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Mailbag: Microsoft Keeping a Tight Rein on XP

Last week, Doug wrote about Microsoft's attempt to limit the capabilities on low-end computers that will run XP past its official retirement. Does this leave developing countries with third-rate technology? Here are some of your thoughts:

I think the problem of the computers being third-rate depends on how locked-down the systems are. If they can be upgraded by the user (memory and processor), then it will be a good way for anybody to get a cheap PC and XP and upgrade the hardware.
-Jim

The low-end XP computer would probably provide a more "enhanced user experience" than one of our pokey top-of-the-line Vista machines.
-Jeff

Speaking of Vista, readers took the announcement of XP's impending retirement as a change to air their complaints about the new OS:

Microsoft still has to deal with organizations like mine that will NOT move to Vista without a guarantee of more manageability. We have recently bought licenses for XP and intend to install it on any new PCs that are purchased. I work for a school district; maybe Ballmer can explain to the tax payers in this district why we should spend perhaps millions to re-invent our very large network to accommodate his OS.
-Alan

Let's face it. MS and the HW vendors want us to move and spend more money. Vista does not provide any value except for MS shareholders, thus the big push back saying don't move to Vista. Why should we, except to spend money for whatever reason. I've read hundreds of articles and fought with Vista for 12 months, and I can't find a single positive note.

This is a good PR position for MS (warm and fuzzy), but the fundamental problem still exists. The MAMS created a mess with Vista and there really is no going back for MS as it has spent too much money and time building an Edsel (remember Ford's big new car?). Except Ford was smart enough to move on.

-Rick

Microsoft is falling apart at the seams. All the signs are there. I think it needs to reevaluate a large number of things, and plan to gracefully level out as a still-profitable company before it really screw things up. The Vista thing reminds me of the "Coke Classic" thing, and I hope that Microsoft comes to its senses soon.
-Tom

Tell us what you think! Leave a comment below or send an e-mail to [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on May 19, 2008


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