Microsoft's New Vista Ad Campaign: Microsoft Mojave

[Santa Rosa]

1. My first laptop was a HP dv6000t, 1.83GHz dual core, 1GB RAM, and intel GMA 950 with Vista Home Premium... My dad kept pressuring me to get 2GB RAM because of what he had "heard", but I was being cheap and got 1GB. It ran perfectly fine. No complaints here.

2. Only just runs smoothly... That makes sense. It either runs smoothly, or it doesn't. And considering your words, it sounds like it does, but you refuse to admit it. Also, considering you have a fully decked MBP (with out a doubt better than my HP), and complaining about Vista,I can't help but think your exaggerating.

1. You obviously weren't doing anything very intensive on it then. That would explain that. If you pushed that laptop any it would be slow as anything.

2. How does that not make sense? Borderline a better word for you? I bought Vista Ultimate when it came out, yea the most expensive one, I have every right to complain. My MBP (apparently one of the best laptops to run Vista ironically) runs Leopard and Vista Bootcamped and it is night and day between the two.

The only reason I need Windows is for my engineering applications. Yes I could have got XP Pro but I wanted to be up to date when I was spending all that money. Not buying into a 7 year old OS or whatever it is. And to be honest its just given me silly headaches the whole time.

UAC is a complete joke (now off), Norton Internet Security doesn't integrate with the system properly (another Microsoft quirk if you don't know, them trying to play the monopoly on using their security software by locking out other vendors from working with the OS properly). Strange wireless network organization and behavior, the gadget bar.... The list goes on.

Microsoft is stuck on some track that to sell software its got to have more and more features, this leaves bugs, bloat and problems in their systems, on top of having to support so much legacy crap.

You think any of the Mojave people even have the faintest clue about this? Most of them look like its the first time they have seen a computer. Its Microsoft at their best, being tools. Hell, not even Intel will touch Vista and they were involved in a huge way with developing it!!!

 

[spanading]

Hey guys it depends what you are used to

Hi All

sounds as though we have a few people who either solely use Windows or who don't really Use OS X that much. I have to use windows for my work (even at home Yuk!). Why? Well I have lots to do but the version of exchange that our company uses does not work properly with Mac OS X (Safari) or any other browser but I.E. for that matter. I think that is an anti-trust issue but that's a whole different ball game, so to stay on top of my work at the time I ........(Really sorry about this).....................had to install Vista on my iMac (Sorry again).

I guess for all those people using XP who will never consider the switch then yes Vista for all its flaws is a monumental (Sp?) step forwards and it runs on my Core2Duo 2.16 mac with 2GB of ram it ran smoothly (though I have not really pushed it). However, it is NO mac OS X and to be honest some of the pictures I have seen of one of the Ubuntu linux versions blows Vista out of the water for graphics and style. So what am I really saying. If you are an XP user, well 1st go for a Mac! If you really hate OS X get a sanity check and if that works out then you can always install Vista on it (I cannot believe I have written that but I guess you have to cater for those who want a security blanket, for situations like mine where the architecture locks you out unless you use Windows). Second the people in the Video probably have only used Windows and so yes they would be impressed and Third well I guess everyone has a right to chose what they want but I wont be giving up Mac OS X anytime soon no matter how many mainstreem TV programs in the UK are bias against it! ARE YOU LISTENING CLICK !

Cheers Spence

 

[Santa Rosa]

Second the people in the Video probably have only used Windows and so yes they would be impressed and Third well I guess everyone has a right to chose what they want but I wont be giving up Mac OS X anytime soon no matter how many mainstreem TV programs in the UK are bias against it! ARE YOU LISTENING CLICK ! <-- added bold for effect lol

Cheers Spence

As I said I don't think anyone in those videos has ever experienced a computer before lol The way some of them talk about what they are seeing is just comical. 4 words to describe it: awww, ehhhh Cool can I say that... What is that about. They wouldn't be saying that if they had to do a clean install upgrade, update to SP1 and get all the correct drivers installed, then organize the Firewall and Antivirus correctly. Another point which someone has already stated.

Bet all the ones on the Windows Forums are luving Mojave, aww those stupid Mac adds, Mojave is just so so good (goes out buys Mac)...

 

[geeves]

New Microsoft campaign pitch

Vista! More than you'd expect...

 

[Insulin Junkie]

That commercial isn't convincing, but then neither are the apple commercials, in my opinion.

 

[DMann]

Vista! More than you'd expect...

We expect so very little from Microsoft, that the mere release an OS, within a decade, far exceeds our expectations. Feeble, at best, Vista consistently chokes while underperforming during intensive tasks such as simultaneously running Photoshop, Premier, Pro Tools, and transferring large files to and from external hard drives. Upgraded to 4G of RAM on Dell XPS 630 to no avail. Vista is a pig, and does not perform even close to the level of OS X running Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and transferring files.

 

[IJ Reilly]

We expect so very little from Microsoft, that the mere release an OS, within a decade, far exceeds our expectations.

Speak for yourself.

Seriously, this is the crux of the matter. Throughout out its existence, Microsoft has been able to thrive living by the maxim "good enough is plenty." Thanks to Apple, this is steadily becoming a less serviceable method of operation. Microsoft is having to sing for their supper now, and I think we're going to find out how well they do it. IMO, the current evidence suggests, rather poorly.

 

[TomsMacBook]

This really is quite funny. Adults being reduced to bickering children.

Anywho, on topic. I found the ad quite ingenious. It makes a point, and that point appeals to certain people.

NOW, here's the thing. The people that the ad is targeted at will be computer illiterate. They're expecting more... Weathered users to bash the system. But, to anybody thats been linked to that page, and that uses XP, say, in an office, they'd be convinced. Thats the way I see it.

Personally, I've used XP, Vista and OS X reguarly. I first got shown computers by my older brother (Who, co-incidentally, gave me my first Mac.) and I was blown away. Hey, look! It does maths for me! Woah! I can look for PlayStation cheats! I can learn how to play Football better! Etc. That was on Windows. My family isn't very computer-oriented, so I grew up with Windows. I got used to it, the registry, how to clean it, all the jazz. It really was good. I then hopped onto my dads work laptop about a year back, and he had Vista. It ran real smooth, and was, in my opinion, miles ahead of XP. Now, this is still when I wasn't computer savvy. Shortly after, I got given a MacBook to help me study for my GCSE's. Leopard was too very nice. I also ran Vista in Bootcamp next to it. Both worked like a charm.

My point is, Vista is what you make it. The ad was targeted at non-computer-savvy people. They would be well into it, and rush out for Vista. And then turn into what 80% of the people in this topic are. Angry, biased fanboys.

But hey, don't stop because of me. It's entertaining looking into all this.

 

[squeller]

I found the ad quite ingenious. It makes a point, and that point appeals to certain people.

NOW, here's the thing. The people that the ad is targeted at will be computer illiterate. They're expecting more... Weathered users to bash the system. But, to anybody thats been linked to that page, and that uses XP, say, in an office, they'd be convinced. Thats the way I see it.

I wouldn't call them computer illiterate. It's just targeted at people who "heard bad things" about Vista, but didn't try it yet. I think it might even work - it's an interesting attempt either way.

And sometimes you need a second impression. My first impression of OS X wasn't exactly good either. The worst thing is the mouse acceleration. A braindead (and pretty much unusable) acceleration curve and no way to adjust it without buying more software is ridiculous.

 

[dmr727]

The worst thing is the mouse acceleration. A braindead (and pretty much unusable) acceleration curve and no way to adjust it without buying more software is ridiculous.

That's funny, because I had exactly the opposite impression - Apple has always had the acceleration right, while Windows feels like a toy. Different strokes for different folks!

 

[squeller]

That's funny, because I had exactly the opposite impression - Apple has always had the acceleration right, while Windows feels like a toy. Different strokes for different folks!

I didn't compare it to Windows. Pretty much all other OS'es I know have saner settings. The main point was that you can't even turn it off or adjust it, which is ridiculous. And I can imagine that some people can't tell/don't mind, especially if they use a slower mouse speed. But the curve is very unnatural - way to steep and not much of a curve at all. I can totally imagine that'll lead to problems later if you use the computer a lot.

 

[mwpeters8182]

In the course of a day, I probably use 3/4 different OSs - Leopard/XP/Ubuntu at work, and Leopard/Vista at home. I'm equally productive on all of them.

There are things I prefer on each of them. I've never had any of these supposed countless crashes in Vista that I've heard about, and I see UAC rarely. My XP machine is probably the biggest offender - work loads up encryption software as well as Norton (which seems to cause, by far, the most issues of anything I've seen). Leopard is pretty solid, minus Safari wanting to crash every once in a while - but that's been a problem ever sine it came out. Though, to be honest, I think it's a step backwards from Tiger in terms of stability.

Vista's not nearly as bad as people are making it out to be - I think Microsoft's idea of highlighting this is a good one, but I'm not sure the Mojave ads are the best way to go about it.

 

[alienfulla]

vista schmister

We recently had to purchase a new laptop for a sales rep (HP running vista) The day it arrived, i had picked up an old G4 ibook for home with a fresh install of OSX. Out of interest, i sat both machines side by side & turned them on for the first time - The mac was up & running, updated & connected to the wireless network, recieving emails & printing to a HP edgeline printer(not a standard office printer) before the PC (being setup by a qualified technician) had even finished it's 'out of the box' setup regime.

So far the HP/vista machine has been sworn at, beaten with a folder & pushed off the desk due to it either taking forever to do basic tasks or asking multiple times if you really, really REALLY?? want to do something.

On at least 3 occasions, the iBook has been handed over to the rep to calm them down - after never previously having used a mac, they are starting to be won over from the dark side. We are currently looking to replace all machines in the office with macs, rather than upgrading to vista.

I personally can't handle waiting around for vista to do stuff. & I don't like to repeat myself when I tell it to do something.

'May M$ live a long, tortured afterlife - oops we're doing it for them'

 

[minijon]

The "features" listed below...

One "feature" was that Vista is compatible with over 200 security programs. "Compatible" is an interesting way to spin "requires."

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

One "feature" was that Vista is compatible with over 200 security programs. "Compatible" is an interesting way to spin "requires."

That is quite the clever burn, nice

 

[zachplaysguitar]

I use both OS X and Vista and i find it very frustrating that i cannot use vista for more than 15 minutes without some program becoming unresponsive and requiring me to end the process. I think if this were actually carried out by independent researchers where each subject were to use both OS's for an extended period of time, I have no doubt that most, if not all, would choose OS X over Vista.

 

[K-Funk]

I use both OS X and Vista and i find it very frustrating that i cannot use vista for more than 15 minutes without some program becoming unresponsive and requiring me to end the process.

I very rarely have that problem with Vista.

 

[K-Funk]

One "feature" was that Vista is compatible with over 200 security programs. "Compatible" is an interesting way to spin "requires."

I have no security programs with my Vista laptop, and I've had no issues.

Look, I'm sure there are many excellent reasons why OS X is better than Vista, but making strawman arguments like "Vista is plagued with viruses" or "Vista is constantly freezing" are not a good way to convince people, because most people don't have these sorts of issues.

 

[dwl017]

I have no security programs with my Vista laptop, and I've had no issues.

Look, I'm sure there are many excellent reasons why OS X is better than Vista, but making strawman arguments like "Vista is plagued with viruses" or "Vista is constantly freezing" are not a good way to convince people, because most people don't have these sorts of issues.

If I might throw my two cents into the ring I am also a user of all the major OS platforms OS X XP and Vista and I rather enjoy all three. I have been using Vista Premium on a 32bit Gateway One machine for almost a year now and the thing runs like silk! never had a virus and like the Mac ad says it just works.

Footnote:

I am a responsible adult user who never finds the need to view porn sites or download anything I do not need so maybe this has something to do with my Vista experience being such a good one.

 

[elppa]

I am a responsible adult user who never finds the need to view porn sites or download anything I do not need so maybe this has something to do with my Vista experience being such a good one.

Brilliant!

Condem everyone who has ever issues with Vista as being one of: irresponsible, perverted or clueless, maybe all three!

This is like Microsofts marketing — apparently it's not Microsoft's fault Vista hasn't been warmly received by many, it is all the fault of their customers for not “understanding” Vista and thinking the world is flat. Even though they admit themselves that to begin with printers didn't work and games didn't run as smoothly.

Granted there may be some hyperbole in the criticisms of Vista, I run it in bootcamp and VMWare and don't think it is too bad, but prefer OS X Leopard in a number of areas.


Here's a story which happened to me yesterday:
I was watching a program on demand five full screen on Vista (Windows Media DRM).

All of a sudden the screen goes greeny/blue and it says in big white text: “Shutting Down….”

Then the little swirly thing appears and it says:
“Installing Updates 1 of 3. 0% Complete…
Please do not turn off your computer”.

And I'm thinking excuse me! Just who is using this computer! You can't just turn off and start installing some updates in the middle of my TV programme just because you believe it's important. I'm logged in, I should have the call.

So then after a lengthly restart I see swirly thing again and the text:
“Installing Updates 3 of 3. 0% Complete…”.

So then I load my programme again, switch to full screen mode and scrub back to where I left off.

Then a few minutes latter big yellow bubble popped at the bottom right of the screen (all over my full screen TV programme) saying: “Updates were Installed on your(!) computer. Click here to find out more”. Emphasis mine.

My heart sank. User Experience like this undoes a lot of faith in the product.

No doubt I am in the “stupid” category for not realising Vista could/would do this and then not “knowing” for which (no doubt obscure) preference to look for in the Control Panel to prevent it from happening again. No doubt I should have been delighted Vista popped a dialog up to keep me informed about my updates right in the middle of my full screen TV program. Please let me know which one it is once you have got off your moral highground.

 

[bartzilla]

I use both OS X and Vista and i find it very frustrating that i cannot use vista for more than 15 minutes without some program becoming unresponsive and requiring me to end the process.

With the greatest respect, if you truly have this experience with Vista then something is wrong with your setup somewhere. It's an awful enough operating system but this is not typical behaviour.

if this were actually carried out by independent researchers where each subject were to use both OS's for an extended period of time, I have no doubt that most, if not all, would choose OS X over Vista.

Agreed 100%

 

[DMann]

I very rarely have that problem with Vista.

I rarely use Vista, and often have that problem, as well as several others.

 

[bartzilla]

I am a responsible adult user who never finds the need to view porn sites or download anything I do not need so maybe this has something to do with my Vista experience being such a good one.

Very nice of you to paint all who disagree with you with one brush there.
Maybe your Vista experience is such a good one because you're not a very demanding user. Vista 'ticks all the boxes' but has a very poor fit and finish.

It's behaviour over patching reveals it to be an OS that knows that it controls the computer and will grudgingly let the person who purchased the machine have control if it isn't too busy installing stuff the owner didn't ask for.

Some of the workings of UAC reveal the designers to have little or no idea of how 'real' people use a computer... or maybe they know but just don't care. I'll give you an example of Microsoft's attention to detail here.

I was a Microsoft MVP and was part of the team testing Longhorn and then Vista. I reported a bug with UAC prompting the user multiple times if the user created and renamed a folder in their start menu to tidy up all the rubbish Microsoft put in there by default. The fact that you got multiple prompts to create one folder was closed as 'by design' and made it into the final product.

I'm from the UK and noticed that on first run on XP that IE7 (part of the same test program, even on XP) asked you to set localisation yourself rather than check previous IE configurations or even where you'd set yourself in the system-wide locale area. This bug was closed as 'by design'. I have countless other stories like this.

If both of those things were intentional design then clearly Vista is one very badly designed system, because each individual step might make sense to some designer somewhere but it all added up to one very poor user experience.

 

[PhotoPhoenix]

......but Vista IS horrible. you can't turn that around on people no matter how much your ad campaign is. my wife's computer has Vista and leaving my Mac to go on her PC for a short while is more than enough to get annoyed.

 

[K-Funk]

I think if this were actually carried out by independent researchers where each subject were to use both OS's for an extended period of time, I have no doubt that most, if not all, would choose OS X over Vista.

You're probably right. I certainly find Vista annoying at times (and I like XP better), so I might prefer OS X. But I'm sticking with PCs for now because of cost. For all its imperfections, Vista works fine for the stuff I need to do -- word processing and web surfing. Thus, it's not worth the extra cost to get a Mac.

I find it puzzling how many posters here act like using Vista is a horrific nightmare. Maybe it's just because they do more demanding things than I do. For me, Vista has flaws, but it's just an operating system, and it's fine.