A new survey shows Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system is still playing second fiddle to XP with business users, with more enterprises confessing to checking out the unreleased Windows 7 OS than its predecessor.
Despite its big push for Vista, Microsoft is quietly allowing PC makers to offer an option that lets users "downgrade" to Windows XP, allowing customers to purchase new PCs but stick with the older operating system.
Under a new program announced by Microsoft, large companies that sell refurbished PCs can get a new copy of Windows XP to put on the machine, as long as they pay Microsoft again for that copy.
Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system is still playing second fiddle to XP among business users, with more enterprises investigating the unreleased Windows 7 than its predecessor.
Some PC makers now have an extra four months to sell Windows XP.
It takes a fair bit of nerve to charge anything to fix up a botched product, but Microsoft's $14.95 price to get a physical copy of Windows XP Service Pack 3 really takes some beating for sheer gall.
The internet has been awash with rumours about Windows 7, with a pre-beta release being handed out to attendees at the Professional Developers Conference in the US this week. But how many Windows 7 versions will there be?
So, it seems the WOW -- for Microsoft's Windows Vista -- is not now, but sometime in the future, maybe.
The only people who won't eventually move to Windows Vista are the Linux and Mac enthusiasts.
What do Windows 7 and Windows NT have in common? Despite being separated by 16 years, they're both available as 32-bit operating systems; and it's time for Microsoft to move on.
Sun would like to think it can succeed where others have failed,,"in breaking Microsoft's stranglehold on the office productivity market,"by offering a product that's almost as good as Microsoft Office at a much lower price. Do the sums add up?
Linux has made a big impact in the server room, but usability issues and lock-in to Microsoft Office have conspired to hold it back on the desktop. Has that all changed?
Not ready for a Vista laptop? Simply want to stick to good old XP? Here are your options on the market.
One of Australia's largest adopters of VMware's ESX Server -- Australia-based international law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques -- recovered every last dollar spent on the system three months before the rollout was even complete.
Many companies aren't buying Windows XP -- or they're buying the licences but not installing the software. Microsoft's marketing machine is looking to change that as the Service Pack 2 update rolls out.
Windows Vista Business is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
Windows Vista Business is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
Sun would like to think it can succeed where others have failed,,"in breaking Microsoft's stranglehold on the office productivity market,"by offering a product that's almost as good as Microsoft Office at a much lower price. Do the sums add up?
Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista Home Premium is stable enough for everyday use.
Linux has made a big impact in the server room, but usability issues and lock-in to Microsoft Office have conspired to hold it back on the desktop. Has that all changed?
In the face of an identical hardware platform, Toshiba's netbook fails to bring a unique point of difference.
Ben Forta: All about Adobe
Take one ColdFusion veteran and mix in a healthy dose of prolific book writing, and chances are you will end u… Watch it now
Google CEO Eric Schmidt
Google's chief sits down for an extremely rare, wide-ranging interview and discusses Google's two operating sy… Watch it now
Telstra shareholders fear break up
What do Telstra shareholders think of the telco's new CEO David Thodey? And would they support the government'… Watch it now
Having problems with complex data center? Simplify your data center now.
Can not-so-smart meters help the NBN?
Can the Telco Reform Act be win-win?
Has New Zealand's smiling assassin delivered?
What makes you click?
Tell us for a chance to win a $1,000 GAME gift voucher.
Click here for more.
Win an iPhone 3GS!
Sign up as a ZDNet Australia member during November and you'll go in a draw to win an iPhone 3GS!
Click here to sign up!
Best Laptops
Check out the best laptops here!
Click here for more.
