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In order to achieve its strategic goals eventually, Microsoft Corp. may need to substantially alter its tactics. One of the first examples of such changes may be prolongation of Windows XP sales for low-cost personal computers or even introduce a special operating system for such machines.

Microsoft Corp. indisputably wants to popularize its Windows Vista operating system (OS) in order to compete head-to-head for casual and style-demanding end-users against Apple Computer’s Mac OS X. However, it is also an indisputable fact that Microsoft needs to take actions against Linux expansion in basic desktops, but Windows Vista operating system is too demanding for low-end personal computers of today.

Modern entry-level computers come with single-core low-speed microprocessor, 512MB or even less random access memory (RAM), up 2GB – 12GB of storage space, very basic graphics core and low-resolution display. Meanwhile, Microsoft Windows Vista needs higher-speed microprocessor, better dual-core chip, 1GB or more memory, 15GB – 30GB of storage for OS alone as well as higher resolution screen and DirectX 9-compatible graphics sub-system.

There are several ways for Microsoft to target entry-level systems:

  • Continue to sell Windows XP operating system.
  • Develop a Windows XP derivative tailored for low-cost mobile devices.
  • Develop a Windows Vista derivative with dramatically lower system requirements.
  • Wait for personal computers to become more powerful and start pushing Windows Vista.

According to InfoWorld web-site, Microsoft plans to continue selling Windows XP operating system for entry-level systems after the 30th of June, 2008, the date after which the software giant wanted to cease selling XP licenses.

The decision, if there is any, will allow Microsoft to address the rapidly growing market of low-cost machines that have been getting a lot of hype amid fears about economic recession in the USA as well as strong demand from developing countries.

Microsoft did not comment on the news-story.

Discussion

Comments currently: 9
Discussion started: 04/02/08 05:40:37 PM
Latest comment: 04/03/08 03:47:16 PM
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1. 
" 512MB or even less random access memory (RAM), up 2GB – 12GB of storage space, very basic graphics core and low-resolution display. Meanwhile, Microsoft Windows Vista need..."

Bull SHIT! I have not seen a computer with 12gb of storage in a long ass time. We are not hobos here...
[Posted by: 31415  | Date: 04/02/08 05:40:37 PM]

2. 
There should be an IQ test before your allowed to post here, some of the drivel amazes me

To the post above me, not heard of SSD ?????????
[Posted by: alpha0ne  | Date: 04/02/08 10:49:46 PM]
+ expand thread (6 answers)

3. 
The point is... Many lower grade devices with solid state storage, ie: developing world lappies, eee lappies, etc aren't going to be running vista. So if it's vista or something else, they'll be running something else. Notice Linux on OLPC, on ASUS eee, i think on classmate, etc.

Further, for many no frills apps, no one cares about aero. They liked XP because you can roll out a 199 pc and toss an old copy on it. Heck, you can upgrade your crappy oem box, and use the license from it on a cheap 200$ upgrade box (think cel / semp / x2 , stick o ram, and everything on board w/50$ case/ps. No point in Vista on it.

The problem is, there is no real version of vista lite, that can replace the fully featured xp on these boxes. The older substitute is more desirable, and most people (even newbies) know of it, and have been exposed to it.

So they either have to keep it going, or lose the market share to piracy / others (other being linux).

My beef, is that win MS decides you can't buy xp anymore, then that should count as abandonment, and piracy of the OS should be without penalty. I honestly feel that when a firm stops selling / supporting a product, they should relinquish rights to it. Not so far as others being able to master dvd's and sell, but for non-commercial use, definitely. If the stock is inifinite, and you won't sell it, then how can you show losses, and / or damages?
[Posted by: Darkskypoet  | Date: 04/03/08 03:37:22 PM]

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