I am a Mac user but I'm also a PC user (I own a Mac and a PC and use only a PC at work) so I am neither anti-PC or completely pro-Mac to the point of absurdity. I like both (providing my PC is loaded with XP Pro) which brings me to my question:

What do you think Microsoft needs to do after their less than confidence inspiring release of Vista? Regardless of some of the reasons for Vista not going over as well as MS would have liked (i.e., vendor drivers not being ready) it still served as a black eye for MS.

With Windows 7 slated to come out next (and I'm not entirely sure when that is due--though I've heard late 2009/early 2010) I was wondering what all of you think needs to happen for W7 to be a success? This is not a loaded question nor is it an attempt to get a war going between Mac users and PC users. I just thought it would be interesting to get some other views and see if there is any type of consensus?

Thanks,
Drew

Most likely release a big update that would give a big patch to fix all of the problems people are currently having with Windows Vista.

That's my only thought.

Even though I do not have Vista on my pc, that's the only thing I can think of.

Microsoft will do nothing but continue to milk people for upgrades and new Operating Systems rather than repair or fix anything.

They need to get away from games and go back to utility software.

Reduce the number of available versions of Vista, and then work on the cost. Last time I checked a 5 pack of licenses for Mac OS X was cheaper or on par with 1 copy of Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade.

How about stop trying to be so accessible to morons? I can't stand an OS that makes all your settings decisions for you. Don't know how to configure your defaults? Tough tits... go use a Mac.

The only thing that truly bothers me about MS is that it is a piece of junk that has become the standard for computing. I would so much rather use a Linux system at home, but since that is not mainstream, I have too either spend too much time programing ports for all the video games I want to play, and hardware drivers I use, or accept the standards of XP.

I'll happily skip Vista altogether.

Windows 7 uses a smaller kernel. They found that "less is more" with W7. It loads faster, and is generally a more streamlined and sleeker OS than any previous OS's. (Considering the complexity of this particular OS and what it is working with)

Vista is a cumbersome, loathsome OS that takes way too long to load. Once it is up and going, it is faster with a 64 bit dual core processor, than it's XP counterpart. For a dual core processor to take advantage of an OS, you must be using Vista or XP Pro. (Either 32 bit or 64 bit)NOT XP Home.

MS discontinued XP June 30, 2008, which is the dumbest thing in the world. I had to snap up a couple copies just to keep on hand. Oh it will always be around, but the hardware and software just aren't jiving yet. Everyone is multi-tasking and hyperthreading when these processors are still lumping around 2.6 to 3.2 Ghz. They found they couldn't push a lot harder (See exception, Intel's 45 nm technology)so they went dual and then quad core processors, just to take our money. I have not tried a quad, and the dual's are better, but c'mon guys, work as a cohesive unit. If you want to take our money, find an OS that is up to date with the hardware and make the two work together.

I have Red Hat sittin' here and I am building my first Linux machine. (Can't wait)

Fix Vista? The whole thing needs file 13'd.

It was a nice idea, though.

Kill vista and make an operating system that doesn't crash often like linux.

get rid of vista and make a better one or re-release a better XP. Windows Vista is Windows ME all over again.

Microsoft needs to keep posting quarterly profits

everything else is secondary

Windows 7 will allow for VHD, which is totally sweet. I haven't set up any Virtual Machines at home, but I have a couple at work for testing purposes. Windows 7 might...MIGHT get me to let go of XP. The only advantage Vista has right now is DX10 and I'm not paying $150-$200 for an upgrade to DX9.