Broadband VI and Vista

Just got a new computer yesterday and it works fine for me so far.

No problems with a lan connection but I did have a problem with my Dlink Wireless router inbetween. There were some issues Vista was having building the network path with the two modems, but it was solved via a Vista update it wasn't Broadband VI's issue.

Ah, ha! Thank you, Mash. I believe that might be it. And Ronnie, you finally replaced that computer you bought 14 years ago?:-)

Yup and still making three cups of tea from one tea bag!

I have a new laptop with vista and i have broadband vi no problem!!! the same with my mac no problem at all i like broadband vi better than choice so far. Make sure you make the updates vista has more bugs than XP.

i have a compaq laptop with vista and i haven't experienced any problems either

We use it at the office with a mix of Vista and XP machines behind the routers, no problems. Outside of BVI definitely make sure you have SP1 of Vista...fixes a lot of the bugs.

Sean

I have a mixture of XP and Vista machines here with Broadband VI and no problems.

i use braodband.vi and have vista preofessional on the laptop i use and have never had a prob;em.

Is Broadband Vi available in STT?

Yes. They purchased Ackley. Some technical problems, but they are offering swervice.

Jim

All this talk about Vista . . . can't resist the temptation to suggest that you might find running Mac OSX 10.5 (Leopard) far more satisfying. And in case you are wondering, I have systems running Leopard, Tiger, XP SP2 and Vista simultaneously at home and at work. IF it were up to me, having used them all, I'd be all OSX in a heartbeat.

Steve

I have XP, but have heard some anecdotal complaints from others. I think it is the router deal...

stxdreamer, I was also tempted.... but, I bit my fingers (as opposed to my tongue). My high school senior son has a PC and my college daughter has a Mac (just like her dad). I CONSTANTLY have to fiddle with his PC... the only help call I've gotten from my Mac daughter has been about the battery (of her laptop). Over my 29 years of research work I've had to bounce between Macs and PCs... I've always been less annoyed by Macs. My 94 yo mom uses a Mac, and I love that I can "desktop-share" through ichat and show her how to do things, remotely. I don't see this capability in an easy to use format in PCs... is it in Vista?

Yes desktop sharing is available in XP and Vista. I think for the uninitiated the Mac is always easier to pick up. I started with a Mac but once you enter the business world (at least in large white collar companies) you find the PC becomes inevitable. You have to know more about the workings of the computer to use a PC but the trade off is cheaper hardware and software (not to mention more options.)

Who would've thought a PC vs Mac debate on the VI relocation forum 🙂

My biggest beef with Macs...Apple. They are so arrogant. I am a software developer and there is no way I could make a good living working with Macs. They want a piece of everything...even the Iphone, if I write software for it they want a cut. MSFT gets beat up a lot but they give software developers a TON of tools for free. We use these tools to build some cool software. This is one part of why the PC is ubiquitous in business, people can quickly write custom software to conduct business. I've done some Mac development and they are nowhere near being where the PC is in this regard.

Also, the real challenge of any OS is to work with a broad array of hardware...OSX does not do this because in order to use it (legally) you have to use Apple's hardware.

My Mac is a fun toy for a rainy day 🙂 For those who use their computer's as toys (web surfing/make amateur movies/email), and are willing to pay more, they work fine. For those who view them as a way to conduct business in addition to being fun the PC is the way to go.

Sean

Sean, I also develop software and have to interface/control hardware. I agree with your comparison. But, I think most folks on this forum (and the original question) are probably not as technically involved with the machines. So, I thought that the comment about the ease of use of the Macs was appropriate. And, your rainy day toying around is probably 10 times more involved than what most average users do... the Mac is perfectly adequate for MS Office, email, web browsing, along with more advanced functions like handling photos and making movies.

I also totally agree with your comment about the arrogance of Apple. If you have Apple Care, you're fine... but, if you don't, they are just not sympathetic to any woes. This is my biggest complaint with Macs also. But I think that the ease of use and the total lack of viruses (so far) outweigh the other concerns immensely (for average users)... even the cost difference.

I know that PCs have "Remote Desktop" (which is also on the Mac, btw).... but that is not near as useful as "desktop sharing", where both people can see the same desktop. Is there really "desktop sharing" in an average-user-friendly form for PCs? My 94 yo mom keeps accidentally dragging the Mail icon off of the Launch Pad. But, via iChat I can take control of her desktop and show her how to find the icon and put it back in easy view (granted, at 94, 2 weeks later she's forgotten and we go through it again.. but bless her viking brain, she's learning)

Also, the one problem that I might see for an "average person" using a Mac is if a VPN connection is required. My company uses a SonicWall VPN client, and I have yet to figure out how to get connected through my Mac (certificates, etc... SonicWall does not support Mac, and the open literature has not helped yet... it's close though... but not user friendly).

And... I forgot to add: My wife, who works for IBM was told by IBM about a year ago, that when her IBM ThinkPad dies she will be receiving a Mac! Yup, they don't make ThinkPads anymore. IBM, like others are very disappointed with XP and Vista, have been following Linux, and are open to Macs.

(btw, I wish I was 25 years younger and could jump up and down and sing "I told you so" to her... we've battled about PC vs Mac for years... she's TrueBlue IBM, and a natural spin doctor sales person, and my factual, engineering approach doesn't stand a chance. But, now that I'm older, I can only do a little dance in my dreams, and allow just a hint of a wry smile when she uses the word "Mac" in a sentence).

PCs are not going to go away, mind you, but Macs are considered adequate by many.

Slight snip...

Also, the one problem that I might see for an "average person" using a Mac is if a VPN connection is required. My company uses a SonicWall VPN client, and I have yet to figure out how to get connected through my Mac (certificates, etc... SonicWall does not support Mac, and the open literature has not helped yet... it's close though... but not user friendly).

Hi EngRMP:

I use a Mac and work from St. Croix with a huge stateside company that is Windows-based through and through. I had been VPNing using Apani software that supported Windows and Macs. Company made a switch to Juniper VPN software, which didn't support Macs. Didn't get much Mac love from their IT department. : )

I have an Intel-based Mac. I installed VMware Fusion ($60) and a copy of XP, which runs natively on Intel-based Macs. They supplied a license for the Juniper VPN software and I'm completely good to go...haven't had a problem since Day 1. Although it is a strange right-brain/left-brain disruption to toggle between Windows and OS X apps!

Jim

Hi Jim, thanks for that tid-bit. I heard that the next flavor of OSX might not support my old PowerBook G4, so I might have to bite the bullet and upgrade to Intel-Mac. That would allow me to use your same trick. I'm guessing that I'll eventually (right about the time that I have to upgrade) figure out how to get SonicWall working on the Mac. Right now I have a Dell laptop next to my Mac in my office. I remote desktop to the PC whenever I have to do anything over the VPN... a waste of carbon footprint.

Yup, I know what you mean about the Windows/OSX switching. But, luckily there is Virtual Desktops to help to segregate the two (I love Virtual Desktops, but like the Codetek Virtual Deskop app better - it's not working on Leopard).

BTW, can I say how jealous I am that you've found a way to live in STX and work for a stateside company. I work from home, but my home is not in STX yet. Now, if you tell me that you also work from home I'm going to be REALLY jealous!

Hi Again EngRMP -

Yes...been on StX for a year now and managed to secure some consulting projects from the stateside company I worked with prior to departing. So - I work from home and have developed a nice little multiple-personality disorder so I can have some office mates to chat with!

Jim

Jim, you are my hero...and you're so successful that you have a staff... fantastic!