Microsoft forcing the switch from XP to Vista *
Posted on 29 May 2008 by Jack
MONTREAL — Consumers buying personal computers in the coming months will likely end up with Microsoft’s reputation-bruised Windows Vista operating system instead of the older XP system, whether they like it or not.
As of June 30, Microsoft will no longer ship Windows XP to retailers and to hardware companies that make PCs, forcing an eventual switch to Vista.
“Does that mean (XP) will instantly disappear off the shelves or off PCs? No,” said Microsoft Corp. Canada’s Elliot Katz.
“Inventories have to clear for hardware manufacturers, inventories have to clear at retail,” said Katz, senior product manager for Windows clients.
Windows Vista came out in January 2007, but Katz said Microsoft has left the XP line in the marketplace longer than it intended due to consumer demand.
“That’s because our consumers were asking us to do so,” he said.
“The very typical situation is when any kind of change is introduced, people are reluctant to change.”
Windows XP was introduced to consumers on Dec. 31, 2001, and has found much more favour among computer users than its newer cousin over its lifetime. The InfoWorld information technology website hosts an online petition to save it and extend it beyond the June 30 deadline.
Volleys of criticism have been launched at Vista with its performance and security being taken to task on tech blogs and in news articles.
Apple has used this to its advantage with its “Get A Mac” ads that have poked fun at Vista for such things such as its security prompts.
Note: Why am I getting the feeling that my next machine will be a “Mac”?
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May 29th, 2008 at 11:46 am
How’s that for excellence in consumer relations? Don’t like our new product? TOO BAD!! We’re going to force you to use it by cutting off access to the old product!!
May 29th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Two basic options -
1) Switch to another platform (Mac, Ubuntu)
2) Uninstall Vista and install one of the XP mods (e.g. Windows XP Black)
Now, every OS has a few bumps when it’s first released; Vista seems to be more than that. It’s just poorly conceived and hogs system resources like there’s no tomorrow … for no appreciable benefit.
May 29th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I wonder if the problem is loading Vista on existing machines. My new Dell has had no problems as far as I can see with Vista. I don’t like it as much as XP but then it took me a while switch from DOS years ago.
May 29th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
My next computer WILL be a Mac. I’ve had it with Microsoft.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Cynapse:
Ubuntu is not the only linux distro. Ubuntu is not synonymous with linux.
I still prefer mandriva, but what-the-hey.
Linux is the superior replacement for Windows for many of us, but for those who “just want it to work” I suggest Mac OS.
From what I have read, Vista’s failings are a predicted result of a code base which has long ago grown to be unmanageable.
May 29th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Ubuntu is easy, though.
I’ve tried Red Hat and Slackware before. Ubuntu is the first distro I’ve been able to set up for a “normal” person and not be inundated with frustrated calls for help.
Inevitably, your implication about Mac OS will be correct - it’s going to assume far more frustrated Windows users than all the Linux distros combined. It’s just plain easy to use.
June 4th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
I have no problem at all with Vista. I use it on 2 laptops and one desk computer. And, if you’re into using your PC as a music source via USB to an off-board DAC, it is better that XP.