Normal service is resumed as Windows 7's growth once again.....

[gregrocker]

First I've heard of it. Please explain.

Surely one of the hundreds of installs I've put Adobe Reader on would have reported it?

 

[andrew129260]

seriously?

Interesting.

Adobe anything has always been a major source of attack. There are countless articles on it. Adobe reader being a main source of the attacks. Google some up. Adobe reader was the number 1 attacked software in 2012, until java got even worse. There have been countless zero day exploits on adobe reader. The software can also be easily tricked to run a malicious pdf.

By default, it is preinstalled on most pcs just like flash, so it makes it an easy target. Anything adobe is a huge security risk and better to be avoided just like java. If I could get rid of flash entirely I would. Right now I prevent it from running automatically and only allowing it to run when I click the video.

It also is bloatware. Seeing as you hate bloatware I am surprised you install it. And when it auto updates it throws itself back into starting with your pc again.

Most web browsers (firefox, chrome, opera, pale moon, etc.) can open pdfs so there is usually never any reason to install adobe reader.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Adobe Reader, as well as Acrobat, has had numerous security issues in the past but no more so than M$ programs. Adobe is usually right on top of it with an update being released very shortly after the defect is known instead of waiting to do a monthly set of updates like M$ does for all but the very most serious security breaches. The number of security issues have declined in the past year or few.

Foxit PDF Reader had a security issue several years ago that Foxit didn't fix for several months. A lot of people dropped Foxit PDF Reader in favor of Sumatra Reader.

One clarification: Adobe make more PDF products than just their free reader. They are used for PDF creation and editing in addition to reading PDFs. I initially (and still do) used Adobe Acrobat Standard (not a cheap program) because my ADF (Automatic Document Feed) scanner requires it to create PDFs directly from scans, however, after using it to create PDFs, including searchable PDFs, and edit PDFs, I've come to depend on it. A virtual printer can create PDFs (and I still use one for simple and small PDFs, such as online receipts, since its a bit faster and easier to use) but you have little to no control over page size and orientation.

 

[gregrocker]

It also is bloatware. Seeing as you hate bloatware I am surprised you install it. And when it auto updates it throws itself back into starting with your pc again.

Most web browsers (firefox, chrome, opera, pale moon, etc.) can open pdfs so there is usually never any reason to install adobe reader.

Hmm. I could easily recommend Firefox for its reader since most users ask me which they should use. That would save a reader install. But IE11 does have the pretty cool spelling correction that is luring me over. I need to find a new way to drag my 270 bookmarks into posts easily before I can even leave Firefox 12 though, since any other browser/version converts their name in the text box.

Until a year ago I installed Reader 9 because I thought it was less bloated, but had nagging doubts about whether something so old was secure even though I've never heard before of Reader security issues (but I'm not a Security guy).

Since then I've been installing Reader 11 and I don't really sense it is too bloated, at least not once turned off in msconfig. If it infringed on performance at all I would do everything under the sun to be rid of it. That is always my standard, which is why I need these heads up from Security types.

 

[andrew129260]

Very true lady F.

Everyone always states how important it is to keep your software up to date to avoid attacks. The thing is, if the program is not installed, it cannot be attacked. A operating system will have updates, and yes adobe has gotten better at patching flaws quicker.

But I would rather not have the program, and drop the chance of having a security risk with it, then have the program installed. Especially when I do not need it.

The average user does not need adobe reader. Most web browsers can open pdfs just fine with no additional software.

Hmm. I could easily recommend Firefox for its reader since most users ask me which they should use. That would save a reader install. But IE11 does have the pretty cool spelling correction that is luring me over. I need to find a new way to drag my 270 bookmarks into posts easily before I can even leave Firefox 12 though, since any other browser/version converts their name in the text box.

Until a year ago I installed Reader 9 because I thought it was less bloated, but had nagging doubts about whether something so old was secure even though I've never heard before of Reader security issues (but I'm not a Security guy).

Since then I've been installing Reader 11 and I don't really sense it is bloated, at least not once turned off in msconfig. If it infringed on performance at all I would do everything under the sun to be rid of it.

Yeah firefox has a great built in pdf reader. I like the fact that chrome has grammar as well as spell check. You can always get addons in firefox though to improve it. But then you would have to deal with the privacy implications. It is actually possible to use chrome and not send anything back to google which you can adjust in the settings of the browser. There are also things like comodo dragon browser which is like/based off chrome, but without all the scary send everything to google stuff.

Internet Explorer 11 is okay. It has gotten a lot better honestly. It still crashes sometimes on pages that are filled with heavy scripts. Though that could be the websites fault. I would just rather use a web browser that does not crash-no matter how many addons it has. Personally I like addons and I find internet explorer to be lacking there. I use to be a big firefox guy, but now I use Chrome. -ish.

As for your bookmarking transfer issues, I had no problems transferring my bookmarks to chrome-ish and I tested it with chrome and IE alike. It did not rename anything, and it kept my bookmarks unchanged. Which I was honestly surprised and quite happy with.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

If all a person needs is a reader (which means most people other than office type workers), I would strongly recommend Sumatra PDF (apparently, they only make a reader) or (not so strongly) Foxit PDF reader. Adobe reader is too bloated for use just as a reader.

For making simple PDFs, the kind most people will make, a virtual printer, such as PDF Creator (the one I use) is all that is needed (Cute PDF is another one that is popular; it's simpler to use but has less control than PDF Creator). A virtual printer installs as a printer. To create a PDF, just select the virtual printer as one's printer and hit print. The virtual printer will take the data that normally goes to a physical printer and use it to make the PDF.

In my case, I do (and have done even more in the past) a lot of work with PDFs. My needs are anything but simple, ranging from mixed page sizes and orientation to indexing to searchable PDFs, not to mention support for my ADF scanner. I haven't done so yet, but I need to look into working with PDF Portfolios to simplify searching through the searchable PDFs I make when scanning my magazines (using and scanning paper magazines is actually easier for me than trying to use online and downloadable magazines).

 

[andrew129260]

Why not use post templates?

And your using firefox 9?!

 

[gregrocker]

The issue with bookmarks for me is that I need to be able to drag them into posts while they maintain their custom name. In any but Firefox 12, they immediately convert to URL when dragged and then their custom name is lost because even if when posted it converts back to the bookmark's true name, it isn't the name I've given it for my purposes which I want it to read in posts. Thus Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) becomes http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...dows-7-installation-failures.html#post2714895 or Device Installation Settings - Windows 7 Help Forum.

Since somtimes a third of the text in my posts are these links, it really disrupts my workflow to not have draggable bookmarks to the point I am stranded in Firefox 12 until I find one that drags intact, or decide to spend the extra time rightclick>Copying each bookmark from the Menu dropdown or toolbar.

Not sure how I'd use Templates to do this, and it involves an extra step to Go Advanced which also cuts into speed of workflow unless I need a canned fix. I always have 12-20 threads to answer and need to work fast.

 

[ThrashZone]

I've for the most part used doc files for assets,
I do however used quite a few post templates for canned responses which can have images from onedrive or prior attachments you/ I posted in the past included,
Hyperlinks can be created with custom descriptions just like in the reply editor or word docs,

But for the most part word docs are more versatile because not all questions are the same and post templates can lean away from the actual content of the question a tad or too much information for the issue,

I don't see any difference between dragging a hyperlink from favorites or bookmarks than copy and paste from word except word would have to be open

But yea using an out of date browser is whack

@Andrew what the heck is Chrome-ish

 

[andrew129260]

@Andrew what the heck is Chrome-ish

It's chrome, ish lol. It is chrome, but is stripped of a lot of things. Chrome without google basically. Its a very quiet project in a dark corner of the internet. I am testing it

Comdos dragon chrome browser is good for the public that are worried about the whole google thing.

As I said though, you can disable all the settings in chrome so it will not call out to google.

 

[Wrend]

Hi there

I can't understand this thing about Windows 8 looking horrible with square tiles etc -- if you install Windows 8.1 update 1 you NEVER have to see the square tiles if you don't want to. Boot straight to desktop has been available for some time now.

I use a custom toolbar which gives me a classic cascading menu, I also pin applications to the quick launch taskbar and desktop -- and apart from the Windows symbol instead of the W7 menu Orb my desktop looks identical to what I have for W7 (I use a custom toolbar for W7 too) -- the W7 menu looks quite out of place BTW on a large monitor --try it on a 60 inch screen. The small "XP" like items shown are much more suitable for a cascading menu.

You can even run Metro apps from the desktop (or custom toolbar) if you want - without ever seeing the "Tiles" of the standard W8 start.

I prefer the custom toolbar approach anyway as you can CHOOSE your own items to have on your menu rather than have all the Ms stuff.


Cheers
jimbo

Hi, Jimbo.

(Disclaimer: This is mostly just a rhetorical question)

For someone like me who doesn't like the default look, layout, and settings locations of Windows 8, and is perfectly content with their current setup of Windows 7, and can see no significant benefit in using Windows 8 instead, why should they bother having to invest their time and money, install, setup, and modify Windows 8 to their liking in the first place? There is largely only disincentive there. Just because Windows 8 is newer doesn't mean it's better nor that there is any reason for me to bother trying to use it, especially when the wrapping is so ugly.

For reference, here is a picture of my Windows desktop (notice that I don't even use desktop icons):

 

[ThrashZone]

You have to customize win-7 to accomplish that Wrend,
Win-8 might be a little different in that process but not much,

Most new computers are touch screen interface compatible and is mostly why win-8 looks as it does = a wild guess
Most websites will eventually also be touch screen friendly

Technology doesn't sit still,
Cheers.

 

[Wrend]

So change for the sake of change so I can change it back to what I already have and get to waste my time and money in the process?

:sarc:

As far as touch devices go, I prefer running Android (and therefore also Windows 7 with my remote desktop app which list my Android devices' storage as drives in Windows for file transfer, streaming, etc. - at no additional cost beyond my internet connections) on them.

Windows 8 isn't the way of the future; it's a useless tangent (my opinion).

No offense to those of you who like it. I'm glad for you that you do, just don't expect me (nor the majority of people) to follow suit and be convinced otherwise.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

...For someone like me who doesn't like the default look, layout, and settings locations of Windows 8, and is perfectly content with their current setup of Windows 7, and can see no significant benefit in using Windows 8 instead, why should they bother having to invest their time and money, install, setup, and modify Windows 8 to their liking in the first place? There is largely only disincentive there. Just because Windows 8 is newer doesn't mean it's better nor that there is any reason for me to bother trying to use it...

Prexactly!

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

You have to customize win-7 to accomplish that Wrend,
Win-8 might be a little different in that process but not much,

Most new computers are touch screen interface compatible and is mostly why win-8 looks as it does = a wild guess
Most websites will eventually also be touch screen friendly

Technology doesn't sit still,
Cheers.

No, technology doesn't sit still but not all change is good, especially change just for the sake of change.

 

[Layback Bear]

Way back in my post #137 about a Microsoft pdf reader and then followed by John in post #138 and Kari in post #145.

I does seem to me by reading these post that their is a demand for a quality pdf program and I see no reason it shouldn't come from Microsoft.
John and Kari have pointed out it does come in Windows 8.
I don't know how good that program is. Those who have used it could comment on that.

I'm surprised it comes included in Windows 8 and not a selected add-on.
The E.U. or Adobe will probably have a law suite about it being included like E.U. did with I.E.

I think if we put our thoughts together in a positive way we can come up with a lot of good ideas for Windows 9 and add-ons for Windows 7 and 8 coming from Microsoft.

Here is one that I have been thinking on.
Because Windows 7 and hopefully Windows 8 and 9 are pretty much driver complete why not a Microsoft printer program for all modern printers. I mean one that doesn't try to sell you ink and photos of your grand kids. Just a printer program. Of all the printers, scanners, AIO I have had they all came with a different drivers and programs that you must install.
Here is what I mean.

1. Hook up the modern printer.
2. Boot Windows and it picks up the driver needed.
3. Microsoft printer program is set to default with choices for the options how you want things to print/scan ect. This would work well with a Microsoft pdf program and the operating system. Updates would come from Microsoft. Now all programs you use that you want to print from have one place to go to get the job done.
If it works like I'm thinking it should, you can print from a 3rd party program, Notepad, Word Pad, PDF program, internet, Explorer, ect. all using the built in Windows printer program.
You could remove printer (A) from computer (A) and hook it up to computer (B), boot and the driver would be picked up and use the default Microsoft printer program. Adding these kinds of programs would raise the price of the operating system but to me it would be worth it.

What do you all think.

 

[gregrocker]

Most modern printers will self-install when you've enabled Automatically deliver drivers via Windows Update (Step 3) and plug in by USB cable.

This is a barebones driver that allows printing and may include rudimentary scanning but only using Windows Scan utility (on Devices and Printers right click context menu) and not the more sophisticated (and bloated) one from the maker which can also scan from the printer glass to your desktop.

So on most of my installs where Network printers are involved, or user says they want to scan from printer (most do), I install the OEM software package for Network, Print and Scan doing a Custom install to cut out the advertising and consumer participation crapware as much as possible.

Note that in msconfig the printer listings (except updater) must remain checked to keep the connection between printer and PC ready to scan.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Way back in my post #137 about a Microsoft pdf reader and then followed by John in post #138 and Kari in post #145.

I does seem to me by reading these post that their is a demand for a quality pdf program and I see no reason it shouldn't come from Microsoft.
John and Kari have pointed out it does come in Windows 8.
I don't know how good that program is. Those who have used it could comment on that...

Keep in mind the PDF program in Win 8 is just a reader, not a full fledged PDF creation and editing program.

In just three years, a lot of people will be migrating from Adobe (including this old lady) due to the subscription, and, possibly, cloud model they are going to. That would be a golden opportunity for M$ if they will just give up on their "visions" of subscription and cloud computing inside a walled garden (which, it appears, they may do).

 

[Britton30]

This discussion has reminded me of the ancient argument about leaving the seat down so women can use the potty. We are adults, like the seat issue, use it like you need it and go on. Men generally want the seat up, women down, should they not be able to put it up when done instead of men putting it down?

I like w7, if y'all like Win 8 I'm not trying to say not to use it, if you like then use it.

 

[andrew129260]

@Layback Bear

Actually not needed, see below.

@greg

I have not had success with windows updates providing a generic driver that works well. Sure if the printer is ancient, but a new one? Nope.

As for printers, all you have to do is get the basic driver from the manufacturer. Hp for instance has the standard basic drivers, and then they have the recommend full software driver install. I always use the basic drivers and it works just fine. This way you avoid the crap and let windows handle the printing. You can even use the windows fax and scan center to scan with your printer.

Here are examples: click driver, then basic driver

Software & driver downloads HP Officejet Pro 8600 e-All-in-One Printer - N911a | HP® Support

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/...pe=Downloads&detected=yes&platform=OSF_W_7-64

http://support.brother.com/g/b/downloadlist.aspx?c=us_ot&lang=en&prod=dcp8110dn_us&os=93

Key to this is to avoid "bundled", "full", or "recommended" software package or anything of the sort. "Printer driver" or "basic driver" is what you want. And never ever install the drivers from cd. Waste of time and they are always outdated. Always go to the manufacturer website to install the printer.