of
that means tons more support calls and lots of frustration for your IT
staff.


Well said.

T 



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Thane Sherrington
The problem is the headaches it will cause for IT admins it will also 
cause for you (but for fewer machines.)


T

At 05:09 PM 15/01/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
Vista being bad for IT admins isn't really a reason not to use 
Vista. In fact, if Vista did have something real to offer me I'd be 
willing to use it and if it caused headaches for admins, too bad. At 
least they'd have job security.  I don't let no admins on my machine 
anyway (thankfully I can do that!).


Greg Sevart wrote:

Oh, I understand completely. If you go back and look, however, I was
responding specifically to Brian's primary position that Vista is especially
bad for IT admins.




-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 1:42 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

Greg,
Can we agree that IT administrators is a very small subset of total
expected/planned users?  I do understand your focus, but let's look at
this just a bit more broadly. Thanks.
Best,
Duncan

At 13:05 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:


I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista


for


group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But


people


tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly,


the


interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.




snip











Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin
It won't cause me any headaches though because I won't use it.  Also, 
I'm fortunate not to need to depend on IT profs for support.
Others, however, aren't so fortunate (or unfortunate)  and your comments 
will apply to them.


Thane Sherrington wrote:
The problem is the headaches it will cause for IT admins it will also 
cause for you (but for fewer machines.)


T

At 05:09 PM 15/01/2008, Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
Vista being bad for IT admins isn't really a reason not to use Vista. 
In fact, if Vista did have something real to offer me I'd be willing 
to use it and if it caused headaches for admins, too bad. At least 
they'd have job security.  I don't let no admins on my machine anyway 
(thankfully I can do that!).


Greg Sevart wrote:

Oh, I understand completely. If you go back and look, however, I was
responding specifically to Brian's primary position that Vista is 
especially

bad for IT admins.




-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 1:42 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

Greg,
Can we agree that IT administrators is a very small subset of total
expected/planned users?  I do understand your focus, but let's look at
this just a bit more broadly. Thanks.
Best,
Duncan

At 13:05 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:


I disagree. There are a number of substantial improvements in Vista


for


group policy configuration that are great for IT administrators. But


people


tend to overlook those things and zero in on the interface. Frankly,


the


interface is among the least interesting things about Vista for me.




snip












Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Brian,
Is this true? Wow! Stevie is just a thief! $399?  Even given it includes both
32-bit and 64-bit versions of Vista. To me, that is just robbery.
Even at $200 a pop.  I accept that MS has a right to make money, but.
But then, I am retired now, so most every 'cost' I read is a big stretch
Best,
Duncan


At 13:24 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:

snip
I have bought the complete DVD version of Vista Ultimate, includes 32-bit
and 64-bit versions of the OS for my XPS Laptop.  The Cost was like $399 I
think. I also, purchased an OEM version of the OS in 32-bit version and it
cost like $135, I think.

snip



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

OOps! I routed my reply to the wrong person. Please excuse me Tim.
I suppose I may still be learning Email also. :)_
Best,
Duncan

At 13:24 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:

snip
I have bought the complete DVD version of Vista Ultimate, includes 32-bit
and 64-bit versions of the OS for my XPS Laptop.  The Cost was like $399 I
think. I also, purchased an OEM version of the OS in 32-bit version and it
cost like $135, I think.

snip



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Greg Sevart
I admin (in a team) over 100 workstations and over 30 servers on a corporate
network. We deploy pretty nice machines--almost everybody has a dual-core
box with 2GB of memory and dual monitors. Vista should, from a hardware
perspective, do quite decent.

One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to block
hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my network...

Greg

 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 3:59 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!
 
 OK. OK. Let's calm down a bit.  I did not mean to step on any sore
 nerves
 (although there does seem to be lots of these with Vista).
 
 My thought: An IT Admin is that person that works in a commercial space
 to
 maintain his/her companies computer/internet infrastructure.  For this
 work, he/she is paid a salary.  That he/she is able to transfer these
 skills/experience from a commercial space to his/her home environment
 and
 implement the same experience/ability is not part of my
 definition.  Perhaps I might just be too old. :)
 




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin



One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to block
hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my network...\
  


You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their machines. 
Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are intended to be 
used


But why do you need to play god?


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Greg Sevart
I can prevent them from doing anything by telling Vista not to interact with
that device ID. For all intents and purposes, the iPod to PC interface will
not exist.

iPods have no place on a corporate network. I don't mind users bringing them
in and using them--just don't attach them to my machines. A few months back,
we spent a significant period of time troubleshooting Outlook issues that
turned out to be caused by an iTunes plugin that can sync with the iPod.
That's time we shouldn't have had to spend.

When you have 100+ machines to maintain and are charged with ensuring
employee productivity, it becomes a whole new ball game...

Greg

 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anthony Q. Martin
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 4:56 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!
 
 
  One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to
 block
  hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love
 to
  prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my
 network...\
 
 
 You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their machines.
 Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are intended to be
 used
 
 But why do you need to play god?




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Oh, Damn! It is so good to be the king!
Yes. Greg, I do understand. I understand this so well.. LOL!
Have never seen it in my lifetime yet... :)
If it is digital, there is a way around any fence/block.
Best,
Duncan

At 16:48 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:

I admin (in a team) over 100 workstations and over 30 servers on a corporate
network. We deploy pretty nice machines--almost everybody has a dual-core
box with 2GB of memory and dual monitors. Vista should, from a hardware
perspective, do quite decent.

One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to block
hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my network...

Greg

 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 3:59 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

 OK. OK. Let's calm down a bit.  I did not mean to step on any sore
 nerves
 (although there does seem to be lots of these with Vista).

 My thought: An IT Admin is that person that works in a commercial space
 to
 maintain his/her companies computer/internet infrastructure.  For this
 work, he/she is paid a salary.  That he/she is able to transfer these
 skills/experience from a commercial space to his/her home environment
 and
 implement the same experience/ability is not part of my
 definition.  Perhaps I might just be too old. :)





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Winterlight



So when Microsoft announces that it will be soon dropping all support
for Windows XP



If they don't want to support it then it's too bad that they can't 
just release the code and make it open source!

Gee, wouldn't that be interesting!



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Ben Ruset
One of the problems is that Windows is not made up of 100% Microsoft 
code. Plus you'd need some sort of free compiler to build it - I don't 
think gcc will build Windows.


Winterlight wrote:



So when Microsoft announces that it will be soon dropping all support
for Windows XP



If they don't want to support it then it's too bad that they can't just 
release the code and make it open source!

Gee, wouldn't that be interesting!




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Ben Ruset
Yes you most certainly prevent people from attaching any sort of device 
to a computer.


How is this playing God if these are corporate PC's? Users plugging in 
ipods, flash drives, etc. is a security risk. End users should not be 
using their company owned computers for anything but doing work.


Anthony Q. Martin wrote:



One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to block
hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my network...\
  


You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their machines. 
Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are intended to be 
used


But why do you need to play god?



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread The Beave
Let me look at my receipt. Yes it was $399 for retail full version.  But, I
got $200 off from Dell getting Office Pro 2007 combo. The OEM version was a
lot less expensive.

Regards,

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 2:33 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

OOps! I routed my reply to the wrong person. Please excuse me Tim.
I suppose I may still be learning Email also. :)_
Best,
Duncan

At 13:24 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:
snip
I have bought the complete DVD version of Vista Ultimate, includes 32-bit
and 64-bit versions of the OS for my XPS Laptop.  The Cost was like $399 I
think. I also, purchased an OEM version of the OS in 32-bit version and it
cost like $135, I think.
snip





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Well, yea. But, mostly only for the open source folks.
Doesn't blow my dress up at all here in the dining room
..after 7-9 versions of MS OS's.
I do get it though. I suppose that if they did, they would be
signing their own going out of business notice.
Best,
Duncan

At 15:16 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:


So when Microsoft announces that it will be soon dropping all support
for Windows XP


If they don't want to support it then it's too bad that they can't just 
release the code and make it open source!

Gee, wouldn't that be interesting!




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Thanks Ben,
That is really what I was trying to not so gracefully get to.
I agree with this totally.  IT gets to be internet COP. That is what the
folks are paid for. Whether we like this or not is a separate discussion.
Best,
Duncan

At 18:24 01/15/2008 -0500, you wrote:
Yes you most certainly prevent people from attaching any sort of device to 
a computer.


How is this playing God if these are corporate PC's? Users plugging in 
ipods, flash drives, etc. is a security risk. End users should not be 
using their company owned computers for anything but doing work.


Anthony Q. Martin wrote:



One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to block
hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my network...\

You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their machines. 
Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are intended to be 
used

But why do you need to play god?




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Wow! Still pretty expensive. Whatever. I still plan to wait or avoid.
Thanks Tim.
Best,
Duncan

At 15:31 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:

Let me look at my receipt. Yes it was $399 for retail full version.  But, I
got $200 off from Dell getting Office Pro 2007 combo. The OEM version was a
lot less expensive.

Regards,

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 2:33 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

OOps! I routed my reply to the wrong person. Please excuse me Tim.
I suppose I may still be learning Email also. :)_
Best,
Duncan

At 13:24 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:
snip
I have bought the complete DVD version of Vista Ultimate, includes 32-bit
and 64-bit versions of the OS for my XPS Laptop.  The Cost was like $399 I
think. I also, purchased an OEM version of the OS in 32-bit version and it
cost like $135, I think.
snip




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Al

Greg Sevart [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:

  A few months back,
 we spent a significant period of time troubleshooting Outlook issues that
 turned out to be caused by an iTunes plugin that can sync with the iPod.
 That's time we shouldn't have had to spend.

I can't agree with this more. Back when i was supporting 150 desktops in
eight cities, I had the hardest time with people installing what ever
they wanted. 

The company grew from a few seats to 150, but kept the small company
mentality. I had an up hill battle changing the way thing were. I used
to tell them, You wouldn't put racing strips on a company car, would
you?

al


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin
You can't prevent them from pluggin in the cables, though you can make 
the PC not react to their actions.


Why do you have this god complex...I don't mind them bringing them in 
and using them...just don't attach them to my machines


iPods can be good ways for people to bring/talk work in/out.  Perhaps a 
better solution could be found for the sync issue...it really don't 
sound like a user issue but a problem with software.


While you might be able to control what your users can and cannot do on 
company machines, you can't make them productive.  If they want to be 
unproductive...they can stare off into the open air.


Greg Sevart wrote:

I can prevent them from doing anything by telling Vista not to interact with
that device ID. For all intents and purposes, the iPod to PC interface will
not exist.

iPods have no place on a corporate network. I don't mind users bringing them
in and using them--just don't attach them to my machines. A few months back,
we spent a significant period of time troubleshooting Outlook issues that
turned out to be caused by an iTunes plugin that can sync with the iPod.
That's time we shouldn't have had to spend.

When you have 100+ machines to maintain and are charged with ensuring
employee productivity, it becomes a whole new ball game...

Greg

  

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anthony Q. Martin
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 4:56 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!




One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to
  

block


hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love
  

to


prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my
  

network...\

You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their machines.

Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are intended to be
used

But why do you need to play god?





  


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin
It is not always a security risk for a user to attach a flash drive. 
What, you think everyone there is an idiot but you?  Please explain how 
connecting a flash drive to a PC means they are doing anything but 
working?  Get real people.  ARe you glued to your work every minute you 
are there?  Do you really think people are drones who shouldn't touch 
your machines unless they are working.


Ben Ruset wrote:
Yes you most certainly prevent people from attaching any sort of 
device to a computer.


How is this playing God if these are corporate PC's? Users plugging in 
ipods, flash drives, etc. is a security risk. End users should not be 
using their company owned computers for anything but doing work.


Anthony Q. Martin wrote:


One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to 
block

hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my network...\
  


You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their 
machines. Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are 
intended to be used


But why do you need to play god?





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin
IT is generally charged with making sure corp. stuff works, not to lord 
over employees like gods.


DHSinclair wrote:

Thanks Ben,
That is really what I was trying to not so gracefully get to.
I agree with this totally.  IT gets to be internet COP. That is what 
the

folks are paid for. Whether we like this or not is a separate discussion.
Best,
Duncan

At 18:24 01/15/2008 -0500, you wrote:
Yes you most certainly prevent people from attaching any sort of 
device to a computer.


How is this playing God if these are corporate PC's? Users plugging 
in ipods, flash drives, etc. is a security risk. End users should not 
be using their company owned computers for anything but doing work.


Anthony Q. Martin wrote:


One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to 
block

hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my 
network...\


You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their 
machines. Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are 
intended to be used

But why do you need to play god?





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Greg Sevart
 You can't prevent them from pluggin in the cables, though you can make
 the PC not react to their actions.

I don't care if they plug them in. It won't do anything, and that's the
point.

 
 Why do you have this god complex...I don't mind them bringing them in
 and using them...just don't attach them to my machines
 

It's my job. I'm responsible for the machine. It's my rules--that's the way
it works.

 iPods can be good ways for people to bring/talk work in/out.  Perhaps a
 better solution could be found for the sync issue...it really don't
 sound like a user issue but a problem with software.

There are tools much better suited. 

 
 While you might be able to control what your users can and cannot do on
 company machines, you can't make them productive.  If they want to be
 unproductive...they can stare off into the open air.

But I am charged with making sure that the devices I maintain don't HINDER
productivity. That's the point. When Outlook (a huge productivity tool in a
software shop) is crashing, that's productivity loss. While the specific
example is an isolated case, it speaks to the larger issue...there's a
reason why we have approved software and hardware.

Greg




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Greg Sevart
You clearly have not ever worked in a formal IT department in a corporate
environment. Frankly, if corporate executive management knew it was
possible, they'd have us implement software restriction policies to only
allow Outlook, Excel, Word, Project, and Internet Explorer to run in the
first place. 

Greg

 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anthony Q. Martin
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 6:08 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!
 
 IT is generally charged with making sure corp. stuff works, not to lord
 over employees like gods.
 
 DHSinclair wrote:
  Thanks Ben,
  That is really what I was trying to not so gracefully get to.
  I agree with this totally.  IT gets to be internet COP. That is
 what
  the
  folks are paid for. Whether we like this or not is a separate
 discussion.
  Best,
  Duncan
 
  At 18:24 01/15/2008 -0500, you wrote:
  Yes you most certainly prevent people from attaching any sort of
  device to a computer.
 
  How is this playing God if these are corporate PC's? Users plugging
  in ipods, flash drives, etc. is a security risk. End users should
 not
  be using their company owned computers for anything but doing work.
 
  Anthony Q. Martin wrote:
 
  One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to
  block
  hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely
 love to
  prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my
  network...\
 
  You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their
  machines. Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are
  intended to be used
  But why do you need to play god?
 
 




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread James Maki
 -Original Message-
 From:  Greg Sevart
 
 You clearly have not ever worked in a formal IT department in 
 a corporate
 environment. Frankly, if corporate executive management knew it was
 possible, they'd have us implement software restriction 
 policies to only
 allow Outlook, Excel, Word, Project, and Internet Explorer to 
 run in the
 first place. 
 
 Greg

Greg,

While I completely agree with your point of view, job description, and the
necessity for control, this argument seems to go back to the days of
mainframe IT control versus the use of an non-networked Apple II on an
individual's desktop. It is a Corporate vs. Creative argument. Neither side
is ever going to win the argument because they have opposite goals. Too bad
we can't devise a way for both to co-exist in the corporate environment.

JMHO.

Jim Maki
[EMAIL PROTECTED]

P.S. Can we run Access or Powerpoint?   :)



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin
Absolutely true, though I have worked in corporate environments.  
Companies that use such a limited set of apps and impose serious 
restrictions also kill off creativity, too. Probably why corp America is 
such a mess these days.


Companies ought to hire more IT staff so that each  would have fewer 
users to manage. Then you all could provide REAL individualized support 
and not stifle creativity.  Controlling every mouse click a user makes 
doesn't increase productivity and that says nothing about quality of 
work done, either.


Greg Sevart wrote:

You clearly have not ever worked in a formal IT department in a corporate
environment. Frankly, if corporate executive management knew it was
possible, they'd have us implement software restriction policies to only
allow Outlook, Excel, Word, Project, and Internet Explorer to run in the
first place. 


Greg

  

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Anthony Q. Martin
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 6:08 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

IT is generally charged with making sure corp. stuff works, not to lord
over employees like gods.

DHSinclair wrote:


Thanks Ben,
That is really what I was trying to not so gracefully get to.
I agree with this totally.  IT gets to be internet COP. That is
  

what


the
folks are paid for. Whether we like this or not is a separate
  

discussion.


Best,
Duncan

At 18:24 01/15/2008 -0500, you wrote:
  

Yes you most certainly prevent people from attaching any sort of
device to a computer.

How is this playing God if these are corporate PC's? Users plugging
in ipods, flash drives, etc. is a security risk. End users should


not


be using their company owned computers for anything but doing work.

Anthony Q. Martin wrote:


One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to
block
hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely


love to


prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my
network...\



You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their
machines. Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are
intended to be used
But why do you need to play god?
  
  




  


Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin



Greg Sevart wrote:

You can't prevent them from pluggin in the cables, though you can make
the PC not react to their actions.



I don't care if they plug them in. It won't do anything, and that's the
point.
  


Well, say what you mean, Greg.
  

Why do you have this god complex...I don't mind them bringing them in
and using them...just don't attach them to my machines




It's my job. I'm responsible for the machine. It's my rules--that's the way
it works.

  
Sure, you're responsible. But IT people usually want to make things 
easier for themselves and restrict users in the name of productivity. I 
admit it's not their fault alone, though, since companies probably don't 
want to hire enough staff to do it right. Also. MS isn't helping buy 
trying to own the entire desktop and building in IT-power polices to 
give god like abilities. Reminds me of the SUPERUSER days of old, 
frankly.  Heck, we might as well to back to the mainframe days and give 
users dumb green terminals.



iPods can be good ways for people to bring/talk work in/out.  Perhaps a
better solution could be found for the sync issue...it really don't
sound like a user issue but a problem with software.



There are tools much better suited. 
  


Right...make the users do what you want them to do rather than 
considering any user friendly/flexible option, right?
  

While you might be able to control what your users can and cannot do on
company machines, you can't make them productive.  If they want to be
unproductive...they can stare off into the open air.



But I am charged with making sure that the devices I maintain don't HINDER
productivity.


There are many ways to do this, too.


 That's the point. When Outlook (a huge productivity tool in a
software shop) is crashing, that's productivity loss. While the specific
example is an isolated case, it speaks to the larger issue...there's a
reason why we have approved software and hardware.

  

Yes, I'm sure there is.



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Greg Sevart
 Absolutely true, though I have worked in corporate environments.
 Companies that use such a limited set of apps and impose serious
 restrictions also kill off creativity, too. Probably why corp America
 is
 such a mess these days.
 

Oh, make no mistake--I have no desire to clamp things down that far. I want
users to have measures of control. I want them to customize their machines
and use tools and utilities that help them perform their work. This just has
to be balanced with the needs of the corporation. This should be considered
not only in terms of ensuring productivity...but also legal liability and
security. Another member has touched on security--any device touching the
network has the potential to compromise security. I think that one is pretty
self-explanatory.

Legal liability is a big one. Illegally acquired music or software on a
user's machine puts the entire firm at legal risk. We're charged, among
other things, to ensure that the firm isn't out of license compliance and
does not harbor copyrighted material. This does mean that we have to impose
some measure of control.

It's a delicate balance and a definite challenge. Does my position sometimes
put me at odds with users? Yes, at times. But, frankly, IT is charged to be
an enabler of corporate objectives while simultaneously protecting said
corporation. Sometimes that is contrary to what the user would prefer.

Interestingly, I've found that users are most frustrated when their machines
are unstable (for whatever reason), vs. being restricted from installing
some software, or downloading some music.

Greg




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Anthony Q. Martin



Greg Sevart wrote:

Absolutely true, though I have worked in corporate environments.
Companies that use such a limited set of apps and impose serious
restrictions also kill off creativity, too. Probably why corp America
is
such a mess these days.




Oh, make no mistake--I have no desire to clamp things down that far. I want
users to have measures of control. I want them to customize their machines
and use tools and utilities that help them perform their work. This just has
to be balanced with the needs of the corporation. This should be considered
not only in terms of ensuring productivity...but also legal liability and
security. Another member has touched on security--any device touching the
network has the potential to compromise security. I think that one is pretty
self-explanatory.

  


--

Legal liability is a big one. Illegally acquired music or software on a
user's machine puts the entire firm at legal risk. We're charged, among
other things, to ensure that the firm isn't out of license compliance and
does not harbor copyrighted material. This does mean that we have to impose
some measure of control.

It's a delicate balance and a definite challenge. Does my position sometimes
put me at odds with users? Yes, at times. But, frankly, IT is charged to be
an enabler of corporate objectives while simultaneously protecting said
corporation. Sometimes that is contrary to what the user would prefer.
  

-

This is an area of your responsibility that I total respect and get.  
However, as a user, I feel an obligation of my own not to do things that 
put my company at legal risk and also consider this a potential way to 
lose my job.  I frankly wonder how many people in corp. American don't 
get this by now?  I'm sure some of the smaller shops might find it 
necessary to cut corners and steal software, but how many bigger shops 
can afford it? One pissed off employee and game over!



Interestingly, I've found that users are most frustrated when their machines
are unstable (for whatever reason), vs. being restricted from installing
some software, or downloading some music.
  


Well, if they are locked down tightly they are doing much of the latter, 
so naturally they get pissed when the former occurs! :)


Anyway, I'm done. I do get the point of your jobs. I was just going done 
memory lane a bit.




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Thane Sherrington

At 06:48 PM 15/01/2008, Greg Sevart wrote:

I admin (in a team) over 100 workstations and over 30 servers on a corporate
network. We deploy pretty nice machines--almost everybody has a dual-core
box with 2GB of memory and dual monitors. Vista should, from a hardware
perspective, do quite decent.

One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to block
hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my network...


Well, this is a cool feature, and I see why you want it.  But surely 
they could have patched XP to add this functionality and not add the 
crap and bloat that Vista brings with it?


T 



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Anthony,
I was agreeing with you until this post.
Yes, a company, and its' IT department, can and should control their 
machines, network, and what their employees do with same.  The PC is a tool 
to enable worker productivity. The machines, and all the bits and bytes on 
them belong to the company; for the benefit of the company.

Flash Drives are notorious carriers of virii.
If an employee does not like the policy; the employee is free to find 
another job with a company with a different IT policy.

JMHO.
Best,
Duncan

At 19:06 01/15/2008 -0500, you wrote:
It is not always a security risk for a user to attach a flash drive. What, 
you think everyone there is an idiot but you?  Please explain how 
connecting a flash drive to a PC means they are doing anything but 
working?  Get real people.  ARe you glued to your work every minute you 
are there?  Do you really think people are drones who shouldn't touch 
your machines unless they are working.


Ben Ruset wrote:
Yes you most certainly prevent people from attaching any sort of device 
to a computer.


How is this playing God if these are corporate PC's? Users plugging in 
ipods, flash drives, etc. is a security risk. End users should not be 
using their company owned computers for anything but doing work.


Anthony Q. Martin wrote:



One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to block
hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my network...\



You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their machines. 
Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are intended to be 
used


But why do you need to play god?




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

Ben,
Yes, I know.  I had very a very cordial relationship with my company's IT 
folk.  For a time I was one too, but that was before Windows! In a corp. 
network, somebody has to be the cop. Tough job all around.

Hat's off to anyone who works a corp. IT job. JMHO.
Best,
Duncan

At 19:08 01/15/2008 -0500, you wrote:
IT is generally charged with making sure corp. stuff works, not to lord 
over employees like gods.


DHSinclair wrote:

Thanks Ben,
That is really what I was trying to not so gracefully get to.
I agree with this totally.  IT gets to be internet COP. That is what the
folks are paid for. Whether we like this or not is a separate discussion.
Best,
Duncan

At 18:24 01/15/2008 -0500, you wrote:
Yes you most certainly prevent people from attaching any sort of device 
to a computer.


How is this playing God if these are corporate PC's? Users plugging in 
ipods, flash drives, etc. is a security risk. End users should not be 
using their company owned computers for anything but doing work.


Anthony Q. Martin wrote:



One of the big things I'm looking forward to is the new ability to block
hardware installation by device ID via GPO. I would absolutely love to
prevent people from attaching their iPods to machines on my network...\
You can't prevent people from attaching their iPods to their machines. 
Perhaps you can prevent them from using them as they are intended to be 
used

But why do you need to play god?






Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Joe User
OK... so we've had XP/Vista, 'The AV argument', next is Dell vs.
Custom Built/White boxes...


DELL SUCKS.
DING!!! - Round ONE


-- 
Regards,
 joeuser - Still looking for the 'any' key...



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Thane Sherrington

At 09:23 PM 15/01/2008, Joe User wrote:

OK... so we've had XP/Vista, 'The AV argument', next is Dell vs.
Custom Built/White boxes...


DELL SUCKS.
DING!!! - Round ONE


ROTFL!

Here's another Dell story:  Customer brings in a Dell laptop that 
won't boot.  She's already talked to Dell who has told her that her 
Windows is damaged and needs to be reinstalled.  The Dell geniuses 
have tested the hard drive and there's nothing wrong with it.  Of 
course, the hard drive is showing bad sectors and failing its 
internal SMART self-test.  Hopefully it isn't under warranty so I 
don't have to spend 45 minutes convincing Dell not to screw their 
customer by waiting until the drive dies completely before replacing it.


T 



Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread DHSinclair

ROTFLMAO
Waiting for round 2!
Best,
Duncan
At 19:23 01/15/2008 -0600, you wrote:

OK... so we've had XP/Vista, 'The AV argument', next is Dell vs.
Custom Built/White boxes...


DELL SUCKS.
DING!!! - Round ONE


--
Regards,
 joeuser - Still looking for the 'any' key...




Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread The Beave
It was, but remember its Retail not OEM.  Right now Vista Ultimate goes for
$189.99 for 64-bit and $169.99 for 32-bit.  Also, the Retail version has
both 64-bit and 32-bit version in it.

Regards, 

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 3:43 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

Wow! Still pretty expensive. Whatever. I still plan to wait or avoid.
Thanks Tim.
Best,
Duncan

At 15:31 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:
Let me look at my receipt. Yes it was $399 for retail full version.  But, I
got $200 off from Dell getting Office Pro 2007 combo. The OEM version was a
lot less expensive.

Regards,

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 2:33 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

OOps! I routed my reply to the wrong person. Please excuse me Tim.
I suppose I may still be learning Email also. :)_
Best,
Duncan

At 13:24 01/15/2008 -0800, you wrote:
 snip
 I have bought the complete DVD version of Vista Ultimate, includes 32-bit
 and 64-bit versions of the OS for my XPS Laptop.  The Cost was like $399
I
 think. I also, purchased an OEM version of the OS in 32-bit version and
it
 cost like $135, I think.
snip





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread The Beave
The Dell Switches we got are awesome.  Very nice...

The XPS Laptop I got very nice next day service on it and everything. Only
the video card broke down, replaced next day.

The Dell Inspiron I got for a friend not so good.  It broke down numerous
times.

Tim The Beave Lider
MSN: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mailto: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.myspace.com/dowbeave


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DHSinclair
Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 5:37 PM
To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!

OK, really waiting for round 3.
And, was getting ready to order a pair of 2716 switches from Dell.
Hmm. Perhaps so more thought.
Best,
Duncan

At 21:28 01/15/2008 -0400, you wrote:
At 09:23 PM 15/01/2008, Joe User wrote:
OK... so we've had XP/Vista, 'The AV argument', next is Dell vs.
Custom Built/White boxes...


DELL SUCKS.
DING!!! - Round ONE

ROTFL!

Here's another Dell story:  Customer brings in a Dell laptop that won't 
boot.  She's already talked to Dell who has told her that her Windows is 
damaged and needs to be reinstalled.  The Dell geniuses have tested the 
hard drive and there's nothing wrong with it.  Of course, the hard drive 
is showing bad sectors and failing its internal SMART 
self-test.  Hopefully it isn't under warranty so I don't have to spend 45 
minutes convincing Dell not to screw their customer by waiting until the 
drive dies completely before replacing it.

T





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Greg Sevart
First, let me preface...I would never use a Dell for my home workstations. 

However, putting on the corporate hat once again, Dell (or, rather, any
large vendor) has definite advantages. I don't have time to build every
machine and server we deploy, and for servers, guaranteed interoperability
is of paramount concern. I also don't have the time to extensively
troubleshoot every system fault. I call Dell, they come fix it. Dell (and
others) also have nice systems management software and firmware/driver
update mechanisms--quite nice for the busy IT department.

Support contracts are corporate kings. If I have a drive in the SAN or a
production box die, I can get a replacement drive delivered to my desk
within 2 hours. That level of responsiveness is worth its weight in gold
when you're facing the prospect of totally down or degraded/vulnerable
servers.

Not that I'm big on Dell...they just serve our needs quite well. That and
the rather sizable commercial discounts...

Greg

 -Original Message-
 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:hardware-
 [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Thane Sherrington
 Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 7:28 PM
 To: hardware@hardwaregroup.com
 Subject: Re: [H] Save XP!
 
 At 09:23 PM 15/01/2008, Joe User wrote:
 OK... so we've had XP/Vista, 'The AV argument', next is Dell vs.
 Custom Built/White boxes...
 
 
 DELL SUCKS.
 DING!!! - Round ONE
 
 ROTFL!
 
 Here's another Dell story:  Customer brings in a Dell laptop that
 won't boot.  She's already talked to Dell who has told her that her
 Windows is damaged and needs to be reinstalled.  The Dell geniuses
 have tested the hard drive and there's nothing wrong with it.  Of
 course, the hard drive is showing bad sectors and failing its
 internal SMART self-test.  Hopefully it isn't under warranty so I
 don't have to spend 45 minutes convincing Dell not to screw their
 customer by waiting until the drive dies completely before replacing
 it.
 
 T





Re: [H] Save XP!

2008-01-15 Thread Joe User
Hello Thane,

Tuesday, January 15, 2008, 7:28:18 PM, you wrote:

 ROTFL!

 Here's another Dell story:  Customer brings in a Dell laptop that 
 won't boot.  She's already talked to Dell who has told her that her 
 Windows is damaged and needs to be reinstalled.  The Dell geniuses 
 have tested the hard drive and there's nothing wrong with it.  Of 
 course, the hard drive is showing bad sectors and failing its 
 internal SMART self-test.  Hopefully it isn't under warranty so I 
 don't have to spend 45 minutes convincing Dell not to screw their 
 customer by waiting until the drive dies completely before replacing it.


Nice. See once we get these loaded and hot conversations threaded all
to Hell and gone - we can have a good year and have our quota of 'us vs.
them' done for the year. Unless we want to get into politics?! JOKE


-- 
Regards,
 joeuser - Still looking for the 'any' key...