Fast Talk

It's something for Microsoft developers to keep in mind before releasing Windows 7 next year. Vista was not user-friendly, and the abundance of pop-up security requests slowdown productivity, especially for those using PCs at work. XP was by far Microsoft's best OS so far, and Microsoft should learn if something isn't broken, don't completely revamp it. Fix the bug that exist, tweek the design, but keep the core system in tact.

HA!

I mean, yeah that's bad.

I just switched to a MacBook Pro after growing up with DOS/WIN 3.1/95/98/XP and it simply blows MSFT's operating system away. If I were an engineer/designer at MSFT I would be ashamed that there is a machine out there that is as powerful and easy to use as a Mac.

What's worse for MSFT than the Intel decision are the leaked internal memos from top management detailing how poor and unready for market the new OS was. That is embarrassing.

Seems to me that if a major chip-maker decides it doesn't want to "upgrade" its own computers to a given software, it is saying "there's something(s) we don't like about this software", and that doesn't bode well for either the software's sales or the software manufacturer's bottom line. "How bad" is this? Seems like "pretty bad" from where I sit.

It reinforces the luke warm reaction to Vista in the market.
That broader reaction should be a call to action for Microsoft to get busy making Vista worth buying.

The cost for an upgrade for 80,000 employees when XP SP3 runs great. Microsoft should get a good kick in the butt learing experience from this. All Intel needs to do is install Ubuntu on a few and see what happens!

It is not basically "bad" for Microsoft -altough it "looks bad"- but it is rather one more serious warning. MSFT must think twice before launching such OS as Vista and it must seriously review its business model given the rise of cloud computing.
If it was that bad, we would have all heard about MSFT struggling (maybe even collapsing?) from a wave defections (because Intel is not the first one doing so).

Yeah, it's bad. But, whether it's bad or not, Microsoft isn't going to collapse over it. They're too rich and too entrenched -- they have income from too many sources, for that to happen. Even if they lost 50% DT OS marketshare, they wouldn't collapse. Maybe they would if they were a smaller company, without any business savvy. It might make them somewhat less relevant in the desktop operating system market -- but, that could actually be a good thing. The 800 pound gorilla could stand to lose some weight. It's become fat and lazy.

They probably decided not to do it because they realize it'll be more work afterwards to make all the other programs run correctly.

Microsoft has the stupidious business plan imaginable. You buy there product it doesn't work then you have to "pay them" to fix there own product.

bad for microsoft, good for intel.

I don't really know or care. One thing I've learned about my own choices with computers is that just as soon as I've purchased one, all the components get upgraded and I've spent my wade I'll now have to upgrade. Maybe Intel has a better product to sell and is waiting to unload 80,000 versions inhouse and then announce their new product!

How could things get worse for Microsoft or Vista?

Basically, it's a disaster. Using your customers as your R&D department isn't a terrible idea. However, asking them to pay for the privilege is. I wonder if their current 'world domination' status can continue, given the fallout from the Vista launch AND Bill Gates stepping down as CEO.

That ammounts to an unwholesome divorce. Intel should remember that it rode the wave to prminance with Microsoft and if the matrimony analogy stands, they have been through the thick and thin together. Remember the debacle of the Pentium processor. Intel decision should affect Microsoft for the short term, if at all. Remember the Ford/Firestone divorce? the effect of the split has had no bearing on the recent performance of both companies as they are both have been struggling with forces outside the realm of corporate nuptials, but thriving nonetheless

They must surely be learning from the mistakes that they have made. This is a good thing in the long run. All will be well despite such recent downturns.

Pretty bad. I wonder is something going to be done about Vista? As a Vista user it is getting increasing difficult to monitor all of the changes and now add to the situation the recall from HP the waters are getting very murky.

I think it is a fantastic idea. We should not be over-reliant on Microsoft

Do you think Carbon Offsets really work or are companies jumping on and taking advantage of the "green" hype?

Do you think Carbon Offsets really work or are companies jumping on and taking advantage of the "green" hype?

A wonderful mashing-up Digital technology and old style Notice Boards to provide daily information on Display Venues to be located at Rural Market Centers for the consumption of Rural Residents of Eastern Africa

overview

The internet and the precursor to the notice board, the Roman tablet may be as far removed from each other as they possibly could be, but not for long if the initiative by Social enterprise R.AI.N(Rural advertising and information Networks) to promote the setting up Interactive Notice Boards in the countryside..

R.A.I.N will have a series of connected Information Display Boards that will contain in Large-Print information and pictures derived from the Internet, S.M.S and Local sources that are relevant and important to the local community.

Farmers need regular information on what to plant, how best to plant, when to start planting, how to manage the crop and finally when, who to and where to sell the produce. The R.A.I.N Board will be equipped with a Simu ya Jamii ,a Microphone and Speakers to facilitate Audio Conferences between farmers and their contemporaries in other areas as well as Researchers, Suppliers and Buyers

it's a good idia

Hey Russell

Here is a long shot. My son also Russell Holland is a professional motorbike rider from Australia. This year he was fortunate enough to secure a ride in World Superbikes. Things have gone well although he was forced to change series to Supersport ( 600 c.c. bikes ) I am currently researching possible interest from people who may have an interest in Russell. Both as an individual persuing his dream and as a marketing opportunity. I won't waste any more of your time as I realize that I have by now spiked your interest or I have not. If you have any interest in following Russell's progress please get back to me.

Kind regards Jenny Smits

Although Vista bites, the Enterprise version is pretty snazzy. It was great to hear that someone has converted to Mac so effortlesslly. I am saving up for a MAC in the next year or so.

Oh, c'mon now, folks. "Learning experience" ? Sheesh! Microsoft intends to put us in their chair, not ask us if it is comfortable. Who has not figured that out yet? You've had more than 20 years to realize Windows is an OS on-the-cheap. Vista has only proven that for yet another time.

Were it not for MS Word (circa 1991-1997 versions), a need for networked number-crunching boxes, and game consoles, Microsoft would have nothing to gloat about (except maybe for anything they want to on MSNBC).

When a company does not believe in its own product, that product is rubbish! as Vista is IMO. It does reflect very badly on the quality of development at MSFT. They are slacking now and they are too "fat" for their own good.

Given the feedback to Vista, not very bad at all!

Companies are waiting it out, they've done the same thing back in the day with XP. Vista is way to expensive given a stable OS such as XP Sp3 is now. Vista will get better as the Service Packs become introduced, they have done it before, they'll do it again.

Had a brilliant answer but forgot it while waiting for my Vista computer to boot up.