Facing a 30 June deadline to stop selling PCs with Windows XP, the world's largest computer makers are getting creative, with Dell and HP's Australian offices staying cagey about their intentions.
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.
Bowing to pressure from customers and computer makers, Microsoft plans to keep Windows XP around a little longer.
Despite research that found Vista uptake among businesses is slowing, Michael Dell has predicted that most companies will migrate to the OS within two years.
After adding it back as an option for small businesses, Dell offers the older OS on consumer machines in response to demand in the US.
It's just two months until Microsoft plans to pull the plug on Windows XP arguably its best operating system to date.
Not long to wait now! To tide you over til midnight, here's a round-up of the week's Vista hype on the eve of the operating system's launch. Featuring styrofoam, flyovers and Dell.
The only people who won't eventually move to Windows Vista are the Linux and Mac enthusiasts.
So, it seems the WOW -- for Microsoft's Windows Vista -- is not now, but sometime in the future, maybe.
Not ready for a Vista laptop? Simply want to stick to good old XP? Here are your options on the market.
Although Microsoft is pushing hard to move everyone to the latest version of Windows, there are some market realities that are going to keep Windows XP around for some time likely well beyond the current June deadline for large computer makers to stop selling the older operating system.
Dell has introduced its new Vostro range, aimed at small businesses that require minimal IT support. Here's the full line-up available in Australia at launch.
There are some strings attached to running Microsoft's OS on a Mac -- including Windows security risks, Apple says.
Vista can be a performance hog, but there are many ways you can tweak the OS components to speed it up. See what actions you can take to remove bottlenecks and optimise Vista.
Apple makes a bid for a larger slice of the browser market with a version of Safari for Windows, XP, and Vista.
After adding it back as an option for small businesses, Dell offers the older OS on consumer machines in response to demand in the US.
The Dell Inspiron Mini 12 is a good size and features lots of storage, but is hampered by its sluggish performance and inability to stay on your lap.
Windows Vista Home Basic is essentially warmed-over Windows XP, Windows XP SP3. 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 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.
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.
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