The Computer Corner
By Charles Miller

Wait and see

The big news in the technology world for today is that Microsoft’s new Operating System (OS) named Windows 7 is now out of the starting gate with the official release on October 22, 2009.

Windows 7 is the latest version of Microsoft Windows operating systems for use on personal computers. Unlike its immediate predecessor Vista, Windows 7 does not introduce many new features but is focused on being more compatible with already-existing applications and hardware with which previous versions of Windows are compatible. This is a radical departure from previous Windows versions, which all but dictated the need to buy a new computer and all new software.

Windows Vista, released in 2007, was not a failure, but was not well received by the buying public either. At that time Bill Gates suggested that the next version of Windows would “be more user-centric” and focus on performance improvements. It does seem that Microsoft did listen to all those user complaints aimed at Vista, and this time it appears to have it right.

Over the last few months I have spent a little time test-driving the beta version of Windows 7 in order to become more familiar with the new software. In the last few weeks I have had several conversations with friends and clients who were contemplating the purchase of a new computer and asked me if they should wait for Windows 7.


The question of whether or not to upgrade comes up every few years. Sometimes the decision is an easy one—Windows 95 and Windows Millennium were so awful that upgrading or even downgrading to the previous version was preferable to staying with those versions. The other extreme represented by Windows 98 and Windows XP is an OS that proved to be dependable to the point that users do not want to take a chance trying anything new and different. That is pretty much where we are today, because so many people who tried Vista were disappointed and are now reluctant to try anything new.

Reading many reviews by people who have tried Windows 7, I see that everyone who has tried it seems to like what they see and are quite happy with Windows 7. Even people who were burned by Vista and reverted back to XP are among those who endorse Windows 7.

All this good press would seem to bode well for Microsoft. However, when I talk to my friends and clients, what I hear is there is a big gulf between liking the new Windows and liking it enough to rush out and pay for it right away. A large number of people are playing the waiting game, and Microsoft cannot be happy to hear that.

Microsoft is very much a victim of its own success here. Windows XP has been solidly established as the world’s most popular OS for eight years, and many satisfied users see no compelling reason to upgrade. Some of these users are content with the way the older Windows XP performs. Others would perhaps like to upgrade right now but, due to budgetary constraints, are not planning to spend money on a new OS until it becomes necessary. Still others take the wait-and-see approach.

Every indication is the new Windows 7 will be a hit, which is good news for Microsoft. Most computer users who are not buying now are not avoiding; they are simply waiting until the time is right. Individuals may have their own reasons for waiting, but it seems that when the time is right, a lot of us are going to be happy using Windows 7.

Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant, a frequent visitor to San Miguel since 1981 and now practically a full-time resident. He may be contacted at 044-415-101-8528 or email FAQ8 (at) SMAguru.com.