Vista Sales Slow? It's Those Darn Pirates!
Because the software pirates would otherwise purchase Vista...
Monday, February 19, 2007 by Zoomba | Discussion: WinCustomize News
Last week we mentioned that Microsoft was backing away from sales forecasts that it's now calling "aggressive" for Windows Vista through 2008. A lot of people marked slow sales up to a combination of hardware and software support lagging, and the lack of compelling reasons to move away from Windows XP considering how stable of an OS it has become in the last 5 years.
However, it seems Microsoft sees the issue a bit differently.
In the same call last week with analysts saying that estimates on sales were overly aggressive, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer says one way to improve sales is to tighten the screws on pirates through strengthening of the Windows Genuine Advantage protection system. Claiming "Piracy reduction can be a source of Windows revenue growth..."
Specifically mentioned, was targeting emerging markets in Asia, currently hotbeds for software piracy.
The question is, will making it harder to pirate encourage more sales? Or will these protections just prove a minor annoyance that will just take a little while longer for hackers to overcome? And what will be the cost to legal users who find themselves having to prove their "legal" copies to Microsoft in the future?
 |
|
Page 2 of 3 | |
|
|---|
whiterabbit007
Reply #22 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 12:23 AM
And by "people" of course you mean "gamers", because I know plenty of people who don't play many games on PC, or at all, and I'm not talking about my grandparents.
I do agree though with the general idea - MS really missed the mark by targeting all the Vista marketing towards the "casual user". They should've waited couple of months till NVidia's and ATI's drivers are in better shape, and when DX10 games are closer to release and then released the OS with heavy emphasis on gamers - 'cause these are the users that keep up with the tech and have the desire, and in some cases the money (or daddy's money) to upgrade. And they would've also had time to clean up more of the bugs.
Reply #22 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 12:23 AM
Only thing that will make the Vista-sales pickup is when games start going DX10 and as MS has stated that XP will not run DX10 - people will have no choice but upgrade. Legally or illegally.
And by "people" of course you mean "gamers", because I know plenty of people who don't play many games on PC, or at all, and I'm not talking about my grandparents.
I do agree though with the general idea - MS really missed the mark by targeting all the Vista marketing towards the "casual user". They should've waited couple of months till NVidia's and ATI's drivers are in better shape, and when DX10 games are closer to release and then released the OS with heavy emphasis on gamers - 'cause these are the users that keep up with the tech and have the desire, and in some cases the money (or daddy's money) to upgrade. And they would've also had time to clean up more of the bugs.
butch123
Reply #23 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 6:51 AM
Reply #23 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 6:51 AM
Well I believe that the reasons Microsoft did not acheive their goal in sales is that Windows Vista is very expensive and one of their mistakes were that you can actually extend the 30 day period of activation to 120 days therefore if you format every four months you can keep a valid copy of Vista and never have to pay for it. Another reason I think that may have hurt the sales is the announcement of their pending OS scheduled for release in 2009. So when factoring in that windows XP is very stable along with the mentioned reasons above I dont believe that helps their case.... 
Kennytheman
Reply #24 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 10:15 AM
Reply #24 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 10:15 AM
I have windows vista ultimate. But when playing games like Flatout 2, Supreme Commander, my sound is just f**kt up. And that was with the latest creative drivers, i also try'd modded creative drivers but it still gave me the same results.
I think vista needs some more time, also the companies that make the drivers for vista are very slow at creating and publishing their drivers, especialy "Creative". Vista is a good OS but atm its standing in "kiddy shoes", meaning that its still all fresh. There are 3 things that bother me in vista
= Drivers, UAC and sys*defragmenter =
There fore, given the above reasons, i decided to switch back to XP for a while mainly for its stability and correct drivers. I will give vista and the drivers a couple of months to work on it before switching over to vista again. My hobby is playing games, but on vista some games are just a pain in the ass if you ask me. (Blaming the current drivers !!)
The price for vista is TO high in my opinion, thus likely creating the change for more users to seek for the "illegal" method of acquiring vista. Microsoft is a good companie that makes good software, but its all new, you will need to give it some time to adapt in to the cociaty. When its adapted, Then its a good OS for people to use !!
(PS: dont blame my english if you see any foults in spelling, im dutch
)
I think vista needs some more time, also the companies that make the drivers for vista are very slow at creating and publishing their drivers, especialy "Creative". Vista is a good OS but atm its standing in "kiddy shoes", meaning that its still all fresh. There are 3 things that bother me in vista
= Drivers, UAC and sys*defragmenter =
There fore, given the above reasons, i decided to switch back to XP for a while mainly for its stability and correct drivers. I will give vista and the drivers a couple of months to work on it before switching over to vista again. My hobby is playing games, but on vista some games are just a pain in the ass if you ask me. (Blaming the current drivers !!)
The price for vista is TO high in my opinion, thus likely creating the change for more users to seek for the "illegal" method of acquiring vista. Microsoft is a good companie that makes good software, but its all new, you will need to give it some time to adapt in to the cociaty. When its adapted, Then its a good OS for people to use !!
(PS: dont blame my english if you see any foults in spelling, im dutch
)
Life is a Game
Reply #25 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 11:26 AM
Reply #25 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 11:26 AM
Pirates? What pirates?
I thought Vista had like a really good activation system and stuff
I thought Vista had like a really good activation system and stuff
kenwas
Reply #26 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 12:11 PM
Reply #26 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 12:11 PM
"In December, Softchoice warned that 94 percent of PCs in North America would not be capable of running Windows Vista Home Premium—half of PCs, any Vista version."
This article might have something to do with the slow acceptance. It is workplace related but the underlying issues are the same in many respects.
WWW Link
This article might have something to do with the slow acceptance. It is workplace related but the underlying issues are the same in many respects.
WWW Link
Alberto Callerio
Reply #27 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 4:37 PM
Reply #27 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 4:37 PM
Who needs to upgrade to Vista, sincerely? This is the major issue. Why should I have to spend hundreds of Euro, hours to wipe off my system disk e reinstall the OS, DAYS to reinstall every piece of software is running today on my pc. My XP installations (at home and at work) run quite well, stable and almost secure with weekly based little administration task (just running an antispyware prog). Why should I have to upgrade? No reason at all, as for Win98 from Win95, Millenium from Win98 ...
boss0190
Reply #28 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 4:58 PM
Reply #28 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 4:58 PM
It's simple...if you want it bad enough, you'll get it. You don't NEED to upgrade to Vista, you don't HAVE to upgrade to Vista. Keep XP if you're happy with it, save the money, and ignore all the hype.
No muss, no fuss. Vista is out. It's price is what it is. Get it or don't get it. Whining about all of it isn't going to change anything. Just DON'T get it.
No muss, no fuss. Vista is out. It's price is what it is. Get it or don't get it. Whining about all of it isn't going to change anything. Just DON'T get it.
Double Zero
Reply #29 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 7:42 PM
"We Neeeeeed no stinking Pirates" ..LoL..Sorry...couldnt resist..
Hate to say it but Boss is right..nobody is twisting your arm to buy Vista, while I can agree the price is out of control for what the OS is...It really is just that simple..Buy it or dont...
I imagine the OEM version of ultimate will drop rather quickly if you can wait it out, should give you plenty of useful time to perform the upgrades you need to prepare..Hmmmm??
A Vid card here, more RAM there..whatever the case may be...
Like I tried to point out before, There really isnt a reason to switch to Vista at the moment anyway unless you want to be the first kid on the block with all the new toys..
If thats the case then you pay-up and shut-up..thats the way it's always been...
XP will be around for quite awhile yet, and it will still be a great OS to use...
Sorry, I really didnt mean to sound rude, just being clear... Vista is NOT a necessity...Yet.
Reply #29 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 7:42 PM
Pirates? What pirates?
"We Neeeeeed no stinking Pirates" ..LoL..Sorry...couldnt resist..
Hate to say it but Boss is right..nobody is twisting your arm to buy Vista, while I can agree the price is out of control for what the OS is...It really is just that simple..Buy it or dont...
I imagine the OEM version of ultimate will drop rather quickly if you can wait it out, should give you plenty of useful time to perform the upgrades you need to prepare..Hmmmm??
A Vid card here, more RAM there..whatever the case may be...
Like I tried to point out before, There really isnt a reason to switch to Vista at the moment anyway unless you want to be the first kid on the block with all the new toys..
If thats the case then you pay-up and shut-up..thats the way it's always been...
XP will be around for quite awhile yet, and it will still be a great OS to use...
Sorry, I really didnt mean to sound rude, just being clear... Vista is NOT a necessity...Yet.
Jafo
Reply #30 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 8:20 PM
Reply #30 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 8:20 PM
When I bought 98 [oem] it was AUD $180
When I bought XP Pro [oem] it was AUD $200
If, when I buy Ultimate [oem] it's around AUD $2-300 I'll call it CPI [inflation], nothing more.
Why fret?
Either it is perceived as value for money....or it is not.
Purchase is still optional...
rrawlins
Reply #31 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 9:42 PM
Reply #31 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 9:42 PM
The different levels of products is confusing---Home, Home Premium, Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise. Why not just one or two OS? Who wants to buy a Home crippled version when Ultimate is perceived to be much better but expensive. Let's not even talk about the licensing. They're scaring the honest consumers not the pirates who will undoubtedly find a way around their protection schemes. Does anyone think different?
I have Vista because I'm a .NET developer and I have to test against Vista. I will not upgrade to Vista on my personal computers. I honestly don't see six billion of research in Vista.
$20 Window Blinds + XP > Vista any version
MS is shooting themselves in the foot. I'm seriously considering making the switch to OS X for my next computer. I think it's hasta la vista for me.
I have Vista because I'm a .NET developer and I have to test against Vista. I will not upgrade to Vista on my personal computers. I honestly don't see six billion of research in Vista.
$20 Window Blinds + XP > Vista any version
MS is shooting themselves in the foot. I'm seriously considering making the switch to OS X for my next computer. I think it's hasta la vista for me.
Double Zero
Reply #32 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 10:12 PM
*Exactly ... That was an easier way to express it..LOL
Reply #32 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 10:12 PM
Either it is perceived as value for money....or it is not.
Purchase is still optional...
Purchase is still optional...
*Exactly ... That was an easier way to express it..LOL
boss0190
Reply #33 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 1:55 AM
I'm certain that nobody will notice or care. It's all about choice...have fun.
Reply #33 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 1:55 AM
I'm seriously considering making the switch to OS X for my next computer
I'm certain that nobody will notice or care. It's all about choice...have fun.
Aquamonkey
Reply #34 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 5:52 AM
Reply #34 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 5:52 AM
if you have XP I just don't see why you'd shell out for Vista. MS can't blame piracy they been tooting the trumpet since release about how dificult it is to keep a pirated copy activated and running
starkers
Reply #35 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 12:33 PM
Vista Ultimate oem in Oz is around $330, give or take.
Reply #35 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 12:33 PM
If, when I buy Ultimate [oem] it's around AUD $2-300 I'll call it CPI [inflation], nothing more.
Vista Ultimate oem in Oz is around $330, give or take.
Kuruus
Reply #36 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 12:38 PM
Reply #36 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 12:38 PM
Sell it for somewhere between $50 and $100 a pop and kiss 99 percent of the pirates goodbye and watch your sales skyrocket.
Sell it for $300 to $400 a pop and watch the pirating go into overtime.
Sell it for $300 to $400 a pop and watch the pirating go into overtime.
Tombala
Reply #37 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 1:22 PM
Reply #37 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 1:22 PM
What software developing companies like MS don't understand (or, more accurately, choose not to, due to stock holder stupidity) is that people that use pirated software don't simply say "Oh, I guess if I can't get a pirated version of Vista, i'll shell out $300 for a real copy of it". Instead they wait until the OS is pirated -- and Vista will be, too, just like any other protection scheme. So all that a tighter leash on security does is annoy valid users, cause your costs to go up, and overall, possibly, jack up your prices and drop your sales. I'm not saying MS should just ship the software with no lock on it but just having a license key should be enough. Why don't they just look back in history? Even without these elaborate schemes, MS itself has made billions of dollars along with many other software companies! People still went and bought Windows 95 even when it was easily possible to get a copy from your friend.
It's a moral issue more than anything else. If you are immoral enough to cheat with an honor system, you will be immoral enough to cheat with any system that's out there. In fact, MS just keeps creating bigger challenges for those people out there who have nothing better to do with their free time but crack the latest protection scheme of the biggest software company in the world. Someone's bound to take the challenge and succeed. After that it's back to square one for MS.
I'm sure MS is already spending millions on developing the next "uncrackable protection scheme". I hear it involves an RFID and GPS-enabled USB dongle that contacts an RFID chip that you have to implant under your skin. Then every time you log in, the dongle reports to Redmond the exact location of the PC and its user that's accessing their operating system.
It's a moral issue more than anything else. If you are immoral enough to cheat with an honor system, you will be immoral enough to cheat with any system that's out there. In fact, MS just keeps creating bigger challenges for those people out there who have nothing better to do with their free time but crack the latest protection scheme of the biggest software company in the world. Someone's bound to take the challenge and succeed. After that it's back to square one for MS.
I'm sure MS is already spending millions on developing the next "uncrackable protection scheme". I hear it involves an RFID and GPS-enabled USB dongle that contacts an RFID chip that you have to implant under your skin. Then every time you log in, the dongle reports to Redmond the exact location of the PC and its user that's accessing their operating system.
Donkinator
Reply #38 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:19 PM
Reply #38 Wednesday, February 21, 2007 4:19 PM
Hmmm, well, I know for a fact that pirated copies of Vista are out there available for download. Whether or not they work remains to be seen by those who download it.
I won't consider buying Vista at this early stage, and I wouldn't even think of downloading a pirated copy. My reasons are simple; even though my computer will handle the ultimate copy of Vista without a hitch, many of my computers prime software components like firewall program, and other useful things like managing media will not work. I used the "Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor", and it said that there was no support for them. Therefore I will have to wait for the software manufacturer to redesign their code.
When XP first came out there were so many holes and patches that needed to be downloaded, or applied for hardware drivers etc. I stayed well away for quite some time before getting XP.
New operating systems are designed for one reason, to slow down your current computer so you must buy a new one. It is a marketing strategy that has been around since the beginning of personal computers. Software designers don't force us to buy their products, or new upgrades, but like a normal consumer, we must do what is necessary to feel good about ourselves.
If you are a smart consumer, you will wait for the bugs to be ironed out of a new product before buying it. Unless you are the entrepreneural type who has already assessed your risks, and MUST have it early on, no matter what the cost.
Consider the features that Vista has to offer, what really gives it the Luster other than prettier built in graphic features we all have been using with windowblinds? And Dreamscene...It may be nice, but I remember manipulating 2 different programs to achieve an animated movie wallpaper on a win95 machine back in 1997. It used about 30 percent of the processor back then on a 200Mhz chip.
How many people are so astounded by the security features of Vista that they really need it now? Probably not many. Not to mention, many companies don't consider buying new OS software for general business use right away either. Many large corporations today still use Windows 2000 on very old computers because they still do their job.
Microsoft has nothing really new to offer in Vista that is really going to wow the average user into buying it, so no surprise that sales are down. People are indeed happy to use their XP machines for some time to come. It is smart dollar sense. If the new car sales industry worked in the way microsoft thinks we should act, then everyone would buy a new car based on the fact that it has a new Navigation system, rear facing camera, and alarm system, every 5 years.
I won't consider buying Vista at this early stage, and I wouldn't even think of downloading a pirated copy. My reasons are simple; even though my computer will handle the ultimate copy of Vista without a hitch, many of my computers prime software components like firewall program, and other useful things like managing media will not work. I used the "Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor", and it said that there was no support for them. Therefore I will have to wait for the software manufacturer to redesign their code.
When XP first came out there were so many holes and patches that needed to be downloaded, or applied for hardware drivers etc. I stayed well away for quite some time before getting XP.
New operating systems are designed for one reason, to slow down your current computer so you must buy a new one. It is a marketing strategy that has been around since the beginning of personal computers. Software designers don't force us to buy their products, or new upgrades, but like a normal consumer, we must do what is necessary to feel good about ourselves.
If you are a smart consumer, you will wait for the bugs to be ironed out of a new product before buying it. Unless you are the entrepreneural type who has already assessed your risks, and MUST have it early on, no matter what the cost.
Consider the features that Vista has to offer, what really gives it the Luster other than prettier built in graphic features we all have been using with windowblinds? And Dreamscene...It may be nice, but I remember manipulating 2 different programs to achieve an animated movie wallpaper on a win95 machine back in 1997. It used about 30 percent of the processor back then on a 200Mhz chip.
How many people are so astounded by the security features of Vista that they really need it now? Probably not many. Not to mention, many companies don't consider buying new OS software for general business use right away either. Many large corporations today still use Windows 2000 on very old computers because they still do their job.
Microsoft has nothing really new to offer in Vista that is really going to wow the average user into buying it, so no surprise that sales are down. People are indeed happy to use their XP machines for some time to come. It is smart dollar sense. If the new car sales industry worked in the way microsoft thinks we should act, then everyone would buy a new car based on the fact that it has a new Navigation system, rear facing camera, and alarm system, every 5 years.
Double Zero
Reply #39 Thursday, February 22, 2007 9:00 PM
Now *That is Sci-fi...
Could be a problem when you use many different computers per day..Hmmm?
Hmmmm, Perhaps a slight case of paranoia? I actually think Vista runs smoother on my 3 year old PC, Smoother than XP...But im sure it's an isolated occurance, you must be correct.
Reply #39 Thursday, February 22, 2007 9:00 PM
I'm sure MS is already spending millions on developing the next "uncrackable protection scheme". I hear it involves an RFID and GPS-enabled USB dongle that contacts an RFID chip that you have to implant under your skin. Then every time you log in, the dongle reports to Redmond the exact location of the PC and its user that's accessing their operating system.
Now *That is Sci-fi...
Could be a problem when you use many different computers per day..Hmmm?New operating systems are designed for one reason, to slow down your current computer so you must buy a new one. It is a marketing strategy that has been around since the beginning of personal computers
Hmmmm, Perhaps a slight case of paranoia? I actually think Vista runs smoother on my 3 year old PC, Smoother than XP...But im sure it's an isolated occurance, you must be correct.
Corky_O
Reply #40 Thursday, February 22, 2007 9:20 PM
Reply #40 Thursday, February 22, 2007 9:20 PM
I paid $117 for Vista Home Premium (OEM) and it runs just fine.
The display driver model, icon presentation, and multimedia functions are well worth the price - IMHO.
In speaking with some knowledgeable people, I understand that the DX10 functions will really open some doors for the 'entertainment' value in Vista.
Of course, the Mac offers much in the way of 'entertainment' value, as well as professional graphic design.
As for pirates; they will always be around due to the need for balance in the universe and all.
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
|
|
Page 2 of 3 | |
|
|---|
Reply #21 Monday, February 19, 2007 9:40 PM
It isn't that they WONT add it its that they can't without major editing of the OS and how it works, and its not worth it, go buy vista - thats basicly what they're looking for.