News

Free Software Group Opens 'Bad Vista' Site

The Free Software Foundation isn’t going to take it lying down -- Windows Vista, that is.

The organization has set up a site called BadVista.org that defines the arrival of Vista as "a moment where there could be a massive and sudden reduction in the freedom of computer users."

According to posts on the site, the FSF intends it to fulfill "a twofold mission of interrogating Vista and spotlighting free software alternatives." BadVista.org also takes a swipe at the technology press for not being more critical of Vista.

"We will ensure that each time reporters mention Vista, they will be comparing it not to Windows XP or Mac OS/X, but to gNewSense and other free software distributions. By making our criticisms from a place of freedom, we will ensure that comparisons focus on the ethical relationship between user and software -- not only on which system has the better graphical transparency or the superior benchmark performance."

Statements on the site go on to state "over the course of the next several months, this suggestion will look much more reasonable next to the alternative -- a painful and complicated Vista downgrade."

About the Author

Stuart J. Johnston has covered technology, especially Microsoft, since February 1988 for InfoWorld, Computerworld, Information Week, and PC World, as well as for Enterprise Developer, XML & Web Services, and .NET magazines.

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.