Why I Don't Want Windows Vista
Wednesday, April 19, 2006 by geekinthecity | Discussion: Windows Vista
I’ve got a confession to make I’m one of the computer users on Microsoft’s hit list. I’m hanging on to Windows 2000. Microsoft has been running has been ads on television and in print still promoting Windows XP despite the fact that it will be replaced by Windows Vista in early 2007. When promoting a new upcoming release of Windows Microsoft promises the most revolutionary change to desktop computing since Windows 95. When Windows Vista is released at the start of 2007 Millions of people will be running out and buying it but I will not.
I skipped Windows XP because I am really bugged by product activation. While Microsoft has the right to do what they need to prevent people from stealing it’s products, but I have the right to not want to turn over certain information about my computer to Microsoft. Car buyers are under no obligation to tell the auto makers about the automobiles that they are buying and aftermarket upgrades they install. With more and more anti-piracy measures built into Windows it seems like the less and less that Microsoft trusts the people buying their products.
With previous releases of Windows Microsoft has packed more and more features then the preceding version but was the number of features in the operating system have increased, so too has the price. A copy of Windows 95 could be bought for about eighty dollars when it was released. Currently I have seen Windows XP Professional selling for over four hundred dollars. If Windows Vista costs more than Windows XP, which it probably will, that will be a paying a lot of money to get a lot of features that I’d never use.
One of things that is certain when it comes to the Windows operating system is that every new release will require more processing power than previous versions. I don’t feel like sinking yet more money into more RAM, a new video card and faster CPU. My computer should not become a money pit just because Microsoft releases a new product.
Microsoft is promising to put digital rights management (DRM) embedded into Windows Vista, this takes control of data away from a PC owner and can give it away to any third party. DRM technology can be used as an essential security tool for protecting sensitive data for corporations or government departments. If sensitive documents are leaked out of company or government because of a security breached they can’t be opened. DRM however is probably will be used by the entertainment industry to restrict how people use digital media. If I record my TV shows on my desktop PC, and then copy it to my laptop so I can watch at a more convenient time and place I should be able to without Microsoft or anybody else trying to dictate to me that I can’t do with my computers what I want.
My computers do a good job doing to the tasks that I do, I have absolutely no need or desire to spend yet more money on a new version of Windows just because Microsoft releases it. If I feel this way then other people feel the same way and maybe selling Windows Vista will be an uphill battle for Microsoft.
I skipped Windows XP because I am really bugged by product activation. While Microsoft has the right to do what they need to prevent people from stealing it’s products, but I have the right to not want to turn over certain information about my computer to Microsoft. Car buyers are under no obligation to tell the auto makers about the automobiles that they are buying and aftermarket upgrades they install. With more and more anti-piracy measures built into Windows it seems like the less and less that Microsoft trusts the people buying their products.
With previous releases of Windows Microsoft has packed more and more features then the preceding version but was the number of features in the operating system have increased, so too has the price. A copy of Windows 95 could be bought for about eighty dollars when it was released. Currently I have seen Windows XP Professional selling for over four hundred dollars. If Windows Vista costs more than Windows XP, which it probably will, that will be a paying a lot of money to get a lot of features that I’d never use.
One of things that is certain when it comes to the Windows operating system is that every new release will require more processing power than previous versions. I don’t feel like sinking yet more money into more RAM, a new video card and faster CPU. My computer should not become a money pit just because Microsoft releases a new product.
Microsoft is promising to put digital rights management (DRM) embedded into Windows Vista, this takes control of data away from a PC owner and can give it away to any third party. DRM technology can be used as an essential security tool for protecting sensitive data for corporations or government departments. If sensitive documents are leaked out of company or government because of a security breached they can’t be opened. DRM however is probably will be used by the entertainment industry to restrict how people use digital media. If I record my TV shows on my desktop PC, and then copy it to my laptop so I can watch at a more convenient time and place I should be able to without Microsoft or anybody else trying to dictate to me that I can’t do with my computers what I want.
My computers do a good job doing to the tasks that I do, I have absolutely no need or desire to spend yet more money on a new version of Windows just because Microsoft releases it. If I feel this way then other people feel the same way and maybe selling Windows Vista will be an uphill battle for Microsoft.
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sushiK
Reply #2 Thursday, April 20, 2006 8:59 AM
It's this point that I agree with you on.
******************
With previous releases of Windows Microsoft has packed more and more features then the preceding version but was the number of features in the operating system have increased, so too has the price. A copy of Windows 95 could be bought for about eighty dollars when it was released. Currently I have seen Windows XP Professional selling for over four hundred dollars. If Windows Vista costs more than Windows XP, which it probably will, that will be a paying a lot of money to get a lot of features that I’d never use.
One of things that is certain when it comes to the Windows operating system is that every new release will require more processing power than previous versions. I don’t feel like sinking yet more money into more RAM, a new video card and faster CPU. My computer should not become a money pit just because Microsoft releases a new product.
******************
The price for fucking windows and office is through the roof!
Lets see the hardware for the pc costs about 350 now and the OS is going to cost MORE!
I love microsoft and I am even a developer using windows based programming but they needd to get their hands slapped on their pricing.
No wonder why everyone wants to rip them off.
Reply #2 Thursday, April 20, 2006 8:59 AM
It's this point that I agree with you on.
******************
With previous releases of Windows Microsoft has packed more and more features then the preceding version but was the number of features in the operating system have increased, so too has the price. A copy of Windows 95 could be bought for about eighty dollars when it was released. Currently I have seen Windows XP Professional selling for over four hundred dollars. If Windows Vista costs more than Windows XP, which it probably will, that will be a paying a lot of money to get a lot of features that I’d never use.
One of things that is certain when it comes to the Windows operating system is that every new release will require more processing power than previous versions. I don’t feel like sinking yet more money into more RAM, a new video card and faster CPU. My computer should not become a money pit just because Microsoft releases a new product.
******************
The price for fucking windows and office is through the roof!
Lets see the hardware for the pc costs about 350 now and the OS is going to cost MORE!
I love microsoft and I am even a developer using windows based programming but they needd to get their hands slapped on their pricing.
No wonder why everyone wants to rip them off.
Hippie
Reply #3 Thursday, April 20, 2006 10:31 AM
Reply #3 Thursday, April 20, 2006 10:31 AM
Well, by the time you buy a new video card, ram, and God knows what else, you might as well just wait and get a new computer with vista on it. Remember Xp. It took a good month to get drivers to make everything work, and some of it still doesn't. I'll stay with XP. My computer actually works pretty good now, why F___ it up.
cal0140
Reply #4 Thursday, April 20, 2006 10:46 AM
Reply #4 Thursday, April 20, 2006 10:46 AM
Currently I have seen Windows XP Professional selling for over four hundred dollars.
where on earth did you see xp professional for $400??? the full version of xp pro can be bought at any retail store for no more than $300. while i agree with your point that it is thoroughly over priced, you diminish your argument by exxagerating (or if you really thought it was $400, offering ignorance).
And about activation, I agree with Jafo (who doesnt' agree with Jafo... EVER) in that it gives nothing to Microsoft other than a digital signature linking your motherboard to that XP key. If you have to activate over the phone, it takes less than 3 minutes (i've done it for customers about 100 times) and they don't ask for your name, phone number, address, NOTHING.
sir, i'll have to ask you to remove your foil hat...
where on earth did you see xp professional for $400??? the full version of xp pro can be bought at any retail store for no more than $300. while i agree with your point that it is thoroughly over priced, you diminish your argument by exxagerating (or if you really thought it was $400, offering ignorance).
And about activation, I agree with Jafo (who doesnt' agree with Jafo... EVER) in that it gives nothing to Microsoft other than a digital signature linking your motherboard to that XP key. If you have to activate over the phone, it takes less than 3 minutes (i've done it for customers about 100 times) and they don't ask for your name, phone number, address, NOTHING.
sir, i'll have to ask you to remove your foil hat...
cal0140
Reply #5 Thursday, April 20, 2006 10:49 AM
Reply #5 Thursday, April 20, 2006 10:49 AM
the first line above was supposed to be in quotes...
| Currently I have seen Windows XP Professional selling for over four hundred dollars. |
Jafo
Reply #6 Thursday, April 20, 2006 11:10 AM
Reply #6 Thursday, April 20, 2006 11:10 AM
The full retail [boxed] ver of XP Pro in Australia is AUD 399 last I noticed.
The last OEM of XP Pro I bought was AUD 200. [in 2006]
5 years ago [there-abouts] I bought an OEM of Win98....and that cost AUD 180....
So simple comparison is....XP is a 'bigger' OS....but is cheaper [inflation-wise].
I think 1.00 AUS is currently .76 USD so I'll leave you to do the math....
DJBandit
Reply #7 Thursday, April 20, 2006 11:58 AM
Reply #7 Thursday, April 20, 2006 11:58 AM
The DRM deal seems the be the only thing that keeps me from wanting to buy Vista. If this new OS is all it's cracked up to be I don't see any problem spending money on it, it's not like we complain when we pay outrageous amounts of money for a car, especially when financed.
I will want to try the OS first before I decided to buy it, don't know how I will do it and even if I knew I wouldn't say. But if it's worth it, since I plane on building a new PC anyways why not a new OS while I'm at it.
I will want to try the OS first before I decided to buy it, don't know how I will do it and even if I knew I wouldn't say. But if it's worth it, since I plane on building a new PC anyways why not a new OS while I'm at it.
-scion-
Reply #8 Thursday, April 20, 2006 6:04 PM
Reply #8 Thursday, April 20, 2006 6:04 PM
Actually, you DO need to tell the automaker what aftermarket accessories you've installed if you purchased the vehicle new. In many cases adding stuff on to a brand new vehicle will void your warranty.
many people have an issue with product activation, then again most people haven't had millions of dollars stollen from them either. there's no tears shed for microsoft losing money, but piracy is a big factor in price increases as they pertain to your comment about Vista being more than XP.
many people have an issue with product activation, then again most people haven't had millions of dollars stollen from them either. there's no tears shed for microsoft losing money, but piracy is a big factor in price increases as they pertain to your comment about Vista being more than XP.
XX
Reply #9 Thursday, April 20, 2006 6:23 PM
Reply #9 Thursday, April 20, 2006 6:23 PM
I'm also concerned about DRM and hardware requirements.
I would have to buy a new computer in order to use vista.
I would have to buy a new computer in order to use vista.
DJBandit
Reply #10 Friday, April 21, 2006 11:09 AM
I honestly don't see the problem with this. Don't most people want a better faster PC anyways? I mean if you seriously want a new OS why not have a better PC parts to use it? It makes no sense to have say Vista if your PC is not up to it. If you PC does what you need it to do with the parts you have currently and the windows it has does what you need I don't see why you would need to consider Vista at all. I don't know it just makes no sense to me.
Reply #10 Friday, April 21, 2006 11:09 AM
| I would have to buy a new computer in order to use vista. |
I honestly don't see the problem with this. Don't most people want a better faster PC anyways? I mean if you seriously want a new OS why not have a better PC parts to use it? It makes no sense to have say Vista if your PC is not up to it. If you PC does what you need it to do with the parts you have currently and the windows it has does what you need I don't see why you would need to consider Vista at all. I don't know it just makes no sense to me.
Fuzzy Logic
Reply #11 Friday, April 21, 2006 11:18 AM
Reply #11 Friday, April 21, 2006 11:18 AM
I was waiting until Vista came out before getting a new pc, even though mine is getting a bit elderly as far as the newest games are concerned( P4 2.66, GeForce FX-5900). I changed my mind. Vista will not be ready early 2007 (prediction).
So, two weeks today, I will have a nice shiny (well, black aluminium coolermaster case actually) Athlon 4400, 2Gb DDR400, 2x GeForce 7600GT Sli etc etc. Vista is going no where near it until it is proven in use.
MasonM
Reply #12 Friday, April 21, 2006 7:03 PM
Reply #12 Friday, April 21, 2006 7:03 PM
The problem is buying a faster PC just to run the stupid OS. Nothing wrong with getting a faster PC to run your applications, but just to support the OS? That's insane.
XX
Reply #13 Friday, April 21, 2006 7:25 PM
Reply #13 Friday, April 21, 2006 7:25 PM
It's worse when your main PC isn't a desktop type.
Mine's laptop.
Mine's laptop.
Jafo
Reply #14 Friday, April 21, 2006 7:33 PM
Reply #14 Friday, April 21, 2006 7:33 PM
| The problem is buying a faster PC just to run the stupid OS. Nothing wrong with getting a faster PC to run your applications, but just to support the OS? That's insane. |
Realistically the OS is just another Program....but it also happens to be THE MOST IMPORTANT program...so making sure your computer can 'run it' is a damn sight more important than whether you can rip an MP3 to Wav or some such triviality...
"Oh, no!!!! My super-dooper PC only gets 96 fps in NFSU at 1600x1200!!! My life must end NOW!!!"...
Adamness
Reply #15 Friday, April 21, 2006 9:49 PM
I'm doing that. I'll probably get a computer in the summer of '07. That way, I'll know if Vista is a bomb or not. (Though I doubt it will be)
I don't see a problem with Vista having to be run on 'better than average' hardware. All software should take advantage of the lastest, and future hardware, and an OS should too. There are computers being sold for USD $10,000 just to play games, but when an OS needs mid-high end hardware, only then do people see a problem. Eh?
Reply #15 Friday, April 21, 2006 9:49 PM
| I was waiting until Vista came out before getting a new pc |
I'm doing that. I'll probably get a computer in the summer of '07. That way, I'll know if Vista is a bomb or not. (Though I doubt it will be)
I don't see a problem with Vista having to be run on 'better than average' hardware. All software should take advantage of the lastest, and future hardware, and an OS should too. There are computers being sold for USD $10,000 just to play games, but when an OS needs mid-high end hardware, only then do people see a problem. Eh?
jrista
Reply #16 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:04 AM
Reply #16 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:04 AM
First, why not learn some grammar? I was tempted to go back and read that twice, but decided against it because it sounds like a lot of blathering, uninformed, naive bull* anyway.
Second, Windows XP OEM costs $150 on average, if you build your own PC (which if your not buying a brand name, is probably the case). Check out Link. Newegg is only one of the many online sources, and some sell it for even cheaper. If you buy a new computer from one of the mainstream manufacturors, they suck up some of the cost, which is considerably lower than what consumers pay anyway due to bulk liscensing. Windows XP doesn't cost $300 for the majority of people, and those upgrading can purchase upgrade versions at around $100.
Finally, Windows Vista is only the beginning. What were all going to get the end of 2006/beginning 2007 is only the first round of new things due to come out of Microsoft. WinFS, the much touted and sorely missed feature of the Longhorn betas is due out in 2007, along with several other "behind the scenes" products like Windows Presentation Foundation and WinFX. These things make up a new platform, not just a new desktop operating system, and will give programmers (which I am myself) a far better technology platform with which to develop the future of computing. There is more comming from Microsoft this year and next than just a glossy new interface and a sidebar, things that companies like Apple and organizations betting their futures on Linux can't provide.
I personally commend Microsoft for taking the time that was neccesary to weed out the unneccesary additions in Vista, delay useful but less important features, and polish what they could in the windows update they will actually release. No, Vista is not the Longhorn vision, and no, it doesn't deliver on all the promises Microsoft made. For that I'm dissapointed, and I hope Microsoft learns a lesson about promising and failing to deliver. In the end, though, I would rather have something less thats polished and relatively stable, than have everything cobbled together with chewing gum and toothpicks. Not only that, people complain about Microsoft not releasing a new OS every year to "compete" and "keep up" with OS X (which is just spit, polish and a shiny happy interface, with no substance underneath, completely lacking the technology platform that Windows and other MS technologies provide). For me, I'm just glad I don't have to spend $150 every year, and if I have to wait a few months before I can download WinFS and WinFX for free when they are completed in 2007, thats fine by me.
Second, Windows XP OEM costs $150 on average, if you build your own PC (which if your not buying a brand name, is probably the case). Check out Link. Newegg is only one of the many online sources, and some sell it for even cheaper. If you buy a new computer from one of the mainstream manufacturors, they suck up some of the cost, which is considerably lower than what consumers pay anyway due to bulk liscensing. Windows XP doesn't cost $300 for the majority of people, and those upgrading can purchase upgrade versions at around $100.
Finally, Windows Vista is only the beginning. What were all going to get the end of 2006/beginning 2007 is only the first round of new things due to come out of Microsoft. WinFS, the much touted and sorely missed feature of the Longhorn betas is due out in 2007, along with several other "behind the scenes" products like Windows Presentation Foundation and WinFX. These things make up a new platform, not just a new desktop operating system, and will give programmers (which I am myself) a far better technology platform with which to develop the future of computing. There is more comming from Microsoft this year and next than just a glossy new interface and a sidebar, things that companies like Apple and organizations betting their futures on Linux can't provide.
I personally commend Microsoft for taking the time that was neccesary to weed out the unneccesary additions in Vista, delay useful but less important features, and polish what they could in the windows update they will actually release. No, Vista is not the Longhorn vision, and no, it doesn't deliver on all the promises Microsoft made. For that I'm dissapointed, and I hope Microsoft learns a lesson about promising and failing to deliver. In the end, though, I would rather have something less thats polished and relatively stable, than have everything cobbled together with chewing gum and toothpicks. Not only that, people complain about Microsoft not releasing a new OS every year to "compete" and "keep up" with OS X (which is just spit, polish and a shiny happy interface, with no substance underneath, completely lacking the technology platform that Windows and other MS technologies provide). For me, I'm just glad I don't have to spend $150 every year, and if I have to wait a few months before I can download WinFS and WinFX for free when they are completed in 2007, thats fine by me.
jrista
Reply #17 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:11 AM
Reply #17 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:11 AM
Oh, and one other thing. You might want to check out the Vista product sheets, because there are about a dozen possible versions of Windows Vista, covering all sorts of price ranges, from the very cheap to the overkill expensive for those obsessive types. Not only that, Vista comes with a realtime upgrade tool that will allow you to purchase additional features if you need more but started out with a low-end version, delevered instantly and seamlessly. Vista doesn't lock you into the Home or Pro split anymore, and you choose how much you spend and when you spend it.
Jafo
Reply #18 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:14 AM
Reply #18 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:14 AM
| First, why not learn some grammar? I was tempted to go back and read that twice, but decided against it because it sounds like a lot of blathering, uninformed, naive bull* anyway. |
Oops....lost count of spelling and punctuation errors in #16.
Probably best to tend one's own house first.... 
jrista
Reply #19 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:31 AM
Reply #19 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:31 AM
I think there were 3 punctuation errors (all apostrophes, which I tend to ignore as a product of bad habit..its a programmer thing 
), and about 3 or 4 spelling errors (unless you count the numerous abbreviated terms such as WinFS). You might want to revisit the third grade and learn how to keep count again, as you didn't even need all your fingers to cover everything. 
), and about 3 or 4 spelling errors (unless you count the numerous abbreviated terms such as WinFS). You might want to revisit the third grade and learn how to keep count again, as you didn't even need all your fingers to cover everything.
Jafo
Reply #20 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:53 AM
Reply #20 Saturday, April 22, 2006 1:53 AM
your
manufacturors
liscensing
were
comming
neccesary
unneccesary
dissapointed
thats
thats
True....only 10 fingers needed there...
Sadly that makes me two short, as I have but 8. [or do you wish to include thumbs?].
I didn't take grammar into account, BTW....
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Reply #1 Thursday, April 20, 2006 1:26 AM
If your reticence towards XP and beyond is only concerns of Activation re privacy it's quite unfounded. All activation does is link the OS install to a hardware signature...which is actually LESS INVASIVE than linking the product to your name.
The copy of 2000 you [assumedly] purchased at some shop somewhere was receipted to you anyway....or did you 'find' it off the back of a truck?...
The only [mildly] frustrating thing with XP's activation is that you 'need' to be online for its simple execution....and preferably within the 28 days from install.
There are, on the other hand plenty of people quite happy to be still bumbling along with 95 and even more with 98, all oblivious to what 'might' be of benefit to them with newer products, both hardware and software.
But....
Whatever floats their boat.
I'm sure as with all advancement, real or supposed, there will be those who simply fear change...