Consumers try to save Windows XP

The call to save Windows XP has begun. Consumers were alerted that Microsoft plans to pull XP software from shelves on June 30 which would mean that the unpopular windows Vista would be the only option available for purchase by buyers using Microsoft operating systems. The outcry was immediate as word spread about Microsoft's plan.

Vista's problems are many and include an incompatibility to work with some common software, and some older computers do not have adequate hardware to deal with Vista. The compatibility issues Vista has with other software programs is one of the primary complaints.

Window's XP lovers are so disgruntled by the news that some have suggested they'd switch to a Mac rather than have to cope with upgrading to Vista. A petition has already gained over 100,000 signatures of XP enthusiasts.

Will Microsoft listen to consumers or go ahead with the plan to retire Widows XP in favor of Vista? They really should listen. Rarely have I heard anything positive about Vista. Frequently I do hear a lot of complaints about it. I've known many who tried Vista only to revert as soon as they could back to XP. This has come from a very broad demographic-- from tech savvy folks to average computer users.

Microsoft can use this opportunity to keep long-term customers or the company can choose to alienate a large customer base. I don't think the people who say they will switch to Mac OS or simply Linux are bluffing.

Problems with Vista have been downplayed from the beginning even though Microsoft officials also had problems getting it to run smoothly. Why make consumers suffer through this? It is not easy to admit that a product is not up to par.

Microsoft spent countless hours creating Vista and is not likely to trash it and admit it is not their best work. But if computer users are lucky, perhaps Microsoft co. will listen to the mass plea for saving XP. At least give Microsoft’s customers a chance to use it, with support, until the next version comes out.

One can hope, also, that when creating the new version they take a good look at the numerous problems with Vista and that they will listen to consumer complaints about Vista.

If Microsoft does not do better with the post-Vista software, then I predict they will lose a very large customer base in the distant future. And if Microsoft does not listen to consumer’s pleas to save XP, they will lose a customer base in the near future, as people flock to Mac.

The petition:
http://weblog.infoworld.com/save-xp/archives/2008/04/sign_the_save_x.html

By: Korey M.
Published: 04/17/08