Vista Flavors

[Dv8ted2]

The ability to apply security patches without rebooting looks promising.

[ROF]

Yes back to Vista.

Its shiney. Discuss.

It sure is. The interface reminds me of watery glass. Granted you'll need a decent setup to view it that way but it's simply gorgeous to look at.

[e404pnf]

Reading the bumf more carefully I was a little surprised that the lowest version (Windows Starter 2007) is only going to be available to "emerging markets".

I'm not sure how to take this. Its obviously to be applauded that Micro$oft is acknowledging that within the developing world it's not practical to buy full Vista licences (although I'd imagine these countries don't pay the EU/USA rate for XP). On the other hand, it’s clear that this is a new marketing strategy for M$ to take on LINUX on where it is strongest (price) within this potentially huge market.

So while in theory this is good news for the countries able to buy the Starter Version, it could end up being quite costly -- only time will tell I guess.

Note to mods: Sorry if this is a little too ‘political’ -- it's not my intention to pull the tread that way. This is just the first thing that struck me & though it suitably grey to be ok.

[ROF]

You do realize there already is a version of Windows XP called Windows XP Starter Edition available to "emerging markets". It's been quite successful since it's release. That's probably why Microsoft decided to continue the trend.

[robertazimmerman]

Personally, I'm going with the better way - Linux. When MS trashed one of our Dell PCs a few days ago, I installed Mandriva on a number of our office's PC and they run like a charm. Granted, tweaking the OS is more time-consuming than Windows, but at least I won't have the problems I constantly had with my Win2k and XP machines. We stopped using Outlook, Word, Excel and Access over five years ago with absolutely no regrets (many competitors' products ARE better!) and now I'll be able to proudly say that our office is a "Micorosft-Free Zone".

More later, once I get my personal PC running some video and audio editing software. Recommendations anyone?

roberta

[e404pnf]

You do realize there already is a version of Windows XP called Windows XP Starter Edition available to "emerging markets". It's been quite successful since it's release. That's probably why Microsoft decided to continue the trend.

Thanks ROF -- No didn't realise that!