I got myself a Palm Pre, and it’s pretty awesome. It doesn’t have the app store that the iPhone has, but having an always connected device is something that, as cheesy as it sounds, has really changed the way I think about mobile phones. It’s less and less about the phone and more about the fact that it’s basically an all in one communication device, and it’s really amazing to have. Now Palm, lets get Windows Live Messenger support, and a bigger app store, and I’ll be sold forever.

Speaking of Phones, Bell and Telus here in Canada are launching their GSM HSPA+ network here in November 2009, as in next month, and will both be offering the iPhone. This is actually a *really* big deal in Canada, and worthy of it’s own blog post, which I will be writing. Suffice it to say that it’s probably the most important event in the Mobile phone world in Canada in over 5 years, maybe even since it because a 3 horse race between Bell, Telus, and Rogers many years ago

The Fall 2009 TV season has started. I don’t watch a whole bunch of TV anymore, but the shows I do watch I really enjoy. I don’t even watch many of them live on TV, I either watch shows either by streaming them online legally, or buying through iTunes. Most I’m streaming, but the few that I really do enjoy, I buy. The shows that I’m watching Religiously this year are: House, Dollhouse, Flashpoint, The Border, and Being Erica. I will be watching 24 in January when it starts up again. Other shows that I am looking at are Glee and Stargate Universe. I really do enjoy two and a half men, but I watch that show on DVD when the season comes out. You know, I just listed a lot of shows, and while it seems like a lot, compared to what’s out there to watch right now, it really isn’t a lot of shows.

October really is the best month of the year if you are a sports fan. Lets run it down

Hockey season has started. My Oilers are off to a decent start. They look like they can score goals almost at will this year, but aren’t looking very good defensively. Hopefully they solve that soon. It’s nice to see the leafs in the tank, and I’m not at all surprised to see the Red Wings off to such a slow start.

CFL football is coming down to the wire, and is as exciting as ever. It would be more exciting if the Eskimos hadn’t lost 5 of their last 6 games, but with 4 to go the playoffs are still within reach. Hopefully they wake up and get there.

NFL football is in full swing. I’m a Packers fan, and so far i’m happy with how they are doing. Hopefully they can improve as time goes on. The Raves are really surprising me, as are the Bengals, and I’m quite happy to see the Patriots struggling. i have a soft spot for the Dolphins, and hopefully Chad Henne develops quickly without Pennington.

Baseball playoffs are on, and while I don’t like it, we seemed to be destined for the Yankees to go back to the World Series. The Angels have a really good team, but the Yankees were the best team in baseball this year, I’m not sure if there’s any stopping them.

That’s it for now, I have a couple posts on the docket for the next week, one of them is the biggest post I’ve ever done, should be fun!

In 2001, Windows XP was released to the world. At the time, it was Microsoft’s best operating system release. Windows Vista improved on it in nearly every way. Let me say that again. Windows Vista improved on it in nearly every way. The biggest problem with Vista was the high barrier to entry, however, it was no more higher than the barrier to entry Windows XP faced in 2001. As I wrote previously, we were spoiled by lower hardware costs, and the fact that running Windows XP on cheap hardware from 2006 was akin to running Windows 95 on hardware from 2001. It could be run very well on very cheap hardware. In 2009, pretty much every computer except for the netbook class computer can run Windows Vista very well, and this is where Vista truly shines.

Many of the technologies that make Windows Vista so good are beyond the scope of this article, so I will concentrate on the features that the end user will see.

The first, and most useful, is start menu search. Windows XP had the add-on Wnidows Desktop Search software for years, however it was slow, not integrated into the OS, and in my opinion, just plain not useful. In my experience, it actually slows down a Windows XP PC quite a bit. Windows Desktop Search 4.0 for Windows XP did address some of those issues, but the simple fact is that Windows XP was never meant to have a built in quick desktop search application, and using an application like Windows Desktop Search or Google Desktop really highlights that deficiency. Windows Vista was designed with the instant search built in. This instant search, appearing in the start menu, allows you to quickly find applications, documents, even specific email if you use outlook. simply hit the start menu, or press the windows key on your keyboard, and start typing. Usually the first few characters of the application is enough for what you are looking for to appear. Type “word” and Microsoft Word will be the first result. You can even search for a particular document, and open it directly. Start menu search has many more functions, but at it’s core it is used as a fast way to launch a document. Ever since my first experience with the beta of Windows Vista way back in early 2005, it has been my preferred way of launching applications. I truthfully rarely even go into “All Programs” in Windows anymore, as start menu search is a much faster and more efficient way of getting to where I need to go.

Speaking of the start menu, it received an overhaul for Windows Vista as well. Gone is the word “Start” present in every version of windows since late 1994. Also gone is the multi-column all programs menu. Instead going into all programs places the menu in a scrolling list in the left side of the start menu. As someone who regularly dealt with 2, 3, sometimes 4 columns of applications in Windows XP, this change is welcome for the few times I need to go into all programs. Other changes are more minor, but appreciated, including more streamlined access to the networking section of Windows, and more.

The second feature, which is arguably the single most important feature of Windows Vista, and remains integral in Windows 7, is User Account Control(UAC). Windows Vista represented a fundamental shift in how Windows handles user accounts and security. In every Windows version up to, and including, Windows XP, a normal user ran as a system administrator, meaning that the user has unrestricted access to the computer, and can make any change without prompt. The “limited account” option that existed in XP was an attempt to stop this, but in reality the limited account was so restricted a user could not really do many day-to-day applications with Windows. This method of user accounts remains the single biggest security vulnerability in Windows XP, even after 3 service packs and hundreds of security updates. Many types of malware take easy advantage of the fact that that they can make changes to Windows, install applications and services, and generally have their run of the operating system. Windows Vista changed all that. Instead of operating with unlimited permissions, all accounts, even computer administrators, operate under the principle of least privilege. This means that a user runs as a limited user, and when a change is made that requires administrator access, UAC will display a prompt. A computer administrator may simply click continue, and a standard user must enter an administrator password to continue. This ensures that no operating system changes are made without the user’s knowledge, and any changes that are made are done so as a direct result of user interaction. This is the security model that UNIX and linux based operating systems have been based off for decades, and what Apple as adopted for OS X, which is UNIX based, back in 2001. UAC in Vista is not perfect, and many people feel that it prompts too many times. This is partially true, however, many people turned UAC off because of this, and they really shouldn’t. UAC is the biggest piece of the security puzzle in Vista, and while turning off may add some convenience to using Windows Vista, it is much more open to attacks. After Windows Vista is set up, and most of the users applications are installed, UAC is much less obtrusive, because 99% of the day to day operations of Windows do not require elevated permissions. UAC is also much improved in Windows 7, with the same security as in Vista, but with far fewer prompts.

Windows Vista also introduced Aero. The Aero desktop is the visible component of the Windows Presentation Foundation, which was a complete re-write of the Windows User Interface. the new UI design allows for Windows to use more advanced graphics effects, such as transparent windows, the “glass” look of the windows, live window previews, and new transition effects between Windows. Many skeptics of Aero in Windows Vista say it was nothing more than an attempt to make Windows Vista look “pretty” and did not offer any real benefits. On the surface, this is actually true. However, like many things in Windows Vista, the underlying system was completely re-written, and Windows Vista represented the growing pain, and Microsoft implementing a brand new system for it’s user interface. The truly advanced elements possible in Aero are evident in Windows 7. Going from Windows XP, to Windows Vista, and up to Windows 7, it is very easy to see how Windows Vista is the stepping stone, and many of the advancements in Windows Vista are taken and improved upon in Windows 7.

These are just a few of the changes in Windows Vista. As I have stated, Windows Vista represents a change that was as big, if not bigger, than the leap from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95. Many of the changes are good changes, and many of the changes represent brand new ideas for Microsoft. For that, Windows Vista will fall in place as a transitional operating system. Is it perfect? No. There are many things in Vista that drive me crazy. But I do not let those things detract from what is otherwise a very solid operating system from Microsoft.

If I had written this 6 months ago, Windows Vista would have gotten a 100% recommendation from me. In fact, 6 months ago, I was urging people who were considering buying a new computer, but afraid because of the stigma of Vista, to upgrade. Very few people that I know that have purchased a new PC with Windows Vista on it have told me they dislike it. Give Vista a chance, a real chance, and you will generally be surprised with how good it is. However, with the release of Windows 7 just 2 months away, there truly is no point. Buying a new PC today will come with Windows Vista, but many will come with a free upgrade to Windows 7 anyway. I have no qualms telling people to run Vista, but cannot recommend people buy a new computer right now. Wait until Windows 7, and buy a new computer with the new operating system. In many ways, it is a shame, because many people will never really know just how good Windows Vista is, and how it provided the critical stepping stone to Windows 7, which is being regarded as the best release of Windows ever. So, as you move on to Windows 7, know that at it’s core, you are using the technology of Windows Vista, and working day to day with everything Vista had to offer.

1. My Printer, scanner, or [insert other piece of hardware here] doesn’t work in Vista.

This is, in my opinion, one of the top 2 reasons why people complained about Windows Vista. This, however, is something that is only partially Microsof’s fault. Now, without getting too technical, the reason why this happened is that Microsoft changed the architecture for drivers in Windows. Now, a driver is essentially the software that allows your windows to work with the printer, scanner, mouse, iPod, anything. What this meant, was that for a lot of peripherals, the manufacturer, not Microsoft, was responsible for creating that driver. What many companies, printer companies especially, decided to do was not create those drivers for older printers. This was a business decision designed to get consumers to buy a new device.

The overall question though, is that is this a good thing? Again, without getting too technical, the changes that Microsoft made in the way drivers need to work were good changes. They unfortunately come with growing pains. Now, 2.5 years after Windows Vista launched, everything works just fine with it. And Windows 7 uses the same, improved driver model, so essentially everything that works with Windows Vista will also work with Windows 7.

The third party companies that make the hardware are the ones that are responsible for not supporting Windows Vista. Now, I fully admit that for them to support Windows Vista for devices that were, in some cases, 6-7 years old would have cost them a lot of money. They would have to allocate people and resources to create drivers for printers that no one in the company had supported for years. The return on investment for doing that likely would have been too small to justify the cost. However, that did not change the fact that when the average consumer bought a new computer with Windows Vista, and their printer did not work, they were un happy.

Overall, I’m going to call this a draw. Microsoft and the third parties were both justified in their decisions, and in the end, it did affect the customer. An unpleasant, but necessary growing pain for Windows.

2. Vista runs very slowly on my 4 year old computer, or the $800 computer I just bought runs vista very slowly

This issue has largely disappeared recently. Back in 2006, the consumer world had grown accustomed to a $700-$800 PC running Windows XP well. However, in early 2007, when Vista became available to consumers, windows XP was over 5 years old. even low end PC hardware in 2006 was significantly more powerful than what was a high end computer in 2001. Unfortunately, the consumer has been conditioned that they should be able to buy a computer for $700, and have it run well. In 2006, that was simply not the case, nor should it be. Windows Vista is a modern, advanced operating system that offered numerous improvements over XP. That’s not to say it was perfect. It does have problems, even today. But to expect an new operating system to run on either hardware that was 4-5 years old, or on a computer made as cheaply as possible, is not fair to Microsoft.

Both of these reasons are the main contributors as to why Windows Vista received such a bad reputation at launch. There are other reasons, such as Apple’s relentless ads against them, the emergence of netbooks, which Windows Vista does not run well on, and many businesses not moving to Vista. In part 2 of this article, I will discuss why people should be using Vista, and why it is so good.

• Summer is finally here.  oddly enough, I actually am going to have a pretty busy summer this year.  We have a pretty big project at work that will keep me busy.  I will be working a couple of Saturdays in July, and since I work on Sunday at my other job, doesn’t leave me a lot of fun time in the month.  In August, I will be attending Fragapalooza, the largest Video gaming event in the Country.  700 people get together at the Agricom and play PC games for 4 days.  It will be a ton of fun, which I need since that is my only time off for the summer.  I will be making two trips for work in August, one to Calgary for a week, one to Vancouver for almost a week.  Before I know it, August as well will almost be done.
• This season is actually the time when I for the most part put down my Xbox 360, Wii, and PS2 controllers.  I don’t game on the consoles very much during the summer.  I tend to read more, spend more time outside, and play my DS and PSP games a bit more, since I can do that outside when the weather is nicer. I’ve even purchased an ebook with the Stanza app on the iPod touch to try out that experience. We will see how it goes.
• I have a couple new “fun” things I’ve just gotten over the past couple days that I’ll be blogging about soon
• I’m disappointed at the City’s decision to do a staged closure of the City Center Airport
• the CFL season has completed Week 1, and week 2 is about to start.  CFL football is my #2 favorite sport behind NHL hockey, so I’m excited for that.  I wish the Eskimos well
• Speaking of the Eskimos, Jesse Lumsden lasted 14 minutes and 25 seconds before getting hurt.  I was hoping they’d at least get a full game out of him.  Hopefully the Eskimos keep running the football. Ray is the best in the league, but if they know the team will pass every down, they’ll have trouble.
• And lastly, while the death of Michael Jackson is tragic, and clearly one of the most “important” events in recent history, I’m done with the constant coverage of it.  Let the man rest in peace.

That’s all I have for now. if my finger co-operates, I’ll be posting more this weekend.

Dear Mr. Vandermeer,

I am a member of your constituency, and I am a strong conservative supporter.  However, I am deeply concerned with Bill 44.  This piece of legislation is one that truly concerns me as a Canadian, an Albertan, and a human being.  This bill serves no other purpose except to cripple our education system, stunt the growth of our youth, and harm a teacher’s ability to teach.

the Education curriculum, which is defined and maintain by the Government of Alberta, is largely based on though provoking subjects designed to open the eyes of our youth to new ideas, especially in the area of social studies.  So much of our human history is fuelled by religious beliefs.  From the medieval times when wars were fought over beliefs in different versions of the same god, to more recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.  Almost every important event in our history can be connected to religion in some way.  I know that a new Junior High social studies curriculum is being introduced soon, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are included in the studies.  Bill 44 will cripple the social studies curriculum, because any time a teacher wishes to talk about something that might have to deal with religion, a letter will have to be sent home, and if a single parent voices concern, the teacher simply cannot talk about that subject.  How can a teacher be expected to teach well when the potential exists for virtually the entire social studies curriculum may not be teachable because of Bill 44.  A teacher will also have to tip toe around everything they do in fact teach, because as soon as religion is brought into the discussion, they risk having a human rights complaint brought against them.  Teachers should not have to teach in fear, and I am afraid that if Bill 44 passes, that will happen.  I know several teachers, and they are all terrified of Bill 44, and the consequences of it passing.

On the topic of human sexuality, I do not understand why new measures need to be implemented over what already exists.  When I was going to school, consent forms were sent home before any sex education classes, and any parent who did not want their child to learn about that, the child would be taken out of the class and given other activities to do for that period of time.  Bill 44 overly complicates this, and again further opens up the teachers to risks of human rights complaints.  What about biology classes that teach human physiology.  A parent could potentially launch a human rights complaint because their child is learning about the physical human body.

I will concede that homosexuality is a difficult issue.  Alberta is not the first jurisdiction, nor will it be the last, to deal with these issues.  I believe in equal human rights, and it is my personal belief that people who are homosexual are discriminated against because they are not always given the same basic rights that I am.  To be totally frank, the issue of homosexuality will not go away until people of my generation move into prominence, and become the decision makers in the world.  In my experience, it is the older generations who are mostly afraid of this issue, and are the ones pushing against it.  As the younger generation takes over, this issue will go away.  However, until that happens, consider this.  Teenagers commit suicide every day because they discover they are homosexual, and cannot bear the weight of the persecution, public perception, and lack of equality they are given.  Children who discover they are homosexual are scared, made fun of, and have their self esteem destroyed.  Bill 44 will further pile on to this, because as long as a single parent disagrees, a child will be unable to talk about homosexuality in a classroom.

I firmly believe that this bill will stunt the growth of the youth of this generation, because it will take away much of the thought provoking substance of the curriculum.  It is difficult enough to get the youth actively engaged in what is being taught, and if the best parts of the curriculum are taken away because one parent wishes them taken away, then the curriculum loses most of it’s effect.  The subject will be bland, with no substance, and will get the youth further disconnected.  With the cultural diversity that now exists in our country, where it is not uncommon to find Christians, Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, Jewish people, and Atheists in a single classroom, as well as people who are hetero and homosexual, teaching will be nearly impossible, since there is no way to discuss a single subject without offending at least one person.

Our schools are supposed to be a haven for youth.  It is a place where our youth and teachers can talk about many subjects, some of which youth of today, especially teenagers, are not comfortable talking with their parents about.  A student should be able to trust their teacher, but if Bill 44 passes, the teacher might not be able to be the trusting figure for sensitive matters, for fear of human rights violations.

Please, vote no on Bill 44.  It is a dangerous Bill which could harm the school system of our province, our teachers, and our youth, in ways that cannot be described.  If Bill 44 passes into law, not only will I be ashamed to be a Conservative supporter, but for the first time in my 22 years, I will be ashamed to be an Albertan.

Thank you,

Tyler Hardeman

Please note that I am also sending a copy of this e-mail to Premier Stelmach.