Microsoft plans to make Windows 7 more modular than Vista
By Jonathan Schlaffer
Windows Vista was hardly the resounding success Microsoft wanted it to be, if anything it was a dismal failure. Now it wants to make Windows 7 more modular than Vista. Meaning that all you get with the default version of Windows 7 is the core kernel and basic GUI (graphical user interface). This may only serve to confound consumers even more than they already are.
With Vista, Microsoft saw fit to have Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. This was confusing for many so much so that it has lead to a class action lawsuit.
The problem was mainly with Vista Basic; which was little more than the kernel and basic GUI. It lacked Aero Glass, Media Center, Windows DVD/movie maker and several other features that were included with the more up-market versions of Vista.
Microsoft failed to provide proper information on this to the average consumer and those that were unlucky enough to wind up with Basic found that some systems, even after an upgrade to Home Premium were unable to use some of the new features.
Vista can be upgraded to other editions, say, from Basic to Home Premium to Ultimate. All the versions of Vista are included on the same DVD whether you buy Basic, Home Premium or Ultimate but your license key determines which features get unlocked.
This makes Vista a “modular” OS in only the most basic sense of the word. According to ArsTechnica, Microsoft wants to take it to the next level with Vista.
Microsoft may decide to sell just one version of Windows 7 and then, depending on which features you need will be able to pick and choose from additional “modules” to add-on to the operating system; said modules will cost extra.
It may also have something like “module packs,” which could be offered in “Home,” “Business,” or “Ultimate” editions. That’s just an example, it may take an entirely different approach as the release comes near.
This is the wrong approach. In my opinion, Microsoft will only push away those that have been loyal Windows users (either by choice or by force) for years.
Delineating features and telling users that they need to “pay extra for this” or “that’s not included” is just the wrong thing to do. Mac OSX sells one version of the operating system. One. It includes everything, all the interface features, a few extras and iLife. Buy the OS, you’ve got everything you need.
Though, Apple does have a smaller market share, if it can do that then Microsoft can do something similar. I absolutely detest the idea of “subscription” operating systems or having to pay extra for “modules” that should have been included in the operating system.
We may not be there yet but I’ve become absolutely fed up with Vista and was able to snag a good deal on a MacBook Pro which I plan to make my primary laptop. Goodbye Microsoft, you’ll learn the lesson after users leave your company; like rats leaving a sinking ship.
Windows XP SP2 will probably be regarded as the best operating system from Microsoft for quite a while, it includes everything you need, nothing you don’t and is very stable and responsive. Vista isn’t that at all and has been referred to as “Windows ME 2.”
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March 24th, 2008
i totally agree = goodbye M$ from me too. So lucky i crossed over to Mac OS X on my new MBP, I can’t imagine me ever using another OS from here.
Nevertheless, i hope for all the devoted windows users out there that Windows 7 does offer a bit of light at the end of the tunnel, although a long tunnel it is….
March 24th, 2008
I love Vista, it looks great, feels great, and have never had a single problem. I have never been more productive. Macs are cool too, nothing wrong with them.
The module approach for Windows 7 is different, but I don’t see anything wrong with it. Linux has been gaining market share for this very reason, so I don’t blame Microsoft for trying it.
Complaining, and being negative is easy. Writing an operating system to support infinite amounts of hardware, used by infinite number of users is hard. I hate haters who don’t appreciate what Microsoft have done for computers, and the leaps and bounds made thanks to them.
March 24th, 2008
honestly guys … ffs I wouldd go with microsoft all the way. I would honestly like to see anyone that complains try to do anything productive under the stress of every geek with no life trying to to pirate you. have a go at trying to run your life if every day someone steals your letterbox, tags your house or something like that, and as for modular. so what some people might not want all the features. so theres a basic package, then theres an ultimate package. with everything.
March 25th, 2008
I don’t like, as a user, being compared with rats… but the article brings a good point; like the PS3 and Xbox360, go back to basis and bring out one console thanks. All should have the same features, all should have the same backwards compatability (or not), all should perform the same. Set your price to compete with the other products in the same category, and stop trying to look competitive by chopping bits out.
March 27th, 2008
Schlaffer bases his entire argument on the assumption that a modular OS will necessarily be subscription-based. and sure, i think most people will complain if MS makes Win7 subscription-based… which is why it’s not going to happen. Sure, OneCare, etc, will require subscriptions… but IE, backwards compatibility, live mail, etc, are not going to require fees. they are already free products.
Schlaffer has jumped the bandwagon and wants every other pack-rat to jump with him. (don’t get me wrong, i am not anti-apple in any way!) But the truth is that modulation can add many benefits. users will simply no longer be forced to install extra features (considered bloat-ware by some) along with their core OS. of course these features are still going to be readily available… MS wants people to use them! the user is just given more control than before with modulation.
April 6th, 2008
Hi I partially disagree with the harsh comments of this article.
I’d a bad feeling with vista at the beginning. Then I upgraded my PC RAM to 2 meg (30 euro) and now I enjoy a powerfull home server which totally replaced the other consumer electronics products I used to have at home (hi-fi, DVD, PS2 station, media library, etc).
It is multi user, stable, secure, quite fast (now). I connected it with panasonic wide screen hi def tv and it worked perfecly.
I connected it with my existing USB hard drives and it worked perfectly…
At the end I think the difference is exactly this: each new version of M$ OS has a wide scope (from consumer to biz) and it propels the whole IT industry.
Mac is just a nice product, propelling primarily Mr. Jobs’ hown pokets ….