June 04, 2009, 12:19 PM — The comments from Microsofties about dumping your Vista plans make more sense now that Microsoft Sets Windows 7 Launch for October 22. I have to admit surprise that Microsoft will get Windows 7 out the door so quickly, but it also makes me nervous that Windows 7 is really Vista Version 2. That approach makes for a quick upgrade, but not necessarily a better operating system for users, especially small business users.
That's why I suggest you ignore any thoughts of Windows 7 until after Tax Day next April. After fighting with your IRS tax forms and money owed, Windows 7 won't look so bad. And it gives early adopters time to complain about Windows 7 and Microsoft time to ship an update in the spring.
There are starting to be guesses about what features are included in the five different versions of Windows 7. Don't worry about those right now for two reasons. First, there may be a bit of change with a few features. Second, you don't have to decide until next April.
Microsoft will do the standard “free upgrade” for new computers bought now so as not to freeze the already shivering PC hardware market. That allows you to keep buying all the equipment you need without getting pulled into the Windows 7decision mess until later. Like April.
I can certainly predict one thing about this upcoming launch: Windows 7 will be better than Vista, but the majority of users will prefer XP. People like what they know, and many of the changes in Vista that carry over into Windows 7 don't make the computing experience better for the user. In fact, the more I use Vista, the more I dislike it on multiple levels. Look for ways, officially or not, to make Windows 7 look more like XP than Vista does.
And wait until April. Really. The longer you wait to upgrade, the lower your frustration.
