Why should you leave Windows XP and get Windows 7?

42 comments

1. Pingback: Why should you leave Windows XP and get Windows 7? | ithinkdifferent
2. Pingback: Too lazy to upgrade to 7? « OPEN BYTES – cave quid dicis, quando, et cui.

3. I thought I’d better give you at least a comment for this “article” of yours (who knows maybe a comment from Goblin of Openbytes will generate some interest)

   I’ve written a little examination of your article on my site. You may wish to read it, you may not. I’m sure there will be many happy XP users who will thank you for pointing out their ignorance and lazyness.

   http://openbytes.wordpress.com/2009/06/27/too-lazy-to-upgrade-to-7/

   1. Yes, I am very sure of that as well.
      Bringing Linux and OS X as a reply to this article is pathetic. You might want to learn how to understand the title of a post, and the context as well before trolling again.

4. First off, if the current OS just works, and the admins don’t find any compelling reasons to upgrade (which will depend on a case-by-case basis), what’s wrong with not fixing something that isn’t broke?

   Secondly, I don’t think all the people that aren’t switching to Windows 7 are missing out on as much as you think they are. Your points may apply for those that are staying with XP, but no so much for those that switch to Mac or Linux. Cases in point:

   Security: both Mac and Linux are well known for being more secure than Windows. They don’t require anti-virus protection at all and, in the very unlikely event that malicious code was able to infect them, their basic design greatly limits the amount of damage the code can do, relative to a Windows infection. (This is true for Linux to a greater degree than for Mac, but still both are inherently safer than Windows)

   Faster: Linux is faster too, and with its modular nature, it can be optimized if desired, stripping out or swapping out components to tailor the OS’s performance for either general purpose or specialized uses. I don’t think Windows 7 is going to offer that level of flexibility. Also, how well does Windows 7 compare to XP on slightly older hardware? I know a lot of gamers seem to think XP still offers better performance in gaming over 7.

   Stays out of your way: Well, most Linux desktops pretty much do the same thing, with notifications and whatnot. They can also use scheduling to automate tasks such as updating, backing up folders, etc. I’m not as familiar with OSX, but it probably has similar features. Seems like a tie here.

   Better looking games: you got me here. If you want to game, use Windows. If you want to do productive work, Windows, OSX, and Linux are all generally viable options.

   Codecs in Windows Media Player: how is this an advantage over other systems? Especially since WMP 11 still doesn’t support some codecs, such as mkv. If someone wants to use a media player with all the codecs baked in, the best choice is VLC player, which is available as a free download for Windows, OSX, and Linux. This player includes practically everything.

   Customization and personalization: OSX probably loses this one, but Linux has it in spades. With all the choices of desktop environments, including the myriad possible customizations and theme selections within each desktop environment, anyone using Windows XP or 7 is missing out, relative to Linux, in this regard.

   Multitouch: OSX pretty much invented this, and it is alive and well in Leopard and probably Snow Leopard as well.

   So again, the whole point of this post isn’t to bash Windows 7 out of hand, but simply to point out that most if not all of the features that you claim people will miss out on due to not moving to Windows 7 can be had today from already released software. In addition, some of the software I mentioned is open source, and therefore freely available at no additional cost.

   1. Honestly, you have completely missed my point and the reason behind the article. This was never a comparison between OS X, Linux and Windows, but just Windows XP and Windows 7.
      This article is about giving reasons why people should move on from XP to 7. It applies only to thos who are using Windows XP.

5. Mr Hussain, where do I claim your article is a comparison? I think you are a little confused.

   My post was aimed at XP users. I could care less what claims you wish to make around 7 or if people want to stick with XP. It was you giving the ignorant/lazy reasons not me.

   I hope you now understand.

   1. Wow. You must be pretty jobless to write all that while quoting my blog post. I think YOU are a lot confused.

   2. It was a comparison! you have compared it with Linux with lame reasons

6. Ah. The trademark insults.

   Why can’t you act like an adult and debate properly? I know nothing of you, nor you do me. Have another read of the comments here. You can’t even get the support of a Windows user.

   The saying “if it isnt broke dont fix it” is a valid one, although according to you and your “reasons” it could be one of just lazyness and ignorance.

   Oh and maybe you would like to further explain your comment of:

   “Ridiculous propaganda by ridiculous blogs who like sucking up to Apple and live an anti-Microsoft life.”

   when I put it to you that you are guilty of the same thing in relation to Microsoft.

   1. honestly, why don’t you get lost?
      and I haven’t ridiculed other OSes like you have in your anti-MS blog. it’s for people like you who I have moderation turned on. I wont be afraid to use it.
      And support for Windows users? coming from the guy who uses ‘linux for human beings’? LOL. You are a joke.
      you are a linux shill wasting my time. period.

7. I wouldn’t call it laziness as much as I’d call it incompatibility with my old laptop here…

   The only thing standing between me and Windows 7 is my computer’s specifications. While it may be faster than XP, it would require better hardware which I lack at the moment.

   1. True, there are still people with lower hardware requirements. I should have added that to the post. But yea, when your hardware is capable, upgrading will benefit you. :)

   2. Seriously? hardware compatibility even after this?

      As far as the whole debate about XP guys not shifting to 7, hmmm oh the great goblin, I wonder why did people switch to XP in the first place? Windows 3.1 should’ve sufficed going by your logic!

      1. No, going with the package that best suites you is the logic.

         For some that may be XP or others it may be 7 (or even Workbench 1,3/AmigaOS) It’s not laziness or ignorance if you like using a specific package,

         So if, as a previous poster says he will have to upgrade his hardware in order to run 7, are you saying he should do so and part with cash even though he seems happy with XP?

         BTW Mr Hussain, in order to prevent you deleting my comment (like you did the last one) a screen dump has been taken.

         The great Goblin? thanks very much. Looking at Mr Hussains previous articles it does appear I’ve managed to stimulate some debate on his site at last (even if he’s taken to censoring/deleting posts he doesnt like)

         1. I know people who are lazy or ignorant to just not upgrade to newer OSes. Such people who don’t even upgrade the firmware of their iPod touch or iPhone to take advantage of the newer features. If you fail to understand that, it’s a problem on your behalf, not the post.
            Keep taking screenshots, it doesn’t make any difference. You started the flaming by tagging your post with really nice words and comparing my post with Linux. Why?
            You do need a reality check. This post is targeted towards the average user who ask himself why he should upgrade to 7. Good luck in converting them to linux!
            You are trying really hard to gain visitors and publicity by linking and commenting on this post. You’re even creating some ’emails’?! about it. Nice job with the trolling. You’ve already gained a bad enough name with your comments and blog post. Keep it up!

         2. u actually think anyone is debating here? You’re making rather dumb comments if you know. You’re talking about a very very limited audience that know a lot about technology, whereas there is a population that doesn’t even know of the existence of techmeme.com, going to Lin(s)ux mailing lists, trying out IRC heck they don’t even know what IRC is or even RSS for that matter.

            Such people are lazy & ignorant (at a level different than yours) You think the world is full of faggots like you but unfortunately it isn’t. There are those who are classified as “consumers” who don’t give a rats ass about a lot of stuff AND TO THEM IS THIS POST DIRECTED!

            And as far as, “don’t fix it if it ain’t broke is concerned” hmmm …. so essentially you mean that new features/developments aren’t what should drive technology but the whole & sole reason for any technological advancement should be something broken in the previous iteration? No wonder Lin(s)ux is where it is, it’s idiots like you promoting it!

8. “You’re even creating some ‘emails’?! ”
   The first comment I’ve seen you make which actually has a valid point. Sure there is no proof to say whats real or not, however by your own words people can make their own minds up about your opinions and to be fair, Ive received nothing which you havent already seen here or have already deleted from your comments.

   Quote “You’ve already gained a bad enough name with your comments and blog post”

   Sure. Even if I had, why does it matter? Readers and those deciding on future software solutions will have their own opinions and thats fine. Thats the point of debate, I make mine, you make yours.

   Why are you claiming I want to convert people to Linux. That is a lie. My point was, if someone is happy with XP why should they upgrade?

   I’ll end on your first sentence:
   “I know people who are lazy or ignorant to just not upgrade to newer OSes. Such people who don’t even upgrade the firmware of their iPod touch or iPhone to take advantage of the newer features. ”

   So? Whats wrong with that? Is that not freedom of choice? If users dont want to upgrade thats fine, you should not seek to suggest these people lazy and you certainly should curb your immaturity and potty mouth if you have a point you want to put across.

   To be fair, I wanted to convert anyone to anything, it would be back to the days of WB1.3 and the golden age of computing (IMO), if you had read my blog before making libelous remarks you would have known that.

9. I use Vista and I WAS ignorant and now I’m lazy to upgrade. ’nuff said.

10. @ Manan

    No my silly friend. Upgrade, just because you can is pointless. Linsux? LOL We both know where that names used dont we?

    I agree though, nobody is really debating here, thats why its rare any of the articles here get a discussion going. Mr Hussain is busy with his potty mouth (and being supported on Twitter by someone who openly admits to infringing copyright)

    After a few sensible comments by legitimate Windows users, the rest are insulting and childish. You are right, theres no debate here.

    As for your theory about upgrades, I don’t see many Vista uses who upgraded from XP being happy. Maybe thats why they downgraded back?

    Where-ever Linux is now, its more popular than it was a year ago so I’d suggest the trend of trying something new (and not just Linux) is becoming more popular.

    The advantages of an OS which has yet to hit the shelves are a little hollow when you consider people are happy with XP. Thats not being stuck in the past, thats exercising freedom of choice.

    Your implication that refusal to upgrade could in some way harm advancement is a little rich when you consider the actions of certain proprietary companies and their patent portfolio’s. (IMO)

    After re-reading your comments I get the word “sock puppet” coming to mind. Maybe its not, maybe its your pirate friend from twitter coming to your defense again….

    I’ll let readers be the judge and I’m sure you will have some more theories when I post my new article.

    Regards
    Goblin.

    1. “No my silly friend. Upgrade, just because you can is pointless.” incase yo forgot we’re talking about Windows here & not OS X. lol

       “After a few sensible comments by legitimate Windows users, the rest are insulting and childish. You are right, theres no debate here.” My apologies, but someone’s got to speak the truth ;)

       “As for your theory about upgrades, I don’t see many Vista uses who upgraded from XP being happy. Maybe thats why they downgraded back?”

       Yes, there are lot of people who are unhappy with upgrading to Vista & that is why Microsoft has been rather vocal about it’s Beta & RC programs for people to decide whether they want to upgrade or no. But from what you’re saying it’s somewhat suggesting that because people upgraded to Vista from XP, didn’t like it and went back to XP they should not try out 7, they shouldn’t move to 7, which is rather surprises me as a comment & discourages me from indulging in a conversation.

       “Where-ever Linux is now, its more popular than it was a year ago so I’d suggest the trend of trying something new (and not just Linux) is becoming more popular.”

       yes it took it a decade to come here … its ever so popular :)

       “The advantages of an OS which has yet to hit the shelves are a little hollow when you consider people are happy with XP. Thats not being stuck in the past, thats exercising freedom of choice.”

       Which makes me certain of something Imran has been trying to point out, you’re trolling. It’s not hit the shelves but has been available as a public beta & then as public RC for a really long time. SO anyone who talks about advantages after spending time with these builds is in a really good position to express his opinion.

       But if you seem to be talking without trying out either which raises a ? on your competence to speculate on the matter. If you have something like, “win XP users shouldn’t upgrade ‘coz it offers nothing better than XP & were to substantiate your claim, then there would be a discussion or a debate. Until then you should realize that you’re trolling.

       “Your implication that refusal to upgrade could in some way harm advancement is a little rich when you consider the actions of certain proprietary companies and their patent portfolio’s. (IMO)”

       Taking your reasoning that one shouldn’t upgrade because the previous isn’t broken one can only draw this conclusion.

       “After re-reading your comments I get the word “sock puppet” coming to mind. Maybe its not, maybe its your pirate friend from twitter coming to your defense again….”

       Me a pirate? lol I’m rich.

       “I’ll let readers be the judge and I’m sure you will have some more theories when I post my new article.”

       Please do link it here so that I can rip it apart.

    2. Are you on vications? you have so much time.

    3. All my friends have MSDN Premium accounts or Technet ids OR can afford it.
       I myself have an MSDN Premium id too.
       Piracy? lol!

11. Manan Im not sure if you are old enough to remember the Vista release. If you are then I think you will remember a very similar situation.

    Why are you trying to make this a Linux v Windows argument? My point was (and is) if a user is happy with XP, there is no reason to upgrade. It is neither correct nor polite for Mr Hussain to consider a non upgrading user ignorant or lazy.

    Trolling? Last time I checked it was Mr Hussain with the swearing and insults.

    If you had read (or remembered) the post I made before you would have seen I also made the point of popularity != better OS. What ever figure you want to put on Linux use its more now than ever (whatever that figure is)

    “Please do link it here so that I can rip it apart.”

    LOL. Yes I’ve seen your “ripping apart” (Im very impressed!?!) and I think I’ve received a few extra hits as other people want to see it.

    Of course I will link, although I would have expected you to have been able to work out where my blog was by now.

    Regards
    Goblin

    1. Yes, I’ve worked my way to your blog (& read your post before I made my comments here) but you see, I can’t be adding RSS feeds for a post that I’m expecting some time in the future, since I’ve subscribed to this comment stream if you were to post a link here I would get the notification, a solution I find to be rather intelligent. :)

       Let’s keep Linux out of this since you want to, and since you raised the question of my age, lets go a little more down memory lane & come to XP’s launch. Microsoft was written off by the tech community only 6 years later to have you defending your right to use XP.

       I still haven’t read a comment where anyone has tried to make a case that 7 isn’t a worthy upgrade, all I’ve been reading is that XP is “good enough”. You haven’t tried 7 to know what you’re missing or what you’re not. Which makes the point Imran’s talked about, people are being lazy to even try out something new & would be happy with what they have, something that can be attributed to ignorance as well. So in all this banter you’ve actually been giving Imran concrete proof of what he’s trying to say. :)

12. I think its important to remember that, if a user is happy with XP and feels that it does everything they need with an adequate level of security, then there’s no real need for them to rock the boat with an upgrade unless they need to purchase new hardware as well. Keep in mind that there are ways to bolt on improvements to XP, often at less than the cost of a full system upgrade, and sometimes for free. Being lazy or ignorant has nothing to do with that kind of motivation; in fact not fixing things that aren’t broken is often a good way to avoid potential headaches. And if they need to purchase new hardware anyway, then it is best for them to look at their options in terms of software and hardware with eyes wide open and consider all their options. Besides, you should know that many businesses are wary of updating to any new Microsoft OS before the first service pack is released.

    1. I know certain people who wouldn’t upgrade because they will have to back up their data even though they like the new features in newer versions. That is lazyness. Ignorance means most people don’t even know there’s a new OS, and that it can benefit them. And different rules apply to businesses therefore I didn’t target them in this article.

       Oh and Goblin, you can stop trolling now. All your posts here onwards will be marked as spam. I don’t support trolling specially on my own blog. Do whatever you want on your blog, but your 15 minutes of fame here are over now. Take a screen dump of this, and frame it on your wall.
       P.S. for you thinking you brought a discussion to my blog, I link to this image for your pleasure: http://www.twitpic.com/8ovc4
       And go cry to your mom for freedom of speech. I just don’t allow bullshit.

13. I’m I too late? Is the “debate” already over? :P

    1. No my friend! The war is still on… :P

    2. Let’s start the war meme! lol. So Uzee I think your dp sucks ;)

14. The choice is purely personal. If you’re a typical “end-user”, you do not need to upgrade to Windows7. I’ve tried Windows7 out for a month or so (maybe, I’ll do a post on that soon on my own blog) and it is great … new features, lots of eyecandy as well. But there’s nothing there that you absolutely MUST need under any circumstances. WindowsXP SP3 is fine as it is, and will continue to be the most popular OS out there for a while. Bringing up Linux vs. Windows debate is meaningless, Windows is not worth paying hundreds of dollars unless it comes bundled with your machine to be very honest, and that is how MOST people end up using it. Linux is equally good (or even better), depends on your needs and who you ask.

15. I agree with some of your points, despite being a devoted Linux user. You didn’t mention the hardware requirements that make people stay with XP. Even though 7 has worked on low end hardware, it’s not really useable is it? XP still reins supreme there and will until that low end hardware becomes ancient. I still see XP being used until the next major Windows release.
    As for Goblin, my advice is to ignore him. He seems to be overconfident and underestimates others. I understand the annoyance some people can be, but staying calm is the best way to see through situations.

16. I refuse to upgrade because they removed lots of features I used which I find unacceptable. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Features_removed_from_Windows_Vista and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Features_removed_from_Windows_7

    1. which ones do you find unacceptable?

17. Neither of your reasons apply to the average Joe who uses Windows.

    1. Actually all of them apply. Most Windows users are blown away when they realize that there are operating systems that don’t require anti-virus, that there are operating systems that don’t Blue Screen, that there are operating systems which don’t need maintenance.

       It’s the average joe who has the most to gain.

18. I have used many Operating Systems on many machines and what i have t say about this is that XP is still great for gaming, not counting the DX11 upgrade which in any case for gamers makes Windows 7 best choice and i would have totally agreed with Mr.Imran for that point if he had put that up……
    Coming up to Linux vs. Win its not a topic to be discussed here coz whatever one say i myself believe Linux to be best for an average user and not a hardcore gamer for the availability of Wine makes games for windows playable in Linux too, no flaming is intended here.
    The thing which I had like to say is that the final decision is always on users about whether he wants to use any software or not and calling them lazy for there decision is wrong for some of them may not have enough time to download that or not enough bandwidth……………………I myself have been using Win for last 3-4 years and now i am really bored of it but still have win 7 installed for its my requirement and for (b)ME(/b) win 7 is the best win ever but if someone who has tried different distros its always them they had like to choose

19. Why the rush for additional features? Add those when the “core” is great. It isn’t. Look at the pedigree of the stack. It was lousy in Vista and doesn’t seem any better in 7.
    I’ll admit it.
    I DON’T play games, FUNCTION outweighs FORM every time, stability means more to me than prettyness or that extra gadget.Changing OS isn’t about lazy/not lazy. Changing OS can be hard if you are in a business environment. In a corporate environment, try telling them that it is “better”. For something to be better, it must offer something you need at a price that is acceptible to whoever is paying the bill. “Media Centre functionality” or “extended DVD playback while on battery” won’t cut it in most corporations.
    How can anyone claim that a brand-new OS is more secure? It can be built to be secure (and I have seen little real evidence of that) but the real test is when there is a few million or more, doing real things with it, installing all those apps on it, surfing wherever you want to surf and it doesn’t get compromised.
    “Chase-the-next-version-because-it-is-better” – Surely we are smarter than that? If there is a compelling reason to upgrade (and I use that word with caution – the first release is usually troublesome) then do it. Otherwise you are spending time and money to achieve nothing apart from the “I’ve got Windows 7” bragging rights. I’ll take an established, pretty strong, pretty reliable tool that XP SP3 had EVOLVED INTO, over the marketing hype of a new product that carries all of the “it’s faster”, “It’s more secure” etc comments that have been rolled out at every Windows launch.
    I’m NOT anti-Windows, I am a business-grade user that doesn’t fall for the hype, doesn’t need a workspace with fancy effects, but needs security, stability and support. We have an all Windows environment. Change for the “better” is good, as long as you can clearly identify what better means for you. Change for the sake of change or because something is “shiny” is just dumb.

20. Windows 7 is good but not as practical as XP. There is an abundance of hardware and software for XP and XP is basically the industry standard of computing. My main machine is an XP computer I purchased brand new in 2008 and it is very fast. Win 2k is also a great os as well. still very useable.

21. Wow. Do you know, old games works exactly works fine in WinXP. I have many problems about in Win7. And it is not working Virtual on Virtual XP mode. I never understand why it is something missing about in win7 files. Win XP is much good for old computers. For Win7 is much good for new computer (hardware).
    I like Win7, some of there are annoying to download many many files (It could be just 3 files) and some of not. WinXP is the best for using old laptop’s and much more care about battery life.

     

22. Windows XP the best system for old computers and old laptops.
    Windows 7 the best system for new computers and new laptops.
    GET IT?!

23. I think Linux Ubuntu is the best OS for any computer.

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