Vista going to be a flop like the PlayStation 3 and Windows millennium?

[fredered]

That's not a Linux problem that's a problem with the hardware industry not writting linux drivers or releasing the device specs to the FOSS community to write their own.

Not a technical problem with linux certainly, but still a problem to potential users, I have tried linux a few times and have always given up as something or other just won't work and there are no easily installable drivers around. But with windows this is not a problem, so even if Vista is technically inferior it is more likely to succeed due to this type of support making it less of a hassle to a casual user.

[ibiris]

Maybe schools should start selection for IT modules in their GCSE. Kind of like when you had to pick your choices for the final 2 years (i take it they still do that?)... you get to pick which operating system to study.
Then most people won't feel like they have to use windows because they know nothing else and don't feel they can handle anything else.
I tried linux (redhat i have to admit) a few years ago and didnt have the time or patience to learn how to use it effectively, unfortunately....

I now wish i had stuck with it, as I now intend to try again. But it will now be from scratch, as there is only one or two commands i can remember..

Now begins the KDE vs. Gnome debate in my head......

*edit* fixed some spelling mistakes, maybe i should have paid more attention in english....

[aidanjt]

Gnome is ok if you want to let the developers decide how you use your DE. KDE is very flexible, not wanting to get into a DE flamefest on a Vista thread, but that's about it.

[tfboy]

As far as DRM goes, you ONLY need fully compliant hardware IF you want to watch it over a DIGITAL connection (DVI for monitors). This is what is required when watching HDCP-protected content. And if content is HDCP-protected, you need HDCP compliance in every chain of the signal, so you need an HDCP graphics card AND an HDCP compliant monitor.

If you don't have these, then you can still watch material, even in HD resolutions, but using analogue connections (15 pin VGA instead of DVI).

The complication is that the recent software such as PowerDVD Ultra which supports both HD-DVD and BD requests you have HDCP compliant hardware even if the actual DRM does not need it.