Are you thinking of Windows Vista ?
It took five long years for Microsoft (MS) to launch their new product named Vista.
A lay man may think that MS doesn’t have that expertise with them to provide people with newer versions within a shorter span of time. Also controversy after the release of IE7 instead of its multi-year development, IE 7 offered a very negligible advantage over IE 6 in a key Web technology. The support called off for WIN 98 and other older OS are few things that will have a huge impact on MS.
IDC software research shows that there were 21 million Windows 95 users out there and about 58 million Windows 98 users in the year 2003.Windows Xp may have more than 150 million users world wide.
Now in order to upgrade from your current operating system to Vista MS says that there are some specific requirements.
Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:
* A modern processor (at least 800MHz1).
* 512 MB of system memory.
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.
How are common people going to upgrade their PC for Windows Vista? There are millions of people who are using 128MB of system memory and are happy using it. Non-tech savvy community only uses the computer to check their mails and do some netsurfing and download some stuff. Is Microsoft going to lend a helping hand to the Millions of users who can’t afford to upgrade to Vista. In terms of launch of Vista it may be the biggest in this decade but what does a common man has to do with it if there is no money to upgrade his computer and OS as well.
No anti-virus, spyware, firewalls and their updates. You hardly take any time to set up your computer using Linux also no need to install any special drivers. Setting up an office network printer on Windows can take entire day but with Linux all you require is an IP address and three clicks that’s all.
Don’t you think that Open source software like Linux is a better option instead of the expensive and complicated operating system provided by Microsoft.Windows Xp was released in 2001 and Vista in 2007 but Ubuntu version (Linux) is released every six months. The next operating system after Vista may take another 10 years.
People who have switched completely to Linux say:
They find Linux to be simple and easy to use. Compared to windows troubleshooting with Linux is not at all complex at all and the performance of Linux on their hardware is superior. Linux is also good when it comes to network operating system as with a simple CLI you can use your PC from anywhere.
Even IBM has cancelled their contract with Microsoft as of October this year and has opted for Linux.
Wake up people and think over this seriously. Whether you still want to be with the old fashioned and outdated windows desktop with a hole in your pocket or switch to an Open source which is absolutely free and ready to use operating system like Linux.
Sanderson said,
December 4, 2006 @ 4:27 pm
What’s the problem with MS Windows operating system is – it is too heavy to load and maintain. You will get the whole all-in-one package even if you are not going to use it. I mean even if you are going to use 40% of it you have install 100% of it, and then comes patches after patches. I don’t think in longer run this OS will get that much share from a market. Only the good thing about it is – the user friendliness.
Rich said,
December 5, 2006 @ 11:37 am
Seems like its kind of Linux marketing going on over here but i must say that I’ve been very comfortable with Windows OS and just like Sanderson said that its user friendly, it is the most important aspect with users now-a-days. Going for Windows OS is a one time investment which many fail to understand unless you upgrade to the latest version. IMO MS Windows ROCKS!!
Bob said,
December 5, 2006 @ 11:39 am
Security point of view, How I can forget it is still “Window” ?
Windows hosting said,
December 5, 2006 @ 12:31 pm
Microsoft’s windows vista is certainly not affordable to common man. The configuration it requires is too high. So, let microsoft come with any advanced OS I prefer linux to use. Its easy and to use and handy for security purpose.
Managed Dedicated Server said,
December 5, 2006 @ 12:44 pm
Well Rich, the point here is not about Linux martketing or about existing OS like XP, Win98 and 95 by Microsoft, it’s about upgrading to the new OS by MS i.e Vista. Dave has pointed out the minimum system requirements which are necessary if you are thinking about using Vista on your computer.
“* A modern processor (at least 800MHz1).
* 512 MB of system memory.
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.”
These requirements may seem to be too much for many existing users who are still using 128 or 256 MB RAM and not many use a graphics processor let alone a DirectX 9 cabaple.
I am still not convinced that Windows is more secure than Linux. Having said that, as long as you don’t run a vulnerable application, your system is as secure as ever.
Dave White said,
December 5, 2006 @ 1:08 pm
People cannot think beyond Windows. Now it is their choice whether they want to prevent others from becoming millionares by burning a hole in their own pockets or start to explore new, better and free options which will save their money and give them freedom.
Outsourcing Hosting Support said,
December 5, 2006 @ 3:52 pm
Well, if they make the licensing process alike XP I would definitely go for it.
PHP Hosting said,
December 9, 2006 @ 10:44 am
Hello Bob,
Vista doesn’t mean there’s no need for antivirus software. Windows Vista will still need separate antivirus solutions to be installed. Only the difference I can see is that Vista don’t need a patch (but soon one is going to come within 6 months after it’s launching, I bet ) it is an extended version of XP+SP2=Vista.
Bob said,
December 11, 2006 @ 10:03 am
You dont get my point, btw even after 2 years delay I heard its not till really ready”.
Dave White said,
December 11, 2006 @ 11:54 am
Well after Win XP was launched it is almost 5 years for the next release so called Vista and that’s true you can’t be sure of it’s release in Jan 07.
Bob said,
December 16, 2006 @ 6:02 am
An overview why people hate microsoft;
http://ask.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/12/13/019241
Andy said,
January 9, 2007 @ 9:51 am
Im still using Windows 2000 professional, and do not intend to upgrade .. my system does everything I need it to right now, and I’m not a ‘casual’ user. Actually, Im a graphic designer and web developer, so a good deal of my time is sppent in front of my computer!
I have always supported and promoted free software and the open source community, which is why I started the Lessfuss Collection (www.lessfuss.co.uk) for this purpose. Most people (even on Windows!) do not need to buy any additional software. They just need to know what to get, and where to get it!
Good luck with the blog, its very informative