What’s In Store for Windows User’s

By: Ang Biondo

There are hundreds of thousands of us out there who are perfectly content with Windows XP.  We believe although ‘XP is not perfect, it is the best that Microsoft has to offer for the average (less than super) home computer.  When Microsoft came out with “Vista”, the computer manufactures were forced to install Vista on them because Microsoft was about to drop support on its Windows XP.  However a vast majority of Windows users were not happy with the problems they  encountered over time.

Many personal computer (PC) users are strictly .Over time their once fast computers slowed to a crawl.  The hundreds of thousands of PC users who use the computer for leisure and e-mail and don’t have the faintest idea what to do in this instance, became very un-happy with their systems.

Vista was designed for the higher end models with a minimum of 2 GB of memory (Microsoft recomends a minimum of 4 to 8 Giga Bytes of RAM), depending on which version of Vista installed on your computer.  If you have the economy “e-Machine” system - chances are it will only except up to 2 GB of DRAM.

Microsoft performed an experiment with Vista Ultimate installed on several properly configured computers and set them up in a mall for passer-bys to try.  They did not tell the users that they were using a Vista loaded computer, but rather a preview of their new system.  Anyone who tried the systems on review, were amazed and said they would readily purchase the operating system when Microsoft makes it available.  It was then that they were told it was Vista.  As many of those who tried the review systems had Vista computers at home, they were surprised and dis-believing.  The difference was the computer’s they had purchased with Vista preloaded, was not equipped to handle the memory intensive features of Vista.  Vista Ultimate, especially is loaded with all the bells & whistles including extensive security features.  Microsoft recommends a computer be equipped with 8 gigabytes of DDR2 ram and a 3D video card.  If you plan to install it on your current computer they urge you to run the compatibility test utility available on their home site at microsoft.com/vista  

Microsoft received so many complaints from Vista users that they extended the costomary period of time they will support ‘XP. The CEO of Microsoft said they will extend support until Windows 7 comes out sometime next year.  They also agreed to replace Vista Ultimate with Windows XP Pro, for anyone not satisfied with ‘Ultimate installed on their computer. 

Microsoft’s Support Policy

Microsoft supports each version of its operating system for period of 10 years.

- The first five years, users are given a combination of both free help and fee-based services, in addition to all of the standard patches and hotfix updates peridically released by Microsoft.  

• In the second five years of extended support, users must pay for all support, except for security and critical patches offered through Windows updates and those offered for free  via their web site.  Mainstream support for XP is scheduled to end on Apr. 14, 2009.  In a move contrary to the Microsoft support policy they released Service Pack 3 for XP last spring even thougy XP first shipped in later part of 2001, and have continued to provide free support through e-mail etc..  Microsoft delayed the end of mainsteam support for XP by two years later than anticipated.  Once XP moves into the extended -support arena on or about April,14, 2009, extended support is expected to expire sometime around the middle of April 2014.  Should you encounter problems under the extended support with installation of security patches, critical updates or fixes, tech support will continue to be free.  Any other problems requiring Microsofts expertise you will have to pay for. 

Experts predict that ‘XP will be installed on billions of computers world wide by the end of 2008, and an OS (Operating System) that popular is expected to have support from outside interests for many years to come.  When Microsoft ends their support for ‘XP, third party support organizations will undoubtedly be available for a long time to come.  A quick search with your favorite search engine will return hundreds of “forums” and, “user groups”, to annswer any questions you might have.  Software groups and companies have also commited to write software compatible with any new version of Windows including Windows XP when possible. 

In summay, if you are using Windows XP and like it, I wouldn’t worry about being forced to upgrade your operating system anytime to soon. 

Now, let’s turn the page.  With the cost of technology continuing to drop, if you are seriously into computers you might want to consider upgrading to an operating system like Vista or Windows 7 when it becomes available.  If you intend to do so, make sure your system can handle it.  This is not a problem for those of us that are able to upgrade and/or add components to our systems, including replacing the motherboard if need be.  But for those without that ability it could be quite costly, so make sure your system can handle the switch before you purchase the new operating system.  In my opinion, if you plan to install Vista, I would recommend Vista Ultimate or at the very least Vista Home Premium or I would just keep ‘XP.  Also at the current memory costs, I would definitely going with 8 gigabytes of RAM (random access memory) and a 3D video card with at least 512 megabytes DDR2 or more on board. 

Most motherboards will only accommodate a maximum of 4 GB of ram from the factory, so you will probably have to download and update the BIOS to handle 8 GB.  If this is the case, be sure you are totally familiar with the BIOS update process.  If you attempt this and fail, you will kill the motherboard and render it useless. You are better off to have a reputable technician do the job and except the responsibility should something go wrong.  A recent BIOS upgrade of my grand-daughters Notebook, forced a new $300 motherboard replacement, because it was equipped with the newer 8 pin CMOS chip that holds the BIOS information.  The 8 pin chips are not available on the market yet, and we couldn’t even buy the replacement BIOS upgrade for it.  In our case we were able to purchase and install the board ourselves limiting the repair cost. 

Here’s what Microsoft had to say at a developers conference in Los Angeles where they pre-released the Windows 7 Beta version this past October 

Windows 7 Preview

Windows 7 is designed to make everyday tasks faster and easier, and make new things possible for end users. Windows 7 reflects an evolved approach to engineering that incorporates customer and partner feedback more closely into the development process. It will deliver innovative new features while focusing on application and device compatibility. With Windows 7, Microsoft is working to establish a more consistent and predictable release schedule so partners across the Windows ecosystem can easily and quickly build on the new capabilities Windows has to offer. When released to the market, Windows 7 will enable the following: 

• Make everyday tasks faster and easier. Windows 7 will streamline and simplify the tasks people do most often. Improved navigation, a new taskbar and a streamlined user interface put commonly used resources within easy reach. Sharing data across all PCs and devices will be easier at home, in the office or on the go. Windows 7 and Windows Live will help users stay connected to the people and things they care about, and Internet Explorer 8 will offer a faster, safer and more productive Web experience 
• Make new things possible. Windows 7 will offer more choice in how users interact with their PCs, such as through multitouch gestures. With Device Stage, Windows 7 enables people to get more from the devices they use most often with their PC, such as cameras, phones and printers. Windows 7 also will make it easier to use home audio-video systems and other networked media devices to play music, watch videos and display photos that reside on Windows-based PCs. And Windows 7 will offer more options than ever to customize and personalize Windows-based PCs with styles that match the user’s personality. 

Needless to say if you are waiting for the release of Windows 7, it has all the bells & whistles of Vista and then some. It will more than likely be more demanding than Vista and will probably be the last version of Windows as we know it.  The pre-release of Microsoft’s “Table Top” computer is out and destined to replace the conventional keyboard and mouse configuration we are all so familiar with. 

It is called the Microsoft “Surface” computer and can be seen in this interview with Chairman Bill Gates  CEO Bill Gates Interview or on the Microsoft WEB page at Microsoft Surface    Microsoft Surface , it is the ultimate touch screen computer and will virtually replace the surface area of your kitchen counter top or coffee table. It is a modern marvel and will probably be in the affordable range for everyone within the next few years.