Mailbag: Microsoft Keeping a Tight Rein on XP
Last
week, Doug wrote about Microsoft's attempt to limit the capabilities on
low-end computers that will run XP past its official retirement. Does this leave
developing countries with third-rate technology? Here are some of your thoughts:
I think the problem of the computers being third-rate depends on how
locked-down the systems are. If they can be upgraded by the user (memory and
processor), then it will be a good way for anybody to get a cheap PC and XP
and upgrade the hardware.
-Jim
The low-end XP computer would probably provide a more "enhanced user
experience" than one of our pokey top-of-the-line Vista machines.
-Jeff
Speaking of Vista, readers took the announcement of XP's impending retirement
as a change to air their complaints about the new OS:
Microsoft still has to deal with organizations like mine that will NOT
move to Vista without a guarantee of more manageability. We have recently
bought licenses for XP and intend to install it on any new PCs that are purchased.
I work for a school district; maybe Ballmer can explain to the tax payers
in this district why we should spend perhaps millions to re-invent our very
large network to accommodate his OS.
-Alan
Let's face it. MS and the HW vendors want us to move and spend more money.
Vista does not provide any value except for MS shareholders, thus the big
push back saying don't move to Vista. Why should we, except to spend money
for whatever reason. I've read hundreds of articles and fought with Vista
for 12 months, and I can't find a single positive note.
This is a good PR position for MS (warm and fuzzy), but the fundamental problem
still exists. The MAMS created a mess with Vista and there really is no going
back for MS as it has spent too much money and time building an Edsel (remember
Ford's big new car?). Except Ford was smart enough to move on.
-Rick
Microsoft is falling apart at the seams. All the signs are there. I think
it needs to reevaluate a large number of things, and plan to gracefully level
out as a still-profitable company before it really screw things up. The Vista
thing reminds me of the "Coke Classic" thing, and I hope that Microsoft
comes to its senses soon.
-Tom
Tell us what you think! Leave a comment below or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on 05/19/2008 at 1:15 PM