Windows 7 - replacement for Vista - is a free download

We are all looking forward to the release of Windows 7, banishing those six Vista computers off to the recycling center. Microsoft has given up on Vista, and David Pogue, of the New York Times, even refers to Windows 7 as "Vista, fixed."

Join in the anticipation by reading Pogue's informative post here,

Windows, Windows....

Good news! Microsoft told CNET this week that they will yield to pressure and keep Windows XP available - while they rapidly plan a roll-out of Windows 7 to replace Vista, the product no one wants.

Although the largest PC makers can't sell XP anymore (except for ultra-low-cost machines), they can sell Vista Ultimate and Vista Business machines with XP discs in the box, or even Vista machines that are "factory downgraded" to Windows XP.

That option was supposed to go away early next year, as Microsoft was going to stop supplying Windows XP media after January 31. However, the company now says it will offer the discs through July 31, giving the option a six-month extension. (Update: PC makers will also be able to sell the factory downgraded machines online as well.)

Source: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10057617-56.html?tag=nl.e433

Can you still find a Windows XP computer?

I've learned that HP and other computer makers might be pre-loading the old Windows XP on the Vista machines they are selling. Why? Well, people don't want Vista, and Microsoft told vendors they had to stop selling XP after June 30th. HP can't sell computers people don't want.... so, technically, they're not selling it, just hiding it within the system.

The researchers at InfoPackets report:
"Microsoft has told HP they won't be able to do that after January 2009, but HP is already discussing how to push that deadline back with Microsoft. Feedback from HP customers reveals that they hadn't had the time to do full compatibility testing of all their business applications with Vista and the high time and monetary costs of rebuilding system images wasn't worth it, especially in this economy.

HP isn't the only one bursting Microsoft's bubble. Microsoft Watch recently reported on the dismal pronouncement on the state of Vista adoption among top businesses. The really bad news for Microsoft is the number of business PCs running Windows XP increased from 2007 to 2008 -- three times the increase in the percentage of PCs running Windows Vista. The majority of businesses waiting for Vista migrated to XP instead.

One recent survey shows that by the end of 2008, the majority of businesses will have 9 percent of the PCs running Vista, increasing to 28 percent in 2010. Microsoft needs to realize that Windows Vista is a lame duck and their recently unveiled $300 million ad campaign crafted to instill confidence in the flailing operating system probably won't achieve the desired results.

Granted Windows Vista isn't going to cause a computer to explode, but hardware requirements, compatibility, and the User Account Control do absolutely nothing to help its reputation. Negative perceptions holding Vista adoption back have only gotten worse."

So even tho all the computers we see in stores are Vista, if you call the firm, you may find out how to run XP instead of Vista on your new purchase if you plan to buy in the remaining months of 2008.

Since nobody loves Vista, windows ver. 7 will be out soon, and you can touch it!

This from the good people at InfoPackets.com

At this week's All Things Digital conference, Bill Gates and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled plans for the new Windows 7, to be released next year. The program will not be a major departure from the previous operating system Vista, but will include some important improvements, as well as some innovative developments.

As many techies and clients will agree, Vista has been the source of some controversy and may be one of Microsoft's bigger botch-ups. Ballmer has emphasized that Windows 7 will improve upon some of Vista's failings, like decreasing the "overzealous security controls" and creating graphics that don't take up so much memory. However, there will be no new core program written for the new system. (Source: msn.com)

Newer features include a touch-screen interface. The technology will allow users to open and close windows, manipulate photos, and even play the piano in an attempt to change the way customers interact with their computers. The hope, according to Gates, is to eventually do away with the mouse all together. (Source: vnunet.com)

Microsoft's new program has some analysts begging the question, 'is multi-touch computing really worth it?' Personally, I would find it annoying and inefficient to use my finger to drag and click. Using a mouse or keyboard is far more effective. I'm sure photographers doing detailed retouching in Adobe probably feel similarly.

Others argue that all these extra novelties take up more space than they are worth -- techie software toys are really only worth the hard drive or RAM space if you are using them daily. The only discernible improvements upon Vista that have been mentioned so far are:

• Fixes in the security features that make them less intrusive
  
• Improvements to the overall aesthetic that make it less of a memory hog.

For all that, you could just stick with XP. And that's what many Microsoft customers seem to have done anyway.

Dog bites man: Vista breaks computer

If you're still fighting with Vista, and haven't switched back to the future with Windows XP, beware of the updates Microsoft is issuing for Vista. Besides fixing what's broken, it seems they are now breaking things that used to work - like your keyboard !!

This from the good folks at infopackets.com today:

"It's bad enough when consumers opt for your last operating system over the new one. Worse still when an update to that new and not-so-hot OS (operating system) is bricking (breaking) USB devices.

Microsoft recently admitted to the media that reports that a Windows Vista security update is disrupting USB devices are indeed accurate. Released last week, the Windows Defender update was intended to patch a critical hole in its spyware blocking program. While that may have been successful, Vista owners haven't been so pleased to find their mice and keyboards no longer function.

In a statement, Microsoft admitted, "we are aware of concerns that a recent Microsoft update may be causing problems with USB devices. We are investigating the matter, and at this time, do not have any information to share."

Say Goodbye to Vista?

Looks like Microsoft is making a grand sweeping gesture toward a new version of Windows for next year. Here'a report from MSN.com.

By Michael Christie

updated 1:26 p.m. CT, Fri., April. 4, 2008

MIAMI - Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates said on Friday he expected the new version of Windows operating software, code-named Windows 7, to be released "sometime in the next year or so."

The software giant has been aiming to issue more regular updates of the operating system software that powers the majority of the world's personal computers. Nevertheless, Gates' comments suggested that a successor to the Vista program might be released sooner than was generally expected.

Vista's new feature: endless rebooting ??

If you're a Microsoft Vista user, you might want to hold off on their upgrade to Service Pack 1, intended to fix known problems. In preparation for the upgrade, InfoPackets writer John Lister advises: "The problem came with an automatic update sent out on 12 February. It included two files which helped get computers ready for Service Pack 1. Unfortunately, some users found the installation process froze up and, if they rebooted their machines, went into a loop of constant reboots."

Microsoft quickly withdrew the update and promises a fix before the upgrade is released next month. Oh, and they are announcing a new list of other programs that will no longer work once the upgrade is installed. They include security programs such as Trend Micro Internet Security 2008 and the digital reader feature for the New York Times. Read the full report at InfoPackets, a source I trust. You can receive their free weekly newsletters too, if you want to stay informed.

If you haven't already done so, please sign the petition to keep Windows XP alive. We should not be subjected to the painful learning curve of Microsoft's Vista attempts to gain profits on a new, non-functioning, operating system.
Sign the petition to keep Windows XP at InfoWorld magazine.

A petition to save Windows XP

InfoWorld magazine has launched a petition to force Microsoft to keep Windows XP alive. Even in tests of XP vs. Vista, conducted after Vista's service pack fixes, XP with service pack 3 ranks three times as fast as Vista with service pack 1.


Please take a few seconds to sign the petition. InfoWorld will not send your contact information to Microsoft, but the campaign hopes to force Microsoft to continue supporting Windows XP past June 2008. If they don't, users will be forced to move to Vista on any new computer, and we will have to maintain XP computers as long as possible, to forestall a technology ice age.

Today Dell reverts back to Windows XP. Users win!

This post comes from Infopackets.com

Dell Offers Windows XP to Home Users
by Bill Lindner

Dell has announced that it will begin offering Windows XP on some of their consumer systems due to significant customer demand. The company said many customers have been asking for XP as part of the Dell IdeaStorm project, which asks customers to help the company come up with product ideas.

"We heard you loud and clear on bringing the Windows XP option back to our Dell consumer PC offerings," Dell said on its Ideas in Action page. Users vote on various suggestions. Bringing Windows XP back received over 10,000 votes. Interestingly, adding Linux received over 123,000 votes.

Starting immediately, Dell will be adding Windows XP Home and Windows Professional as options on four Inspiron laptop models and two Dimension desktop models. Last month Dell added Windows XP as an option for small business customers but not for home users.

Analysts say Dell's move is not a good sign for Windows Vista. "[The fact] that there is remaining demand from some segment of [the] consumer market points to the inability of Vista to resonate with consumers," IDC analyst Richard Shim said.

Shim said there was an initial bump in Vista sales right after its launch, but that some of that may have been from consumers who waited to purchase a PC until it was available. Sales in the later part of the first quarter were less strong and that the overall response to Vista will become clearer throughout the year.

Visit Bill's Links and More for more great tips, just like this one!

Windows vs. Vista announcement

I've just learned that Microsoft will stop selling Windows XP by January 1, 2008.
So store inventories of Windows XP computers will be phased out over the next six months, even sooner for Dell.

The dilemma:

If you want or need to replace your computer - you can:

1. buy it before year end as a defensive strategy to be sure get Windows XP and live with a new computer running an obsolete operating system, or
2. do nothing until you have no choice and get a new computer running Vista.

Microsoft will not support Windows XP, even on a machine still under warranty after April 14, 2009.

As of April 4, 2007, Dell announced they are only offering Windows XP on Dimension and Inspiron computers until this summer.

"Dell recognizes the needs of small business customers and understands that more time is needed to transition to a new operating system.The plan is to continue offering Windows XP on select Dimension and Inspiron systems until later this summer.

Dell does not have plans to launch Windows XP for home users as the preference and demand is for the “latest and greatest” technology which includes Windows Vista."

source http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2007/04/04/10397.aspx

Many think this Microsoft strategy is an alarmist effort to sell more of its Vista operating system. Why are sales low? Expensive hardware requirements, incompatibility surprises, and user contentment with Windows XP.

Are your programs compatible with Vista?

Microsoft has issued a list of programs certified or approved to run on Vista.

You can read the full list here.
Clients: Note that only Act Premium is listed, not all versions of Act.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/933305

What's in your "Office?"

If you are upgrading to Office 2007, be sure to take a good look at what programs are in your current Office suite.
Every new version seems to flip around a few key products, beyond the basic Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Here's a run-down on what's in each version: (unique components in Bold)

Home & student version:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote

Standard version:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

Small Business version:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for Business, Publisher, Accounting Express

Professional version:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook for Business, Publisher, Access, Accounting Express

Ultimate version:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook for Business, Publisher, Access, InfoPath, Groove, Accounting Express


If you have a prior version, such as 2000 or 2003 with other tools you want, that aren't included in your version of Office 2007, be sure to load the new version in a separate folder and do not remove the prior version.

Vista Lust?

Okay, Microsoft's new operating system, Vista, launches at midnight tomorrow. Isn't that a lot of hoopla for an operating system? Sit tight if you can fight the desire for Vista. Your computer would need more memory, a bigger hard drive, a faster processer, new graphics card, and a DVD drive just to load it. Plus, many peripherals such as printers, backup systems and digital cameras won't work on Vista without udpated software.

If you don't believe me, here's the viewpoint from The Chicago Tribune's Jim Coates today. He's everyone's favorite print columnist and he says:

"... and many experts are telling their clients (correctly, I think) to stick with Windows XP until their next machine. This is because much of Vista focuses on ease of use and beautiful displays one can get by without for a while."

Vista update

Microsoft Vista, the operating system to replace Windows XP will begin shipping at the end of this month, and will be on most new computers by next month. Before it's even on the market, Microsoft has launched the "Vista Ultimate Extras" package. As I've said before, Vista is indeed a refreshing and exciting interface, but none of the glitz matters if we still just want to do our work the same way. There are long-term, significant improvements in security, but don't get caught in the hype. For example, the two biggest features of the Ultimate Extras package are: Texas Hold'M Poker and DreamScene to animate your screen wallpaper. As I said, the hype won't improve productivity, so either buy it for fun, or wait til you get a new computer and spend time learning some of the more worthwhile features.

Computer requirements to run Vista and sample pricing

CNET.com is running daily updates on Vista now that corporate users are testing it.

The recommended minimum specifications are:
* A 1GHz processor.
* 1GB of RAM.
* A 40GB hard drive with 15GB free space.
* A graphics card that supports DirectX 9 with a WDDM driver.
* 128MB dedicated memory for the graphics card.

Note that if your graphics card is not supported then you will not be able to run the new Aero interface (including some animations and the Glass look) and some included software, such as the DVD creator, will refuse to launch. If you are questioning whether or not your graphics card is supported check with the manufacturer's website...most have lists of supported cards. Note, however, that for the most part integrated grapics are not good enough.

To find out if you meet the requirements to use the various features and display the advanced graphics of Windows Vista, it is highly recommended that you click here to download and run the Vista Upgrade Advisor first. (Requires Windows XP.) You can also click here for a similar online test from ATI.

========================================================

Official Vista Pricing:

Full Retail:
* XP Home w/ SP2: $199
* Vista Home Basic: $199
* Vista Home Premium: $239
* Vista Business: $299
* XP Pro. w/ SP2: $299
* Vista Ultimate: $399

Upgrades:
* XP Home w/ SP2: $99
* Vista Home Basic: $99
* Vista Home Premium: $159
* XP Pro. w/ SP2: $199
* Vista Business: $199
* Vista Ultimate: $259

Those who already own a license to a copy of Vista can purchase additional licenses by purchasing the associated License Pack, which costs an average of $20 less than the above listings.

Also for comparison, equivalences are:
Windows Vista Home Basic = Windows XP Home
Windows Vista Home Premium = Windows XP Media Center Edition
Windows Vista Business = Windows XP Professional
Windows Vista Ultimate = No matching SKU

Waiting for Vista

While you're delaying the purchase of a new computer so you can wait for one running Vista instead of Windows XP, keep these thoughts in mind, courtesty of Computer Clarity:

1. Timing: The retail version of computers loaded with Vista will be in 2007.

2. Vendors are now offering computers that are "Vista ready" meaning the processor and memory are up to Vista standards, and some are offering a free upgrade to Vista when it comes out. Why? Because they fear everyone will stop buying computers until Vista launches, and PC makers will have the weakest holiday season in years.

3. Price: New computers loaded with Vista will be very expensive, especially compared to today's great bargains in the $400 range for both desktops and laptops.

Example: The Vista operating system is priced at $399 for the Business version, $239 for Home Premium, and $199 for Home Basic (all subject to change).

So if you wait to buy a new computer, it looks like you'll be seeing prices over $1,000.