Hi Dark, Snip Virtual XP is always a solution next to a main os, but how well that runs I'm not sure over all. End Snip
Well, unfortunately that all depends on how much CPU power and memory you have to spare for a secondary OS. Generally running XP in a virtual machine will runn a bit slower than natively and that means games may not perform as well on that virtual machine. I have heard of cases where input and graphics lag so it can be problematic. Still, if you really can't afford the space for a secondary machine then its about the best you can do when it comes to running older software on a modern PC. Snip As regards windows 7 generally however, one of my main issues with this debate is that programmers take a look at a new system and say "wow, look at the specs, look at the hardware, support for this that and the other etc" End Snip Maybe some programmers look at it that way, but many professional developers, including myself, do not look at new versions of Windows that way. For most people I know it is viewed from the perspective of sustained compatibility. What do we have to do in order to make sure what we write today will still be compatible on the next generation OS? What libraries will be removed, deprecated, or replaced on the new version of Windows? What features can we use to make our software better for new customers? The point I am getting at is its not about looking at a new OS and looking strictly at specs, hardware, or anything like that. While those things will certainly influence a developers decisions it isn't the whole story. There is more to it than you indicate in your message. Snip Well why should I move from an interface I'm comfortable with, that I can personally customize to one I must jigger with in order to work? End Snip Well, how long do you think Windows XP is going to last? Do you see yourself 30 years from now still running a computer made in 2005 with Windows XP on it? The point Dallas and I have been making is that weather you like the new interface or not it doesn't matter in the long run. We can argue back and forth until the end of time, but it won't change a thing. Sooner or later the computers you have will break down, parts will be hard to obtain, and new copies of XP will not be available. Weather that day comes ten, fifteen, or twenty years down the road you will probably end up buying anew computer running something other than XP and you'll just have to accept the new interface regardless if you like it or not. Snip while I do appreciate the issues that developers have, at the same time there is an element of give and take needed I think, which is exactly why I suggested developers aide in this situation, eg, by writing a guide on virtual xp emulation with download for mac and windows 7, for trying to do something about dosbox and vb6 etc, since at least for some people sticking with xp it is a bit more than simple bloodymindedness, and if developers do indeed want more people to shift to newer os so that they can take advantage of all this stuff, maybe this is something that they can help with. End Snip Well, to be fair there is already a lot of documentation and tutorials on how to do this already. VMWare the company that produces VMWare Player, Fusion, and Workstation already have indepth guides on setting up and running virtual machines. I don't know that any more documentation is necessary and if so what we could add to what is already there. Plus while it is not strictly legal it is possible to download ready made virtual machines of XP and all you need do is extract them, run VMWare Player, and tell it to boot the new virtual machine you just installed. When you here the XP start sound you can then install Jaws, MVDA, Supernova, or whatever screen reader you want. So its not as complex as you might think. Cheers! --- Gamers mailing list __ Gamers@audyssey.org If you want to leave the list, send E-mail to gamers-unsubscr...@audyssey.org. You can make changes or update your subscription via the web, at http://audyssey.org/mailman/listinfo/gamers_audyssey.org. All messages are archived and can be searched and read at http://www.mail-archive.com/gamers@audyssey.org. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the management of the list, please send E-mail to gamers-ow...@audyssey.org.
