[DEMUG] XP Deathwatch

[Dick Atlee]

Someone passed on this op-ed column from a national tech list.  I can't 
find it elsewhere on the Web.  Not exactly Mac-specific, but it is 
interesting that no suggestion was made of OS/X as an alternative.

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   162 - Windows XP Deathwatch?

   After June 30, Microsoft will no longer provide Windows XP license
to PC sellers like Dell, Compaq/HP, Gateway/eMachine nor will it
allow retailers like Fry's, Best Buy, Staples and Office Depot to
sell Windows XP.  What does this mean to home and business users and
the computer industry?

   Home users have been unable to find XP based desktop or notebook
computers in "big box" stores for the past year. Home users who only
use PCs for Internet based activities probably won't notice that
Vista is slower than XP or care that "Vista" is incompatible with
many software programs and peripheral devices. Home PC users with
more demanding needs will continue to be able to buy new notebook and
desktop PCs with XP from independent PC builders like "The Computer
Factory" at least through 2008.

   Fewer than 10% of businesses use "Vista" because of speed and
compatibility issues. Businesses have and will continue to have an XP
option. Businesses use the XP Professional operating system to run
their business networks, Dell, HP and the others will continue to
sell PCs with the "free" factory installed XP OS as long as the
customer pays for a "Vista Business" OS. This program, called VDG
(Vista Downgrade Rights), is Microsoft's way of trying to convince
the public that "Vista" is actually selling in the business
community. It simply is not.

   Evans Data, an industry analyst firm published a recent survey
showing that less than 10% of software developers are working on
"Vista" specific projects while over 50% are working on XP specific
projects. The vast majority indicated their project load would remain
XP oriented in 2009.

   The people who make a living developing PC software are betting
that "Vista" will die before XP. Only 15% of PCs in use today have
the Vista OS, XP is in most of the rest. Microsoft will support XP
through 2014. They haven't said how long they'll support "Vista"!

   Microsoft and the entire computer industry would love to see
"Vista" replace XP overnight. "Vista's" slower speed and lack of
compatibility would create demand for more powerful PCs, software
upgrades and new peripherals (scanners, printers etc.) The entire
industry would benefit.

   PC users would not benefit. Simply stated, "Vista" based PCs
require more money and energy to accomplish exactly the same tasks
that XP PCs do for less. "Vista" is the "Hummer" of the computer industry.

   The businesses community has already decided to skip the "Vista
Generation". Power users are doing the same. Home users should think
twice before buying an environment and pocketbook hostile "Vista" PC.

   Before you buy any new PC, check out the upgrade potential of your
existing computer. If an upgrade isn't practical you may be surprised
to find how much "trade in" value resides in your old XP PC.

   The "big box" electronics stores won't be much help to you in this
effort; they're on Microsoft's side. There are about 10,000 small,
independent PC builders in the USA and one of us will be happy help
you make the right decision.

   Paul Van Group