When will all existing installations of Windows Vista be fixed so that they really are fit for purpose?
Should there be a Class Action Law Suit or mass use of consumer legislation against Microsoft for deliberately and knowingly marketing a crippled product (Windows Vista 6.0 OS) and deliberately keeping it crippled in service so that loyal customers are forced to buy Microsoft’s latest offering (Windows 7 aka Win 6.1)?
There is an ongoing Poll: Should Microsoft fire Steve Ballmer?
Obviously, Steve Ballmer believes that he has one obligation and ONLY one obligation and that is to maximize profits for the shareholders.
To do that, he believes that Microsoft must continue their policy of developing hyped up, “feature-rich” products which customers must feel forced to adopt irrespective of their technical merits.
His philosophy and guiding principle is, “It’s sales, sales, sales, stupid! Never mind the quality, usability, security, bloat or compatibility of the product, force your customers to upgrade and make a lot of money for Microsoft.”
I believe that the real question should be:
When will all existing installations of Windows Vista be fixed so that they really are fit for purpose?
Vista (Win 6.0) is a classic example. Hype it up, don’t bother about compatibility (in fact, make sure that loads of programs and hardware – especially music production stuff – are INCOMPATIBLE), release it quickly without many of the promised features and make sure that Vista stays crippled even after the release of your upgraded version Windows 7 (Win 6.1 updated version of Vista Win 6.0).
Oh and make sure, as usual, that most computer resellers install it complete with trial versions of Office Software.
Of course Microsoft have to make a profit, some of which is re-invested, but Microsoft is still the de facto standard for most individuals and organisations.
Microsoft Operating Systems are the heart of the world’s general user infrastructure.
Microsoft should continue to provide support and a stable platform for those who cannot afford to have their computer equivalent of a car’s Engine Management Control Unit’s firmware “chipped” (updated) at disproportionate cost only to find the equivalent consequences of having to replace their horn, braking system and steering each time the OS is updated.
Or, Microsoft may say, “What the hell, just go out and buy a new car, you cheapskate! And while you are at it, don’t even think about trying to put that expensive, high-end treasured car audio system in there, because it won’t work!”
Microsoft, you have grudgingly admitted that Vista was and is still not fit for purpose. What are you going to do about that for all existing users of Vista?
Bill Harris
2010AUG10
