Vista's out

So, Microsoft has finally launched Windows Vista, the latest version of its computer operating system. Should you buy it? Well, the current advice to businesses is not to touch it for at least a year, until the inevitable bugs are fixed (all software has bugs – and Microsoft have already said that the first full Service Pack for Vista will be released around autumn this year).

Two things amuse me. The first is Microsoft’s odd attitude towards its software – it seems to believe that it’s your job to get ready for Vista. They’ve forgotten that the point of an operating system is to operate your computer. If it won’t operate the computer (the computer you’ve already got!) then it’s no good. You shouldn’t have to spend £1000 on a new PC just to continue doing what you’ve already been doing.

The second funny thing is how excited Microsoft are about all the new toys that come with Vista – the sidebar, gadgets, built-in search, file previews in Explorer and so on. They’d like you to think that these are stunning new ideas that they’re unleashing on the world. The reality, of course, is that these ideas all came from MacOS X and Linux. Yes – even Linux (often said to have a “primitive” desktop) is years ahead of Microsoft on such things.

Anyhow, all the best to those who bravely venture forth into Vista!

pax et bonum

Article posted at 11:12am on 30 January 2007
Category: General, Computers