OS Software

[voodooflux]

Nice, post me a copy

Post? How quaint.

[Durbs]

Just goto http://www.overclockers.co.uk/produc...id=33&catid=20 and pick up an OEM copy.

[PAH]

Windows Server 2008, used as a workstation, is reported to be a better option than Vista. Both built on the same core but the server versions doesn't have all the bloatware (and maybe DRM stuff), or at least it isn't installed by default. So all the vista drivers and software should work on W2008 if they're not available specifically.

M$ even allow you to evaluate it for up to 240 days, by resetting the 60 day period 3 times.

For purchasing, the Action Pack at 200 quid is a good deal, if you can be bothered with the hoops M$ make you jump through (via an online training course assessment, WTF!).

Otherwise I'd say forget Vista and use XP until Windows 7 is out next year, if it genuinely is an improvement over Vista.

[chicane]

Otherwise I'd say forget Vista and use XP until Windows 7 is out next year, if it genuinely is an improvement over Vista.

when you start collecting your pension

[PAH]

when you start collecting your pension

Nah, it was supposed to be 2010, but with the slating Vista's been getting, they're bound to bring it forward to next year.

Though as always, it's best to wait for at least SP1.

I saw an article about upgrading from Vista to XP. I'm sure it was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, but it made perfect sense to me.

[voodooflux]

For purchasing, the Action Pack at 200 quid is a good deal, if you can be bothered with the hoops M$ make you jump through (via an online training course assessment, WTF!).

If you're developing a software product then the Empower for ISVs program is also worth a look. Essentially an MSDN Premium subscription for 2 years @ around £250/year.

[NickFitz]

FFS, just get the datasheets for the hardware you want to use, then write it all yourself in Forth, optimising relevant bits by recoding them in assembly language.

Sorted

[Churchill]

FFS, just get the datasheets for the hardware you want to use, then write it all yourself in Forth, optimising relevant bits by recoding them in assembly language.

Sorted

Nick, and I thought you'd let your low-level skills fall by the wayside!

[PAH]

If you're developing a software product then the Empower for ISVs program is also worth a look. Essentially an MSDN Premium subscription for 2 years @ around £250/year.

Yeah did that about 4 years ago, when it was first offered, so did about 3 other contractors I was working with at the time.

Of course none of us ever finished the product we were supposed to be developing to qualify, we just strung M$ along for the two years to get the subsidised software.

I'm sure it was 3 or 4 hundred quid back then, so certainly a better proposition than the Action Pack if they haven't made it harder to enrol. Even though 90% of the MSDN stuff is probably never going to get used. Just remember to obtain the keys for everything and download to excel whilst you can. They last 'forever' but once your subscription expires you can't get at them or request new keys afaik.