Windows 7 Questions

[henny]

I'll say up front that I'll have to be dragged kicking and screaming away
from XT. I do use VISTA and a back-up machine with little problem.

I have *not* used Windows 7.

After reading a few reviews I have to ask:

Why no windows mail?

Why are AERO PEEK and AERO SHAKE a good deal ?

Why does the easiest networking set up demand all computers on net be
running Win7?

Does Win7 allow one to add your computer to the LAN using Workgroup and
sharing ala VISTA,XP,Win98 ?

Are not these cluttered screens and a cluttered task bar just hopeless
confusion to new and less experienced users?

Most reviews appear to be written by people that want to stay friendly with
Microsoft.

The reason that VISTA up-dates so well is because Win7 is VISTA with some
changes and a bunch of marginally use full trinkets.

Mark me skeptical

Henny

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Henny.

Maybe I can answer a couple of your questions.

Why no windows mail?

Because people have complained for years about the "bloat" In Windows. By
removing some functions that are not part of the actual operating system, MS
made Windows 7 a bit slimmer than Vista. This also reduces the complaints
from vendors of competing products.

But, you can go to http://download.live.com and download - for free - all
the Windows Live Essentials. These include Windows Live Mail, Windows Live
Photo Gallery, Windows Live Messenger and a couple of others.

It's like if Ford was forbidden to include a radio in their cars because of
complaints from Bose and other radio makers. The Ford dealer could tell his
customer, "You are free to go to Best Buy or Wal*Mart or wherever you like
and buy the radio of your choice. Or, you can drive around to our service
department and we'll install our radio for free!" It doesn't make sense to
me, but it should quiet some of the complaints.

Are not these cluttered screens and a cluttered task bar just hopeless
confusion to new and less experienced users?

Not as much as you think. Most "new and less experienced users" will not
have to shake off the WinXP mindset that afflicts so many experienced users.
They will arrive at Win7 without all that old baggage.

But many WinXP users - mostly the ones who have so adamantly resisted
learning to use Vista - will also have trouble learning to use Win7 - or any
other new system.

But those who enjoy learning about new and better systems will be enjoying
Win7 in just a few days. ;<)

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX
(e-mail address removed)
Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8089.0726) in Win7 Ultimate x64

 

[Alex Clayton]

Hi, Henny.

Maybe I can answer a couple of your questions.


Because people have complained for years about the "bloat" In Windows. By
removing some functions that are not part of the actual operating system,
MS made Windows 7 a bit slimmer than Vista. This also reduces the
complaints from vendors of competing products.

But, you can go to http://download.live.com and download - for free - all
the Windows Live Essentials. These include Windows Live Mail, Windows
Live Photo Gallery, Windows Live Messenger and a couple of others.

Does this mean there is no news reader built in? I have a new Dell that they
are sending a W-7 disk for. If you don't load Windows mail is there a way to
read Usenet with out having to use a different reader?

 

[Speaking in silver]

Does this mean there is no news reader built in?
Exactly.

I have a new Dell that they are sending a W-7 disk for. If you don't load
Windows mail is there a way to read Usenet with out having to use a
different reader?

No, but you can always use Google groups :-(

 

[OldHobo]

No, but you can always use Google groups :-(

Ughhh!!

I use Thunderbird for both my email and usenet access. Works well, and
is free.

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Alex.

Does this mean there is no news reader built in?

Right. For the first time since Win95 included Outlook Express, Windows
does not include either an email program or a newsreader. It does include
Internet Explorer 8, though.

If you don't load Windows mail

NOT Windows Mail! Windows LIVE Mail. The names are nearly identical and
the programs are similar, and both remind users of the familiar OE, but
there are some distinct differences.

OE will not run on Vista or Win7. WM will not run on WinXP or Win7
(although a few intrepid hackers say they've made it work). WLM runs on
WinXP, Vista and Win7.

Microsoft announced in 2006 that development on both OE and WM (before it
had even been released as a part of Vista!) had been halted and there will
be no more updates, except for security fixes, if necessary.

is there a way to read Usenet with out having to use a different reader?

There have always been other newsreaders, and they are still out there.
Thunderbird and Forte Agent are a couple that are well known. Just ask Bing
or Google for "newsreaders" and you'll soon find a list of dozens, both free
and paid.

Mail programs also are abundant. Microsoft's Outlook is probably the
best-known, but it doesn't do newsgroups.

Personally, I've been using WLM for over two years now. While it has its
share of bugs and irritating design choices, it works about as well as OE
did for me.

As for Usenet, Microsoft is trying hard to push us all to web-based
"forums". They have not yet added any Win7 newsgroups to their public news
server (news://msnews.microsoft.com) - and there is speculation that maybe
they will not. That's why I am happy to see THIS Win7 newsgroup on
non-Microsoft Usenet.

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX
(e-mail address removed)
Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8089.0726) in Win7 Ultimate x64

 

[Alex Clayton]

No, but you can always use Google groups :-(

I have used it when there was no other choice, but only then. If I can load
WM I will just do that. I don't use it for E-Mail, but it works fine as a
news reader. As long as I can just get in from MS that's fine with me.

 

[nan2u]

Firstly, I'm not a tech type so I can't answer any technical questions, but
I have been using W7 since beta, and have had the final release for about a
month ( my hubs gets partner release things) and I have been using WLM since
then. I use it for my newsgroups, as well as mail and am very happy with
it. I am frustrated with missing functions, ie: the ability to edit a
received email is gone, and I would like different filtering options in
newsgroups, but it works fine for 99% of my needs. Even the learning curve
is pretty small. All in all, this has been an easy transition, newbies
should have few problems, and oldtimers with a tiny bit of a sense of
adventure should be able to change over without too much tribulation.

This has been a very easy transition for me, other than the first days of
expecting my hubs to have all the answers to all my dumb questions!

 

[Alex Clayton]

Firstly, I'm not a tech type so I can't answer any technical questions,
but I have been using W7 since beta, and have had the final release for
about a month ( my hubs gets partner release things) and I have been using
WLM since then. I use it for my newsgroups, as well as mail and am very
happy with it. I am frustrated with missing functions, ie: the ability
to edit a received email is gone, and I would like different filtering
options in newsgroups, but it works fine for 99% of my needs. Even the
learning curve is pretty small. All in all, this has been an easy
transition, newbies should have few problems, and oldtimers with a tiny
bit of a sense of adventure should be able to change over without too much
tribulation.

Sounds fine to me then. When I bought this Vista Machine I did have a little
trouble with the WLM for Usenet. Setting up the account was fine, but it
would not work. Then I found many were having the same problem. I used a
feed from Mozzarella (I think they called it) for a while with it, and it
was fine. Slight delay in sending but it worked fine till MS figured out
what was wrong. It has worked fine since, and I do not sue it for E-mail, so
I will just add it to the one laptop after the W-7 disc gets here.

 

[Periproct]

Snipped

Why does the easiest networking set up demand all computers on net be
running Win7?

Does Win7 allow one to add your computer to the LAN using Workgroup and
sharing ala VISTA,XP,Win98 ?

Read a PC magazine review that said Homegroup network setup required all the
computers to be Windows 7. Surely that means you can only do it the easy way
if all the PC are running Windows 7 and you can still set up a network with
non Windows 7 machines the old fashioned way.

 

[Speaking in silver]

I'll say up front that I'll have to be dragged kicking and screaming away
from XT. I do use VISTA and a back-up machine with little problem.

I have *not* used Windows 7.
After reading a few reviews I have to ask:

Why no windows mail?

Part of the global strategy against freedom in the internet. Usenet allows
to post and download anonymously. They don't like that. Instead, they want
you to use use WLM, so that they can track you down and always know who you
are. Next time they'll close our P2P ports or encrypyt discs so that they
can not be copied... hey, wait, they're already doing that!

Why are AERO PEEK and AERO SHAKE a good deal ?

They are not.

Why does the easiest networking set up demand all computers on net be
running Win7?

Maybe Microsoft wants your money? What do you think?

Does Win7 allow one to add your computer to the LAN using Workgroup and
sharing ala VISTA,XP,Win98 ?

Are not these cluttered screens and a cluttered task bar just hopeless
confusion to new and less experienced users?

Yes they are. Easy to get rid of them though.

Most reviews appear to be written by people that want to stay friendly
with Microsoft.
XDDD
Surprised?

The reason that VISTA up-dates so well is because Win7 is VISTA with some
changes and a bunch of marginally use full trinkets.
Mark me skeptical

I don't agree here. W7 gets your hardware drivers (my main point against XP)
much better than Vista (although Drivermax or Driver Genius must be used in
order to be fully updated). Copying files is quicker, the Explorer runs
smoother and memoy management in general seems better. Also, I haven't got a
blue screen yet...

All we have to do is to get rid of the annoying Windows Media Player (as
always, use VLC instead), the Aero features and some tricks at the
taskbar/startbar/desktop to make it look like the good old XP, but with the
power of the new W7. Programs like W7 Manager will be helpful to get rid of
the UAC (user account control) and many other stupid things. Now I am happy
with my dual boot Vista/W7 and I think I will delete Vista maybe after a
month. Give it a try.

 

[Periproct]

Snipped


Read a PC magazine review that said Homegroup network setup required all
the computers to be Windows 7. Surely that means you can only do it the
easy way if all the PC are running Windows 7 and you can still set up a
network with non Windows 7 machines the old fashioned way.

There should have been a question mark at the end of the last sentence
above.
I was re-asking the question the OP (Henny) asked.

Microsoft upgrade advisor says my humble graphics card won't support Aero so
I'll have to decide whether to spend some money or live without it.
Plus I'll need to decide what to use for email and newsgroups.

 

[Trev]

Snipped


Read a PC magazine review that said Homegroup network setup required all the
computers to be Windows 7. Surely that means you can only do it the easy way
if all the PC are running Windows 7 and you can still set up a network with
non Windows 7 machines the old fashioned way.

Yes the workgroup setting

 

[Andy]

Hi, Henny.

Maybe I can answer a couple of your questions.


Because people have complained for years about the "bloat" In Windows.
By removing some functions that are not part of the actual operating
system, MS made Windows 7 a bit slimmer than Vista. This also reduces
the complaints from vendors of competing products.

But, you can go to http://download.live.com and download - for free -
all the Windows Live Essentials. These include Windows Live Mail,
Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Live Messenger and a couple of
others.

It's like if Ford was forbidden to include a radio in their cars
because of complaints from Bose and other radio makers. The Ford
dealer could tell his customer, "You are free to go to Best Buy or
Wal*Mart or wherever you like and buy the radio of your choice. Or,
you can drive around to our service department and we'll install our
radio for free!" It doesn't make sense to me, but it should quiet
some of the complaints.


Not as much as you think. Most "new and less experienced users" will
not have to shake off the WinXP mindset that afflicts so many
experienced users. They will arrive at Win7 without all that old
baggage.

But many WinXP users - mostly the ones who have so adamantly resisted
learning to use Vista - will also have trouble learning to use Win7 -
or any other new system.

But those who enjoy learning about new and better systems will be
enjoying Win7 in just a few days. ;<)

RC

I just got a Win7 'puter (laptop) on Saturday. Therre's a ton of
learning curve for me.

The 64-bit OS has made me a bit nervous.

My 'puter is a Sony Vaio VGN-N270F.

Amazing how much stuff they can shoehorn into a 6.4 lb. box!

I'm so lost, a little less, as time passes watching the video help!

I DO miss outlook express. From such familiarity, this is a new step out
into the wild, so-to-speak.

Andy

 

[R. C. White]

Hi, Andy.

See my inline bottom post...

I just got a Win7 'puter (laptop) on Saturday. Therre's a ton of
learning curve for me.

It should be fun - if you enjoy learning. ;<)

The 64-bit OS has made me a bit nervous.

No need to be nervous. I've never had a Sony - or any laptop. But I'm sure
that Sony has already taken care of the hard parts. I doubt that you will
really notice the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit. Most of the
differences are under the hood; the user interfaces are identical.

One important difference is that 64-bit Windows has an additional program
files folder, which first appeared in WinXP x64, then in Vista x64 and now
in Win7 x64. The original Program Files name is used for 64-bit
applications. Most applications are still 32-bit and they are installed in
the newer "Program Files (x86)" folder; the "x86" refers to the line of
Intel 16- and 32-bit CPUs starting with the 8086 in the mid-1980's. Win7
x64 should automatically sort apps into the correct folders, and the user
usually will not even notice unless he is watching closely during the app's
setup.

My 'puter is a Sony Vaio VGN-N270F.

Amazing how much stuff they can shoehorn into a 6.4 lb. box!

I'm so lost, a little less, as time passes watching the video help!

I DO miss outlook express. From such familiarity, this is a new step out
into the wild, so-to-speak.

Even Vista did not have OE, and Microsoft announced about 3 years ago that
development on both OE and Vista's Windows Mail had ceased and no further
updates will be forthcoming, except for security fixes that might be needed.
As discussed earlier in this thread, Win7 has no email/news app at all, but
you can download Windows Live Essentials - including Windows Live Mail - for
free from download.live.com. Millions of users have successfully made the
transition from OE to WLM, and I'm sure you will, too.

Andy

Come on in. The water's fine! ;<)

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX
(e-mail address removed)
Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8089.0726) in Win7 Ultimate x64

 

[Andy]

Hi, Andy.

See my inline bottom post...



It should be fun - if you enjoy learning. ;<)


No need to be nervous. I've never had a Sony - or any laptop. But
I'm sure that Sony has already taken care of the hard parts. I doubt
that you will really notice the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit.
Most of the differences are under the hood; the user interfaces are
identical.

One important difference is that 64-bit Windows has an additional
program files folder, which first appeared in WinXP x64, then in Vista
x64 and now in Win7 x64. The original Program Files name is used for
64-bit applications. Most applications are still 32-bit and they are
installed in the newer "Program Files (x86)" folder; the "x86" refers
to the line of Intel 16- and 32-bit CPUs starting with the 8086 in the
mid-1980's. Win7 x64 should automatically sort apps into the correct
folders, and the user usually will not even notice unless he is
watching closely during the app's setup.


Even Vista did not have OE, and Microsoft announced about 3 years ago
that development on both OE and Vista's Windows Mail had ceased and no
further updates will be forthcoming, except for security fixes that
might be needed. As discussed earlier in this thread, Win7 has no
email/news app at all, but you can download Windows Live Essentials -
including Windows Live Mail - for free from download.live.com.
Millions of users have successfully made the transition from OE to
WLM, and I'm sure you will, too.


Come on in. The water's fine! ;<)

RC

RC,

I'd have thought 64-bit Windows would be 32-bit backwards compatible but
I've noticed some data handling discrepancies with one application
"xNews", it doesn't sort date and time like it used to. It's a couple
years old, that might explain that.

Now I'm going to call up my software companies I've licensed and inquire
before re-installing them.

Thanks,

Andy

 

[Andy]

Microsoft Windows MVP
Windows Live Mail 2009 (14.0.8089.0726) in Win7 Ultimate x64

RC,

Also, explain, if you can, is Windows Live Mail a standalone emailer or a
web/online email version like fetching hotmail?

I haven't done homework on Windows Live yet.

All this new nomenclature... DAMMIT!

Best,

Andy

 

[Geordie]

I'd have thought 64-bit Windows would be 32-bit backwards compatible but
I've noticed some data handling discrepancies with one application
"xNews", it doesn't sort date and time like it used to. It's a couple
years old, that might explain that.

The version of Xnews on this Win7 64bit m/c, Xnews/2009.05.01, is
sorting them the same way as I had it set up in Vista 64bit and in XP
32bit.

 

[Andy]

The version of Xnews on this Win7 64bit m/c, Xnews/2009.05.01, is
sorting them the same way as I had it set up in Vista 64bit and in XP
32bit.

Geordie,

I remember a test version of xNews!

Chances are there's a sort setting I completely forgot about.


From his website,

"new test version that supports >2^31 article numbers (sorry, no, it's
not the 64 bit version of Xnews "

What the heck?

Andy

 

[Geordie]

Geordie,

I remember a test version of xNews!

That's the version I have.

Chances are there's a sort setting I completely forgot about.

This is what is in my xnews config file:
DateFmtDay=hh:nn
DateFmtWeek=ddd dd hh:nn
DateFmtYear=mmm dd hh:nn

It might not be what you are looking for though.

From his website,

"new test version that supports >2^31 article numbers (sorry, no, it's
not the 64 bit version of Xnews "

What the heck?

Andy

That was changes to Usenet postings if memory serves me correctly.

I only use Xnews as a back up, as Agent is my main newsreader.