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Post by Stu's Dad on Jun 29, 2016 15:02:19 GMT
It's make your mind up time for Windows 10 this week, and, given that I'm probably going to end up with it sometime in the future anyway, I'm tempted to upgrade from Windows 7. Has anyone experienced any difficulties in using common music software programmes (Audacity, Mixcraft, VLC Media Player etc) in Windows 10?
Regards to all,
Len
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Post by timryland on Jun 29, 2016 15:03:43 GMT
Beat me to it. After seeing Microsofts announcement, I was just about to ask the same thing.
Tim.
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Post by Stu's Dad on Jun 29, 2016 16:18:18 GMT
It's telling me that after the 30th June the only way I'll be able to open Hotmail will be through a browser unless I have Windows 10 and download the App. I'm sick of the continuous changes with Windows and I'm seriously considering going for an Apple Mac. It might mean starting all over again but we get that every couple of years from Microsoft.
I only want to use my computer, I'm not looking to change the world.
Len
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Post by garystrat on Jun 29, 2016 18:20:25 GMT
Hi Len I don't think many having gone the Apple route have been disappointed, but there is always the option of Bootcamp that will allow you to run a MS Windows petition (you need a copy of the MS OS). A Mac should come complete with Garage Band (good basic DAW), but if you are looking for something more powerful there is Logic Pro DAW (currently £149.99) and MainStage for live performance and rehearsing (£22.99). Another good medium priced package is Reaper DAW (around £45/50.00), this is powerful but I would say there is more of a learning curve. The Apple Store has many utility apps, this is an instant download with most for just a few pounds, you need an Apple Account. The learning curve from MS Windows is minimal and the OS X has a fair amount of security built in, I always tend to use additional third party Internet Security software from Intego: www.intego.comHope this helps Gary
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Post by Stu's Dad on Jun 29, 2016 18:57:28 GMT
Thanks for that Gary, you're convincing me even more, but the Apple will have to wait a little while, at least until after my holiday in September, by which time the pound may be two to a euro! It won't go that far, but you know what I mean. I think it might be an early Christmas present to myself, if I can persuade management to make do with a tangerine and a box of Milk Tray.
Cheers,
Len
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Post by kipper on Jun 29, 2016 18:59:39 GMT
I use VLC Media Player and it works ok in windows 10. I have found the transition from 8 to 10 went with no problams had it a while now it is different and you do have to work out different things but that's down to the individual and how computer literate you are. peter
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Post by bor64 on Jun 29, 2016 19:38:16 GMT
Audacity work in Win 10 also. A lot of "old" programmes works in Win 10 without hick-up... Cheers Rob
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Post by Cruachan on Jun 29, 2016 20:00:44 GMT
Hi Len,
I am still on Windows 7 Pro 64bit on 3 machines - 2 laptops and a soopa doopa 'gaming' machine which I built at the back end of last year. I can tell you that there is no requirement to 'upgrade' right now other than the fact MS are soon about to remove the ability to do so free of charge. So what? The average user - us - has no pressing need to move to Windows 10. Windows 7 is still a great operating system and support from MS will continue until 2020: "Microsoft doesn't plan to stop fixing security problems in Windows 7 until extended support ends. That's January 14, 2020--five years and a day from the end of mainstream support."
Everything works in Windows 7 and works very well. All third party vendors will continue to ensure Windows 7 compatibility. Driver support is mature and ongoing. I like Windows 7 as it is fast and stable and allows greater flexibility for those users, such as myself, that like to dabble at a deeper level. I never had to reinstall XP nor have I had to reinstall Windows 7.
Before you decide to update, ask yourself why? Is it because you feel the need to keep up with the rest or are you wanting to run a program that won't run under Windows 7. If it's the latter then you are proceeding on a false premise as everything running under Windows 10 will run under Windows 7. Notice I haven't mentioned Vista or Windows 8/8.1 as I consider these to be aberrations in the MS series and best forgotten. The only valid reason, as far as I am concerned, for moving to Windows 10 on an existing machine would be to run software that requires DirectX 12. There is nothing out there right now that you are likely to be installing requiring DirectX 12 unless you are a gaming fanatic and even then there is currently a paucity of titles. This will change, of course, but not for some time. DirectX 11 under Windows 7 still has a lot of mileage left and you don't need to spend more money upgrading your graphics card to ensure compatibility with the latest DirectX.
My advice is not to update just for updating sake. It's just not necessary despite the pressures employed by MS to do so. Wait for another year or two until the new operating system and driver support matures. You won't be alone in making this decision, indeed far from it! Right now your money would be better spent on something else.
Regards, Mike
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Post by Stu's Dad on Jun 29, 2016 20:58:05 GMT
Hi Len, I am still on Windows 7 Pro 64bit on 3 machines - 2 laptops and a soopa doopa 'gaming' machine which I built at the back end of last year. I can tell you that there is no requirement to 'upgrade' right now other than the fact MS are soon about to remove the ability to do so free of charge. So what? The average user - us - has no pressing need to move to Windows 10. Windows 7 is still a great operating system and support from MS will continue until 2020: "Microsoft doesn't plan to stop fixing security problems in Windows 7 until extended support ends. That's January 14, 2020--five years and a day from the end of mainstream support." Everything works in Windows 7 and works very well. All third party vendors will continue to ensure Windows 7 compatibility. Driver support is mature and ongoing. I like Windows 7 as it is fast and stable and allows greater flexibility for those users, such as myself, that like to dabble at a deeper level. I never had to reinstall XP nor have I had to reinstall Windows 7. Before you decide to update, ask yourself why? Is it because you feel the need to keep up with the rest or are you wanting to run a program that won't run under Windows 7. If it's the latter then you are proceeding on a false premise as everything running under Windows 10 will run under Windows 7. Notice I haven't mentioned Vista or Windows 8/8.1 as I consider these to be aberrations in the MS series and best forgotten. The only valid reason, as far as I am concerned, for moving to Windows 10 on an existing machine would be to run software that requires DirectX 12. There is nothing out there right now that you are likely to be installing requiring DirectX 12 unless you are a gaming fanatic and even then there is currently a paucity of titles. This will change, of course, but not for some time. DirectX 11 under Windows 7 still has a lot of mileage left and you don't need to spend more money upgrading your graphics card to ensure compatibility with the latest DirectX. My advice is not to update just for updating sake. It's just not necessary despite the pressures employed by MS to do so. Wait for another year or two until the new operating system and driver support matures. You won't be alone in making this decision, indeed far from it! Right now your money would be better spent on something else. Regards, Mike Thanks Mike, that's a very comprehensive answer. The only thing I'm bothered about is that Windows Live Mail (Hotmail) will, after tomorrow, no longer be available as a seperate programme under Windows 7, and will have to be opened in a browser. I use Hotmail as my social e-mail account and I don't fancy having to search for it and log in every time I want to check it. Maybe I'm just being lazy, but on the other hand I don't like having my hand forced, so I may take your advice and stick. Regards, Len
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Post by eric65 on Jun 29, 2016 22:49:25 GMT
Hi Len Software for the apple mac's is quite expensive yes they are a good machine but just for the sake of an email address is it worth the money. stay with windows 7 mate
eric
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Post by eric65 on Jun 29, 2016 22:49:58 GMT
Hi Len Software for the apple mac's is quite expensive yes they are a good machine but just for the sake of an email address is it worth the money. stay with windows 7 mate
eric
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Post by Cruachan on Jun 30, 2016 0:09:40 GMT
Hi Len, Well, I have to admit that I missed that one! Yet another example of how MS persists in meddling in our lives these days. What's more, they are trying to persuade us all to move over to their subscription based services! I use Windows Live Mail and, as far as I can tell, I should be able to continue as my service provider is btinternet.com - that's assuming I understand what is going on..lol! *The next few days will confirm one way or t'other. If I do run into difficulties then, in the first instance, I will be referring to this helpful page for further guidance: www.theguardian.com/technology/askjack/2016/jun/02/microsoft-killing-windows-live-mail-what-should-i-do-hotmail-msn-outlookWe shall see! This just reinforces my resistance for making the move to Windows 10 and, instead, keep MS at bay for a few more years. One of my hobbies is Flight Simulation and believe you me Windows 7 is the ideal platform for such complex and system demanding software. If Window 10 offered any advantages you wouldn't see me for dust as I moved to W10. As things stand, the reality is it doesn't. *Fingers crossed. Regards, Mike
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Post by Stu's Dad on Jun 30, 2016 8:51:20 GMT
Thanks to Peter, Rob and Eric for your contributions. It looks from what Mike says that I might be able to handle the situation by staying with Windows 7. Being a lazy old so and so, I'll stick. Thanks again Mike.
Regards to all who replied,
Len
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Post by sandra on Jun 30, 2016 11:21:27 GMT
I must admit that I did not know about this change with Windows live Mail until Len emailed me about it yesterday so I had a look for alternatives and as I had seen Thunderbird and Mailbird on other people's computer when I had been sorting out their various problems, including some with those two email clients I tried eMClient and find that it works very similar to how Windows Live mail does and it quickly and easily imported all my account settings and existing emails and contacts. The free version should be adequate for anyone with a single mail account but it seems you need the paid one if, like me, you have a personal email and another for registering on forums and websites for internet shopping and such likes, or for businesses. I see that the three email clients I have mentioned are also in the link that Mike has posted in the early hours of this morning and of those three I think that eMClient so far looks like the best one for me
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Post by Stu's Dad on Jun 30, 2016 11:49:39 GMT
I've just read the Guardian article, and I've just re-read the e-mail from Microsoft, and I think I'm losing the will to live. The e-mail actually says 'You will not be able to synchronise with your Outlook account'. I don't do that anyway, I use Windows Live Mail and Microsoft Outlook seperately, which leads me to think that it's not going to make any difference.
How does anyone else read this:
Earlier this year we introduced a new Outlook.com that will help you collaborate with others, focus on what matters, and get more done. The new Outlook.com delivers an exciting set of new experiences across web, phone, and desktop, and we’re eager for you to start using it.
It appears that you are currently using the Windows Live Mail 2012 application to connect to your Outlook.com account. The Windows Live Mail 2012 application does not support the synchronization technologies used by the new Outlook.com. When account upgrades begin at the end of June, you will no longer be able to receive email sent to your Outlook.com account in the Windows Live Mail 2012 application. Rest assured, you can always access your email by logging into Outlook.com from any web browser, and you will continue to have access to all your data that is currently in the Windows Live Mail 2012 application.
If you currently use the Windows Live Mail 2012 application, we recommend that you switch to the Mail app in Windows today. The Mail app is built in to Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10, and has a more modern design. To begin using it, simply launch the app and add your Outlook.com account.
If you are using Windows 7, you can upgrade to a newer version of Windows to enjoy the Mail app and the other benefits. If you do not wish to upgrade, you can access your account via a web browser, or, you can take advantage of a free one-year subscription of Office 365 Personal , and use Outlook 2016 to connect to your account.* This Office 365 subscription also includes other productivity applications such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. It works on Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, and Windows 10.
Please take action before June 30th, 2016, which is when we’ll begin upgrading accounts that currently use the Windows Live Mail 2012 application. If you have more questions, please find answers to common FAQs in this help article, or you can contact Microsoft support.
We recognize that changes like this can be difficult, and apologize for any inconvenience this causes you. We hope that you’ll enjoy the benefits of moving to the new Outlook.com.
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Post by garystrat on Jun 30, 2016 15:38:11 GMT
Hi Len
I would like to come back on a point made earlier that Mac software is expensive, Garage Band will usually come free with a new machine, Logic Pro is comparable to high end DAW's costing a lot more. It's true to say that there aren't a host of freebies out there, but I believe the idea is to keep unknown software that may potentially cause problems from the machine.
Throughout the time I have been using the Mac, my personal experience is that the hardware is more expensive, but that this is offset in many cases by reasonable software costs. There are exceptions to this where other software can be about the same as the MS version, but as the hardware follows a known build and quality, compatibility issues are rare.
The important thing to consider if going for a Mac (assuming the orange and chocolates are acceptable) is that upgrading them does tend to be expensive if using Apple, it's best to get a well specified machine for your needs or go third party if you can.
Finally, my previous iMac lasted around 6 years and was only upgraded because new OS's do tend to require more power, I used to build my own PC's to the get the decent spec I wanted, they weren’t that much cheaper and I would at least upgrade components every 2/3 years.
Gary
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Post by Cruachan on Jun 30, 2016 15:42:58 GMT
Hi Len, The way I read it if you don't have an Outlook.com account then life goes on much as before. I don't, never have and soon I will discover whether this is true or not. If you do have such an account and wish to continue using it then changes will have to be made either by accessing said account via a web browser or part with some money to allow connection to the account via Outlook 2016. Don't know about you, but MS ain't seeing any more of my cash anytime soon Regards, Mike
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Post by Stu's Dad on Jun 30, 2016 16:46:57 GMT
Hi Len I would like to come back on a point made earlier that Mac software is expensive, Garage Band will usually come free with a new machine, Logic Pro is comparable to high end DAW's costing a lot more. It's true to say that there aren't a host of freebies out there, but I believe the idea is to keep unknown software that may potentially cause problems from the machine. Throughout the time I have been using the Mac, my personal experience is that the hardware is more expensive, but that this is offset in many cases by reasonable software costs. There are exceptions to this where other software can be about the same as the MS version, but as the hardware follows a known build and quality, compatibility issues are rare. The important thing to consider if going for a Mac (assuming the orange and chocolates are acceptable) is that upgrading them does tend to be expensive if using Apple, it's best to get a well specified machine for your needs or go third party if you can. Finally, my previous iMac lasted around 6 years and was only upgraded because new OS's do tend to require more power, I used to build my own PC's to the get the decent spec I wanted, they weren’t that much cheaper and I would at least upgrade components every 2/3 years. Gary Thanks for your reply Gary. You mention that 'New OSs' require more power, but one of the things that attracted me to them in the first place was that i thought Apple weren't forever changing the Operating System. My daughter's had one for about four years and I've never heard her mention it. Len
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Post by Stu's Dad on Jun 30, 2016 16:50:12 GMT
Hi Len, The way I read it if you don't have an Outlook.com account then life goes on much as before. I don't, never have and soon I will discover whether this is true or not. If you do have such an account and wish to continue using it then changes will have to be made either by accessing said account via a web browser or part with some money to allow connection to the account via Outlook 2016. Don't know about you, but MS ain't seeing any more of my cash anytime soon Regards, Mike You know what Mike? After all the fuss I've been making I think I've just been taken in. I think Microsoft are just scaremongering to persuade me to change over. Regards, Len
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Post by garystrat on Jun 30, 2016 18:01:55 GMT
Hi Len
Apple bring out upgrades to the operating system out about every 18 months, but the upgrades are fairly seamless and easy to install, they mainly add extra features and security. Apple automatically establishes through your account what OS X a particular machine can install, my first iMac was able to load them whilst I had it, it was just some features required the newer hardware, but mostly these are bell and whistles associated with connections to iPads and iPhones.
It's worth noting that that Apple now protects it's core system from potentially malicious changes, if anything does happen it's restricted to the user account and this requires machine/account (this is just on the machine for each user) level authorisation in terms of apps, the web and email still require caution but Safari is has safe browsing which should deal with any attempt at spoofing.
There is an update section in the App Store that will check and keep all your Apple purchases right up to date, this works very well and any minor bugs tend to get fixed quite promptly, so easy and nothing to be concerned about.
If you are considering one it is worth a visit to an Apple Store who are usually in a position to help and demonstrate any software you may be interested in.
Gary
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Post by Stu's Dad on Jun 30, 2016 18:29:07 GMT
They're sounding better and better Gary. It's mainly a case of expense, but worthwhile expense because you get good solid hardware, and you don't get Apple ME, Apple XP, Apple 7, Apple Vista ad infinitum, each one making a piece of decent software in need of replacement,
Len
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Post by garystrat on Jun 30, 2016 21:32:28 GMT
Hi Len
That’s right, the apps are generally backward compatible, but if purchased through the store revised versions more often than not come out ahead of the new OS X's to provide any fixes required, these are mostly free of charge unless there is a major app update version.
I went through many of the MS operating systems up to Windows 7, it was always a hassle with each OS update getting updated drivers and then having to play around to get them to work on different hardware. Same problem with finding work arounds for existing software or being forced to by an upgrade for software, this is almost a thing of the past now.
The only thing that is a slight annoyance is that I have an Apogee Duet Firewire Audio Interface which wasn't cheap, on the latest iMac's they have done away with Firewire and Apogee no longer support drivers for El Capitan OS X. However, I bought a Firewire to Thunderbolt adaptor and although not supported, the previous drivers work fine!
Quite a few software houses were also happy to transfer Windows licences to Mac free of charge for current versions, with things like Photoshop this saved quite a bit at the time.
Gary
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Post by musketeer58 on Jul 1, 2016 10:41:58 GMT
Hi all.
Just came across this thread and would like to share my windows 10 experience.
I kept on getting pop-ups on my screen prompting me to upgrade and for a while, I resisted however I eventually gave in and upgraded and, to cut a long story short, it completely stuffed my computer up to a point where I had to re-format the hard drive and start all over again, needlessly to say that I went back to windows 7 and it`s never been better. (incidentally, I`ve got a modern laptop just on a year old). I know others have had a smooth transition but I certainly didn`t. Somebody else in this thread mentioned that it was scaremongering by Microsoft and I think that could be correct because I asked someone from the I.T department where I work and, while they couldn`t confirm it, they said that they (Microsoft) had done it in the past and this is probably another attempt. I suppose time will tell. Believe it or not, I`m still using some software on windows 7 that I had way back in the windows 95 days and back then they said that it wouldn`t work on any other version of windows so, as far as I`m concerned, Microsoft can stick windows 10 where the sun doesn`t shine. I certainly won`t be upgrading.
As I said, just my experience with it but I do know of other people who had similar problems to mine.
Cheers all
Adrian
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Post by garystrat on Jul 1, 2016 11:40:00 GMT
I understand that a lot of people like to stick to prior versions because they work for them, there is perhaps some merit in this approach for running older legacy software, but the problem is that nearly everything is net connected these days and security is usually strengthened to meet the latest threats in newer operating systems.
It stands to reason that software developers are not going to prioritise the previous operating systems, with everyone doing more and more of their finances on line, to me this is certainly a serious consideration. I'm always a little surprised in the trust that many put into "free" software, particularly as many don't check to see if it's coming from a secure source of origin, particularly when it's security software.
Adrian describes the new OS as breaking his system, but others have had no problems, this where I think the Apple approach to controlling the hardware platform tends to be more solid. Nothing is ever fool proof, Apples do get the odd app that suddenly becomes incompatible, but it seems more readily diagnosed and dealt with.
Gary
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Post by Stu's Dad on Jul 1, 2016 11:44:07 GMT
Thanks for your experience Adrian. I put this to bed yesterday evening and decided to wait and see what happened. At 9.30 last night I received a final e-mail warning me that I would no longer be able to synch my Outlook account with my Hotmail account - something I've never done anyway. I've checked both e-mail accounts today and they're both working as normal.
End of problem, goodbye Windows 10.
Len
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Post by Cruachan on Jul 1, 2016 12:11:09 GMT
Back to report that I have survived the apocalypse!! Hooray! Everything works as before so I guess if, like me, you are using Windows Live Mail along with btinternet.com and not outlook.com then we can, with impunity, give MS the proverbial two fingered salute! BTW, if you wish to get rid of those nags about what amounts, in many cases, to crossing the Rubicon then do yourself a favour and get yourself the GWX Control Panel. It's a nifty little utility - just a few clicks and those nags disappear If you should change your mind at some point then, again, the utility will re-enable that capability: ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/There is no escaping the fact that Windows 7 is an excellent operating system in its own right. Many have chosen to resist the ''upgrade'' path this time around as it is just not necessary. Microsoft, like all the magazines out there, have a vested interest in persuading us to change so any tactics employed can be taken with a liberal pinch of salt. No doubt Windows 10 has its own merits but, if we are honest, there really isn't anything new that the average user truly needs at this point in time. Unfortunately that choice is removed when you purchase a new system unless you are prepared to reformat and start again with Windows 7. You can still purchase Windows 7 on-line. In the end we will have to move on as compatibility issues start to appear but that won't happen for several years. Meantime, relax and enjoy what you have. How many of you, like me, are still using Microsoft Office 2010? Still works well and does everything YOU need it to do Regards, Mike
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Post by mojolomjl on Jul 1, 2016 18:30:12 GMT
Just noticed this thread and would like to comment on my experience. Some time ago I updated to windows 8.1 and had no end of problems. so when the windows 10 became available I waited for about 4 months then decided to go ahead. The main problem with widows 10 seems to be lack of privacy from Microsoft but if you follow all the instructions and disable their intrusive bits then all is ok. Mine has been perfect since I upgraded and have had no problems whatsoever.
Best regards,
Maurice.
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Post by didier on Jul 2, 2016 8:10:33 GMT
All the people I know who upgraded to W10 encountered some problems, so I stick to W7 Ultimate on my main desktop PC which I assembled a year ago.
Didier
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Post by musketeer58 on Jul 3, 2016 3:28:17 GMT
All the people I know who upgraded to W10 encountered some problems, so I stick to W7 Ultimate on my main desktop PC which I assembled a year ago. Didier Good choice Didier.
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colljaw
Member
The Controller
Posts: 426
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Post by colljaw on Jul 3, 2016 12:07:49 GMT
I was quite at home with XP and recording music and video from my camcorder. My computer packed up and I got a laptop with Windows7. The first problem was that it doesn't allow video streaming, so I couldn't do videos. I use Cakewalk Sonar Power Studio SPS-25 external USB connection for my sound. After getting popups for months to upgrade to 10 I finally gave in. After installing and finding my way around it, I noticed that I had no sound. Result was that Cakewalk have no intention in supplying drivers for my unit. So in those two versions of Windows I have lost the means to record my music either video or audio. I just uninstalled it, bought another tower with XP installed and after I get personal problems out of the way, hopefully will get back to recording. I don't know the programs you mention Len, so can't help you there. End of rant!
Cheers,Jim
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