User Rating: 
4/10
Typical microsoft problemsby Piratesoft - August 11, 2005
Pros: Beautiful looking format
Cons: crashes and no support
Review:
This version of windows is typical of the last couple of new releases. Every other time new software is attempted to be installed the system crashes. There is no media players that are compatible with it yet so you are left to windows media player, half the devices on my computer can't be recongized and therefore unable to use. The same as windows xp sp2. I had several devices that I couldn't use until the first hotfix came out. Send Bill a message and don't waste your time.
User Rating: 
8/10
Attention Mac-o-whiners, please, leave us room for a real discussion of the subject.by JASON MAZON - July 18, 2005
Pros: M.S. keeping up with tech advances, looks promising
Cons: Late as usual
Review:
About Microsoft's Longhorn Windows project:
I don't understand why CNET has this habit of reviewing products that don't exist yet.
What good is that to those of us looking for real, substantive information about, for example, an operatin system. In this case Windows: a large, general purpose, sprawling, code engine made to address just about any computing function-not just fringe computing needs and niches.
And if this is not enough, we have to put up
with the Macophiles sheep heads whose only mission is to recite and regurgitate the arrogant Apple mantra. They are not interested in a real discussion. They are only interested in sludging up the discussion space with their naive "I found computing Holigrail" whines.
I am going to stop reading these users opinions unless CNET starts realizing that time is important to a lot of us out here and perhaps starts filtering real, useful comments from pseudo commentary by people who still live in a by-gone era. Thank you.
Updated
Even Cnet reviewers who grew up with the Mac usually have a bias towards anything that microsoft puts out. So, I am starting not to take a lot of what they say about the Windows operating system too seriously.
As for the naive, lazy Mac computing segment of the population: Listen up, you are still being used by genious marketer. you praise him, you adore him but for what?
Your platform was defunct right from under your nose and you don't even know it. So, when you shout your battle cry: "Just get a Mac, already" what you should be saying is "Just get (UV+I) machine, already."
Guess what that stand for: Unix-variant Intel machine. Got it, now. So, if your only contributions are "just get a Mac, already" or the teen-age sounding "Windows sucks" have someone else who has experience with the ware write the lines for you or go to the Microsoft website and read about it. You won't die or go to hell-promise.
Updated
I mean, douglastaua,firefoxbrowser, and mossad67 sound like Mac-sheephead inductee teenagers who give a rating of (1) and spew out some nonsence which shows that they have never touched the Windows operating system. They and their minions have camped out over this review to make sure that the rating stays low. I mean what is the purpose, what is the philososy, what is the psychological necessesity-just stupidity.
What a waist. "A brain is a terrible thing to waist." LOL
Updated
I mean, douglastaua,firefoxbrowser, and mossad67 sound
like Mac-sheephead inducteeS teenagers who give a rating
of (1) and spew out some nonsence which shows that they
have never touched the Windows operating system. They
and their minions have camped out over this review to
make sure that the rating stays low. I mean what is the
purpose, what is the philososy, what is the
psychological necessesity-just stupidity?
What a waist. "A brain is a terrible thing to waist."
LOL
User Rating: 
6/10
So many reviews? It's not even out yet!!!by JakeChance - July 5, 2005
Pros: It's not available
Cons: It's not available
Review:
I love how people are even starting to comment and giving this product scores without even trying it as it is not available. Look, I don't care if you love or hate windows but think about how stupid do you look flooding this thing with reviews for a product that isn't available yet. These reviews are just products of your Microsoft hatred which can or cannot be justified. I don't see why you have to polute Cnet with your tripe when you all could simply huddle in your mac/linux or whatever forums and irc rooms. Post something here when you have actually used Longhorn and have something to add to this website.
User Rating: 
2/10
just get a mac already!!by chad6377 - July 3, 2005
Pros: maybe more secure
Cons: its windows
Review:
it may be more secure but from the look of things it is exactly the same....wow they added improved graphics and it lets you preview pictures before you delete them ....wow what an accomplishment microsoft.....you guys are really working hard.....make the switch....switch to mac....i switched about 3 months ago and i am never going back...nice try windows longhorn...but i think mac OS X Tiger still had the edge
User Rating: 2/10
a little bit prettier, but it's the same s...by Jedi Master - June 27, 2005
Pros: nice look, looks fun
Cons: the microsoft and windows logo in the product
Review:
It's prettier, but it will have the same problems that the other windows... and 512MB RAM as minimal required, that's sucks, so now how many ram I will need to use for videogames or 3D applications?
User Rating: 4/10
Features aren't Everythingby kamikaze18 - June 3, 2005
Pros: The features offered such as faster boot-up time for laptops are much needed. CD player and calendar abilities without boot-up
Cons: Bulky software that is slow. Company with a bad rap for a long time to come. Bound to be really expensive.
Review:
Windows may have some tricks up it's sleeve, but it's still the bulky, slow, expensive operating system that requires the too much hardware. With Windows, you dish out large amounts of money for a user friendly interface. I'm not saying linux is the right way to go either, as it is not nearly as user friendly. Basically, Windows is taking what has already been developed by a number of other companies and code writers for linux and integrating them into it's new OS. If your computer savy enough to compile these features into linux then you can have a faster, more secure, and free operating system that offers everything but the simplicity that Longhorn offers, but you can have it now also. But as the author says, most people won't get longhorn until they buy a new computer, and for those that aren't hardware savy and buy prebuilt commercial systems will be forced to into a copy anyway.
User Rating: 
1/10
The Greatest Hoodwink of allby mossad67 - June 2, 2005
Pros: Probably will be more secure
Cons: It's a Microsoft Product
Review:
The fact that 90 percent of all computer users around the world have been suckered into buying Microsoft OS's for the last 10 years highlights the fact that their advertising and media manipulation is second to none. Their software being first. For all of those who are giving this an 8 or above, I have a challenge for you:
1. In less than 1 minute, successfully share a folder on your C drive with another windows machine on your network. See if "Network Neighborhood" will work without hanging.
2. Try uninstalling Internet Explorer or Kazaa on your Windows machine.
3. Go to the start menu. Start Word. Immediately afterwards, start up whatever photo editing program you have. Then launch your mp3 player. See how things work out.
4. See if you can remove all systray icons within 1 minute's time. Better yet, see if you can get a program to not install them in the first place.
The above are just some of the reasons I left the Windows world 5 years ago and haven't looked back.
User Rating: 6/10
What gives folks??by anth77 - May 10, 2005
Pros: Not established yet.
Cons: Not established yet.
Review:
I find it strange how so many people see fit to review this product, positively or negatively, when it isn't even due out till the later part of 06. Apple definately has it plus sides, but their computers are not for everyone. They tend to have a strange niche market between low grade end users and high end graphical/audio engineers. My roommate has an iBook that I find to be overly complex and a touch slow. However, Apple's ability to resist viruses, spyware, and the like is exemplary and a strong feature of their OS/product line.
But it is too early to discount this latest version of Windows. Longhorn may end up making the PC more 'Mac Friendly'. Then again, we could see a repeat of the entire ME fiasco. However, given that Microsoft has had 5 years to work on this OS, we cannot discount it wholly while the BETA is yet unreleased. If you are a Mac user and you prefer your OS, that's fine. I would implore you not to give negative feedback on a product you couldn't have had any experience with. Review Windows XP if you want to draw comparisions between the two platforms. Save the Longhorn reviews for when you can actually test the product.
NOTE: The only reason I rated this product is because it made me. I give it 6 simply because that is the default setting for the slider.
User Rating: 2/10
Nice Try. Bill.by FirefoxBrowser - May 5, 2005
Pros: Purtier than XP
Cons: Ustable, killed a good load of 2000 when installing on same partition (had a 2nd 20 GB Linux Drive, it broke that to)
Review:
it sucks more, and that's guarunteed
User Rating: 1/10
Mac Far Betterby douglastaua - May 5, 2005
Pros: Something for WinXP Users to drill over
Cons: Its a waste of Compact Disk.
Review:
Nothing Significant, still going to have the same problems. Crashes, Hackers, Viruses, Must I go on. Switch to Mac. Apple Manufactures the Operating system as well as the Hardware. Very stable, and both work in Equilibrium together. ONCE YOU GO MAC YOU NEVER GO BACK, remember that! Have a look at the Editors rating and user rating of Longhorn, then compare it with Mac O S X Tiger 10.4, come on people and get your acts together! Switch to MAC
Updated
STUPID WINDOWS, STILL DUMB, EVEN AFTER COPYING MACS VERSION OF TIGER. GOOD TRY, BUT NOT THIS CENTURY,UNDERDOG IS BACK TO STAY
User Rating: 
3/10
Weak systerby idolj - May 3, 2005
Pros: Not much to brag about yet...
Cons: Immature - lots more work to do on this sys
Review:
User Rating: 6/10
Good, But Not Great.by toosday - May 1, 2005
Pros: Increased Security, Simple Design
Cons: 512 RAM required
Review:
As both a Mac OS and Windows user, I'd have to admit that when it comes to flashy, Tiger wins. But sometimes, simple is best - as Windows seems to have realized. The average Joe and Jane, doesn't necessarily need flashy. Of course, being that 95 percent of computers run on Windows, then there will always be hackers waiting to get into it (Sadly, Mac will have this problem, too, as they become more popular.)
There are two big downsides: 512 of RAM is pretty heavy for the average user. Take, for example, the fact that all of the APple G5s comes standard with ONLY 512 of RAM and they are some of the most powerful computers around. THe second, and biggest, downside is that most people are pretty content with Windows XP. Sure, it has security flaws, but for the average user, everything is OK. It;s good that Microsoft isn't expecting long waiting lines for this OS. There probably won't be. But it is still a solid release.
User Rating: 1/10
1 out of 10by HarryHirsch - April 30, 2005
Pros: its not on the market (that's why ONE out of 10)
Cons: it may hit the street one day
Review:
Try Mac OSX 10.4 (Tiger). Its there. Its working. Really!
User Rating: 2/10
nice try microshaftby mattyd - April 27, 2005
Pros: its windows
Cons: its windows...
Review:
ok what is this? it looks exactly like windows xp only with a few touch ups. while that is all nice and all since XP is a pretty decent OS. but why do we have to wait until late next year? im going to give windows a break and try out a powerbook while still using my windows desk top. Tiger looks way cool.
User Rating: 8/10
Consegui fazer na verdade eu nao sei se consegui mesmoby corneliopj - April 27, 2005
Pros: mas se consegui
Cons: realmente vai ser muito bom
Review:
Se neste site eu encontrar o que eu quero, esse site é bonzinho
User Rating: 
9/10
EXCELLENT - Can't wait - I like XP and will install 64B.by amcinc40 - April 26, 2005
Pros: Rates high with me
Cons: No bad side
Review:
People complain but no other system can match XP
User Rating: 1/10
Windows Sucksby americanboy90 - April 25, 2005
Pros: Its an improvement
Cons: It was terrible to start with
Review:
User Rating: 3/10
Microsoft's next disaster after its spyware garbage and hilarious antivirus ventureby whymercedes - April 23, 2005
Pros: None except it will make Gates richer by requiring more upgrades for companies
Cons: DRM is probably the upgrade since they are into entertainment
Review:
Longhorn (why the weird name) probably will be more about Digital Rights Management than exploring the possibilities of fixing the OS. XP is still vulnerable to viruses, bugs, spyware, etc. MS's spyware offering was the worst piece of junk besides Windows Media 10. If I could run all the programs on a Mac, I wouldn't even consider Microsoft's garbage. How many updates since SP2? Good God! Why don't they just fix all the holes and make it secure rather than forging ahead with another crappy OS system that has to be upgraded daily.
User Rating: 1/10
Bill Gates admits longhorn is as exciting as he is....not very.by sandman619 - April 23, 2005
Pros: Much of it is copied from Mac OS X current releases
Cons: It's a microsoft product
Review:
Sounds like microsoft will innovate windows again in a feeble attempt to copy Mac OS X.
"Windows XP look and feel..." the innovative microsoft look and feel copied from Mac OS X's Aqua interface....out a year earlier than XP.
"Aero Glass interface, in which translucent windows..." already a Mac OS X standard.
"Icons will show the contents of a file, such as the first page of text, rather than the Microsoft Word logo..." just like today's Mac OS X, but years late.
"Outlook: Most people will probably wait until they purchase a new PC to get their copy of Windows Longhorn, so that the hardware and the operating system sync properly."
"Microsoft admits that it's not expecting people to camp out overnight to get their hands on Windows Longhorn when it becomes available late in 2006." Hahahahahaha, come join the fun at any Apple retailer or at an Apple store on April 29th till midnight. You might get a glimpse of what Longhorn will look like, you might even see Bill Gates drooling over the OS he clearly admires.
Looking forward to another big OS X release on April 29, 2005!
User Rating: 3/10
longhorn is gonna flopby drexen - April 23, 2005
Pros: see-through windows
Cons: no unix-copy filesystem
Review:
mac has the filesystem already, microsoft is slow. linux has see-through windows anyway. better off with linux 'til then. i'm investing in RHAT and LNUX if it does flop.
User Rating: 3/10
Only one more year to go! Must wait.by ldburroughs - April 23, 2005
Pros: Seems like it will be a nice refresh for an aged OS.
Cons: Only one more year to go! My current system will have to be replaced if I want to use Longhorn.
Review:
I already have a 64 bit system. I've had it for a while now. Windows XP is fine, boring but fine. I have no real need to even try XP 64 edition. By the time they get around to releasing Longhorn, I will need to buy a whole new computer system. Humbug! By the way, how can I rate a product I won't use until 2006?
User Rating: 
10/10
Can't WAIT!!by Chinsen - April 23, 2005
Pros: Improvements over XP! :P
Cons: late 2006?? come on!!
Review:
I can't wait! damn i'm gonna be in college when this comes out... but dayam... usin the longhorn transformation pack itself is damn hot.. GO MS!
User Rating: 1/10
here we go AGAIN......by zero7404 - April 22, 2005
Pros: i don't think there are any.....
Cons: probably too many to list......
Review:
i am not one to say since i haven't used it yet. but judging from microshaft's track record, it's bound to be a blunder, one way or another.
i don't mean to sound like i lean to the other side, but having been a windows user for over 12 years and then switching to mac only recently, i have never seen such stability in a personal computing system before in my life, ever. for 4 months straight no crashes yet.
look back in history and read about MS and Apple on wikipedia.org, people can see how a good design can overcome crap design.
in the classic battle over the personal computing market....there's quality and then there's quantity. MS is of the school 'quantity' (aka General Motors). Apple is of the school 'quality' (aka Mercedes/BMW). chose your side.
User Rating: 9/10
price will determine for meby krazydonutboy - April 20, 2005
Pros: looks great, and has good features
Cons: probably not as stable as others...
Review:
this looks like a solid successor to xp, but i think what will determine the purchase for me, since i have all the requisite hardware already, is the price. i will pay no more than $199 for it, even though it looks so promising.
User Rating: 3/10
Do not purchase for at least 18 months until bugs are worked out.by mikecaelus - April 18, 2005
Pros: Innovative!
Cons: Like XP pro and service pack 2. In the begining there's trouble!
Review:
Every operating system program Microsoft
released has significant hardware problems!
Reason, all management in the top level are
programers. Same reason Apple took the business away from IBM. They release the
software and let you and I debug the hardware
problems!!
User Rating: 1/10
Are you sure this is what you want?by digitallysick - April 18, 2005
Pros: sorry program
Cons: security issues, spend more time running norton
Review:
Well lets see, to get online safely, I have to use Norton antivirus, firefox and spybot search and destroy, and i dont even use IE. Why go through all that? I shouldn't have to spend time trying to protect my comp, i spend more time trying to keep spyware/adware out than i do getting anything done anymore, Im leaving windows for a dual Mac G5, Ubuntu linux is great as well.
User Rating: 3/10
Windows has disappointed me for a while, i have realized that the best thing to do is buy a Mac.by speedi797 - April 18, 2005
Pros: Program compatibility
Cons: Not as secure as other OS like Linux and Mac
Review:
I have been a windows user all my life but i have finally come to my senses and realized that mac OS is far superior that windows. Faster and more secure. Although the program compatibility for MAC is not like windows its not bad and with some time MAC will dominate over windows.
User Rating: 
7/10
Wait for Longhorn SP1, kids.by DarkHawke - April 18, 2005
Pros: More security, added *helpful* features, spiff new look.
Cons: More security means more hassles, higher system requirements, not as many features as it was supposed to have had, standard upgrade incompatiblities.
Review:
Yes, we ARE all reviewing something very few of us have even seen a beta of, let alone the finished (?) product. But if past experience is any judge, this will be a good upgrade, if not a must-have barn-burner.
What they're telling us we're gonna get so far is good, but just a little effort can get your system nicely secured and the interface spiffed up to your heart's content. I'm wondering where the new WinFS file system went to, since that held promise to bring greater system security and easier access to what's on your system than this Mac-alike search program.
XP is good enough for now, but let's remember it didn't get that way overnight. It became a MUCH more stable OS after SP1, though practically anything was better than using Windows ME. Since your 'puter will in all likelyhood continue to work after the launch of Longhorn, hold your water till the first Service Pack comes out. All the worst bugs will be killed, some new features may be added, and your favorite apps will have Longhorn-aware versions available by then. That and you'll get another 8-12 months out of your current hardware before you have to consider an upgrade.
Go ahead and keep an eye on Longhorn, but fer Heaven's sake, don't just rush out and buy it!
User Rating: 3/10
typical micro$lothby Rob M. Blynde - April 18, 2005
Pros: when i think of one, i'll tell you.
Cons: too many to list.
Review:
micro$loth windoze strikes again. the heck with your hardware investment. the wintel monopoly hasn't made enough money at your expense yet. i think the article should point out that "as with any WINDOWS upgrade," there is a mandatory hardware upgrade as well. i'm sticking with linux. there's better things to shoot money on than a new computer every 3 years (and i'm a gearhead!).
User Rating: 9/10
More secure, more power, more featues, what more could you want?by SmitDog - April 18, 2005
Pros: Security, 64Bit, enhanced networking features
Cons: Taking way too long to develop
Review:
Longhorn has been a long time coming, and who knows when in 2006 it will be released. When it finally does ship, it will provide early adopters with a lot of bang for the buck. They look to adopt the same philosophy they did when they released 2003 server by turning off most of the features by default thus providing a more secure out of the box solution then 2000 and XP offer. I am really looking forward to the networking features for home and small office use. With more and more need for space for media, it will be great to have all of that at our fingertips in a single source look and feel. 512MB, big deal, most new PC's are shipping with that now anyway, and we all upgrade that to at least a gig right away anyway. With regard to the latest and greatest graphics card, I think it would be a stretch to say that the new OS wouldn't make accommodations for what you currently have. Besides, if you are going to use your computer for gaming, movies and media, you are likely to upgrade the video card anyway.
User Rating: 3/10
Everyone will buy whatever M$ puts outby Phant0m - April 16, 2005
Pros: It runs without blowing up
Cons: copy off Apple (and not as good)
Review:
This has been pushed back forever now Mac OS X "Tiger" will be released before so M$ will copy features. I have used Windows since my family first bought a PC in 94 I am now older (16) and can't put up will Windows anymore. Im saving money to buy a iMac(G5) or PowerMac(G5) W/Tiger which will be the better OS. I suggest the same to others.
User Rating: 6/10
No one wanted, most will getby primesolution47 - April 16, 2005
Pros: do you like flashing lights and shiny objects?
Cons: I'm sorry grandpa, if you wanna email in super amazing 3D mode, you're going to need a new DELL
Review:
Microsoft was trying to make a rock-and-roll new OS to convince ppl to keep their PCs rather than going over to linux or apple. When they fast-tracked this OS, it was like a white flag of surrender. They didn't fast-track it because this was the OS everyone wanted, they fast-tracked it because there was so little interest in it that they just needed to release what they had and come up with something else.
That said, of course we're all going to get it!! We're not going to get it because we need it, but because it has a slightly classier graphical user interface and some new carrot that we're just dying to try... the same reason we all switched to media center edition 2005 a few months ago! We have all have superfast computers and we need something to soak up our extra processor cycles... provided DELL doesn't come out with "THE SUPER FANTASTIC EMAIL EXPERIENCE 3D!" Speaking of DELL, they must be pleased as punch. Finally something you "need" a new computer for besides the latest video game.
Whatever this OS ends up being, it seems clear that it's not something people are going to rush out and get, but rather, it will permeate the masses through eager-beaver manufacturers/resellers like DELL who are just itching for a flashy resource hog to help them move new machines. Somehow Microsoft believes that this is gunna get it's claws in you a little bit farther, but personally, I don't see it. I suppose once MS gives it a name and puts them marketing boys on it, we'll all start warming up to it.
User Rating: 10/10
why is this even being reviewed?by Orbit - April 16, 2005
Pros: Looks good from the screenshots
Cons: non..because its not even out yet
Review:
Why is this page even up, it shouldnt be reviewed because there is still 1 year of development going on, When its finish Longhorn will be better than XP in my opinion especially with the new technology going on.
User Rating: 4/10
Too Many Bells And Whistlesby borgds9 - April 16, 2005
Pros: Requires too much in the way of RAM
Cons: Networking for home users may be difficult
Review:
User Rating: 4/10
I like the idea, but I like XP moreby Yasha I - March 13, 2005
Pros: New interface, smoothlined, fast
Cons: $$$$$$$$$, It is going to cost more. They will still give you the option to take XP
Review:
Its cool and all, but I am looking at the price and the benifts over XP, and the price outweighs the benifits
Updated
I would just stick with XP because the cons outweigh the pros. ($$$$$$$$$$)
Updated
I might upgrade to longhorn if only it would take centrino
User Rating: 8/10
Good for an alpha!by - March 10, 2004
Pros: I like the 4015 and have never had a crash. Too much whining from the apple minions about microsoft. Nobody's perfect, but a solid program.
Cons:
Review:
User Rating: 4/10
The Cumputer Industryby - February 26, 2004
Pros: Jobs for Americans in Microsoft and the IT industry and support jobs. Some of the money Bill Gates makes is donated to charities.
Cons: Your money taken out of your pocket when you have to pay for the expensive OS and the money spent when troubleshooting or sending the computer to repair for a virus or worm which shredded your file system. Yes, the ROI (Return On Investment) is paramount
Review:
User Rating: 3/10
XP Not playing old games?by - February 22, 2004
Pros: Bunch of useles c**p" said the following, "Gamers can't play their older favorites" Well this is just not true. I have one of my first games I ever bought back in 1989 when I first purchased my 8 mhz with a 20meg hard drive and ega graphics. The OS DOS 3
Cons: Longhorn is NOT a worthwile upgrade from XP. It may for previous Windows user, but if your happy stay with what you have. Only buy if you want an upgarde but it is really NOT needed.
Review:
User Rating: 4/10
It isn't worth the Upgrade from XP. It is if you are running anything olderby - February 22, 2004
Pros: The installation has the best disk partitioning tool I have ever seen. Works very much like XP. There are a few face lifts which I do like but others I felt are quite useless.
Cons: The format does not work with the first click. I had to click on it 3 times. When I did it the first time the hour glass went away and I continued. Longhorn did the installation but failed when the computer restarted. I tried two others clicking format an
Review:
User Rating: 3/10
Your computer will no longer be "yours"by - January 31, 2004
Pros: Excelent for multimedia apps and for people like me who want to edit music, pictures and play some games, but...
Cons: The security, want it or not, will be the same as today beacuse of it's core. Besides, the DRM will make me pay for some software that I use that's free. For example, I have StarOffice Student Edition (Free) and iTunes and many software like this but when
Review:
User Rating: 6/10
Not A very Attractive name, "Longhorn"?by - January 11, 2004
Pros: I think Longhorn is attractive, but as for the name, I think they could have done better Job picking it.
Cons: So this is suppose to be the next OS comming out after Windows XP? (are we just suppose to use Windows XP for the next 3 years untill Longhorn comes out? Thats a long time)I hope That when Windows Longhorn comes out it will be even better then Windows XP
Review:
User Rating: 8/10
stop being stuipdby - January 2, 2004
Pros: Ok people who say more money for gates, you?re stupid ok have you read the newspaper or listen to the news? Bill Gates gives a lot of money out to help people for example he sends a **** load of money and support to Africa, and he donates a lot of money t
Cons: that its better the Mac
Review:
User Rating: 
5/10
Microsoft is goodby - January 2, 2004
Pros: Well to those people who complain about this, its just an ALPHA program and not in its final stage, and of course there has to be newer versions of the software to meet new demands, and Microsoft is not the only one who has multiply version of OS, look at
Cons: well thats in alpha, and not done yet.
Review:
User Rating: 4/10
hardware turmoilsby - December 30, 2003
Pros: Faster for the dumber. Prettier for HDTV. More add-ons
Cons: You must spend $ on hardware. The move to Linux is sounding better with more for less.
Review:
User Rating: 10/10
Microsoft Is great stop bashing it!by - December 16, 2003
Pros: microsoft is used by most of the known world. Why do you even bother to test it if you are going to bash it anyway? You are all like mac users (and i mean that as an insult)!
Cons:
Review:
User Rating: 3/10
Great for some, bad for othersby - December 4, 2003
Pros: Fully suitable for Cirque du Soleil clown training program.
Cons: Virtually unsuitable for the serious computer user who wants simplicity and originality to enable him to be as productive as he can.
Review:
User Rating: 6/10
open your eyes on other OS: BeOS, GEM...by - December 3, 2003
Pros: easy to use, reliable, compatible. And WinFS and XML GUI are great ideas... copied from BeOS and GNU Mozilla... but they chose the best ideas, at least, and will offer it to 98% of the market! Want they do worse? Copy bad ideas or even not copy at all?
Cons: sooooo heavy! for what? BeOS has this fabulous filesystem 5 years ago (fast powerfull reliable and easy, it's a jewell!) Okay, M$ is #1, they should have the power to offer what any consumer supplier (cars, electronic...) offers: a range of products from
Review:
User Rating: 1/10
What for?by - December 3, 2003
Pros: ?????????????????????????????
Cons: lets get consumers something they can use instead of something to confuse. just some more high tech gobbeldygook for consumers who dont know yet how to use Win98
Review:
User Rating: 10/10
MICROSOFT ROCKS!!by - December 1, 2003
Pros: NOTHING BUT PRO'S!! I LOVE ALL MICROSOFT PRODUCTS, LONGHORN ROCKS! WINDOWS XP ROCKS! WHATEVER MICROSOFT MAKES I'LL BUY! THUMBS DOWN TO MAC AND LINUX... BOOO! HAHA, CAN'T WAIT FOR THE FINAL VERSION!
Cons:
Review:
User Rating: 10/10
Windows is the bestby - November 30, 2003
Pros: If microsoft windows is so horrible, how come most computer users use it? Windows may have small glitches occasionally...but then...nothing is perfect.
Cons:
Review:
User Rating: 4/10
Longhorn, is it going to be stable?by - November 17, 2003
Pros: I have yet to play with Longhorn, but Win XP was leaps and bounds abo-ve Win 98 in regards to stability, but it still sucks! Let's hope that Longhorn can finally be reliable.
Cons: Win XP is still not even close to being reliable and stable. What is so hard about making a reliable, sound and solid OS? It's the year 2003 and I have to depend on a PC whose registry consistently corrupts, until the whole OS implodes upon itself. Do yo
Review:
User Rating: 2/10
I Don't Feel Safe On Windows XPby - November 17, 2003
Pros: I think that Windows has a lot of potential but they have a big problem with ease of use, security, icons, interface, and price. Still they have a lot of applications that can run.
Cons: Security, ease of use, interface, icons, price, you cant start up on a CD without changing a setting, DOS. Every Windows computer I've been on has crashed at least once. I lose stuff, freeze, and get frustrated all the time. I can only trust Mac OS bec
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User Rating: 2/10
I don't trust a computer with Windows on it.by - November 17, 2003
Pros: New Interface
Cons: Still doesn't have me convinced that it is secure enough.
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User Rating: 4/10
People should research more!by - November 17, 2003
Pros: Apple is leading the industry in design, stability, security and productivity. You can do anything and everything a Windoz computer can do AND you don't have to worry about security or stability. People should read about MacOSX before they shoot their m
Cons: Windoz is an industry standard OS past its due. It is a block of swiss chess when it comes to security. Time for change.
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User Rating: 1/10
Too little too lateby - November 16, 2003
Pros: Windows users finally get some OS X features
Cons: Those features will be from OS X 2001, and Longhorn will be out in 2006. OS X is a wonderful platform. A sidebar that has dynamic icons (like the Dock), an analog clock with a feathered drop shadow (like the Dock), and is scalable (like the Dock) isn't
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User Rating: 3/10
Way too much power neededby - November 16, 2003
Pros: Better interface, maybe. Better graphics, maybe. Since probably most of the users are corporate, they run Excel, Word, etc. Basically just doing business. Not a whole lot of power needed for Word, 286 processor. Excel maybe a PIII 700. So why do we
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User Rating: 4/10
mistapoopypants@yahoo.comby - November 15, 2003
Pros: It wasnt really all that hot but I believe it was Alpha I was playing with, I lost intrest after a day. Im sure it will be a great operating system, I might even buy it. The file management scheme in itself is pretty exiting. Im just worried about how f
Cons: Working Microsoft support for 95/98/me/xp I know enough to know what makes a computer crash. It's customers who buy/install/remove/change/hac k/delete things before thinking and never assume for a moment that they could be the cause of their problems. I
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User Rating: 4/10
XP APPLE WHATS THE FUSS?by - November 15, 2003
Pros: For a test version decent, remember this is going to be running on much faster processors by 2006!
Cons: Apple OS X by 206 may be far ahead of Microsoft by 2006-time frame....I use both systems and both have their advantages...XP does crash once in a while but that is also overplayed by many MAC fans..And I am a big MAC FAN! But realize that the blue screen
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User Rating: 1/10
A perfect OS?by - November 15, 2003
Pros: Someone left a comment, "Who makes a perfect OS?" Maybe no one makes a perfect OS but Apple's Mac OS X is running laps around Windows in the race in my world.
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User Rating: 3/10
MAC OSX will probably still be betterby - November 15, 2003
Pros: I have not tested this, but if Longhorn is anything like Win XP Home/Pro then it will probably be as stable.
Cons: I hate Win XP's reliance on Windows updates. Will Longhorn have the same problems? Will Longhorn still use .DLL files that are easily erased by viruses? Why does Microsoft's OS have to cost so much? Apple's new OS version 10.3 costs $129 for a full versi
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User Rating: 4/10
I have heard it all before.by - November 15, 2003
Pros: Looks great.
Cons: I have heard all of this best OS ever talk before and it turns out to be one giant of a patch OS, so i'm not going to be the first in line to buy this OS when it comes out. I will wait 6 months after it comes out before thinking about buy this new OS. I m
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User Rating: 5/10
Allows for better 3D Applications?by - November 15, 2003
Pros: I don't see how the default interface can be any better or worse than windows XP because its all just moving about objects in the GUI. Also, if I wanted fading menus etc...I would just order a copy of Window FX and some other GUI tweak software.
Cons: If this is going to allow us to enter a sort of 3D Software Era, where applications are designed to be manipulated more in a completely unimaginable dimension (3d CAD software, art packages, games, internet pages) then i would say this new OS interests me
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User Rating: 10/10
Best Things Since Windows 95by - November 15, 2003
Pros: Everything(why is cnet letting us vote before it is even out?)
Cons: Need lots of power
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User Rating: 2/10
It's great for Grandmomby - November 15, 2003
Pros: It colorfull interface really impressed non-computer users.
Cons: The expensive, bloated OS get in the way of getting work done. Not for use in serious business environemnts - where you want employees getting work done and not playing with the craola interface
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User Rating: 10/10
What are you all yapping about??by - November 7, 2003
Pros: This IS the next generation OS!!! WinFS, NGSCB, plus DCE!This OS wont be out till late 2005 anyway and the look of longhorn will surely change. Stop complaining. And mac users need to learn there place in society... the bottom. Come back to reality and re
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User Rating: 10/10
Can't wait until it comesby - November 7, 2003
Pros: I can't wait until this operating systems comes out. This will blow the stupid Macs systems away.
Cons: Nothing much just price I would say. But it worth buying it.
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User Rating: 2/10
Gone too farby - October 11, 2003
Pros: It has to be a Windows world. I wish the OS would go back to the NT 4 days. The only OS feature I need is the quicklaunch toolbar. Ever since IE Integration, or Windows 95 C, the system has run slow. THE WORLD IS NOT A WEB BROWSER! NT4 did not have t
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User Rating: 3/10
Another OS........by - October 5, 2003
Pros: It looks nice.
Cons: Is it just me or does Microsoft brain wash people into thinking that they must have a new OS every 2 or 3 years? I mean all the hype with Windows XP and all the hype about the security features that came with Windows XP but Windows XP turns out to be one
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User Rating: 2/10
Another xxx from Microsoft?by - October 3, 2003
Pros: ...
Cons: Another new windows...Even poorer performance, even more resources hungry, and too much useless features that eat up your memory and disks.
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User Rating: 3/10
Let me control my own machineby - September 30, 2003
Pros: Improved User Interface DVD support for Movie Maker 3
Cons: So called anti-piracy functions known as Next Generation Secure Computing Base will not allow me to play copied movies or music.(Gee thanks for listening to your XBOX users, I'm one of them and now plan to buy a PS3 instead of an XBOX2) Also it will only
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User Rating: 1/10
No Es Compatible...by - September 27, 2003
Pros: Es lindo producto... Sí... No lo vamos a negar... Pero...
Cons: No es 100 % Compatible con algunos dispositivos, tales los que vienen integrados en la MotherBoard Asus A7V8X-X... Me trajo varios problemas... Y encima, luego fue un problema poder desinstalarlo... Trajo más problemas que beneficios...
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User Rating: 3/10
Masurbate On A Turtle...Microsoft is Micro$ucksby - September 10, 2003
Pros: At least Microsoft is keeping busy...
Cons: The definition of an Operating System is to....AND USE ITS RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY!!!! WINDOWS IS NOT AN EFFICENT OS... SOME TELL MICRO$UCKS THAT!!!
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User Rating: 10/10
Windows the Bestby - August 26, 2003
Pros: Better them Macs Mac are the worest computer and I don't know why any would buy them I hate Mac and wish they would go out of bussiness Windows all the way and they are not a Monoply and wish they would stop acussing them of being one
Cons: there is nothing wrong with windows
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User Rating: 5/10
not worth spending 300$ up grading from XPby - August 21, 2003
Pros: seem as sable as wind-XP witch is good..fews improvement but yet not worth spending a huge somm for it
Cons: it was a beta ver-2042....very slow specialy the explorer and lack of pilots witch is a pain in the neck not to say other things
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User Rating: 6/10
Windows is good OSby - August 18, 2003
Pros: I guess Windows XP and all others crash on some individuals computers just because they are lamers and don't know a word about setting up their system properly. Windows XP Pro crashes only a 2-3 times on me in 1 year. Learn how to use you computer, dont i
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User Rating: 10/10
Its asomeby - August 16, 2003
Pros: it's kinda like os x for macintosh macintosh has the dock that can go on the bottom and both sides the longhorn thing has the a bar close to thye dock.
Cons: NONE
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User Rating: 8/10
Pretty good Only had one problemby - August 13, 2003
Pros: I loved the OS when I had it installed it was very stable for an alpha version so it can only get better.
Cons: The only problem I had with the OS was installing my sound card....I have an Sound Blaster Audigy 2 card and Windows won't detect it....it will still play sound but it won't install the software cuz it says no compatible sound card installed.... but other
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User Rating: 10/10
gates ruleby - July 24, 2003
Pros: I think everyone is putting down a smart guy just because his knowledge brought him to be very rich. Windows 6.0 is going to be awesome. I play around with it every day to figure out this and that, and those of you who tweak it is taking away the imaginat
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User Rating: 4/10
Looks just like XPby - July 24, 2003
Pros: its new, more updates
Cons: not much difference, looks like windows XP but with a different look.
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User Rating: 7/10
Macs and Winderzby - July 16, 2003
Pros: Ok, I have said it before many times and i will say it again, I say macs are great for average people who just want to surf the internet, check there email, and write documents. But windows pcs are much faster and now with windows xp out (not home, it su
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User Rating: 7/10
MICROSOFT IS THE BEST!by - July 15, 2003
Pros: Would you expect XP or even Longhorn to run on a low down 700MHZ PC or something around that, especially if you have lots of programs that take up loads of processor time.I have a resonable 1.7GHZ processor with nearly 80gigs of software and i experience
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User Rating: 4/10
Windows longhorn (Needs work)by - June 29, 2003
Pros: as this is a new OS there are bound to be improvments. the new filing system should improve performance, well thats what they should made it do.
Cons: it look like the same as what xp should be when all the updates on finished, the thing i can't understand is w? u have to buy a better graphics card to get the new features like pixel shader 2 and now 3 thats coming out, i know that the new hardware is be
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User Rating: 5/10
Just so no to msby - June 28, 2003
Pros: nice eye-candy and many new features, fast installation and easy-to-use
Cons: overloaded with TOO MUCH baggage that isn't needed on there for a home-user, still resembling xp in way to many ways (yes I have tested it), still buggy (but in alpha too), ms isn't looking into security again just graphics, and will need speed-demon comp
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User Rating: 3/10
Why bother with Longhornby - June 26, 2003
Pros: I run windows XP pro with no problems (as long as I don't install SP1). I won't even bother with longhorn cause I have a 'skinned up' version of xp
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User Rating: 10/10
Get a life XP Hatersby - June 23, 2003
Pros: Frankly, if you use XP, and it is slow for you, then you have a crap ass computer. No offence, but if your computer sucks, then stick to Win 98 or even 95. I tried Longhorn, and guess what, it runs so smooth, smoother than XP. SO...get a life XP haters
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User Rating: 2/10
Use it - IF U want to be MS toiletpaperby - June 22, 2003
Pros: Least impactive change over already XP, real changes remain hidden and also, undescribed for user use and control AS MS USUAL! IT DOES incorporate the new CPUs instruction sets (big deal!). It DOES pay a LITTLE attention to LONG OVER DUE HARD DISK FILE ST
Cons: Base code is WAY TOO LARGE FOR WHAT LITTLE IT DOES. IT IS STILL a LIE re: multi-tasking, it still only runs ONE task at a time, with divided cpu clock tics! IT TOTALLY HOGS SYSTEM RESOURCES AND MEM W/O DELIVERING ANY ADDED FUNCTIONALITY! IT will ALSO GIVE
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User Rating: 5/10
Need too much Powerby - June 18, 2003
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This is a pretty decent beta from MS with a lot of promising feel to it, but the problem is...you already need a high end machine to run it (specialty on the video side) unless you want to spend tons of time tweaking a beta version OS. The layout of the new OS is somewhat better, but by 2005, we should all have computer powerful enough to run this puppy.
User Rating: 8/10
Change is a Good Thing!by - June 18, 2003
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Look, I've installed the alpha and yes, it's clunky and has a lot of issues. However, I remember the Alpha of WinXP and it turned out that the final looked and behalved nothing like the alpha. It's important when looking at alpha software to focus on concepts and not overall operation. Microsoft is planning for the future. I see people complain about another upgrade, saying that they'd prefer Win95 or that it uses more resources forcing people to buy a new comptuer. Well, remember, Longhorn won't be released until 2005, so it's not like we are being thrown another windows release "so soon." Also, this complaint over more releases of Windows instead of just fixing bugs in older releases. That's absurd. Every linux distro gets a full version update at least every 6 to 12 months. And OSX has been updated majorly 3 times now. The point is that updates and version releases are part of progress. I for one do not want to look at a dull Win95 interface for the rest of my life just because I'm comfortable with it. Yes, these new features may seem harder to deal with at first. It's called a learning curve. I was dopey when learning WinXP, but now it allows me to work much faster than any of its predecessors did. Yes, it takes up more resources. More powerful software always does. Finally Longhorn will use the 3D card instructions for the GUI instead of the crappy 2D redraws and artifacts of the past. Finally, the search will be based on a tried and true technology of SQL database and not stupid indexing. And if you don't like the damn GUI enhancements or want to learn them at your pace. Guess what? Longhorn has user modes that let you revert the GUI back to a Win95 style, just for you losers who want to cling to an eight year old technology. My point... Don't cling to safe old technology. It's time to move forward. And you have plenty of time to save up $120 for the upgrade (2005, remember?) From what I've seen in Longhorn, it will change the way we do our work and make everything easier and much more powerful.
User Rating: 3/10
Windows by Any other NAme is Windows!by - June 18, 2003
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Installed XP. Lock up after Lockup. SUSE Linux no lockups. So which one I use the most the one that runs 99.9% instaead fo 98%.
User Rating: 8/10
I was impressed....by - June 18, 2003
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I tested Longhorn for about 3 weeks just to see what it was like. When configured for "Best Performance" it was as fast as XP. The completetly new "plex" interface is MUCH better looking than XP (no more "Playschool" look) and gives more desktop space when the "Sidebar" is turned off. To me, the dialog boxes and help menus are friendlier, simpler and more confidence-inspiring than in previous Windows versions. The Sidebar is cool but I found myself minimizing it all the time - just my personal preference of wanting to have as much desktop space as possible. As another reviewer commented, the new install sequence is REALLY fast, less than 15 minutes! When the install sequence first starts you get a screen that says something like "Go relax someplace I can do this by myself". And from there it was totally self-install with no input or choices needed. Internet Explorer was faster than on XP. All my USB devices worked fine. It never crashed. Nothing ever froze. My guess is that by the time its finalized it will have many more new features, but at this stage just the "new look" was impressive.
User Rating: 2/10
Very Cool OSby - June 18, 2003
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Been running it for about 2 weeks - hasn't had a problem once. Definately looks promising!
User Rating: 5/10
Bring it on...by - June 18, 2003
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I haven't had the joy of using "longhorn", so am commenting solely on the review. Having used DOS, Win 2, Win 3.11, Win 95a/b, Win 98/SE, win 2000, Win XP Home/Pro, Mac OS 7.1-OS 10.2, not to mention Sinclair Basic and Commodore basic, and a couple of others. It is worth noting that nothing I've ever worked / played with was perfect or stable - esp Mac stuff after 8.5 My XP machine at home crashes 2-3 times a month with heavy gaming use. My OS 9.2.2 work machine crashes 1-2 times a day on a machine that cost 3 times as much. Go figure. I'm looking forward to the next Win generation and don't mind paying the NZD$300 for the rights to use the software (don't forget, that's ALL you are paying for with any software) for as long as I want to not upgrade - it is my choice, as it is yours, to stay where I am or pay for something I don't currently have. It is worthwhile for us all to continute to upgrade: would any of you Mac users want to go back to OS 7.1 from OS 10.2? Or how about Win users going back to 3.11 or DOS? I think not. Yes, MS makes stacks of cash and uncle Bill is "fun to hate". Anyone else out there want to spend their life trying to develop an operating system that meets everyone's needs for no profit? No? Then shutup, pay a few bucks (how much did you waste on gambling or porn or cable TV or your cellphone in the last year?) and enjoy someone else's hard slog...
User Rating: 10/10
One word...jealousby - June 18, 2003
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*NIX users have to face -Lack of support. No centralized documentation, way too many flavors of *NIX. -Security...haha..I wont even begin...if you used *NIX, you already know about the sendmail hotfixes that exist. Just do some reading at www.cert.org -Hardware compatibility. You hav e to rely on people to create drivers for you or use 3+ year old hardware -Limited Apps. You say freeware? 98% of freeware is garbage...a bunch of wannabe programmers trying to get famous (Safari and GIMP are the exceptions) Yes...I've have a *NIX box with uptime of 439 days but spent way too much time updating it with security fixes OSX...I have a powerbook and its sweet. Windows...face it, puts out quality products for the consumer in mind. LONGHORN IS AN ALPHA....sigh...
User Rating: 7/10
Ambitious, Needs some workby - June 18, 2003
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I found the file "Windows.Longhorn.4008" on my school's network and tried it out. It installs very quickly and has nice sorting techniques. Microsoft had a "Game.exe" whenever I played Counter-Strike or Mafia, so they must be trying to integrate games into the OS. Its also worth mentioning that Internet Explorer performed extremely well, with fast picture loads and no crashing. I wish there were options to turn off the desktop clutter to save memory and viewing space. Be warned: It is a memory eater, using 224 MB RAM or so at all times. Microsoft developers: Good luck making it more efficient, nice start.
User Rating: 10/10
Is there a reason for all of this?by - June 18, 2003
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Ok first of all I'm a Windows XP user. I may have had a few problems with it but I find it MUCH easier to use than a Mac. And plus it had 100 times the software Mac will EVER have and it complies with most everything. What I don't understand is why people think Microsoft is trying to rule the world. If you were a businessman (or woman) and you owned a company as big as Microsoft wouldn't you want to knock out the competition? (I know I would) Also people are all bashing the screenshots of Longhorn WHEN THEY HAVEN'T EVEN HAD A CHANCE TO TRY THE DAMN THING OUT! And so what if their copying OS X or whatever, the screenshot looks like it has good features and that's what users want. Apple builds all their computers so others can't make some money off of their OS. Microsoft is better off letting other companies build the hardware because if you buy a machine and it sucks, you can go with another company, whereas with Apple, you have to stay with them in order to have that OS. I think Longhorn will be a big success and I can't wait for it to come out. You don't have to buy it and if it sucks when it does finally come out, I probably won't buy it either! But hey, maybe it's what a computer user has been dreaming of his/her whole life. So to put to rest don't bash Microsoft just because their the ones that have all the money.
User Rating: 10/10
For an alpha build it's pretty solidby - June 18, 2003
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I have to give it to Microsoft. For an Alpha product this has to be one of the most stable systems I used. I did mention for a beta.
User Rating: 4/10
If you don't like MS, don't use it!by - June 18, 2003
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I have to agree. Why is it some people can't pass up an opportunity to bash MS? They're not going to change the minds of the many home and business users that use it and are happy with it. Perhaps if the competition could offer something that really competes it would be a different story. Until then, MS will continue to rule the market. It reminds me of when I used to sell computers for the old Computer City. Every so often someone from the local Mac club would show up and actually confront people on why they chose Windows. They did their cause absolutely no good at all. Most of the customers figured out for themselves just by comparing the seven rows of Windows software to the ONE row of Mac titles. As far as Linux goes, I think there were a couple of copies of Redhat gathering dust somewhere. Let people live with their decisions. When they want your advice, they'll ask for it. One thing is certain, however: they aren't about to switch based on any of the arguments I've read here or anywhere else....
User Rating: 8/10
It is all fluff...by - June 18, 2003
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You guys are absolutely right about the bloatware and all Why dont you all just go back to good ol' DOS or UNIX? i bet half of you people who are whining about Longhorn dont even know what DOS stands for! Go back to DOS and run your Word 1.0 on it! Go use UNIX and its shells! i bet 90% of you guys are complaining about Longhorn from a windows OS right now! If you think you can do better, program your own OS from scratch. If you dont think you can, then stop whining and go use Linux. I think perhaps half of you guys have never used Linux, but are just whining about windows and how others say its instable compared to Linux. All who complain about Windows, switch to Linux or something. I'm sure many of you do use Linux, and these comments are not directed to you, but for the rest of you: If you're gonna complain, and still use windows, you're a hypocrite! If you want to make Windows better, go work for MS! If you dont have a degree in programming, then stop whining because it ain't easy! and all the people who complain about the "fluff", dont migrate to Longhorn when its released! All your apps will still run!
User Rating: 7/10
the future of windowsby - June 18, 2003
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longhorn is progressing very well, showing what windows is capable of. i can't wait until it's release! mac osx better watch! hehe
User Rating: 4/10
Too much fluff...by - June 18, 2003
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Here we are with 10 times the computing power of only 6 years ago and what are they doing with it? Doing stupid stuff like running My Pictures programs, excessive "quick launch side bars" and other multimedia fluff. Just a bunch of worthless eye candy. What is this going to do that Windows 98, 2k, XP can't do? What SIGNIFICANT change, truly next-generation change, is this going to make? Absolutley NONE at all. It is just another way to do the same ol' things. Nothing new. I think it is time to put that power into running AI, get PCs off of your desktop and start bringing PCs into your life, i.e. 2001 A Space Odyssey. That is what will bring PCs back. It is time for PCs to become more than just a toy, an over priced solitaire machine, an over priced picture album, an overpriced internet browser, or just a plain ol' word processor or checkbook balancer. After all the "multimedia PC" push for over the past several years, the PC industry is not any better, but worse. Ad campaigns of the late 1990s and turn of the century for integrated PC and home entertainment centers flopped big time. Yet, Microsoft keeps pushing it in their OS. There is no big vision in the PC industry and that is why it is continually being reported as being on it's death throes. We need computers that work, really work, not elaborate, over-powered, overpriced eye candy.
User Rating: 10/10
This is a great ALPHA versionby - June 18, 2003
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I have used Longhorn since the first alpha leaked...I currently have 4015 installed and i am impatiently waiting for 4021 to be leaked (soon i have heard). I have not had 4015 crash in 1 month of uptime. Not a single time. The install is lightning fast as others have mentioned (what other operating system installs in 15 minutes unattended???). The OS is quick once you tweak it a bit to reduce some of the clutter. The sidebar is a joke, just disable it as soon as you install longhorn. KEEP THIS IN MIND: THIS IS STILL AN ALPHA. IT WILL JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER. This is not a forum to bash MS or Windows, this is a review of Longhorn...LEAVE IT AT THAT. This is looking to eventually be a very stable, quick OS that is both powerful and user-friendly.
User Rating: 3/10
Neverending upgrade. Save your money.by - June 18, 2003
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Goodness gracious. Another Microsoft OS hoopla. Just as when you thought Windows XP was it, comes Longhorn. For what? To crash and show instability again and again? Give me a break. Go switch and use Mac OS or Linux instead, folks. Forget Windows.
User Rating: 4/10
Longorn is very niceby - June 18, 2003
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I use longhorn 4008.Iplay the game ,i watch divx and i don't have a problems.when microsoft finish Longhorn i go to shop and i buy this OS
User Rating: 4/10
Stop Bashing Microsoftby - June 18, 2003
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STOP BASHING MICROSOFT! No one makes perfect software, and they don't make it for free either. If you want perfect software for free, make it yourself. Besides, if Windows is so bad, then why are 25% - 50% of you who use it tell us that it's awful?
User Rating: 3/10
Money Makeby - June 18, 2003
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Buggy, things moved all over the place. New face and filter option. So what's the big deal. Just another forced upgrade from Microsoft.
User Rating: 9/10
Uummm... how is the Sidebar like the Dock again?by - June 18, 2003
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This completely weird comparison is just annoying, and well, a little slimey. The Sidebar is nothing like the Dock, and the comparison appears to have been a rather pathetic attempt to find some excuse to link to CNET's review of OSX. What's the problem, the OSX review not getting as many hits as the Longhorn review?
User Rating: 4/10
Nice try BUT........by - June 18, 2003
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Well , actually I'VE tried almost all the windows...my laptop has XP , I dont like too much , but ITS OK for laptop....THE FACT IS LINUX...this OS give us all the tools we need (shells,roots,enviroment,support,and a lot of tools)the SUSE LINUX 9.0 PROFESSIONAL ROCKS(my three computers have linux red hat and suse linux, machines with 2.5 GB AMD ATHLON AND A GB OF RAM )
User Rating: 5/10
Give me a breakby - June 18, 2003
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I find it laughable that CNet is even allowing people to post opinions on an UNRELEASED OS. So exactly how many of the 229 people responding thus far have even seen anything beyond screenshots? Please. Keep your bigotry to yourselves, you're such a bunch of sheep I find it laughable.
User Rating: 1/10
.. O/S of the future.by - June 18, 2003
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Futures are the only things that Microsoft has been selling for 20 years now. One of these days they may stumble on a real working operating system, but please don't anyone hold their breath, because it will most likely belong to someone else.
User Rating: 4/10
Mac-user reviewby - June 18, 2003
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I am a Mac user. I have never used longhorn. It sounds good and sounds like it has a lot of nice features. Its only in alpha, so of course it still has problems. I gave it 5's straight down because I have never seen it or used it, so I can't talk good or bad about it. I suspect that the final release will have problems too (Mac OS X didn't really get good until 10.2). It will eat RAM just like Mac OS X does. Again, I suspect that all newer OS's will eat RAM. Just wait until we all jump to 64-bit operating systems - how much RAM will those require/eat? I don't bash Microsoft (anymore, at least). In the past couple of years, MS has made some really nice Mac software that all runs stable and native under OS X. Windows is the best OS for the large PC market, and Longhorn looks promising, but as most Mac power user like myself will agree, Windows just "isn't my cup of tea".
User Rating: 10/10
microsoft: going in the wrong directionby - June 18, 2003
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Its obvious that M$ let this "leak" free to see how people will react. I'm not saying M$ is bad. Right now, you won't find another OS that has as much compatiblity w/ current software and hardware that windows does. Mac and Linux can't cut it. But things are changing, and linux is fast reaching the point where it will be as compatible as windows, as user-friendly as windows, more stable and secure than windows, and able to take up less resources.
User Rating: 1/10
The Facts Will Showby - June 18, 2003
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I have taken a look at this build in detail but have not actually used it. I have found that personally I would not even think of using it because whether I have lots of screen or not it takes up to much of the screen. Especially the windows like My Pictures etc. I also do not like the fact that MS Media player is so invisable. That would be the first thing I would not want. Media Player is not a technology it is a player. I have found that Longhorn will not only take more memory but more processing power that will force people to get a new computer. Concerning the "eye candy" it is nice but not practical for anybody to actually get something done. And with all the minor graphic changes it takes so much memory. I know that it has increased in stability and graphics but the cost in memory does not match up. All in all in my opinion it will be even with Mac OS X with maybe two more versions of OS X to come out before Longhorn. Yes I use a Mac (OS 9, please don;t hold that against me) but I do not let that get in the way when comparing Windows to Mac OS. I personally think that I would rather use OS 9 then use Longhorn because of the "clutter" that takes over all the screen space. Longhorn will certainly bring Windows up-to-date but it will not exceed or pass Mac OS X when it comes out. As for Lenix I could not take using that of any flavour seriously. I do not see it burning and making DVD's with great ease.
User Rating: 4/10
Thumbs down to the people reviewing...by - June 18, 2003
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This is a prime example of why focus groups are inefficient if you want to receive quality feedback. It?s like Hawthorne all over again. But, I understand this is not for marketing so, back to the review. Personally I find it funny to see people aggravate over each others comments. There is too much bias going on. Every individual has his or her use of a product. Generally, Windows is for everyday users and most business users (people who need a wide array of available software. Apple has always been focused towards creative professionals (people who don?t really need to hassle with their system, since it is a tool for creative expression). And finally (but not least), Linux and UNIX flavors, geared towards high availability applications (networking, development, mission-critical systems). As to the future of Windows, I?m sure it?s bright, just as all other OS?s with brilliant developers behind them.
User Rating: 1/10
Linux is a better choiceby - June 18, 2003
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In the Price performance arena any Linux distribution can easily kill this new release of the same XP.
User Rating: 3/10
This is not funby - June 18, 2003
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I can't wait for the day when my credit card is paid off. I am scrapping this piece of poo xp whitebox and getting myself an iMac.
User Rating: 5/10
XP with Window dressingby - June 18, 2003
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But, then again, XP is a good system unless you're running a <P3. Don't forget this is a Beta. Everyone should read this thread before installing it though, and make sure you install it in it's own partition or you're _stuck_ with it.
User Rating: 4/10
Go With an Appleby - June 18, 2003
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The new Microsoft OS looks good but I would hope they start focussing on stability rather than looks. Mac OS X has already surpassed both of these. I bought a new flat panel iMac last May and it has never crashed on me unlike my old Windows computer. I think if Microsoft was smart they would get rid of the "blue screen of death". Yes, Apple computers may be somewhat more money but they are dropping in price fast. And wouldn't you rather a computer that lets you work rather than spend time fixing it? I would think so!
User Rating: 4/10
Grow upby - June 18, 2003
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How do i rate this product..i dunno, havent used it, and nobody else here has either. If you dont want to try it...dont, if you do..then do it. Quit this stupid insult game and grow up, and buy and use what you want...geez
User Rating: 4/10
The Real Problem is being Overlooked!by - June 18, 2003
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I'm sure that the new OS will be just fine and dandy. By about 2008. Why are they even working on a new one. They should be devoting that time to fixing the current one! I figure it comes out 2005. It will be functional by 2008. Just in time for Windows to release the "next generation" OS we can all complain about.
User Rating: 10/10
You people are patheticby - June 18, 2003
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Get a friggin life. Tired of debating the merits of Kirk versus Picard, now you argue operating systems. Listen to yourselves, for Christ's sake.
User Rating: 8/10
Could it be the best?by - June 18, 2003
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Ok, I will be the first one to admit it. This is an alpha and I believe it will never amount to anything. But it certainly beats the crap out of Apple Machintosh...and to think of it, OSX-2 is less stable than, Longhorn. So I absolutely adore this OS, and even though it is in Alpha stage, it's going to be one of the best when the final version releases in 2005.
User Rating: 10/10
Linux users... shutupby - May 8, 2003
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You shouldn't be jealous that MS is releasing another good version of windows and that Red Hat isn't and that the MS earns a lot more money than Red Hat and that Red Hat might go under? What you people are saying is just blasphemy... the product isn't even out yet! and it's still more than a year. Even if you have the ALPHA version, the alpha will be a lot different from the real version. Bottom line: if you don't like it, don't try it, and don't flame about how MS and its products sucks.
User Rating: 1/10
good microsoft products make microsoft haters jealousby - May 8, 2003
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Come on seriously... All of you Microsoft haters including Linux/Unix/Mac users...Please stop criticizing Longhorn since probably most of you have NEVER tried it! It is almost completely different than XP even though it's still in ALPHA. I repeat "ALPHA". I don't know how regular home users can survive typing lines of commands in Linux console just to install a software. So instead of criticizing Microsoft, go and improve Linux. 4 installation CDs for some Linux is just ridiculous and installing with all those additional packages takes up at least 2-3GB. Longhorn installs in minutes and then it's up and running. Just do a little driver updates and double clicking some EXE files and you're good to go. But in Linux, look at all those commands you have to memorize and find those additional packages you need just to get certain softwares. Heh I'll stick to Windows 3.1 rather than Linux.
User Rating: 7/10
To you stupid Linux usersby - May 7, 2003
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After reading all these reviews, it is very evident that most of you have not even used Longhorn yet. Longhorn is still in Alpha stage and is already as stable as windows xp, apart from being slower than xp and supports less drivers, it is a very good os. A few things to add, longhorn has no blue screen to death, and if you want to try longhorn, go to emule or kazaa.
User Rating: 10/10
This is NOT final product and should not be reviewedby - May 7, 2003
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I am surprised that CNet has put user reviews for a product that is in ALPHA.
User Rating: 10/10
PLEASE BE QUIETby - May 7, 2003
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Ok, I usually don't do things like this, but this is INSANE. WHY DO WE EVEN HAVE USER REVIEWS FOR THIS PRODUCT. It is an alpha release (not even a BETA) and hardly any of these people have seen anything other than screenshots (i would be in the same boat), there is no way any of these poeple with bad reviews knows all this about the product and even if they did have there hands on it, again it is an ALPHA test, there is so much code missing from it its not even funny. Every time a beta is released I see all these kinds of things, but its a little out of hand on an ALPHA that won't reach the public till 2005. All of you Microsoft hatters, just keep you opinions, this is not a place to just bash them, this is a place to review products, those reviews should be fair, honest, and unbiased. Otherwise I say shut this whole thing done, CNET, becuase it is all not worth it. Well, that's about all, and if you lasted long enough to read this whole thing, THANK YOU.
User Rating: 7/10
Why the debate?by - May 7, 2003
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I never write these things 'cause I always think to myself:"You really need to know what your talking about if you want to post something."But after reading these reviews I'm stunned to learn that computer geeks can be so .... well .... dumb. This is a beta! A way to test new ideas, a preview of the tech to come. Because I work at Compusmart this kind of information is vital to me. If the wonderful work of cnet will be bashed in the reviews because only linux supporters have the time to write these things, maybe cnet should consider not allowing it's readers to comment. Then again that would just plain suck. Hence why I'm responding! I am excited to see the new Windows. Even though WinXP can be fustrating at times it is still the best OS. My clients also thinks so. The new windows could only be better than XP. So therefore I can't wait! And by the way, in no way am I saying Linux is garbage, in fact I can't wait until it becomes user-friendly and support by most hardware/software companies.
User Rating: 6/10
To all you peopleby - May 4, 2003
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After reading the reviews, I find that most of the people have not even tried Longhorn, please try the software first before writing a review
User Rating: 2/10
Windows has never been a good productby - April 29, 2003
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I am a Linux user by interest (70%). I am also a windows user but by obligation (30%). I am not writing this just because I like Linux more, but because I dont like its Windows' instability, insecurity, incapability and the rip-off. I do a lot of C and Java programming and web development. I have a laptop which has XP pre-installed. It crashed so many times that I started wondering if it is progammed to crash rather than do what it is expected to do. Frustrated, I switched to Linux (Suse 8.1) and from then on, life had been better. I got all the tools, utilities, servers I need (and more). If you are new to Linux, you might want to start with Suse 8.2 or Mandrake 9.1. (They cost to $30 to $80)
User Rating: 10/10
How can you even allow ratings!?!?!by - April 27, 2003
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How can you even allow ratings for a product that is at least 2 years away and is still in Pre-Alpha. I rated it based on my experiences with Microsoft's previous products. Unless the user is a complete idiot, XP has few if any problems (I am still looking for a problem that wasn't caused by some stupid mistake I made).
User Rating: 10/10
Reply to NIXer's UNITE and rest of the Linux sisterhoodby - April 24, 2003
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I understand that this is your opportunity to cry out loud for self-validation and try to insult others in order to feel better about yourself. I am sorry but I will have to disappoint you: I am an avid Microsoft user? before you judge me and call me a Bill Gate?s slave please hold on? no, I am not a republican or irrational person, I do not drive sports-utilities, do not wear tie to my work, still use 533mgz computer (it is plenty fast for all my statistical applications), support public radio and have a CIS degree besides couple others. The problem is that I work in real world and produce real things for society and I need a real operating system that supports real applications. I tried to install Linux (Red Hat) on my second PC and after finding out that I needed about 2.5GB HD and more than Win XP system resources and after running into numerous problems during installation, I gave up. Real Linux fans are out there doing real work in the open source environment, making Linux a better product so that people like me go there in a year or so (once it becomes better than Windows, all things considered) and use it. There are also some pseudo-Linux people who are unable to contribute anything to the Linux community; instead, they come to LongHorn review and cry like somebody?s little sister because this is what they do best when they miss their daily dose of Prozac. So, please, for god?s sake, use this review as intended and do not compromise CNET?s ability to provide objective user opinions to others by the unnecessary contamination.
User Rating: 10/10
where do u download it?by - April 17, 2003
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it looks great and im woderin if u guys can tell me where to download this program
User Rating: 10/10
It's a free country.by - April 6, 2003
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Why does every MS product review turn into a "Linux is #1, GPL rules, MS is trying to control the universe, we're all paranoid, no one's allowed to make a buck on software, protecting copyrights are bad" thread? If you don't like MS, don't buy or run their software. Run Linux. Enjoy the quality and support of Open Source SW! Or, buy a Mac. It's all good. This bashing is just mind numbing. It's a free country, do what you want.
User Rating: 2/10
They ARE Watching!by - April 5, 2003
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Come on now, We all know that Microsoft is trying to control the market. What is the deal with all this? I can already find my corrupt MP3 files by going to views in the browser, switching to Show Details, then click on file size. All this in Win 98se!!! I dont like any company having too much control and say on what I so (example AOL, Real Media palyer). I am a hard core PCer, but if Micorsoft continues to go down the road I think they are going down, then its Mac time. This program is yet another attempt to control the market and what you do on your PC. Not to mention the fact that you have to PAY to run your own programs!!! Yup, PAY. Come on now? Stay far away from this product!!
User Rating: 1/10
Plain junkby - April 1, 2003
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yeah true windows is tha standard desktop system and it offers almost everythin that a ******* gamer or mp3sucker needs. k. but instead of watching those braindead things playing games and music you should consider what will happen in the not so far future if the world doesnt wake up. every morning you wake up from a ms jingle. you get your coffee out of a machine that is painted in ms colors. and once you get in your car you turn the key, must wait for the os to boot, update the registry because of some new security patch then wait for it to reboot again then wait to see that the login screen doesnt show your name anymore and so forth... before that im gonna shoot myself.
User Rating: 4/10
Palladium by any other name...by - April 1, 2003
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Seems as I read somewhere they changed the name to Longhorn because of bad press that the Palladium secure networking and DRM functions were getting.
User Rating: 2/10
2004-2005by - April 1, 2003
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The long release date is allowing them too put together a year 2003 of patch's, they have to change that name, sounds like a cartoon character
User Rating: 6/10
Microsoft should consider gamingby - March 31, 2003
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One aspect of its file managemnt system is something that MS should have included in XP, a My Games folder, or something like it. The number of PC gamers continues to skyrocket, and it would make life MUCH easier to have a gaming file system built right into Windows. I have always had to create a main folder in which I install all my games to, in order to organize them. It would be a good idea for Longhorn to address this; possibly creating a system where it would automatically search for drivers, patches, and other support, and would be seemlessly integrated into the GUI and file system. Anyone else agree?
User Rating: 10/10
MS Windows Longhorn coming Early 2005by - March 31, 2003
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"Longhorn" Alpha Preview For this preview, I had originally written a long-winded backgrounder about the history of Longhorn, and the ways in which this project has changed over time. I'll save the lengthy exposition for a future review, however, and get right to the point: Longhorn is now considered a major Windows release by Microsoft in early 2005, and early alpha builds are now testing at the company's Redmond campus. Last month, some of those builds leaked to the Internet, causing a stir in the Windows enthusiast community. I take a look at one of those builds here. One caveat, of course: This is an early alpha build and the final Longhorn product will bear little resemblance to what you read here. If you think back to the early Whistler builds, which featured the "Watercolor" visual style, you'll get the right idea: Longhorn is a work in progress, mostly current generation technology, and much of what's in there is just the same old stuff from XP. Major UI work, a database-based file system, integrated DVD burning, and other cool features are still to come. OK, enough talk. Here's what's new in the Longhorn alpha. How it works: Key Longhorn features OK, let's talk about the new features in the Longhorn alpha. Welcome screen The Longhorn alpha's Welcome screen is a slightly modified version of the one in Windows XP, and it now features a time and date display, a frequent customer request. I wouldn't make too much of the color scheme or look and feel of the Longhorn Welcome screen, as this is bound to change. The design does resemble prototypes I've seen at the Microsoft campus, however. Desktop and Start Menu At first blush, the Longhorn desktop and Start Menu are no different from their XP equivalents. However, there are a few small changes. First, you can add My Contacts and My Hardware nodes to the Longhorn Start Menu. My Contacts is non-functional in the build I saw, but I suspect that it's simply the friendly new name for the new Windows Address Book, which will be consolidated into the Windows Future Storage (WinFS) file system. My Hardware, clearly, is a friendly and more accessible Device Manager, though the version in the Longhorn alpha is limited. My Computer and Explorer views In My Computer, a few new features become visible. Under the scenes, the WinFS file system isn't implemented yet, but the services are running, and they tied the system up in knots, and must be turned off before the performance returns to normal. My Computer now features disk space graphics under each drive and a slightly modified Task pane, with integrated searching. There are new Explorer views as well, including a new Preview mode used in certain types of folders, which I discuss in the next section. The About Windows dialog identifies Longhorn as Windows 6.0. In Folder Options, a few new options are available, though their purpose is unclear. They are "Use breadcrumb bar" and "Use Domain Folder Sharing Wizard." Special Shell Folders Special shell folders such as My Documents, My Pictures, and My Music have been revamped to support the new Preview view style. This view style splits the folder view horizontally, providing a graphical, Web-like preview pane that is specific to the currently displayed content. In My Pictures, for example, you see options for viewing a slide show, creating an album, and burning a DVD. When you display a picture, the image's meta-data information is displayed in the Preview pane. Music folders are similar: Select a music file and its meta-data is displayed. A new Pivots choice in the toolbar expands to show grouping choices; for music, you will see options such as "Albums Grouped by Artist" and "Music Grouped by Album." The Preview area is resizable now, and as you drag the divider bar down, more information is displayed. Display Properties While the old Display Properties dialog is temporarily still available, Microsoft provides a preview of the new Display Properties application, which was written with the new .NET-based Avalon APIs. Most of the Display Properties nodes are broken in this build, providing either a bizarre XML error message or a simple "under construction" message. One node that does work, however, is Display Connection Settings, which provides information about your display adapter and monitor. Plex: A new visual style You can use the old Display Properties dialog to enable the new Plex visual style, which has been touted on various Windows enthusiast sites lately. I don't consider Plex to be particularly attractive or clean, personally, and it resembles many of the home-made XP themes that you can find online. I prefer the standard blue XP style to Plex, and expect this visual style to disappear by later builds. In fact, Plex is so bad, that I originally thought that this Longhorn alpha was nothing more than a hacked-together XP build. I still wonder about it. Sidebar In the Taskbar settings dialog, you can enable the Sidebar, arguably Longhorn's most discussed feature. The Sidebar is basically a side-mounted menu of sorts, very much like the MSN 8 Dashboard, that lets you display XML-based components, called Tiles. When you enable the Dashboard, it appears (blank) on the right side of the screen by default. You can minimize it, add Tiles, toggle which side of the screen it appears on, resize it, and determine whether it's translucent (which Microsoft calls transparent). Available Tiles include a clock, a virtual desktop manager, a Most Frequently Used (MFU) programs list, the Quick Launch toolbar, an Internet search bar, a My Photos slide show, and a "user tile," which lets you quickly switch between users. Each Tile can be resized, moved up or down in the Sidebar, or minimized, and some offer a pop-up menu that lets you access hidden features. You can also choose to use the Sidebar as your taskbar, in which case the normal taskbar disappears and the Start button moves to the Sidebar. Now, when you click the Start button, the Start Menu cascades out from the side of the screen instead of the bottom. Conclusions Longhorn isn't far enough along at this point to make any relevant conclusions. As I noted previously, the alpha build I've seen is analogous to early Whistler builds, or perhaps the first December 1996 Memphis release (which became Windows 98), because it's really just a holding place for a few technology tests at this point. Ultimately, the best is yet to come for Longhorn, but some of the bits present here are still interesting. With over two years of development time left, don't be surprised if the final Longhorn version bears little resemblance to what we see here today. -- Billy Amato (NYC) e-mail@BillyAmato.com
User Rating: 4/10
Windows is slow???by - March 30, 2003
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Some pple said that windos is slow... I use mac OSX, winXP and few linux distribution, and I can tell you that XP is not so fat and slow. the graphical interface of every linux distribution is terribly slow, and on the same computer XP is pretty fast. And on a mac bougth 1 year after I bought the pc(so the mac is supposed to be fater) speeds are comparable(I'm trying ot be nice with osX here)
User Rating: 6/10
Only an alpha but not too badby - March 30, 2003
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Sure it's going to have its problems, but it's not even in the beta stages! I'm using the OS right now as I type, and I can tell you off the bat there were a few problems. You're going to have to reinstall several programs, but once you get past that you have to move all of your files around. There are some options and controls you should play with to optimize speed, and you should take advantage of all of the new features. Longhorn isn't terrible, it's not very much of an update, and it definitely has a few minor but fixable problems (icons get switched around sometimes, that sort of stuff). All of the problems I had at first vanished after a half hour of use. I don't know how to get rid of Longhorn, so I guess I should just keep it
. If you like your OS and would love to keep it, don't get Longhorn. I haven't found an uninstall for it so I guess I'll just enjoy it while I have it. Until the next build, I guess I'll be satisfied. The "Plex" interface that people say is very lame and simple, sure it's kind of right, but I do like it. The simplicity of this theme is easy to live with and you don't get sick of it. For extreme beta testers, if you can get your hands on this (and I know you definitely can - I'm not very "extreme" in testing software and I got it) go for it. It's definitely worth a shot especially if you'll know how to get rid of it if you don't like it. I'm lucky: I can't get rid of it but I like it. One other small problem: there's no support for it other than Internet articles and stuff. So if you get stuck with a problem, too bad. I haven't
. Make a decision: get it or don't. Don't say, "I'll try it." because you'll be stuck.
User Rating: 4/10
A plea for a better Windows from a Windows user.by - March 30, 2003
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Ok, let me make myself clear from the start. I am a self-employed web designer. However, I am by no means an OS tech. I have no experience with Linux (and thus no view) and have only limited experience working with Macs. All I know is that in the past Windows (95, 98SE) has been a continuous hindrance to my work ? the ?blue screen of death? became my silent partner! Since upgrading to XP only four months ago I have been treated to a smoother interface, but not a vastly quicker one. I run XP on a custom-built 2ghz+ computer. I think that this should mean that the basic OS functions (opening folders, accessing the start menu, etc) should fly by. In XP they don't. On top of this networking has been a complete nightmare and over the last two days I have had to reinstall the OS twice because it took offence to me trying to set up an additional user log in (a task that MS describes as an improved feature of XP). In my opinion a good OS should be as invisible as possible. I am afraid that my experience of Windows has shown that it is anything but. Now, after saying what I have just said ? deep breath - I am not a Windows hater (my jury is still out on MS itself!). Lets face it; Windows is ?the? standard PC OS. If MS can really come up with the goods in terms of stability and performance then I am all for it as it will allow me to do the things that I want to do. The way I see it having a more flexible file management system can only be a benefit in the long run. It is as simple as that. However, overall Longhorn does not look like it is panning out to be the OS we would all like it to be. Personally I dislike the fact that I have to take on all of MS?s add on software (Internet Explorer, Media Player) just because I want to use their OS. I try to run quite a tight ship on my computer. This helps my workflow and I believe that it makes my computer faster overall. In my view bulking out one program with others removes my choices as a user. At the end of the day lets remember that a computer (and in particular an OS) is just a tool for doing other things with. So to conclude, virtual file formatting should be a good addition. However, the proposed underlying Media Player layer will not be so well reserved (especially as Media Player is far from my preferred choice of player and is never used on my computer making it dead hard drive space). In regard to the argument that the Mac OS has its own built in media layer I just say, lets face it ? Quicktime is ?the? standard and is just plain better!
User Rating: 4/10
OSX for x86by - March 30, 2003
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I really just wanted to make some coments here... so I rated all "5"s so as not to impact the true ratings. Since so many are comparing Macs and Windows based PCs (nothing new there)... I figured I'd throw my two cents in. There's been talk on and off of porting OSX over to x86. What better option as an alternative to Windows? Right now, PC users don't have a consumer friendly alternative to Windows. Pretty much the only choice is Linux. While it's getting better, it's far from ready for the average consumer. Although there are some mainstream developers for Linux software, you're not likely to find your favorite apps for it... more likely you'll find "something like it". With OSX, you have a modern, user friendly operating system. While there's not nearly as much software available for OSX, the amount is always growing. So far as pricing... Apple hardware IS more expensive all around. The cheapest Mac is about $1000. You can get a comparable performing PC for hundreds less. And even Apple knows their machines are slower. The megahertz myth only goes so far. That's why Apple has been looking at Intel to manufacture their processors. What I've never understood is why so many Apple (not all... just alot)users are against the port of OSX to x86. It seems like they think they're in some private club. Growing the OSX client base could only help Apple, OSX users, and PC users. The only major company which might be badly effected would be Microsoft.
User Rating: 10/10
All hail MS !by - March 29, 2003
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MS has ruled and will rule. You bunch of *nix sucking jerks, u so f**king proud of you *NIX and MACdonland why do you bother entering a Longhorn review user post in the fist place? shows how creepy you Di*k heads are just like your daddy Larry Ellison.
User Rating: 10/10
Finally in the right directionsby - March 29, 2003
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Finall MS is moving in the right direction. Making it user friendly by not having remember folders and filenames.
User Rating: 8/10
Best Architextureby - March 29, 2003
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HAs the best pixel sync I have seen. Parrallel architexture allows IP tunneling and great dada packet emulation. Phase Locked Loop Allows continuous operation of all NPN Modules. TFT Support and redraw Z-buffering help impact secondary CPU less for GUI. DRAM is taken advantage of better then Single. Full text index tree no longer included in SDRAM. No Read or Write time allocated helps speed up file retreval.
User Rating: 5/10
Could be what we have been waiting for...by - March 29, 2003
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I have been a beta tester for Microsoft for many years. I helpded with Whistler aka: XP... And the dreaded ME. Let me first say ME should have never been released it was a bug from day one. Xp shows promise on newer machines, but will take work on older. I still use Windows 98 on my work and home machine. Except I also force memory x from anaologX to free up space that windows forgets. Hopefully in this version Longhorn will cover this teritory as all versions have failed to comply. In the meantime, I'm waiting for my copy to come from MSDN team.
User Rating: 6/10
uninformed viewby - March 29, 2003
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I'll start out by saying that I don't trust Microsoft to put out a good OS. However, I do think it's worth a shot. So far I love the sort by and near directory-less interface they say it has. As a database designer, the ability to control my PC the same way I operate a database query would be brilliant. So at the outset, I will give Microsoft a chance. However, while it gets my thumbs up, windows ME and XP have made me very weary of new products. ME and XP seemed to me the indicators of a decline in Microsoft's OS's. They had enough problems to begin ticking off even some regular consumers, who MS has held onto pretty well historically. If they can get past that, they've got my vote. As for the linux arguments, linux is in the same boat Longhorn is. No analyst worth his salt that I've ever read a report from says that linux, in its current build, is good for the average user. Linux's day will come. most analysts I've read project sometime within the next two or three years with the msot optomistic being 1 year, and I think they could do it. However, Microsoft is the only average joe user's option right now, so I can only bank my hopes on them.
User Rating: 2/10
You don't have to download the product to see the trendby - March 28, 2003
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Given there are stereotypical Windows and MS haters out there, many of which are Mac or Linux users, not everyone who has made a point here against this OS is one of those people. Microsoft has followed a trend for years of bloating their operating system out of proportion while Intel complements this by cranking out faster and more expensive hardware. Anyone who know's anything about economics would know that this is not a admirable campaign. As technology improves we should have less bloated products that complement exisiting hardware, not vise versa. I am not a Mac-head but I can already tell you that Apple's Mac OSX is far better and beyond Windows XP and unless something changes, Windows Longhorn. Mac OSX is built to have elegance. Windows is not and has never been elegant. It is a bull (good job on the new version name MS!). No doubt I run a copy of XP right now and may run a copy of Longhorn once it's out, but this doesn't mean that Microsoft's ability to be a monopoly and make people think there are no options reflects on the actual quality of their product. My hope is that eventually the people will get tired of spending more and more money on hardware and their OS and adopt some of the other options out there before it's too late and they cease to exist. While I AM a Computer Science major, I don't believe that this is why I like to have options, I think that is human.
User Rating: 4/10
"New" Features really oldby - March 28, 2003
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The "new" ability to prevent users from logging in during certain hours is as old as NT4 (maybe even earlier). You should really investigate things before believing the microsoft hype.
User Rating: 1/10
warningby - March 28, 2003
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something not said in the article: m$ will be able to accses your data and give info about mp3's and divx and others to the riaa and mpaa. bouycott lognhorn for privacy
User Rating: 5/10
Resistance is Futileby - March 28, 2003
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Windows dominates. Get used to it. Get over it. Bill sells what Bill wants, and the world will buy it. Linux and Mac geeks can sit in their parent's basement and tinker with OS code while productive MS Windows users benefit from thousands of available Windows apps. It is all so clear. grip9in@turkishwrestling.com
User Rating: 5/10
Windows vs. Linux: the ultimate flamewarby - March 28, 2003
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First off, let me say that you people are wasting your time promoting a "Windows rocks" or "Linux 0wnz" impression. No OS is perfect; the smart ones will use the right tool for the right job. Windows is the practical choice for the average computer user on the desktop, while Linux excels in the server arena, and for power users and enthusiasts. To Mr. Anonymous: "So this is bloat ware huh? WHAT DO YOU EXPECT IN AN ALPHA!" First of all, typing in all caps is just plain annoying. Second, alpha software typically includes most of the features of the software already, save for a few and tons of bugs. So if it is bloated now, (I have not tried Longhorn) then the final build will likely be bloatware. Unless MS intends to surprise us, their history of products would lead me to believe this. To Nemo: "Give me a break! Laissez-faire, baby!" Our government was set up with the power to interfere with monopolies for a reason. Sure, Linux operates independently of the traditional model and may not be affected as much, but you should realize there are other *companies* who could build an operating system, too (BeOS, OS/2, MacOS, etc.). Besides, Microsoft software has been so widespread that certain 'standards' have emerged (e.g., MSWord .doc format, Windows SMB shares, and anything else that allows Windows-interoperation). If Microsoft is not forced to disclose these (and they have no compelling reason to do so), the competition is hindered that much more. Microsoft has a history of over-promising and under-delivering, so I won't be surprised if Longhorn follows suit.
User Rating: 3/10
Dig the nameby - March 28, 2003
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I feel this is another way Microsoft is going to dictate the demands of the consumer pc industry. I dig the name though...HOOK 'EM HORNS!!!
User Rating: 9/10
This will be amazing.by - March 28, 2003
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For what i have seen and read so far, it will be great. Always improving. Don't care what this anti-microsft guys say. Go Microsoft, go.
User Rating: 10/10
Bryan on 26-Mar-2003 05:52:53 pm you are awesome!by - March 28, 2003
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Bryan, That was a great review and your comments about the Linux boneheads is right on!!
User Rating: 6/10
Why does the anti-MS crowd always sound like the white robed misfits selling flowers at the airport?by - March 28, 2003
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Guys, chill out. We're talking about software, not religion and not politics. *nix is noce, but far too difficult for 95% of the people out there. The only way the open source movement is going to win (or even come close) is if you dump your elitism and start building things for the ordinary user and not for tech savvy. As for all the nonsense about the anti-trust suit, has everyon lost their minds?!? Why would the tech community want the government involved in ANYTHING? No matter how bad Microsoft is or may be, it is impossible for them to be as bad as the U.S. government in screwing up what they touch. Lawyers and judges deciding what is and isn't good software? Lawyers and judges trying to make sense out of the tech industry. Give me a break! Laissez-faire, baby! Get the government out of business and let the businesses duke it out amongst each other and with the open source community. If *nix is better, it'll win regardless of MS's efforts. The tech industry does not need the government to plod in hear with their great, big feet, stepping all over everything in an attempt to "even the playing field." We don't need an affirmative action program for software. We're smarter and better than Washington and we can police our own industry without their interference.
User Rating: 1/10
Not what I needby - March 28, 2003
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Here is an OS that I really need: Instant-on (no waiting for a boot); stable and robust. I want an OS that runs beaucoup programs crash-free. I've no interest in yet another file system.
User Rating: 10/10
Wazoo Puppy!by - March 27, 2003
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*nix?......you can't even get it to install without kissing it's butt! gee,..everybody owns it!, what fools! We will asimilate you little ones with no trouble when we're ready. You WILL like what we offer when we offer it. Period!
User Rating: 10/10
I have a question...by - March 27, 2003
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How can you rate it already? Is it even out yet? The beta thing is, not the final. Wait until it comes out before you say anything at all. If you don't want it than don't get it. It's that easy. In fact, you can go back to Windows 98 if it's so fast. Your computer is probably too slow to handle XP and that's why you think it's slow but it runs great on my 3.06GHz 1536RDRAM 2x 200GB HD Gateway 700XL.
User Rating: 4/10
Not any good, yetby - March 27, 2003
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I won't say how I came upon Longhorn Build 4008, but I must say that there wasn't anything in it that I found "better". It looked different. It had sorting capabilities that worked well. It didn't run fast. I had trouble running programs off o f my other windows partition. Overall it is XP with better file-sorting. Time will tell if this will be a worthy OS or not.
User Rating: 3/10
Longhorn - aka - more Bullby - March 27, 2003
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It seems to follow in the style of Microsoft. Bigger, fatter, slower - yet another reason for Intel to make 6ghz processors. XP has been a security nightmare - I always called it X-tra P-orous in that sense. Unless MS does some major rewritting, what's the sense of just piling more "stuff" on top of bloat-ware. And building Real Media right into the OS? Just a way to laugh at the US Justice Department. So much for access to the more standard QuickTime for streaming media and the like. Operating systems on the big iron mainframes seem to be getting smaller, faster, better. Why are PC systems getting bigger, slower and less stable?
User Rating: 1/10
Again?!?by - March 27, 2003
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I guess it's time for us to draw a line in the sand. Just say NO! They have not learned any lessons from the monopoly suit. The front of the wave will be just like now, if you want a new machine, either buy the components and build it yourself or buy a complete unit from Dell/Compaq/Gateway etc and take the bloated OS they force on you. So the non-technical user is screwed into taking what M$ Windoze version is being ladled out at the time. Quality will be a 4, Features a 3, Stability a 2, and Support will be a resounding 0! Just like now! I wonder how they will deal with the legacy software the business world will not be wanting to give up, and the new FS will not be able to run/store/install?
User Rating: 9/10
Great OS, Slow performance.by - March 27, 2003
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For example like windows XP on my laptop. (2.2Ghz P4, 1GB DDR, 40GB 5400RPM 8MB buffer, 32MB Radeon 7500 Mobile) lags bad at xp. I wonder what microsoft will do to the next generations of windows. Yes make more graphics and make the machine even more lag so people will have to buy a faster processor, more memory, bigger hard drive. Do we need all those to satisfy our needs? Around 2004-2005, people will have a machine rated over 4Ghz (usage: basic word processing, mp3 musics and basic games). I don't think we will ever need a 4Ghz processor just to do word processor. In fact, my old Pentium II 450 does the job well...
User Rating: 5/10
Longhorn user.by - March 26, 2003
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My company got a alpha version of this new OS to test out the drivers for some hardware companies, and Longhorn isn't much diff then Windows XP so far, but when Windows XP was a alpha it didn't look much diff then Windows 2000, so time will tell if Longhorn is really worth buying. What have changed in this new OS are the display properties. The display properties gives you allot more options to do more stuff with the looks of your pc then the last version of Windows, even though allot of the new stuff in the display properties says "under construction" it's still something to look forward to in the near future. It?s too early to tell rather WinFS will be alot more stable or faster then NTFS, but I guess is it won?t. I was reading on a few developers? websites and they have said ?So far, WinFS looks to have minor improvements over NTFS. The only big improvement that will stand out in this new file format is that WinFS will be able to support 128bit and 256bit servers when they become available in the near future according to Microsoft.? I'm not recommending this OS because it's an alpha and it's too early to tell rather this OS will be a big improvement or a small improvement over Windows XP. In my opinion this OS looks to be a minor upgrade like what Windows 95 was to Windows 98.
User Rating: 1/10
Time Based Restrictionsby - March 26, 2003
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hrmmm ... "Early Longhorn has also worked in some security improvements, including an administrative feature that would restrict times during which users can log on to their PCs (for example, a company could restrict use to daytime hours to prevent hackers from trying to sneak in at night)" So, I guess no one told this reviewer that you can do that with Windows NT 4.0 in User Manager ... Also, a Filesystem that is a database - BeOS did this years ago.
User Rating: 6/10
It's allright.by - March 26, 2003
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This product is allright, but I would not use it as an everyday operating system. It is still very unstable, and Norton 2003 does not work on it. Knowing that Windows is a magnet to viruses, you are just asking for trouble. As for everyone rating this product that do not have it, the don't rate it.
User Rating: 10/10
why rate itby - March 26, 2003
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what is it with people rating it down for non stability and trying to compare it to crappy linux. if you haven't used longhorn then don't rate it. If you have used it of course it is not fast or stable yet, it is still years away from release.
User Rating: 4/10
How can you ask for ratings?by - March 26, 2003
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No Im not a linux blowhead shouting of steam simply because Linux people have to hate anything about windows, even if all they do is make Linux more windows like everyday. My issue with this this review is that most folks haven't even tried Longhorn beta and yet your asking them to rate it? How the hell can any of you provide opinions when you haven't even tried it? I just can't recommend it because I haven't tried a beta that isnt suppose to publicly exist. I will say I look forward to it. Hate MS all you want, but they have the resources and advancements to improve on technology unlike so many of the re-hashed legacy, nix,linux, stuff that is available. Good lord if the nix crowd dominated today, computers would still be unknown boxes in the back of IT backrooms crunching batch cronjobs and the layman would never had the access to computer technology like they do today. That access and usability can be attributed to Microsoft and Apple, Not Unix, Linux or anyone else.
User Rating: 10/10
I use this in production every day!by - March 26, 2003
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Geez you frickin' losers, quit rating an alpha product. Out of work nerds. Go about your business, nothing to see here...
User Rating: 4/10
review...what?by - March 26, 2003
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Why are we doing reviews when most of us "don't" even have a copy to test? Well, it just goes to show that Microsoft is already trying to generate some reaction from the "general" public. Good for them (unless I'd get a copy to try out)! What's interesting to me (the general public)...is that it looks and feels like XP. I'm not a programmer...or a *NIX person. But from all the screen shots I've seen, they all looks the same as XP. Is this suppose to be a NEW OS? Or just an upgrade...like the Win 98SE type of thing? Again, until I get my hand on a copy, I'll let you know what the "general public" thinks...for now, I'll leave it all to those developers!
User Rating: 4/10
The only fair review is one which is neutralby - March 26, 2003
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The actual release of this product is still so far away that to judge it at this point would be like trying to say if a fetus is a good person or not. All you Linux nitwits... Linux would be great if the right hand ever caught on to what the left hand was doing. Yall give end users too many choices. The average person doesn't know what a hard drive partition is, and somehow you think they're going to know how to decide between windowmaker, gnome, kde, and hundreds more interfaces. Just pick one and stick with it, and MAYBE Linux will one day be able to compete with Windows for ease of use. MacOS folks... Just because YOU like your OS doesn't mean its necessarily the end all and be all of computer development. Oh... where do I plug in my old parallel printer on a Mac? I can't? I guess I have to fork over even more money than I already paid for this beautiful little paperweight I call iMac.
User Rating: 2/10
When will they ever learn?by - March 26, 2003
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You want solid performance? You want strong security? You want a gui? USE *NIX!
User Rating: 3/10
cool but not stableby - March 25, 2003
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i installed it and after 24 hours internet explorer started crashing, also I could not use Outlook Express, XP, or 2003 with my HTTP email accounts on hotmail and MSN. I could not find any kind of support or information even on Microsoft web site.
User Rating: 4/10
Pretty cool, but not there yetby - March 25, 2003
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I tried out the new M4 Build 4008, and it's basically XP with some new features grafted on. It looks like it will evolve into a great OS, but right now it has lots of bugs, unfinished features, and the new WinFS file system is absolutely horrible. Even on my 2 ghz P4, using the new file system was incredibly slow.
User Rating: 8/10
This is a Longhorn review. Not a linux Debat.by - March 25, 2003
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So what about *nix. This article isn't about it. So this is bloat ware huh? WHAT DO YOU EXPECT IN AN ALPHA! This is still in progress. You all read the review it doesn't come out until 2004-2005. That?s a lot of time for tweaking and refining the OS. Just so I'm not bias, I do like Macs but I also like windows as well, I love the OS for the simplicity of it. Not all of us want to be a Systems Engineer to install there OS. Overall Longhorn is cool so far. Yes it is feature incomplete, BUT IT'S A ALPHA. The install is insanely fast though. 15minutes on a P4 2.4 GHz System with a gig of RAM. One last thing, when I tested this I ran it for about a month on one of my systems... NEVER CRASHED. MS is truly improving their product quality.
User Rating: 10/10
Longhornby - March 25, 2003
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Microsoft codename "Longhorn" is the best Microsoft Windows yet. If Microsoft keeps up the good work on this product and doesn't f**k it up while in the BETA and RC stages it should be a great product! I look forward to 2004 - 2005 when this product is released to see how far it goes!
User Rating: 5/10
Borrowedby - March 25, 2003
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They used the Mac GUI, they tried to add security like Novell, now they are using a file system that does what UNIX does. Overall though, theyv'e done alright doing it like this. Lognhorn isn't too bad, and good thing about MS stuff, is compatibility compared to Mac/Linux.
User Rating: 10/10
What on Earth?by - March 25, 2003
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Don't let those Mac/Linux people give you a bad impression. They CAN'T STAND the notion that a Windows OS might actually be better than anything they have. So they give it a poor score even though it's not out yet. Pitiful...
User Rating: 5/10
Great Idea, but why so soon?by - March 25, 2003
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I personally think that this is another wonderful OS by Microsoft, but they are attacking the whole thing the wrong way. We JUST got Windows XP about a year and a half ago, and there is ANOTHER one coming? Also, what if you NEED a rigid file structure, where location is everything? ONLY get this OS if you DONT already have XP, and even then, be wary. Its like a Lazy-man's OS.
User Rating: 10/10
Rate a product not even on the market?by - March 25, 2003
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Product isn't even ready, so why can we rate it? My ratings don't mean jack. Well not until I have purchased it and given it a try. Any *NIX OS is to complicated for the normal user. Just look at sucky OS's as job security in IT. If systems worked and were easy to use, you'd be out of a job. Seriously, no rating is worth anything until it is truely a product ready for sale. ( Authorized betas, etc, not leaked alpha copies).
User Rating: 10/10
STOP RATING LONGHORN IF YOU HAVEN'T DOWNLOADED IT !!!!!!!!!!!by - March 25, 2003
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I personally downloaded it and found it to be quite good. However, if you havent downloaded it, please dont post reviews of how great linux and macs are. This is ment to be a place to review longhorn not bash microsoft. If you have a problem with microsoft vent it somewhere else, just dont fill the board with your random complaints if you havent actually used the program
User Rating: 6/10
This is just windowsXP with a skinby - March 25, 2003
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Tried beta 4008, works alright, did not display small icons clearly, missing 3 of the file view settings (deatil, thumbnails), dull logon screen, cannot set boot sequence... other things incomplete in beta. Hope the final version looks cleaner...has more features
User Rating: 1/10
memory bloatwareby - March 25, 2003
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Wow .. I guess I will need to buy the latest xeon with 4 gb of ram to run this OS. Microsoft is on their downward ... just like IBM. Stick with Windows 2000 server , it works.
User Rating: 8/10
Linux is the way to go...by - March 25, 2003
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What's new?!? I guess the main goal is just to create a reason to buy bigger hardware to run new software. Really nothing new with this file system, just compare with any *NIX...
User Rating: 1/10
What a Flop!!!by - March 25, 2003
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Just when you thought corporations want to CUT IT spending!!! This is yet another example of why Corporations want to migrate towards Linux. It is such a headache to migrate your Network services and OS to the latest and the so called greatest. Microsoft is the Elvis Presley of Software. But other than Elvis... they do not do a good job at it. I do not want to spend extra money on equipment and obsurd licensing schemes When I can better put that money into improving support by having more personell, that would make my life a little easier. The ideal OS would be one that would require as little maintenance as possible and run on equipment that would cost a little of nothing. Microsoft hasn't accomplished any of this... not to mention securitywise either. Yet all I have to say is... Let's get ready to see the suckers that would waste their money on this new encarnation of bloatware.
User Rating: 10/10
Tried Alpha version...and its pretty goodby - March 24, 2003
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although obviously it needs a lot more work. A lot of features were not yet finished yet the taskbar worked well. However, there really wasnt much difference between the version I got and windows xp. So unless you are good with computers wait for a beta verson to come along before you download.
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