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Windows Vista is the name for Microsoft Corporation's controversial new computer operating system that is currently scheduled for general release in early 2007. It is intended to be a successor to the various Microsoft Windows operating systems, such as Windows XP and Windows 2000. Windows Vista is very important for the Redmond (near Seattle) based company because operating systems and its Microsoft Office software are its main sources of profits. A number of new or improved features have been promised for Windows Vista as compared with earlier Microsoft operating systems, including greater security, better graphics and increased ease of use. Poor security, including vulnerability to computer viruses and spyware, has been a major problem with Microsoft products. Windows Vista is controversial for a variety of reasons. One is that some of the promised new features, such as a new file system, have not been implemented. Another is that its development is years behind the original schedule. In addition, there is criticism that the licensing is too strict so that, for example, it will be difficult for users to upgrade the hardware on their computers after initial installation. Moreover, there is widespread concern that users will not have privacy on their computers because Windows Vista will allow Microsoft to monitor what they do on their computers. Furthermore, Windows Vista will be relatively expensive, with prices perhaps ranging between US$100 and US$500 according to the version, thus putting it beyond the range of much of the world's population. The biggest source of sales for Windows Vista will most likely be purchases of new computers on which it is preinstalled. Individuals and organizations that want new, improved operating systems for their existing computers will likely increasingly move to Linux, because it is completely free and has performance equal to or better than that of the various Microsoft systems. Created October 26, 2006. |