Windows 7 to include ‘Virtual XP’ for 100% XP compatibility

Tin (Senior Forumologist):

The only problem with this tactic is that the 2 big incompatible software types are games and custom apps used by large businesses... One won't like running in a virtual machine due to lack of resources, and the other won't work out well for the IT support department (also probably due to a lack of resources)

McBanjo (User):

You can't have everything. If it doesn't work in Windows 7, then you would obviously stick with XP or go without. Move on people, if it hasn't been updated to run with Windows 7, you've probably got a lot of more pressing issues on your hands - like why you are still running 8-year-old, unsupported and un-upgraded software in the 21st century. Those nostalgic folk will just have to stick with what they've got, they've got to cut the tether sometime.

Your Average Joe (Regular user):

Quoting McBanjo:
they've got to cut the tether sometime.

AMEN !

Hemma (User):

Not sure about that. I can see it from the consumer's perspective... if you've just spent $100k on a piece of custom software a few years ago that only works on XP..... you're stuck.

It's hard to just tell these people to move on.

The Big Baboo (User):

Quoting Your Average Joe:
Quoting McBanjo: they've got to cut the tether sometime. AMEN !

Speaking as a member of the Old F...s society I think I may skip Win7 altogether and see what Microsoft can come up with when they release Win8 or whatever they decide to call it. Howya going Raindog :) It's been p.....g cats and dogs over here in Sth Oz :):)

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

Quoting McBanjo:
Those nostalgic folk will just have to stick with what they've got

Your nostalgic folk slur apart, the reality is that many people are more than happy to stick with what they have got. the reality is Microsoft is intent on pushing people where they don't want to go.

Win 7 does not look like addressing the issues that are the reason so many wish to remain with XP. Users will gladly upgrade when they perceive worthwhile benefit from doings so. Eye candy just doesn't cut it as a parameter for worthwhile.


Quoting McBanjo:
like why you are still running 8-year-old, unsupported and un-upgraded software in the 21st century

Why is the software un-supported? It's some kind of madness for a company to limit support for what the majority of the market desires.
As for upgrades, well what upgrades, newer alternatives are presenting more problems for zero return, why would anyone with a clue wish to upgrade from a stable platform?

None of the real customer issues have been addressed, why Microsoft is insistent on trying to head its customer on a direction they do not want to go is beyond comprehension.

This compatibility mode would be superfluous if Microsoft provided a more seamless path to upgrade, migration and interoperability.

Microsoft's efforts to prematurely age existing software has actually become the greatest cause of user resistance to migration of newer platforms.

McBanjo (User):

Quoting Raindog:
The reality is Microsoft is intent on pushing people where they don't want to go.

No one is pushing you anywhere. You can stay, but then why should you deserve support for forever and a day? You didn't pay that much for XP. This upgrade is exactly that, an UPgrade. Things change, people want things to be better. To want improvement is what it is to be human. If there are more benefits than compromises for customers, people will logically move forward. I haven't seen Microsoft go anywhere other than towards OS X, so they are definitely doing something here that people want. You should really give Windows 7 a go. It's not half bad you know, a change from Luna scenery is always nice.

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

Quoting McBanjo:
No one is pushing you anywhere.

So I can continue to buy the product that best suit my needs in all circumstances can I? How many COA downgrades are available, legal or possible once I step away from commercial purchases?

Quoting McBanjo:
You can stay, but then why should you deserve support for forever and a day?

Why shouldn't I demand support. I continue to fund MS with regular purchase of their OS. And given that I and many other consumers still prefer to purchase those licenses as a COA downgrade should be indication enough of what support is required.


Quoting McBanjo:
You didn't pay that much for XP.

No but retail purchasers payed an extortative sum for it.


Quoting McBanjo:
This upgrade is exactly that, an UPgrade.

I'd always thought upgrade would have been associated with some sort of improvement rather than what is essentially disruptive window dressing.


Quoting McBanjo:
Things change, people want things to be better.

I want things to be better. And if I have to change things I'd like a good reason for doing so. Tell me if you will how you'd present a business case for a Vista upgrade to a cash strapped budget committee?


Quoting McBanjo:
To want improvement is what it is to be human.

What improvements? Where are the improvements in efficiency? Where are the improvements in usability? Where are the improvements in removing long standing Windows annoyances?


Quoting McBanjo:
If there are more benefits than compromises for customers, people will logically move forward.

And if there are not you have a situation much like has occurred with Vista.


Quoting McBanjo:
I haven't seen Microsoft go anywhere other than towards OS X, so they are definitely doing something here that people want.

Where there is the outlook of a certified Macophile. The reality is people a Windows based package over the way a Mac package worked by a margin of at least five to one. Yes I can see how emulation would be a wise move.


Quoting McBanjo:
You should really give Windows 7 a go. It's not half bad you know

But what does it of that it's predecessors did not? And then weigh that up against a list of it's demands and negatives and then present me a business case for doing so. Upgrade? What upgrade?