Where is Microsoft Going With Windows?

Microsoft has gotten fat and sloppy over the past decade or so. So has Windows. They have allowed Windows to become so bloated that it takes up more computer real estate (memory) than one could have imagined a few years back. It has become unwieldy abd slow to respond.

So many people have resisted switching to Vista they have forced Microsoft to extend the available of Windows XP. Hardware manufacturers were preloading their newly manufactured computers with Vista. They have not exactly been flying off the shelves. In fact, sales slowed so much the retailers demanded and got machines that were still loaded with Windows XP. I have always considered my self an early adopter. By that, I mean I switched to new products early in their life cycle. With all that I was reading about Vista I initially said I would hold off until service pack 1 became available. It is now available and indications are that it shows a little improvement but not enough to get me to switch.

What Will The Name Be?

I find my self wondering where or why they came up with the name Windows 7 for the next version to follow. The name they have used in the press releases has been Windows 7. It is also the code name they use for this next version. That would make the Windows genealogy look something like this: Windows 3; Windows 3.1; Windows 3.5; Windows 95; Windows 98; Windows ME (Remember that fiasco?); Windows 2000; Windows XP; Vista and now Windows 7. Does that make sense? That is not progression. That is wandering.

The Next Iteration Of Windows Must be Successful

The next version of Windows has to be successful for Microsoft after the resounding flop that is Vista. It has to be significantly faster. It must require significantly fewer resources. Microsoft must provide OEM manufacturers with access to the code in order for it to arrive on release date with the requisite drivers for existing peripherals such as printers, scanners, routers, switches and the myriad of other devices that we will want to attach. Vista still is not able to work with some the market that is legacy. Another requirement is that it must make its presence felt quickly and it must work. If the development cycle stretches out as did Windows 98 or XP, Microsoft will be looking at an exodus of users. Where will these former users be headed? In my opinion, the majority of them will be headed to the Big Mac and I am not talking about MacDonalds. There will be a few of them going to Linux but again, my opinion is they will be visiting Mr. Jobs and taking a bite of his Apple.

Apple Delivers

Apple software has a reputation for working when delivered. It also is quicker. Have you noticed the Mac is powered by a processor slower than the Intel processor? And have you also noticed they get the job accomplished quicker than an Intel processor?

Apple made a brilliant strategic decision when they came out with Bootcamp software. In case you are not familiar with Bootcamp, using it on your Mac allows you to run Windows programs. Not only did they come out with it. They gave it away!

My Free Advice To Microsoft

I have some advice for Microsoft. Get it done and get it right. If you don't, I am afraid you will be going down the tubes. One last piece of advice: When you find yourself going down the tubes, clasp your hands together over your head. This will reduce the tendency to skin your elbows.

Update To This Article

Microsoft seems to have taken the time to do it right this time. On October 22, 2009, they will release Windows 7. There has been a bunch of glowing reports from reviewers of the beta version of this new software. Dwight Silverman of the Houston Chronicle was an early beta tester on Windows 7 and he touts it highly. I am glad and look forward to trying it (But First on my laptop.)