Microsoft Predicted to Back Away from Vista

When it comes to technology debacles, every major company has a few (remember the Newton?), but right now one of the top spots has to go to Windows Vista, Microsoft's clunky operating system that has IT shops and consumers desperately clutching at XP for as long as they can.

[GutZ31]

In response to the overwhelming amount of false news, if you have the time, please check my first opinionated blog.

http://www.n4g.com/up/0/Blo...

[BeaArthur]

I can only imagine how much money they stand to loose over this.

[bumnut]

but i doubt they will care.

[BeaArthur]

I'm going to disagree with you there. All businesses care when they loose what could potentially be billions of dollars. Just think about how they charge you for everything on the Marketplace. A company this greedy has to be pissed off that they are going to loose this much money.

[Plasmana]

The joke must be on everybody! Microsoft is making money hand-over-fist. Vista is nothing but a name. The real product is an evolutionary code-base that periodically get refactored and released.

Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 are the exact same kernel. Yes that's right, it's Vista (hailed as the worsed MS OS next to ME) and Server 2008 (hailed as Microsoft's best OS yet). The next version of Windows will be yet another evolution of the code-base (just as Vista was an evolution of Server 2003) and given a brand spanking new name.

[brothersimon]

Xp = pros
Vista = noobs

tbh

[GutZ31]

tru dat

[Pain]

Go learn to be a real pro and learn Linux.

And poor cheap Kids get a Job and buy a Mac will be the best thing u do after buying a PS3.

[PSMonster21]

OS X blows Windows out of the water in every single aspect except gaming. FACT!

[Jdoki]

I've long argued that an Operating System should be just that. - The most basic 'layer' of the PC's software, used for little more than launching the software we want to use.

If people want to bolt on multiple widgets, gadgets and other stuff then fine. Let the users bloat the OS as much as they want. But leave the basic core of the OS fast, and simple and secure.

Personally I really don't like OSX from a user point of view. But it is an extremely fast and slick OS.

Linux combines a lack of bloat, simple and effective security and an unobtrusive yet easy to use interface. MS could learn a lot.

From a users point of view I have no issues with Vista at all. I find it marginally easier to use than XP and some of the new features are nice. From a performance point of view it sucks. The OS should never take up Gigs of disc space, and any improvements (like DX10) should actually be improvements both in performance and reliability.

I think MS have learned their lesson. Windows 7 will definitely be a slicker version of Vista, but I think it'll be another couple of releases before Windows comes anywhere close to OSX or Linux in performance terms.

I'm also doubtful we'll be seeing Windows 7 before late 2009/2010. But what incentive have we to upgrade?

Those people who bought Vista and were disappointed will be wary of paying out for another OS. Those who actually like Vista or XP will want to stick with it until the death. And those people who got Vista pre-installed on a new machine will be unlikely to want to go through the hassle of installing a new OS themselves.

[flappo]

actually , os-x = pros

xp = gaming nerds and general idiots

[PR0NE]

os-x = graphical galore nerds
vista = noobs
xp = normal poeple
windows 95 = wtf?! they still exist!!
linux = server companies
linux: ubuntu = will shine someday...

update: i sort of got myself owned because i use vista, but that's because i don't want to go through the lengthy process of installing a new windows and all the programs, so i use vista because i am lazy, and got it for free...

[GutZ31]

Its funny how almost all OSX users for some reason see them self "better" then other operating system users, yet it has no reason to make some one better then another.
I could argue that knowing Windows OS has led me to an IT profession that has given me a very good job and an large amount of knowledge that I am thankful of.
This doesn't mean I don't know how to use OSX, or linux, but I use windows XP on my home computers for the simple fact that my work revolves around it.
The most critical of problems that OSX users tend to face with XP or other windows OS's is the dreaded BLOAT ware.
I'm sorry to say, but this is what you get when buying a namebrand PC, not when buying an operating system.
Windows XP Pro comes with no bloat at all, and is extremely useful out of the box.
OSX is pretty much everything you need out the box, but not always.
This leads to 1 of 2 things, a happy user, or a user confused.
Technically, OSX leopard is about as bloated as windows vista in some sense.
Linux is about as bloat free as it gets, but that can also mean more work then actually getting what you need done.
Windows has a list of issues with security as well as issues with hardware.
But you have to remember, OSX is build only for Mac products, and not for just and and all hardware.
This is the only reason linux and windows shine a little brighter then OSX.
They are not locked to having to by exclusively to apple products.
This doesn't mean theres something wrong with apple, just that who wants to spend everything on one company? its like saying you want to buy everything that sony makes? or microsoft? or nintendo?
It just makes it easier for people that are on a budget get what they need, and get it done fast.
Linux is getting close to becoming corporate user friendly.
OSX is not friendly to business at all, when it comes to hardware integration, thats why you never see a Mac running your EKG or life support.

[iiprotocolii]

Or is this VERY similar with what happened to Windows ME? Another waste of people's money. What MS needs to do is release DirectX10 on XP and keep it standard until Windows 7 comes out. Vista is nothing but a bloated, insufficient resource hog with a pretty face. Kind of like having a hot chick with herpes - the outside is tempting and looks great... but the inside is something you sure don't want to touch.

[GutZ31]

Love the analogy. Bubbles for you.

[Adamalicious]

Yep - it seems to be turning out almost exactly like ME, or Bob (brainchild of Melinda Gates that gave us the talking paperclip) if you want to go back that far. Every few revisions they seem to miss the mark quite a bit. I read somewhere that by the end of 2008 an estimated 70% of business computers will still be on XP - to me that sounds like Vista = Fail. For me, I knew they were in trouble when I heard about middle-aged people refusing to buy Dells with Vista on them - that's bad!

[kevin1122]

that analogy is pretty funny especially since ive seen it first hand.

[mat787]

:|.....

[sleepbox]

First off, Mac is overpriced, underpowered, emo kid crap and anyone that thinks otherwise is a braindead zombie.

2ndly, there's absolutely NO excuse for Vista. MS worked on Vista for years and it turned out absolute garbage...aka, Windows ME pt 2. Windows 7 BETTER be something special else I am going to linux

[Adamalicious]

Since we're talking about operating systems and not hardware I'll assume that you mean Mac OS X. Since Leopard is the latest release I'll also assume you're referring to Leopard. Now, since OS X Leopard costs less than even the least expensive version of Vista and WAY less than the most expensive version of Vista I'll assume you think that Vista is extremely overpriced. As far as the "underpowered" comment goes I can pretty much guarantee that if you compare two identical computers - one running Vista and one running Leopard - that you will get more "power" out of the one running Leopard as it requires far fewer resources.

Oh, wait, this thread has NOTHING to do with Mac OS X. Sorry for being off-topic.

[sleepbox]

Since you're trying to take advantage of ignorant people, how about why don't you acknowledge that Mac OSX has been around for years and you're merely paying for service packs...at least MS doesn't do that.

10.0
to
10.1 - yea, that'll be $60 but of course that's not a big deal cause you're rich...you own a MAC
to
10.2 - yea, that'll be $60 but of course that's not a big deal cause you're rich...you own a MAC

repeat, ad eternam

I've had Win xp for years and I've NEVER paid for a service pack. While you're at it, enjoy paying way too much for hardware upgrades as well.

[Moto13]

other than performance issues?
They can certainly fix that with future service packs. I am running vista on a quad core Q6600, 2GB ram, Raptor HDD, and I am loving it. It works great and it is super fast.
I think the vast majority of people won't notice all the "issues" with Vista because if you are going from and old P4 laptop to a Q6600 for example, you wont' notice a difference in performance, and that's what most people go through because they upgrade their computers by buying new ones. Yes if you run XP and Vista on the same hardware XP is faster.
You have to take into account though that if you want performance and only performance from your machine because you want to run a server or an intense app, then you have windows server 2008 which is an awesome OS.

[iceman2885]

I like Vista and like the way it works. However, seriously, I think explorer (not internet explorer, but windows explorer the thing that navigates your computer) crashes at least once a day and I will have to either restart my computer or go in through task manager and close explorer and reopen it. I just don't think that is something that I should have to do on a new computer and new operating system.

[misterssippi]

I gotta say I like Vista much more than XP. One problem that people are running into is that when you upgrade, you really need to upgrade RAM as well. Also, if the computer is less than a dual core the OS will not operate correctly. So folks with older computer buy it, load and then their systems crash. Same for folks who buy underpowered Compaq, eMachines and Acer computers.

[Gondee]

It may not be microsofts fault. These computer companys are just putting out the same 512 laptops and expecting people to get a great experance. I makes good buisness sence to blam other companys and cut costs at the same time

[Infernus]

I have a quad too, the Q6600. Haven't had any problems.

To run Vista properly (With the Aero interface) you need at least 2GB RAM to keep it running smoothly. Vista was built to take advantage of multicore systems so running it on a single core is asking for trouble in a way. Stick with XP if you have a single core, or a dual that isn't fast enough and use the Vista upgrade advisor before even considering upgrading.

I advise anyone to buy a new PC/Laptop with Vista included rather than upgrade. Program conflicts are numerous without patches and it's a lot more stable on a new system than upgrading with existing software installed.

[ravenguard88]

Vista is a better operating system than XP in several ways. Problem is that XP has been around for so long, and has such a huge install base that nobody is taking the chance to write Vista exclusive software. If all software was re-written, Vista would run it better. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and like any new operating system it takes time for developers to utilize it.

Direct X 10 is the same story. It's much more efficient than 9, but nobody is stupid enough to release games that won't work on XP, so they are all programmed in DX9 with DX10 features added afterwards, making the program incredibly inefficient. Once a game is coded to run in DX10 with no backwards compatibility, it will run much better and something like Crysis would be possible on lower-end hardware.

[LJWooly]

I think if all software was written specifically for Vista, that would just help Microsoft secure monopolisation of the OS industry,and they could keep pushing out crap, and the consumer won't have the power (and most likely won't know any better) to do anything about it :(

I'm glad Vista failed, because now Microsoft may actually try next time, since they're not the only option for small business and home owners anymore, what with support for the open-source community becoming ever more prevalent.

[sloth4urluv]

Your argument really dosnt make sense. Pretty much all games are written exclusively for windows, how would writing them specifically for vista/DX10 make microsoft anymore of a monopoly?

And also when a developer writes a game exclusivly for your console of choice do you cry monopoly or rejoice knowing your game will be optomized for your system?

[Tyrael]

Vista is quite possibly the worst thing since the Soulja Boy

[GutZ31]

Lol. bubbles for you also.

[Monchichi025]

Nothing can be that horrible! LOL

[Vip3r]

Haha, bubble to you.

[ban fans]

WHAT!?!

I have Vista. It is a terrible running system. I turn on my computer and simply walk away so that when I come back in fifteen minutes, it may be ready for me to close its half dozen unnecessary windows and do something. Then when I tell it to do something it says "Are you sure you want to do that?" YES! That's why I clicked on it! Now they want me to pay them for another version of Vista that is supposed to run better. They know it doesn't run correctly, but the best they can do is make me buy a better version of the same program? Ridiculous, stupid, and utterly lame.

[Infernus]

You need more RAM, or a better processor.

It takes me less than a minute to get onto the desktop from pushing the power button on my PC.

2GB RAM with a Quad Q6600.

As for the account security warnings you're speaking of, you can turn those off.

[Guardian0fPeace]

They need to fix it so all the people out there that are stuck with the cursed operating system aren't screwed over forever until they get new computers. I recently upgraded my quadcore 2.4ghs 4gb ram computer from Vista to XP, but not everyone has that option. Vista was making this computer act like it was on a single 800mhz core and 64mb of ram.

No company is perfect, they all have their good dev teams and bad teams. Microsoft has its good development teams and bad ones:

The Good:
Windows Mobile Team (wm phones are frikin awesome)
Xbox team (great console and online service)
XP Team (stable OS, though old, feature deficient, but at least it works great and supports games)
MS Office (surprised to say I actually like the new office 07, pretty nifty once you get used to it)

The Bad:
Vista Team (Psh...N00BS!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!)
Internet Explorer Team (another buncha n00bs)

The Unknown:
Windows 7 team (hope to God they're smart)
Silverlight team (looks innovative, but I'm not jumpin to conclusions till I try it.

PS to Ban Fans: to get rid of the annoying permission crap, go to user accounts, get to UAC and turn it off, that'll teach the stupid OS to shut up. I recommend upgrading to XP above all else.

[ban fans]

I agree with you. MS is a good company, but they seem to foul up in really big ways every once in a while. I really don't understand the slow start up speed and bogging down that you face with this OS. I bought this computer brand new with Vista pre-installed and it has always chugged along like a snail on Prozac. I mean, with nothing on the computer beside the OS itself, shouldn't it run fairly quickly? (lol) Anyway, I appreciate the info. I probably will go over to XP if I get the chance. Thank you and bubbles.

[Horny Melon]

Xbox 360 great console? Compared to what? Need I remind you of the billion dollar RRoD debacle? XP stable?? XP isn't anymore stable than 98 it just doesn't drop you to the blue screen of death anymore. You can actually turn this feature off and see exactly how stable XP is. Not to mention the glaring security issues with XP. MS office? Why pay for that when open office does all that for free. Or google office. The last truely innovative thing Microsoft has done was windows 3.1

[zapass]

- xbox360
- vista

what a pathetic score!
and people buy that??

[tojfs7931]

Zune. How many people actually own one of these?

[zapass]

whadat???
;P

[zonetrooper5]

You can buy Vista Home Premium off of Overclockers UK for £70 btw, went into PCWorld and Home Premuim was like £190, bloody hell I thought lol.

[Infernus]

I got Vista with my PC but could have got it £60 due to the student thing MS have.

Didn't really need the things in the Ultimate version and you don't get the Aero interface in Basic, so Premium is perfect for anyone looking to upgrade.

Although I do advise that people stick with XP and just get Vista with a new PC...

[zonetrooper5]

OSX = pretenious idiots
Windows XP = Great, gamers and normal people who are not idiots
Windows Vista = Need to upgrade or build a new good PC to run it
Linux = Great if you know what your doing.

[Horny Melon]

3 of the last 4 were failures. Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows Vista. Windows 2000 was really just a consumer version of NT, but far more users stuck with 98 and upgraded straight to xp than took the windows 2000 route. Witch ressesion coming to america I'm willing to bet microsofts next operating system will cost $50 not $200.

[strotee]

I'm hoping Hillary doesn't get elected. :)

[Adamalicious]

Isn't Vista just a consumer version of Windows Server 2003 that's all tarted up with Aero?

[Ri0tSquad]

I love Windows XP though.

[snakeater3]

it d be a wise step to back from vista....and while youre at it ms, why dont u back off from the gaming industry too ...we re tired of your sh!t console...(and by "we" im referring to 33% of 360 owners)

[sabbath420]

sony should walk away from the waitstation3.

[Xlll]

You mean MS should also walk away from their other failure the heatbox 3fixme?

[Obama]

I think "pleasefixme" sounds more appropriate.

[darthv72]

people chose to stick with 98 when ME came out. Not suprising that today people are wanting to stick to XP until a real successor comes around.

[Infernus]

I was very much against getting Vista until I got a new PC (Which I did) and I haven't had any problems with it. It's easier to get around and find things.

[mephixto]

Everybody says Vista suck, but nobody give a reason.
I like vista, and of course you will have performace problems if you are using an old pc.

I know that games run faster on XP, like Windows 98SE run games faster than XP, install Quake 3 Arena on Windows 98SE and it runs a lot better than XP, go and try it.

[iiprotocolii]

1) Intolerable security setting out of the box: It's a good thing to have security, don't get me wrong. But to have an OS spam you every couple of minutes to allow/prevent applications kind of gets annoying.

2) Most users don't give a crap about multiple versions of Windows. They just want their machine to start up fine and just work. Simple as that. It gets tiring having to tweak Vista on a constant basis to just get it to work.

3) Resource Hog: It's really sad to buy a ridiculous spec'd machine - that you might not need - to meet the requirements of something like Home Premium. You can get better performance, a much more stable/secure OS, and cheaper OS with OS X or Linux installed (And no, Linux is not as 'scary' as it used to be. A lot more people are flocking to it). No one can explain why Aero takes up so much resources when *nix's Compiz Fusion and OS X's animations are much smoother, customizable, and less likely to break as compared to Microsoft's bulky interface.

4) Security will still cause major problems: Vista has many of Windows XP problems embedded into the kernel. I don't understand WHY Microsoft would do that being that the test version of Longhorn had a much more sophisticated rewritten kernel as compared to Vista. Constant pop-ups requesting "administrator" passwords or direct access to system resources is another issue. What this means is that more dialog boxes for users to mindlessly click "Ok" to without even bothering to read the message. Constantly annoying pop-ups intending to improve security will actually result in even greater problems as users begin to blindly click "Ok" even more than they already do now.

There are a tons of reasons why Vista sucks. They should have worked on it a little longer and kept XP standardized until something that was "working" was thought up. Vista was rushed... point blank.

[SirFenwick]

Ah well, they are going to release a new version in a year anyways. I'll keep XP until I see what they have.

[Says you]

From something thats more successful then that lame system that you have sabbath420 everybody knows that Microsoft is pretty much a failure at everything but has anyone seen them make something successful besides buying out a companies that would be a threat to them.

[zodiac909]

wtf!? man 360 fans will say anything to keep their hopes up these days.. such as they predicted vista would fail, and that they predict that blu-ray will fall to downloadable movies give me a fuc*ing break!

[jinn]

never committed to anything

[leon76]

Another total lack of respect for the costumers !!!! that's an habit from MS: disrespect their clients and make easy money whith them!!!! How is it possible to upgrade an OS like xp to AN INFERIOR OS like vista???? Who else in the world make this trap to their costumers?????? Only MS, because they have the monopoly of OS, almost 95% of computers have windows, so they don't care!!!! We almost be forced to have windows, if we want to work!!!!! Who pays the bill??? We, the owners!!!!