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Security hole in every 32-bit version of Windows NT since 3.1

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by GerbilSoft, Jan 20, 2010.

  1. GerbilSoft

    GerbilSoft

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    Because paying $$$ and installing a new operating system is totally a better idea than using Dosbox or another VM solution, e.g. VirtualBox.
     
  2. Overlord

    Overlord

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    It's also worth noting you have to have Windows 7 Premium to get the XP mode - I didn't know this until after I'd bought Home Premium. Oh well, that's what VMWare Player and a spare legitimate XP license is for. =P
     
  3. Spanner

    Spanner

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    Fixed.
    Also, the processor needs to support virtual technology or something, it's much better using an alternative such as VMWare or VirtualBox.
     
  4. Overlord

    Overlord

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    Gah, I meant Professional - and it includes ones upward from there.


    Also, what's the practical difference between XP Mode and a VMWare Player instance of XP running on a dedicated core on your multicore CPU, other than the ease of setup? I'm not aware of one.
     
  5. Chibisteven

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    Why deny the home user the right to run XP mode without being forced to pay more? It would seem rather stupid, do to the fact a home user could be running 16 bit programs and games. It seems to me, Microsoft is asking for backlash from those who have very limited budgets.
     
  6. SMTP

    SMTP

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    Because its their software and they can do what they want with it.
     
  7. Phos

    Phos

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    What the heck would businesses do with it? If a business needs an old program to run, they'll just use an old operating system.
     
  8. Sintendo

    Sintendo

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    Yeah. Because old OSes sure do have excellent support for newer hardware and people sure like working on their Pentium 2's in 2010.
     
  9. Phos

    Phos

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    Then I'd wonder why they're using old programs for modern tasks.
     
  10. Sintendo

    Sintendo

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    Maybe because they have a custom made application that was written a long time ago that hasn't been updated since, and there aren't any modern alternatives. Sure, they could just have another application made, but that costs money and doesn't guarantee that it'll be compatible with their old application.
     
  11. SMTP

    SMTP

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    Besides who said those versions of windows are only for businesses?
     
  12. Overlord

    Overlord

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    You've never worked in a buisness environment with legacy applications at all, have you?

    Just to give you one I can think of right off the top of my head, the Jobcentres in the UK use both a Windows 3.1 application (still using 3.1 widgets for the UI), AND a terminal emulator for some old data processing application that they use on the backend. Both applications get daily, if not hourly, use. Both are under Windows XP.
     
  13. Phos

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    I must admit I haven't, however...
    I have a hard time believing that these job centers (or anyone else) would be interested in upgrading to Windows 7 just so they can run XP VM's.
     
  14. Overlord

    Overlord

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    Well, if it fixes a security hole and they have the budget for it... I dunno. I've seen far more retarded setups.
     
  15. Glisp

    Glisp

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    None at the moment I'm afraid.
    Sorry to derail the topic but how do you tell the difference between windows 32 and windows 64?
     
  16. Covarr

    Covarr

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    Right click on (My) Computer. Choose Properties. Look for System type.
     
  17. Or it's just that old hardware just doesn't die as fast as modern ones. Some of the train stations here in germany still use 286-based machines to control arriving and departing trains aswell as the displays showing incoming trains there.
     
  18. Afti

    Afti

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    There's something of a sampling bias there.

    Since we don't have any way to count every 286 that ISN'T still usable...
     
  19. Maybe so, but from experience I have had better luck with older hardware. My first computer I got around 2001, and that was given to my Auntie a few years ago, and it's still going strong. The computer I built two years ago, has started to develop faults, so has my laptop I have only had for a year.

    It's probably just coincidence, but I've had the same experiences with hand held consoles (GBA failed a few years ago, my DMG Gameboy is still going strong), and also with TVs and mobile phones.
     
  20. nineko

    nineko

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    Yes. Old things last more.

    My 1988 PS/2 (no, not Playstation 2, fgts, IBM Personal System/2) still works fine and kicks ass. And I can list many other old things that still work. Now that I think about it, my only computer which had a serious failure was my most recent one.