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well in both the Workgroup and the Domain scenarios. Windows Vista functions above average when set up as a Workgroup but performs below par if the computer is part of the domain. This still holds true even after SP1. For example, I have two identical Asus computers and to date I am unable to comprehend why the one running Vista freezes periodically. For anyone who might be asking, I swapped the hardware in its entirety and the problem remains.

Windows Vista is a resource hogging operating system. I was there when Windows 3.0 made its appearance. During that era, upgrading to Windows 3.0 from MS-Dos was worth the additional hardware expenditure and hassle; this time round I do not feel it is. Why do I have to sponsor Microsoft's inefficient coding? Why should I have to relive an era when doing something on a computer is painfully slow for no perceived or actual gain?
I find it unfair that Microsoft has decided that everyone must have semi transparent windows and the new breed of animated icons, desktop gadgets, quick menus and other whatnots irrespective of whether they need or desire them. Moreover one can get many of these niceties in freeware, shareware and commercial form for Windows XP.
A considerable amount of my existing software will not run under Windows Vista. Why should I throw away my investment?
Since the hardware drivers in Windows Vista are different from Windows XP, the probably of existing hardware working on the new operating system are low. Like software vendors, many hardware vendors have learnt that they will drive up their sales if they do not provide hardware drivers for newer operating systems effectively forcing consumers to pay for something they did not effectively need? Why should anyone have to donate a functional piece of kit to a landfill adding more plastic and metal to the environment?
Upgrading to Windows Vista is anything but cheap.

Some might argue that no one is stopping me from keeping my Windows XP and that I could use it till hell freezes over. This is not correct because the moment Windows XP is no longer available for purchase, I cannot purchase Windows XP for a new computer even if I wanted to. My fully functional homogeneous network running Windows XP computers will start sprouting Vista machines with all their problems and inefficiencies. Over a reasonably short period of time, happy users will be complaining about problems and quirks they had forgotten about when their machines started running Windows XP.

If one goes on the debatable assumption that keeping Windows XP available is not profitable for Microsoft then there are many alternatives that would make everyone happy:
Provide Windows XP only in electronic form. Have a page on www.microsoft.com from where one could download the software and purchase a key. In this scenario Microsoft retains full control.
Place the binary in public domain allowing sites to charge for the media or use technologies such as bit torrent to distribute the downloads while retaining the key generator mechanisms at Microsoft.
Pass on both the binary and the licensing mechanism to a third party. Microsoft would strike a profitable deal without having to manage the operating system and the licensing issues.

Windows XP sports a visual design that combines a sleek look, clean lines, and appealing colors with a task-oriented design and exceptionally streamlines navigation. I didn't stay that, Microsoft does in one of the Windows XP installation screens. All I ask is to have the opportunity to keep it until I decided it is worth upgrading to Vista.

Learn more about this author, Alan Bonnici.
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