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Creative Intelligence @ Your Service |
Site Map +1 214 234 9283 | Send Email |
By now, you may not have a choice: new computers come only with Vista, not XP. But after reviewing several technical articles about Vista on the web, we recommend NOT upgrading.
The biggest feature of Vista seems to be incorporating more Digital Rights Management features. While no one begrudges Microsoft for protecting their intellectual property, Vista seems to take this a bit too far. Apparently Vista incorporates technology that allows Microsoft to turn off system features at any time without warning.
In the past, Microsoft has had product keys stolen by people violating volume licensing agreements. An unscrupulous dealer, for example, might install XP with such a key. A buyer would have no idea the key was stolen until Microsoft invalidated the key. At that time the retail customer would receive a warning but the computer would still function.
If this happens with Vista, Microsoft will simply turn the operating system off. This would be like someone breaking into a house and retrieving something because of a stolen goods claim: no police, no court, just remedy. While on the one hand we are sympathetic with Microsoft's plight, we consider taking justice into one's own hands is at best terrible customer relations.
We also suspect that because this DRM technology is new, it will (in traditional Microsoft fashion) fail before it's fixed. So don't be surprised if a few months from now we hear of stories where DRM kicked in by accident and caused a significant economic loss.
From all accounts, IE 7 looks like a winner. The new look at first may be confusing for some. But there are several benefits, including tabbed browsing and improved security. We were impressed at how IE 7 handles security certificate failures: the warning is full screen; alternative choices are clear and concise.
IE 7 has been part of Windows Update for quite some time, so it may already be installed. But unlike most upgrades, this is one that allows an easy roll back: just go to Add/Remove Programs under Control Panel and click the remove button.
Just contact us with any comments, concerns, or questions about items contained in this document. Or IT issues in general. Or call us at the telephone number below.
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