[WriteLog] Vista/Win 7 -- Any known problems?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Vista and Windows 7 have their problems but they do work if you 
take a few simple steps to deal with the paradigm shift - . 
particularly "User Account Control," the completely different
audio interface and the fact that most if not all amateur
software was written for XP and does not deal well with Vista's
file limitations. 

User Account Control does strange things like virtualize the
file space ... it will not allow applications to write to the
"C:\Program Files" or "C:\Windows" data trees which causes
problems for older applications (WriteLog, Logger32, etc.) 
and it "hides" things like ini files in a user specific area 
(the old "documents and settings" area).

The "new" audio paradigm prevents an application like microHAM
Router from controlling the sound card. Vista also prevents
applications from opening two inputs (or two outputs) at the
same time on a single soundcard ... this makes it difficult
for applications to switch between line (for recording QSOs)
and mic (for SSB transmit) on the fly.

If you understand the limitations of the existing software with
Vista (and Windows 7) and do some simple things like: 1) turn
off UAC, 2) install the amateur software in a separate directory
(e.g., C:\Ham Programs), and 3) run the computer in single user 
mode (e.g., using the "hidden" Administrator account), you will 
not have any significant issues with Vista or Windows 7.

That said, as long as XP is available and until software is 
written to handle the new paradigm, my preference is to stick 
with XP either by recycling existing licenses on a new system 
built from parts (www.newegg.com or www.tigerdirect.com) or 
refurbished and off-lease (e.g., Dell Auctions, etc.).

73, 

   ... Joe, W4TV 
 


> -----Original Message-----
> From: writelog-bounces at contesting.com 
> [mailto:writelog-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of Ted Huf
> Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 7:31 AM
> To: 'K0HB'; 'Writelog user group'
> Subject: Re: [WriteLog] Vista/Win 7 -- Any known problems?
> 
> 
> I hate Vista and so far have refused to use it.  I have had 
> good luck with refurbished Dells. http://www.dellauction.com/ 
> I recently picked up an Optiplex 2.8 gHz, 80GB, 2 gig memory, 
> etc for $155 with XP Pro. No monitor but you can pick up a 
> refurbished one for under $100.  XP Pro alone would cost more.
> 
> 73 es gl
> Ted W4ZE 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: writelog-bounces at contesting.com 
> [mailto:writelog-bounces at contesting.com] On Behalf Of K0HB
> Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 1:46 PM
> To: LOGGER32; WriteLog Reflector; microHAM Reflector; 
> vista-ham at yahoogroups.com; ARRL-LOTW; DX-QSO
> Subject: [WriteLog] Vista/Win 7 -- Any known problems?
> 
> My old shack/office computer needs to be replaced.  
> 
> My ham applications are WriteLog, Logger32, microHAM Router, 
> and tQSL (LoTW).
> 
> Are there any showstoppers if I buy something with Vista Home 
> Premium installed, and upgrade to Windows 7 in the future.  
> (No, I'm not interested in retrograding to XP).
> 
> 73, de Hans, K0HB
> --
> "Just a boy and his Radio"
> Sea stories here ---> http://k0hb.spaces.live.com/
> Request QSL at  ---> http://www.clublog.org/logsearch/K0HB
> All valid QSL requests honored with old fashioned paper QSL! 
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