One of my clients was recently looking for a new computer and asked for my thoughts on the subject of Vista. It was to be used for various items, but, importantly, for software development.
I recommended Windows XP Professional as the computers operating system and she stated "I know you don't like Vista..."
That was funny to me for the reason that I don't make recommendations on whether or not I LIKE an operating system. In fact, I would be doing a major dis-service to my clients if I did so.
When I recommend that my business clients not use Vista, I have good reason — not bad prejudice.
For instance, if purchase a Vista-based computer, you are letting your business in for the following:
1) You gave Microsoft (and any 3rd party in Microsofts' party) the ability to shut your computer down. And, yes, it already happened when Microsoft's registration server went down and Vista computer owners were seeing messages on their computers stating that their version of Vista was pirated, and their computers becoming unusable. Why? Because their computer didn't get the correct acknowledgement from Microsoft's non-running registration servers.
2) You gave Microsoft full access to a large chunk of data from your computer.
"What's Covered in the Vista License?
Windows Update, Web Content, Digital Certificates, Auto Root Update, Windows Media Digital Rights Management, Windows Media Player, Malicious Software Removal/Clean On Upgrade, Network Connectivity Status Icon, Windows Time Service, and the IPv6 Network Address Translation (NAT) Traversal service (Teredo) are the features and services that collect and deliver data to Microsoft from Windows Vista. By using any of these items, you agree to share your information with the Redmond Company. Microsoft says that users have the possibility to disable or not use the features and services altogether. But at the same time Windows update is crucial to the security of Windows Vista, so turning it off is not really an option, is it?"
"Activation, Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP), Device Manager, Driver Protection, Dynamic Update, Event Viewer, File Association Web Service, Games Folder, Error Reporting for Handwriting Recognition, Input Method Editor (IME), Installation Improvement Program, Internet Printing, Internet Protocol version 6 Network Address Translation Traversal, Network Awareness (somewhat), Parental Controls, Peer Name Resolution Service, Plug and Play, Plug and Play Extensions, Program Compatibility Assistant, Program Properties?Compatibility Tab, Program Compatibility Wizard, Properties, Registration, Rights Management Services (RMS) Client, Update Root Certificates, Windows Control Panel, Windows Help, Windows Mail (only with Windows Live Mail, Hotmail, or MSN Mail) and Windows Problem Reporting are the main features and services in Windows Vista that collect and transmit user data to Microsoft."
"...it's written in the Vista license agreement. "By using these features, you consent to the transmission of this information."
So when we tell you what you need for your computer, and we tell you not to get Vista, it's not because WE don't like it, it's because YOU won't. Vista is job-security for us, which of course means it's expensive for you...
Can you get a new computer with Windows XP?
"While Microsoft is still pushing Vista hard, the company is quietly allowing PC makers to offer a "downgrade" option to buyers that get machines with the new operating system but want to switch to Windows XP.
The program applies only to Windows Vista Business and Ultimate versions, and it is up to PC makers to decide how, if at all, they want to make XP available. Fujitsu has been among the most aggressive, starting last month to include an XP disc in the box with its laptops and tablets.
"That's going to help out small- and medium-size businesses," Fujitsu marketing manager Brandon Farris told CNET News.com."
Lenovo is also offering the switch back to XP on their laptops and desktops.
