A few months ago, we bought the Evil Twin a new computer. I think I've disclosed that he does graphic design work and has freelance work every now and then. His old computer wasn't able to keep up with the types of jobs necessary. So, Welcome Brand New HP desktop - with Vista! Eeeeek.
First, I had to buy some mighty expensive software because you can no longer "borrow" copies from your friends and install them on your computer - at least not the mega expensive design programs that he needs. He installs that stuff - so far, so good.
I wanted to scan a photo, so I was using his computer - that's where the scanner is, but it won't work. ET says he needs to download a new scanner driver to get it to work with Vista. I also discover that I can no longer print wirelessly from my laptop to either printer we have in the office. Apparently, all these issues are related to Vista.
The Evil Twin went online and tried and tried to find a new driver for the the scanner, at least. It's an HP scanner, HP Computer--- he got a message that THIS HP Scanner is not supported in Windows Vista. We just bought this thing not too long ago. So, on top of a new computer, new software and possibly a new printer, we have to buy a new scanner. Oh, and we gave Evil Twin's old desktop to Buddy for his room, so that required the purchase of a wireless adapter card so Buddy could use the wi-fi. Not to mention the new printer cable we had to get so the new HP could be hooked up to the HP Laser Printer.
Why don't they tell you in advance it's gonna be a money pit? Crappity. I plan to make a little phone call to HP support tomorrow and log a complaint. Hell, if I act the way I usually do, maybe I'll get a discount on a new scanner. Tee hee. My dad was right, I should have been a lawyer.
ROFL! We bought an HP printer a few years ago (three?). Didn't come with the installation CD. We spent HOURS downloading the drivers, calling HP cust. service, etc. Our old computer wouldn't support the printer!!! A new Dell computer later, that was one expensive printer! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine using Vista. Why go through the headache? I mean XP had a 95MB fix it package so I can't image what Vista is going to need.
ReplyDeleteI shouldn't knock HP, since I own one, but HP has a friend issue. If it isn't HP, HP no likey.
So if you combine that with the Vista thing you have got issues.
Good luck, may the force be with you, and sing a Mary Poppins tune.
I wish you all the luck. I tend to wait as long a possible before upgrading the O/S just because of what your going through. I like to give it time for everything to break and get fixed before I switch over. Give em hell and see what you can get for free. :)
ReplyDeleteI can fix all your problems with one word. . . .
ReplyDeleteMacintosh.
I'm still trying to get over the 8 months that it took me to get my simple little DSL line to work.
ReplyDeleteI don't change anything big unless they force me. Computers are like cars for me...I drive them till they die.
Whenever we have issues with our windows program, we give our brother-in-law a call. He's not a lawyer, but he's got awesome tech skillz. 8)
ReplyDeleteI always wait as long as possible to get the new system... I didn't upgrade to 98 until 2003!
ReplyDeleteI have heard at least 3-4 complaints about Vista, and a guy who writes a column about computers here said not to get a computer with Vista until they had been out for a year - so they have time to get all the bugs fixed. That's crappy about your scanner!
ReplyDeleteWell, we would have waited, but the Evil Twin really needed a new computer. And, as a graphic designer myself, I have worked on both PCs and Macs and would never own a Mac - even with the quirks, it's PC for me! :-)
ReplyDeleteAs long as I can get the damn computer turned on and the mouse works, I am good. You youngsters can have the fancy stuff....I'll keep my POC printer with the broken tray so 347 pieces of paper go thru at once...but it scans great! As for the meme's....you could be my daughter down to the tats, hair cut, crude factor,kids, etc.
ReplyDeleteNot worth the three years of law school. Better off learning to be a computer guru ... there is probably more profit in it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteJedi - no proper schooling there, but I'm probably better suited for the computer geek lifestyle (and I already have a proficient working knowledge base!)
ReplyDeleteI've tinkered with Vista and I'm not convinced about installing it yet. It just doesn't seem any better to me anyway.
ReplyDeleteDon't head down the dreaded "Mac" route though :-p They are just for people who are scared of PC's ;-)
Nooooo, don't get a Mac. Remember, you like those error messages, system lock-ups, incompatible peripherals, torturous networking, bug galore, apllication shut downs, being hobbled by Microsoft, etc., etc. HA!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy.
The blue screen of death is your friend!
ReplyDeleteI would probably like macs more if I could figure out what the heck was going on. I've been using one now and again for over a year and still don't understand the interface.
If I had it my way, i'd be back to using dos..
C:/internet/google/blogs.exe