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XP Deathwatch, T Minus 2 Weeks
CWmike writes "June 30 is Microsoft's deadline for mainstream computer makers to stop selling new PCs with the old operating system, and the date that it will stop shipping boxed copies to retailers. That's just two weeks away. Computerworld offers a FAQ about XP's approaching retirement after Microsoft's most recent relaxation of the retirement rules, with some details about which machines big-brand computer makers will be selling with XP after June 30. First FAQ: Any sign that Microsoft will reprieve Windows XP's retirement? Sort of."
Anybody who buys a computer bundled with an OS should probably keep that OS. Vista, though slow as hell, is easier to use and more secure (theoretically). Especially if all you're doing is web browsing and using Microsoft Office.
Those who do not want to use it should be smart enough to install their own distro. XP SP2 CDs are plentiful, like AOL coasters.
And the majority of enthusiasts who want a lean and mean machine, and still wish to run a Microsoft OS, won't need to deal with this bundled nonsense.
Sigs are for Terrorists.
Yeah, but if you buy that laptop for your with next year and install Ubuntu on it, MS will probably still get a sale. No lost customers for them.
Put identity in the browser.
Great, it finally caught up with UNIX-like OSes that have been doing that practically since the advent of modern computing. Good to see that Vista caught up to a more then a decade-old system. Oh and it is sad to see that crashing has became such a central part of our computing world, it seems like the only platforms in need of something like Xkill are those that don't support it.
I know I am fortunate in that my apps are standards based web applications so I can use them on whatever platform I choose. This meant that when we started buying Macs for the graphics department because the art director was more comfortable with them, that they were able to contribute without needing a virtual machine.
And so, if all your apps are standard across all platforms wouldn't Linux be a more logical choice? I mean it is free, easy to support (you can usually figure out what is wrong with it rather easily), virus-resistant, don't need to spend a fortune in specialty software (anti-virus, firewall, anti-spyware, etc), secure from user error (so long as you don't let them log in as root 24/7), and runs on more hardware platforms.
I've never seen companies skip Windows releases unless they are in financial trouble and not growing. Otherwise new computers purchased would usually come with the latest version of Windows. I've never experienced a company skipping releases but that does mean admittedly little given that I am just one person. I can certainly understand why companies would do that if they aren't growing.
By now most major companies are starting to look into other OSes other then Windows. Also, it just plain stupid to pay $100 to "upgrade" every system to Vista when if you bought cheap XP computers they are going to run slower then XP. Vista gives you 0 reason to upgrade, even less for a business. Really, what reason is there to "upgrade" from XP, and even the reasons that are there they all evaporate when compared to Mac or Linux. Basically, the smart companies don't throw money at a problem, they look for the best solution. Only companies who are driven by utter fools would blindly upgrade systems to Vista, even foolisher are those who aren't looking to get out of the Windows loop. Basically, there are tons of reasons not to upgrade to Vista if you are a business: A) costs $$$ B) Slower performance C) not tested with all the applications D) DRM E) still full of security problems F) Windows 7 is supposed to come out in a few years G) No advantage.
Basically, you are an idiot if you think Vista is good for businesses. You are an idiot if you think Vista is a decent OS. Basically you offer no proof on how Vista is better then XP, Mac or Linux. And I bet you if you put in a Ubuntu CD, the "acceptable speed" on your laptop would become "great speed".
Taxation is legalized theft, no more, no less.
"Why is my BitLocker USB stick not recognised?", "Why can't Wine install this DRM-packed latest incarnation of MS Office?", Or worse: "Why can't OOo open these DRM MS Office document?". And how is the world supposed to revolve around me?
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