I think the complaints started pouring in about Windows Vista very soon after it launched and now many computer users are no more closer to accepting it as a trusted operating system. I haven’t had any real problems with my Vista system, but I didn’t have any great desire to move to Vista either. I had read about all the problems, mainly with drivers, and how Microsoft had spent so many years in development only to improve (in some peoples opinion) the appearance and eye candy, with few other reasons for anyone to upgrade. However, I needed a new computer. I was tired of my giant CRT monitor and bulky Sony tower as well as the inability to use it anywhere except where my computer desk was located. I wanted a laptop, with a wireless Internet connection, so I could be mobile (at lease around the house). Of course, I had little choice but to make the switch to Windows Vista.

The big problems occur for people upgrading from XP to Vista on the same system. They quickly find out that their drivers for current components do not work with Vista and other components like DVD players simply stop working. The problem isn’t that one has to take the time to download and install new drivers, the problem is the drivers simply do not exist.

Microsoft plans to drop Windows XP in June of this year and the backlash from consumers has spread across the Internet. Galen Gruman, a technology journalist, wants to save Windows XP. He has set up a “Save XP” petition at SaveXP.com in protest at Microsoft dropping Windows XP. He his not alone in his quest, but I for one doubt it’s going to make much difference. Microsoft is an international corporation which many of us feel has broken monopoly and other laws to increase a very bloated bottom line. Microsoft tells you what to buy. You don’t tell Microsoft what to sell.