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David LaGesse
Yes, Windows 7 had not even hit the market yet. But that didn't stop a fog of myths from enveloping the newest version of the much loved -- and much hated -- PC operating system from Microsoft.
The software giant hoped that wide exposure to Windows 7 would help smooth its entry.
Windows Version 7 is leaner, more useful, and prettier than past editions -- a worthy effort to update the Windows world.
Still, the fictions are legion. Much of it is innocent confusion that accompanies any major
software release. Some of it arises from
With so much misinformation swirling, we've sorted through seven points that are confusing consumers:
1. It's only a minor update to Vista
Overstated, but there is some truth. With Win7,
[Even the name suggests that Microsoft-will-sell-windows-7-one-day-maybe-windows-x.html"> Windows 7 is a return to basics.]
2. Vista users need to upgrade
The Vista launch was painful. The system nagged consumers with unnecessary security concerns, didn't support enough of the hardware that plugs into PCs, and was too bloated to run decently on some hardware advertised as "Vista ready." But most Vista users are past those problems. If they have a system that's working well, Windows 7 offers nothing that's compelling enough to make the switch. Upgrading an operating system costs users in dollars, time, and frustration. Vista is a good operating system -- one that's secure and stable. Windows 7 offers nifty new features and runs more quickly. Gamers and power users would appreciate the bump in speed. But most users wouldn't notice a big difference as they surf the Web, write E-mail, and maybe edit a photo or two.
Microsoft hopefully learned its lessons in the dismal mistakes of Vista's launch.
3. Windows XP is still better
WinXP ran faster than Vista on many, if not all, computers. It also was more compatible with
existing equipment, particularly scanners, printers, and other peripherals. But
4. Windows XP users can't upgrade
It's true that
5. Windows 7 is too expensive
The price of Windows 7 may seem unreasonable,
considering it is a derivative of Vista and
6. The initial release will be a mess
It's always safer to wait for new software to get tested in the market, and for
7. Mac users should abandon Apple
The Mac is still the standard for a computer that "just works." Apple has more control over the end product because it also assembles and sells the hardware. The Mac system is also more secure, if for no other reason than that a smaller market share makes a smaller target for criminals. Windows has to run on any batch of hardware that a maker or user throws together. That's one reason Windows requires more tinkering. But Windows also comes from a culture that is more influenced by techies who like tinkering and think everyone else does. Macs cost more. But they also benefit from the aura of success that surrounds the iPhone and iPod. Windows 7 may cut into the momentum behind the Mac, but it alone is unlikely to reverse Apple's gains.
Available at Amazon.com: Liberating Learning: Technology, Politics, and the Future of American Education