Windows Vista, Friend or Foe?

So I have had the opportunity recently to receive opinions of the public on Windows Vista. Strangely enough the feedback seems very similar, mostly they hate it, but when asked why, they can never come back with an answer. I have heard comments like: "I heard Microsoft is junking Vista, because it is horrible", "I am waiting for Microsoft to come out with a new Operating System, then I will buy a computer", and my top two favs are "I heard Microsoft is going back to XP, and getting rid of Vista", and "I am returning this computer because it has Windows Vista".

These are only a few comments myself and others that I work with have heard in response to Microsoft Windows Vista, which mind you has been out since Jan. 2007.

So here is the deal, Microsoft starting working on Windows Vista prior to the release of Windows XP, it has been a long time comming. It is different, true, but Microsoft IS NOT GETTING RID OF Windows Vista. I do not know how much I can stress this, again, they ARE NOT getting rid of Windows Vista. Windows Vista and Server 2008 (release in Feb. 2008) have the same kernel. A kernel is the central component of most Operating Systems. It is responsible for the systems communications between hardware and software. The new kernel, used in Windows Vista and Server 2008 was created for new Microsoft Operating Systems, because it needed to be updated from their old kernel.

To debunk all of the comments from the public that I have received, Microsoft has decided to set a new tone in the IT world when it comes to the creation of new Operating Systems. Windows XP was release in 2001, and it took Microsoft 6 years for them to release a new Operating System. Now Microsoft's goal is to release a new OS every 3 to 5 years. This does not mean they are getting rid of the old Operating Systems that are prior, but only adding new and improved features. In most business, IT coordinators place their inventory on a 3 to 5 year turn-around cycle to purchase new equipment, this ensures that Microsoft will make money in those cycles. It is a marvelous idea for them to keep everyone up to date.

For the general public, this could prove to be probamatic. Most people do not purchase new computers every 3 to 5 years. I know a lot of people that purchase computers maybe every 10 to 15 years. So lets say Sally purchase a computer in 2005, it has Windows XP. She does not have the means, or need to purchase a new computer right now, but maybe she will in 2015. By 2015, if Microsoft is releasing a new Operating System every 3 to 5 years, it is possible that she will jump from Windows XP, past Vista, past Windows 7 (set to release in 2010 or 2011), and then past yet another (name unknown) Microsoft Operating System. Also her computer that was purchased in 2005 would probably not be upgradable to any of those Operating Systems either. Although this situation will occur in the near future, we will eventually get past the computers being unable to be upgraded, and the future will hold many new Microsoft Operating Systems.

To sum it up, Microsoft is NOT going back to Windows XP, I am sorry, take it up with them! They are NOT going back to the old kernel, and they are not junking Windows Vista. Although they are making a new Operating System (Windows 7), I promise you, it looks ALMOST exactly like Vista. The almost factor, means that yet again, the public will complain at some of the new and improved features!