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no support of FLAC and being tied Down in their system ... no thank you
That's because they have their own version called ALAC or Applelossless.... Doh!!
That's because they have their own version called ALAC or Applelossless.... Doh!!
Yeah but FLAC is open and non-proprietory, hence slate's comment.
Gordon Steadman
26-08-2013, 10:51
Not that its relevant to a Windoze thread but iTunes does play Flac files as far as I'm aware. And WAV, its always been the case that Apple stuff will run almost anything but Windoze was picky. Lots of urban myths around. Who cares anyway, they all work (sort of:eyebrows:)
Not that its relevant to a Windoze thread but iTunes does play Flac files as far as I'm aware. And WAV, its always been the case that Apple stuff will run almost anything but Windoze was picky. Lots of urban myths around. Who cares anyway, they all work (sort of:eyebrows:)
Let's go with this :D
Let's go with this :D
Where are we taking it Paul? I've heard Beachy Head is nice this time of year... :D
Not that its relevant to a Windoze thread but iTunes does play Flac files as far as I'm aware.
Wrong, iTunes does not support FLAC, unless they have changed it very recently? You need to convert to ALAC, or use a third party plug-in to play FLAC. So you can get it to play FLAC, but have to make the changes yourself. Plenty of tools out there if you want to do it, just use Google. Of course not being an iTunes user this information may not be current, but I cannot find anything to contradict it, if someone knows better please feel free to update with the correct information.
Beachy Head sounds nice Dave - see you over there ;)
Gordon Steadman
26-08-2013, 11:44
Wrong, iTunes does not support FLAC, unless they have changed it very recently? You need to convert to ALAC, or use a third party plug-in to play FLAC. So you can get it to play FLAC, but have to make the changes yourself. Plenty of tools out there if you want to do it, just use Google. Of course not being an iTunes user this information may not be current, but I cannot find anything to contradict it, if someone knows better please feel free to update with the correct information.
Beachy Head sounds nice Dave - see you over there ;)
Hmmm, could be but I downloaded a FLAC version of Hotel California yesterday and it played OK in iTunes. Sounded dreadful though in comparison to my Apple Lossless version done from LP so I dumped it. Always possible that the Mac converted it to something it could read. My comment about the Mac reading most stuff still applies though.
If I actually thought such a thing important, I would do it again and show you the file but it really isn't important is it?
There is no need for you and Dave to kill yourselves over this, as I say, it really doesn't matter. Anyway, who needs a bloody mess at the nice beach at Brighton.
Where are we taking it Paul? I've heard Beachy Head is nice this time of year... :D
:rfl:
All this crap about iTunes too. Its great, works in a logical way and lays it all out the way I like.
Have to pull you up on that, I'm afraid. Whatever you may say about the Apple platforms (and I remain neutral for the purposes of this statement), iTunes is a disaster of a piece of software. Known to be unstable and unreliable, it is even disliked by Apple fans. It's no joke that iTunes causes such problems with the machines my team support that, for a while, I outright banned it from work laptops. I no longer ban it as the popularity of iPhones has made me a Canute against the tide, but we do still find that removal of iTunes often resolves a stability problem with a machine. Apple are known to utilise their userbase as unknowing beta testers, but they still haven't ironed out the bugs from iTunes despite the version number endlessly increasing.
I wonder whether our different perspectives have as much to do with how we each use our machines and care for them than the different styles of OS.
I think that has a lot to do with it, Dave. It also goes to why I distrust magazine reviewers' articles on machines and operating systems. Journalists simply do not use computers in the way that business people or home users do, and it gives rise to over- or under-praise in many cases. I take it all with a pinch of salt and try to evaluate as much machinery as I can myself.
I even played with a Blackberry Z10 a little recently. I've never liked them much and I didn't like this one either, but it means I have some experience and an opinion.
You really can't help yourself can you? Someone always has to come and have the last word.
Be fair. This is a thread about Windows 8. No-one is stopping you from creating one about MacOS or whatever.
Martin,
I've been using iTunes for years and never ever had a problem with it. I use it on 3 Apple Macs, one for music import, another for music streaming and the third for movie streaming via an Apple TV3.
P.
I can honestly say that on all the Mac's that we run iTunes on at home and work we have never had an issue with its operation, never. But on the windows platform it is very very different with numerous issues, startup problems, resource issues etc. etc. Almost like its been crippled on purpose! :whistle: As for the user interface well......yes, even an Apple fan would be hard pressed to admit its any good! ;)
Hint for speeding up Windows 7 and 8 machines (may work on Vista too but I don't have a machine to test):
Run Disk Cleanup built-in to Windows. Just type Disk into the Start menu in 7 or the Start Screen in 8. Tick all the boxes and let it delete all unnecessary files. If you have a machine of some years in age and have never performed this operation, you may be staggered at the number of files deleted. I had one recently with over 28,000 useless files. This clogs up the directory held in memory and your hard disk and causes lots of additional head movements when loading files (except SSD). If you have a rotating drive, make sure to perform Defragment afterwards (or schedule it for once-a-week operation).
If the machine is still slow, consider increasing its RAM to at least 2GB (32-bit OS) or 4GB (64-bit OS).
Good advice; Just want to add that one should never defragment a SSD drive
Good advice; Just want to add that one should never defragment a SSD drive
Indeed. Windows 7 & 8 are TRIM (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIM) aware and will not defrag an SSD drive even if you ask it to. Vista and XP, as well as some third party defraggers, would try to do so and it's a bad thing.
walpurgis
29-08-2013, 21:44
Good advice; Just want to add that one should never defragment a SSD drive
What would happen?
What would happen?
It can dramatically shorten the life of an SSD drive by unnecessarily re-writing data. An SSD doesn't slow down with defragmentation and doesn't need the sorting of sectors into contiguous strips. However, it does have a limited number of writes per cell and its lifetime would plummet were it to be subject to regular defragmentations.
walpurgis
29-08-2013, 22:29
Ah, I'd figured there were unlikely to be speed issues. But it makes sense that the finite life would be cut. Not that I've ever had a memory card or anything with flash memory pack in.
Got the invitation this evening to pre-order a Surface 2 (http://surface.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/html/pbPage.CATS/categoryID.66611000?WT.mc_id=IntlEmail_Surface2_9-30-13_jetztonlinevorbestellen) for delivery and . . . well, it would be rude not to! Seriously, my Surface RT has been such a brilliant tablet, nearly always by my side, that I relish faster performance, higher res display, thinner and longer battery life. Pretty much all the improvements I was looking for. I'll report on it when it arrives :)
I've just received my Surface 2 and it's every bit as good as I had hoped for. Faster in every way (most of the PC Benchmark results show a doubling of performance against the Surface, except for RAM which shows 5x improvement); beautiful HD screen (I just played some HD YouTube on it and the definition is impressive on such a small screen); better sound with its Dolby presentation (within the limits of tiny speakers); Windows 8.1 RT pre-installed including full Office 2013 with Outlook; two-position kick-stand. Proxy support for corporate firewalls is improved too, and that's important for me as I use it as a work tool as well as for leisure. To be determined is the extended battery life, which is claimed to be 12 hours.
So far, very pleased with it. Another member of staff is trying to prise my old Surface off me sharpish, which will help to fund the new one. For £359 it looks a bit of a bargain compared with the average iPad. Productivity-wise, it's in a different league.
http://cdn.geekissimo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Surface-2.jpg
StanleyB
22-10-2013, 18:33
The Nokia Lumia 2520 looks a far better RT machine though.
I did look at it, Stan, together with the Dell Latitude 10s that I roll out at work and the Samsung ATIV series. However, you can't really describe how well the Microsoft tablets are put together - that cast magnesium casework is a joy to behold. My old Surface still looks as good as new, with even the kick stand still clicking very positively into place. Good build quality like that simply gained my loyalty.
Rare Bird
22-10-2013, 18:55
The wife wants something like that Nokia for her holidays..
I did look at it, Stan, together with the Dell Latitude 10s that I roll out at work and the Samsung ATIV series. However, you can't really describe how well the Microsoft tablets are put together - that cast magnesium casework is a joy to behold. My old Surface still looks as good as new, with even the kick stand still clicking very positively into place. Good build quality like that simply gained my loyalty.
Long term though, do you really see a future for Windows based tablets? Microsoft and Nokia are the only two firms supporting the platform and I believe MS have a stake in Nokia now, so realistically MS are going it alone. My own view is that MS came to the market far too late and unless they switch to using the Android platform soon the whole project will end up hurting MS badly, and may even sink them eventually.
StanleyB
22-10-2013, 19:19
I myself fancy a Samsung 700T.
Haven't Microsoft made a significant loss on their tablets?
Haven't Microsoft made a significant loss on their tablets?
Yes they have Paul.
I do see a future for Microsoft tablets as otherwise they may as well shut up shop. Why on Earth would they use Google's Android? However, my stance is on productivity - you know, getting real work done rather than doing some shopping on Amazon and e-mailing Aunty Betty. In that regard, Windows 8.1 is superb.
On the subject of loss-making, yes they lost money on the first generation. However, they have sold out of almost every model in pre-orders alone this time around. Just like Windows Phone continues to grow market share, Windows 8 will too.
Just like Windows Phone continues to grow market share, Windows 8 will too.
I actually agree with you Martin (my gosh this is happening way too often), however, it is my opinion that Microsoft have lost a lot of business to and will struggle to build back confidence in the consumer and therefore it will take a long time for them to reach the heights seen by other manufacturers in the the tablet market.
Much will depend on the direction set be the new Microsoft CEO, whomever this maybe.....
I agree that Microsoft have a lot of catching up to do in the consumer market. I also agree that the next CEO must be the right choice, especially as Steve Ballmer was such a dreadful leader.
However, don't lose sight of the fact that Microsoft have a vice-like grip in the corporate market with superb products like Server, SQL Server, Exchange Server, SharePoint, Office etc. This is where they are strong and the likes of Apple are nowhere.
This is where they are strong and the likes of Apple are nowhere.
Couldn't have said this better myself... In the corporate world Microsoft lead by quite a large margin...
Windows 8 may be a tech heads wet dream but how does your average user feel about it?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4boTbv9_nU
Compare that with the same gentleman's first test drive of OS10:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeeOkHjV7nM
and with Ubuntu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltE_ekc8kE8
This chaps OS experience lies with Win XP so it is interesting to note that out of the three unfamiliar operating systems presented to him, Win 8, OS10 and Ubuntu, it is Win 8 which leaves him totally flummoxed. An OS needs to be intuitive if it is to appeal to the average user otherwise they just won't use it. These clips help to explain just why it is that Win 8 is so unpopular with end users. Hopefully for Win PC producers and Microsoft, the recent 8.1 update which allows the end user to choose between the Metro interface or the Aero GUI, will go some way towards slowing the decline in desktop PC sales.
It's horses for courses, though, Dave. Personally, I find OS-X a bag of unintuitive shite every time I have to use it. The thing is, I'm not a beginner like the old guy in the videos and I have different needs from my computers. There isn't one OS that fits everyone's needs.
It's horses for courses, though, Dave. Personally, I find OS-X a bag of unintuitive shite every time I have to use it. The thing is, I'm not a beginner like the old guy in the videos and I have different needs from my computers. There isn't one OS that fits everyone's needs.
Your last point is absolutely spot on Martin, however the gentleman's reaction to Win 8 is not an isolated one, in fact far from it. Putting aside my own feelings towards the OS for a moment and purely from a commercial standpoint, if end users are telling you that your OS is unfamiliar and difficult use then they are also telling their friends, and then their friends are telling their friends... Need I go on? ;)
I will agree that Windows 8 is not intuitive when first presented with it. However, 20 mins training and my Win 8 gestures poster is usually enough when I'm rollout out W8 tablets to staff. They are swishing and gesturing like mad after half an hour.
I will agree that Windows 8 is not intuitive when first presented with it. However, 20 mins training and my Win 8 gestures poster is usually enough when I'm rollout out W8 tablets to staff. They are swishing and gesturing like mad after half an hour.
:lol: See, I've never been able to get to grips with 'gesturing' at a computer, however dipshit car drivers who don't signal or else cut me up, now that sort of gesturing comes easy to me :D
however dipshit car drivers who don't signal or else cut me up, now that sort of gesturing comes easy to me :D
If only your gesturing ended up with them being swiped off the road :lol:
If only your gesturing ended up with them being swiped off the road :lol:
Visualising that with a big grin... :lol:
A week ago I needed to create a strategy document so I fired up Word 2013 on my W8.1 machine at work and made a start. I saved it straight to SkyDrive so that I could access it from home.
Later that same day, I fired up Word 2013 on my home machine and the document immediately showed in my recent documents. I had never opened it on this machine before. I duly made some further additions.
A couple of days later, I thought of a couple more things to add while I was out and about. I clicked the Office icon on my Windows Phone and the document showed in my recent documents. I had never opened it on this device either. I clicked it, it downloaded and I made the additions and saved it away again.
Show me another eco-system that can do this?
Gordon Steadman
25-10-2013, 08:19
A week ago I needed to create a strategy document so I fired up Word 2013 on my W8.1 machine at work and made a start. I saved it straight to SkyDrive so that I could access it from home.
Later that same day, I fired up Word 2013 on my home machine and the document immediately showed in my recent documents. I had never opened it on this machine before. I duly made some further additions.
A couple of days later, I thought of a couple more things to add while I was out and about. I clicked the Office icon on my Windows Phone and the document showed in my recent documents. I had never opened it on this device either. I clicked it, it downloaded and I made the additions and saved it away again.
Show me another eco-system that can do this?
Apple.
Martin if you are defending windows in general you are flogging a dead horse as its dire to a general user, people who use it everyday for work that's great, people like me who "try" to use it effectively end up wanting to throw the pc in the skip. Why does EVERY piece of audio equipment require drivers to use it with windows but macs don't they just plug in and work.
I bought an audiolab q-dac 2 months ago, never used it as the drivers would not install, the audiolab dealer told me they had sent 100's out or even 1000's with no installation cd in the box and no mention of the drivers on their website not being windiows 8 friendly, they fixed it now but initially for 3 weeks it never worked.
I could go on about the issues I have with windows in general but I don't have time, its poants as far as I am concerned.
Disingenuous, Gordon. iOS devices don't have Microsoft Office, for a start. Please don't give me a list of clone software, they're all crap as I've seen any number of documents produced by them which bollox up the formatting. I sit next to a fully fledged Apple fanboy at work and even he agrees that Apple are not good in a properly connected way like I have described.
Martin if you are defending windows in general
I'm not defending anything. I'm educating, and this is a Windows 8 thread.
Gordon Steadman
25-10-2013, 08:36
Disingenuous, Gordon. iOS devices don't have Microsoft Office, for a start. Please don't give me a list of clone software, they're all crap as I've seen any number of documents produced by them which bollox up the formatting. I sit next to a fully fledged Apple fanboy at work and even he agrees that Apple are not good in a properly connected way like I have described.
I was merely saying it to annoy as you come across as totally anti-Apple and that is as bad as being totally pro. There is a completely different market for the two it seems to me. Most users are not there for business purposes and would find what you have described as a complete waste of time and energy. I, for instance am just not interested in the idea.
Gordon Steadman
25-10-2013, 08:38
I could go on about the issues I have with windows in general but I don't have time, its pants as far as I am concerned.
Hey, I might not agree on the benefits of a bit of wire but we agree on something:lol:
realysm42
25-10-2013, 08:42
8.1 is a lot better in my limited experience.
I reformatted (as I'd installed a couple of 3rd party apps and more importantly edited the registry when first installing 8) and popped it on. Lot happier with it.
I was merely saying it to annoy as you come across as totally anti-Apple and that is as bad as being totally pro.
It doesn't annoy me, it makes me laugh out loud. I am not totally anti-Apple, just as I am not totally pro-Microsoft. They all have their faults (and right now Microsoft has a shit-for-brains boss who has finally done the right thing, or been made to). I have to work with all device types at work and see first hand how they behave. What I have been saying is that the Windows eco-system works in a highly connected way and that is great for people who work with documents and contacts. I am not talking about domestic use (that should have been clear from the reading) and, once again, THIS IS A WINDOWS 8 THREAD. If you want to start an Apple thread, be my guest.
In general I have always steered clear of using new OS's from MS until the bugs were ironed out. For example I staunchly stuck with Win ME for years until XP was sorted properly (I seem to be the only person who has never had a problem with ME :lol: ). With Win 7 though I broke the habit and I've been rewarded with totally trouble free Win 7 installs on the three machines it is located on ever since.
Considering some of the issues which have cropped up I doubt I will be upgrading to Win 8 for at least a year, although now the 8.1 update has been released, and once MS get their act together, I'd be a little happier to do so. I will never trust the cloud however. The thought of my data being held by a US company with all the security issues that entails just leaves me cold, and no amount of persuading will sway me on that issue.
Gordon Steadman
25-10-2013, 09:14
They all have their faults (and right now Microsoft has a shit-for-brains boss who has finally done the right thing, or been made to)
Now, there we do agree. What on earth possessed Gates to let that maniac take over?? He must have done untold harm to the company, taking it in strange directions and then trying a bit late (again!!!:ner:) to play catch up. Watching Balmer on YouTube is enough to call for the white coat brigade.
For example I staunchly stuck with Win ME for years until XP was sorted properly
Yep, I know people who have had no problems with Vista, too. Personally I think Vista was a pile of poo until at least SP1 was released. I got blue screens on test machines so often that we never rolled it out, jumping straight from XP to W7.
As for the cloud, it's really just remote storage under a new name. Some corporate clouds, like Amazon, are trusted by some very large multinationals. The same for SkyDrive Pro. I think you need to be careful about your cloud provision choice, is all. For instance, at work we have just selected LiveDrive for our corporate backup service. Frankly, any cloud provider who slips on security is likely to be so litigated against that they would go under rather rapidly.
Yep, I know people who have had no problems with Vista, too. Personally I think Vista was a pile of poo until at least SP1 was released. I got blue screens on test machines so often that we never rolled it out, jumping straight from XP to W7.
As for the cloud, it's really just remote storage under a new name. Some corporate clouds, like Amazon, are trusted by some very large multinationals. The same for SkyDrive Pro. I think you need to be careful about your cloud provision choice, is all. For instance, at work we have just selected LiveDrive for our corporate backup service. Frankly, any cloud provider who slips on security is likely to be so litigated against that they would go under rather rapidly.
It's not general security that's an issue for me Martin as that should be well sorted, it's the fact that the US security agencies can browse my data on a whim. I've nothing to hide but I do take exception when my private files are not private. It's like coming home to find a complete stranger going through your drawers...
Straight from XP to 7, a very familiar story Martin.
it's the fact that the US security agencies can browse my data on a whim
I think you'll get nods of empathy from Merkel and Hollande.
...has come through this evening via Windows Updates. Even better integration, with Modern apps now showing (and pinnable) on the taskbar (it leaves you with the Store already pinned), and including a top bar with close box. Internet Explorer now has a choice of modes: full clean screen, or with tabs showing. Many small additions are visible throughout, such as the power button and search next to your login name and icon. Oh, and it seems even swifter, especially IE.
There's nothing not to like here; if you're running any flavour of W8, get it as soon as you can.
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