The Computer Buzz

June 26th, 2008

Nome and Paul Van Middlesworth - owners - The Computer Factory
 

Windows XP Deathwatch?

After June 30, Microsoft will no longer provide Windows XP license to PC sellers like Dell, Compaq/HP, Gateway/eMachine nor will it allow retailers like Fry's, Best Buy, Staples and Office Depot to sell Windows XP. What does this mean to home and business users and the computer industry?

Home users have been unable to find XP based desktop or notebook computers in "big box" stores for the past year. Home users who only use PCs for Internet based activities probably won't notice that Vista is slower than XP or care that "Vista" is incompatible with many software programs and peripheral devices. Home PC users with more demanding needs will continue to be able to buy new notebook and desktop PCs with XP from independent PC builders like "The Computer Factory" at least through 2008.

Fewer than 10% of businesses use "Vista" because of speed and compatibility issues. Businesses have and will continue to have an XP option. Businesses use the XP Professional operating system to run their business networks, Dell, HP and the others will continue to sell PCs with the "free" factory installed XP OS as long as the customer pays for a "Vista Business" OS. This program, called VDG (Vista Downgrade Rights), is Microsoft's way of trying to convince the public that "Vista" is actually selling in the business community. It simply is not.

Evans Data, an industry analyst firm published a recent survey showing that less than 10% of software developers are working on "Vista" specific projects while over 50% are working on XP specific projects. The vast majority indicated their project load would remain XP oriented in 2009.

The people who make a living developing PC software are betting that "Vista" will die before XP. Only 15% of PCs in use today have the Vista OS, XP is in most of the rest. Microsoft will support XP through 2014. They haven't said how long they'll support "Vista"!

Microsoft and the entire computer industry would love to see "Vista" replace XP overnight. "Vista's" slower speed and lack of compatibility would create demand for more powerful PCs, software upgrades and new peripherals (scanners, printers etc.) The entire industry would benefit.

PC users would not benefit. Simply stated, "Vista" based PCs require more money and energy to accomplish exactly the same tasks that XP PCs do for less. "Vista" is the "Hummer" of the computer industry.

The business community has already decided to skip the "Vista Generation". Power users are doing the same. Home users should think twice before buying an environment and pocketbook hostile "Vista" PC.

Before you buy any new PC, check out the upgrade potential of your existing computer. If an upgrade isn't practical you may be surprised to find how much "trade in" value resides in your old XP PC.

The "big box" electronics stores won't be much help to you in this effort; they're on Microsoft's side. There are about 10,000 small, independent PC builders in the USA and one of us will be happy help you make the right decision.