Is Windows Vista Dead?

Hello again to another edition of unleash your geek. This week we will be discussing Windows Vista and its eminent demise at the hands of a newer operating system, Windows 7.

Since its inception, Windows Vista has suffered a number of issues and drawbacks. It has had difficulty with networking as well as printers and software conversion. Many users have complained of its new security features which seem annoying at best. There have also been a large number of bugs, patches, and fixes in the software. While some users have had positive experiences, the overwhelming majority of individuals have been negatively affected by this new system.

So why did Microsoft rush to offer a new operating system knowing it had unresolved problems and issues? There has been a general trend towards creating computers which are not only more user friendly (easier to use), but that also provide more “eye candy.” This is evidenced by the smooth fade ins and outs as well as color scheme of the new operating systems. All of this is to provide the user with an overall better and more enjoyable computer experience. Apple has managed to provide this type of operating system for a number of years in MAC OSX. This has led to a fear in lost market share by Microsoft. This fear is even further augmented by the fact that Windows XP (arguably one of the best operating systems that Microsoft has produced) is beginning to age on consumers who are always clamoring for the newest, latest technology. Therefore, in an attempt to keep up with this need, Microsoft released Vista.

While Vista does have a number of problems which could have been resolved with more careful planning and testing, it is not entirely a lost cause. The graphical part of the interface was a welcome improvement over XP and was in many ways easier to operate. This is why Windows 7 will retain a number of the features which Vista had while adding and improving on a plethora of other features which promise to make Windows 7 an amazing operating system.

What is Verdict, and What Should You Do?
I am currently testing the Beta version of Windows 7 (this version is a trial that Microsoft allows interested parties to test). My March article will deliver a list of pros and cons and whether this new operating system is worth waiting for. Right now, the safest bet is to stay with the computer you have and not to upgrade to Vista if possible. As Vista is a relatively new system Microsoft may offer a discount to users who upgrade to Windows 7 when it releases, but I wouldn’t count on it. If you must buy a new computer or laptop, try to make sure and get the ultimate or premium editions of Vista as these have the best features. Also make sure that you install the Vista service pack 1 which can be found on www.Microsoft.com. I hope to bring you good news next month of the new operating system. Until then I hope that this article has helped you in your computing decisions.