Vista

The unprecedented number of PC users who installed Windows 7 release candidate (RC) will soon have to decide whether to upgrade to the new OS or face bi-hourly shutdowns and significant hassle re-installing their old version.

Today I spoke with a Microsoft tech in charge of helping large customers migrate from Windows XP to Windows 7. One of the interesting things he said was that Windows 7 was indeed tweaked and slimmed down to run on lower powered computers than Vista. Let's talk about that, and how Microsoft has a utility to help you load Windows 7 on your netbook.

A few of you will move toward Macintosh and Linux operating systems for more of your computers, but not enough to hurt Microsoft. Windows 7 will become, for three reasons, the most popular personal computer OS in 2012 (assuming ancient Mayan predictions are wrong and we're still here). Those three reasons? Money, time, and hassle.

Computerworld's interesting story on "8 Ways the American Information Worker Remains a Luddite" carefully hid the fact that people writing for Computerworld, and people like me, too often get excited by shiny objects rather than real work tools. I hope my focus on picking the right tool, rather than the new tool, for the job gives me at least a partial pass. My take? We spend too much time worrying about the glitzy new tools only a fraction of workers use, and ignore ways to get more work done with existing tools, whether hardware or software.

If you can't fix it, and Microsoft can't, rip it out is Microsoft's advice for Windows' SMB2 bug.

Microsoft has said Windows XP will no longer be available a year after Windows 7 ships “We mean it this time, and no XP reprieves anymore. Unless they're really, really necessary,” allegedly said a Microsoft spokesperson. Will XP die a year or so from now, or will Microsoft allow the Zombie, or maybe Xombie, OS to keep roaming free?

If there was a program for outdated IT products, which IT clunkers would be the most popular trade-ins? Here are some nominations and trade-in suggestions.

I admit surprise that Windows 7 is on track to ship this October in time for holiday shopping and end of year tax purchases. Last year, I would have bet money this would not happen. But the more I read about Windows 7, the more I am convinced it may wash the bad taste of Vista away.

Microsoft changed their tune about providing a brain-dead Windows 7 version limited to running three applications at once for netbook vendors. Now Microsoft says Windows 7's improvements make it perfectly fine for netbooks without such limitations, except for one we'll talk about soon. But if Vista bogs down your netbook, will Windows 7 really be much better?

Microsoft today told European consumers that they won't be able to do an "in-place" upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 when the latter ships this fall, but the company is lowering prices for 'full' editions to make amends.

Microsoft will launch its Windows 7 free upgrade program for buyers of Vista PCs on Friday, according to a message on a new company Web site.

Some PC vendors and sellers will begin a coupon program on June 26 to entitle people who buy premium versions of Microsoft Windows Vista to upgrade to the new Windows 7 operating system when it arrives later this year, but the upgrade offers may not be free. Offers will vary by vendor and retailer.