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No XP Reprieve; Windows 7 Release Set
CWmike writes "Microsoft has laid to rest rumors that it might reconsider pulling Windows XP from retail shelves and from most PC makers next Monday. Microsoft's Bill Veghte wrote to customers reiterating that June 30 would be the deadline when Microsoft halts shipments of boxed copies to retailers and stops licensing the operating system directly to OEMs. However, Veghte did leave the door open to all computer makers, even the largest, who want to continue selling new PCs with XP pre-installed. 'Additionally, Systems Builders (sometimes referred to as "local OEMs"), may continue to purchase Windows XP through Authorized Distributors [such as Ingram Micro] through January 31, 2009,' he wrote in the letter. 'All OEMs, including major OEMs, have this option,' said Veghte. At the same time, Microsoft confirmed Windows 7 would ship in January 2010. Who, if they have not already, would install Vista now?" Microsoft has said they will post the letter, but it's not up yet.
Just installed it on my Mac. It's horrible. It reminds me of using Word about eight years ago. I can't see what all the fuss about it is. I think I'll just by a modern Office Suite from Apple or Microsoft and not have to deal with this shit, neither of which are really that expensive. I guess you get what you pay for.
I had a big realization the other day. If Windows 7 is just as bad a Windows Vista, I fully expect at least 30% of the home market to jump ship to Linux or Apple. Businesses have a lot of legacy applications, that they simply can't do without, so I see that transition being quite a bit slower. With Linux distros, I don't find it uncommon for them to have 1 sub-par release every 2 or 3 iterations. The difference is that they release every 6 months, and it's not so bad to wait another 6 months for a new version to come out. With MS only producing a new version ever 3 or 4 years (sometimes longer), how long do you really want to wait for a new product.
Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.