Microsoft Corp. is touting Windows Vista as a more secure operating system with a better user interface that its predecessor, XP, but it’s evident close to 90,000 users would prefer not to upgrade. Now it’s Canada’s turn to weigh in.
ComputerWorld Canada has launched a campaign of its own, which will also include regular updates on XP support, tips and tricks and industry commentary. It will be available at SaveXP.ca. Both InfoWorld and ComputerWorld Canada are affiliated with International Data Group (IDG). Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft plans to stop selling retail versions of XP June 30, and after that, anyone wanting XP would have to get it through their hardware manufacturer – if they’re selling it.
Elliot Katz, senior product manager for Windows client at Microsoft Canada Co., said in an e-mail to ComputerWorld Canada: "Windows XP that is already in the channel will stay in the channel."
System builders, who sell primarily to small and mid-sized firms, will still be able to sell XP until January of 2009, Katz added.
Microsoft is currently encouraging users to upgrade to Vista, which the company says makes it easier for users to find files and folders and to view all applications they have open at any given time.
Microsoft has said Vista has more advanced backup and security features, such as a spyware remover and a new firewall designed to prevent infected PCs from spreading malware.
Katz said Vista has had fewer security problems that required a patch than XP did, and Microsoft is receiving 21 per cent fewer support calls with Vista than it did with XP.
Nevertheless, the company’s plan to stop selling XP has not gone over well with some users who have signed InfoWorld’s petition.
One user, who identified himself by the alias “Marco Polo,” described himself as “one of those old timers who think an actual OS improvement is one that runs faster, more securely, more efficiently, interfaces with hardware better, and makes applications perform much better as a result.” He went on to call Vista “a huge drooling mastiff sucking up the hardware resources of what should be a banging good machine.”
Another user, who identified himself as “Michael,” said he was unable to install the Mozilla Firefox Web browser on Vista on his Dell laptop and had to put up with “Mother-may-I dialogs.”
Katz said Microsoft is aware of InfoWorld's petition and there are "no current plans" to extend the deadline to buy XP.
Analysts agree some IT managers will be reluctant to upgrade to Vista.
“People generally don’t like to be told they have to change and by Microsoft releasing the new operating system there’s a lot of speculation that users have to change towards the new product,” said Michelle Warren, senior research analyst with Info-Tech Research Group of London, Ont.
“I think that’s the root cause of a lot of the petitions, that they are out asking Microsoft to hold off.”
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Are we not overdue for Change from the MS Monopoly?
