Could either one or both of you tell me what "Vienna" happens to be, i'm not familiar with the term. It is the codname for the next Windows version after Vista?
In any case though, I'd be willing to bet that Windows alternatives will see gains--and especially if Apple cuts the prices of some of their computers and/or releases a plain x86 version of Leopard. Linux and other *nix-like OSs will see a boom among savvy users and IT pros.
i wouldn't quite be ready to count Windows as down and out at this time (the time of the release of Vista). In this particular case, i happen to believe that they are going in the right direction of offering different types of Vista installations (seven different versions the last i counted). If they expand on this concept, and make versions of the OS that meet Differing types of user preferences they can make this into a big winner.
i have no idea how likely this is to become reality, but it's not exactly a majour tweek in marketing.
And MS will have egg on its face...again. Much like it did after releasing Windows ME.
Am i the only person in America who actually liked Windows ME? i still run it on my old Toshiba Laptop, and if one keeps the registry clean, it runs just fine.
in Essence, it was Windows XP's features with Windows 98SE's kernel, and an FAT32 file system instead of NTFS.
IIRC, Vienna is the new term for Blackcomb, the successor to Vista. It was changed when Longhorn became Vista.
I'm not counting Windows as down and out--it'll still remain the dominant OS. My point though is that it won't be through Vista, but through XP and Windows Server 03.
IOW, Vista will be down and out (like WinME). But Windows won't be.
"In this particular case, i happen to believe that they are going in the right direction of offering different types of Vista installations (seven different versions the last i counted). If they expand on this concept, and make versions of the OS that meet Differing types of user preferences they can make this into a big winner."
Not saying it can't happen--nor is it a bad concept. But it's going to need a miracle from the current system for it to be effective.
Trying to introduce the update as you run the system--and ask for $$ for the premium upgrade to download is going to simply encourage hackers to circumvent the system like they did for Windows Update. Rather, if they offered a CD upgrade and included shipping in the cost--that might work for them.
If they did that, I'd probably look at an upgrade if I had the $$. 8^)
I personally didn't mind ME all that much. But most everyone else had problems with it--and the headaches of trying to get it back in order after someone really, er, messed with it is why I was glad to chuck it in favor of XP (and now Linux)... 8^)
My point is that with the current status quo, Vista's going to be disappointing for MS. But right now, they can correct some of these issues before the OS is released. In short, it's a veritable gamble--and the game is MS's to lose...
This will be hell for helping people. Support people will need to know the difference between seven versions. Users also won't know what version they have.
The only reason for multiple versions is market segmentation for Microsoft's profit. Plus you'll get the case I'm seeing with XP Castrated Edition, where people buy it and find they need to upgrade to do anything serious. "I bought a computer with Windows, but I can't encrypt folders or set file-level access controls. What? I need Pro for that? How much?"
Probably.
in Essence, it was Windows XP's features with Windows 98SE's kernel, and an FAT32 file system instead of NTFS.
It was horribly unstable. So bad, in fact, that a friend told me that a shop refused to work on her laptop because it had Windows ME on it. I thought 98SE was a much better product. Its registry was a mess if memory serves me correctly.