Filed under: Software, Switchers
Texas bans Microsoft Vista from Government Use
We're not Microsoft Windows haters here at TUAW. In fact, Microsoft makes some very fine products for the Mac including some very useful ergonomic keyboards and some terrific mice. They also make a pretty decent suite of Office applications that many Mac owners use each and every day.Heck, a guy even made a movie using Microsoft products, which we featured right here at TUAW. However, after seeing that the entire State of Texas has decided that Microsoft Windows Vista should not be used in any government agency, we might have to take a minute and reconsider our opinion on the giant from Redmond's flagship product.
According to Sen. Juan Hinojosa, vice chairman of the Finance Committee who proposed the ban, he did so because "of the many reports of problems with Vista." He goes on to say that:
"We are not in any way, shape or form trying to pick on Microsoft, but the problems with this particular [operating] system are known nationwide. And the XP operating system is working very well."
That's all well and good and for many of you Windows XP may, in fact, be working without problems. However, given the well-known issue with Vista, perhaps the Texas legislature is on to something? Who knows, given their current mindset, maybe they'd be interested in switching everyone in government to the Mac?
You hear that Apple, Texas needs you to give them a call.
(Thanks for the tip Melissa)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Michael Vega said 7:21PM on 4-02-2009
Yes, no Vista computers at all found in the City of Fort Worth
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Emory Dunn said 7:08PM on 4-02-2009
Wait… Texas did something good? This is the first time I think I have ever been able to say this: I'm proud I live in Texas (until the next horrible thing comes along).
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EGOvoruhk said 8:27PM on 4-02-2009
Your proud because someone banned something because of "...many reports...?
Surely you'd be a bit more proud if he banned because he saw fit, not just because he heard a bunch of people say bad things about it. Hopefully he didn't come to the conclusion based off the "I'm a Mac, I'm a PC" commercials :-D
Emory Dunn said 9:22PM on 4-02-2009
I was being a bit sarcastic to begin with, but you're right, if the conclusion had been reached based on actual trials and not just "reports" I would be even more impressed! But it still is a government, and so matter how much we wish everything is based on reports…
I guess I was more shocked that there was something good(ish) about Texas and that they got at least one thing right, versus the usual reports about how horrible Texas is. Even with this though I refuse to call myself a Texan and prefer to stick with my actual home state, Oregon.
ryan.marsh said 10:19AM on 4-03-2009
You're free to leave at any time. I think we can find a way to manage without you.
*Just some girl said 11:12AM on 4-03-2009
@EGOvoruhk
Preach it =)
mabhatter said 1:59PM on 4-03-2009
no, it's not good at all.. they are hurting their favorite companies like Dell with this measure.
This is more about saving money than about choice of OS. Vista is not just an "upgrade" but that means you have to test it... and when you test it on PCs you need to upgrade to new PC software versions. You may also need to buy new PCs because the old hardware can't run the new software. Then you have to buy new server software because the PC software has to "match" on the server. Then you have to buy some new servers. Then the traffic is too much so you have to upgrade your on site switching... and also beef up your WAN between offices.
THEN you have to obtain training (often per employment contract terms) to install the new software, and admin the new software, and for the users to learn the new software... as well as any software you had to replace with versions from different vendors (because you have to put out bids!)
So your "free" upgrade from XP to Vista has cost the company 1 new PC per user, 1 new server per site, 6 months of IT services to plan, test, and rollout, 2 weeks of user training away from their jobs, unknown amount of support calls and lost productivity from the "learning curve".
The state is simply telling their IT managers not to install Vista, because the IT managers know they'll get all this other stuff to keep them busy for most of the year just by upgrading the "OS" and all the things they won't pre-plan to break. It's very wise use of IT dollars even if a bit political.
Emory Dunn said 8:55AM on 4-04-2009
@ EGOvoruhk and @ryan.marsh, do you not understand sarcasm? I'm not that wrapped up in my Apple blanket to know that there are bigger issues with not using Vista, I was merely making a joke because I live in Texas and most of the news you here about Texas is how we are so far behind the times.
I guess I should put [sarcasm][/sarcasm} around my posts and include a disclaimer that those without a sense of humour not to read the comment.
Swimatm said 7:21PM on 4-02-2009
Just wait for Windows 7.
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Mark Grimes said 7:41PM on 4-02-2009
XP will be a *10 year old* operating system by the time everyone vets Windows 7 -- how embarrassing!
EGOvoruhk said 8:24PM on 4-02-2009
Who is that embarrassing to? Hopefully everyone BUT Microsoft
I mean, they made a product that lasted. They made a product that they themselves couldn't live up to. When did OS 9 stop being used?
mentalsticks said 3:04AM on 4-03-2009
People only started saying how good XP was after Vista was introduced. We're not talking about a good product you can't live up to, just about a better product than the junk that came after it. If OS X were garbage, people would still be using OS9. But that wouldn't make it an incredibly great product.
mark said 7:22PM on 4-02-2009
Ha ha.
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Wheels said 12:03AM on 4-03-2009
Speaking of Texas, EGOvoruhk, by your duck logic George W. Bush must have been a good President because he lasted eight years.
The general consensus of people sticking with XP isn't that they think that XP is great, but rather they know that "it's better than Vista." For Microsoft, who put untold resources into Vista so it could be a more advanced and all-around better operating system, this is a major embarrassment. There is no positive spin to this. Really, the fact that XP is still widely used is not a result of a purposeful act on Microsoft's part. We're talking about the tech industry here, EGOvoruhk. Things, such as operating systems, are supposed to advance, not remain stagnant. How's that 486 you're using to read this?
Plus, how long did it take Microsoft to get XP to this point of being usable?
Precision said 7:43PM on 4-02-2009
"...but the problems with this particular [operating] system are known nationwide..."
this sounds alot like the proposed Dihydrogen Monoxide ban in California awhile back.
hope they consulted a specialist this time xD
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Yazdgerd said 7:54PM on 4-02-2009
So they have been making "nationwide" problems in the past few years.
Daniel Anderson Jr. said 8:16PM on 4-02-2009
Dihydrogen Monoxide KILLS! If you get that stuff into your lungs in sufficient quantity you WILL die without quick medical attention!
Colorless, odorless, usually tasteles, it is filling our lakes and rivers at an amazing rate. DHMO has to go!
Luigi193 said 10:01PM on 4-02-2009
I love learning new random worthless things, thanks for starting that conversation! I read it and was like, WTF, Dihydrogen monoxide is just a strange unused name for Water? and I almost commented mockingly, but before I made an a-hole outta myself, I wiki'd it... now I know about said hoax, and am that much better off.
Thanks internet!
ryan.marsh said 10:21AM on 4-03-2009
They probably just consulted the couple of major global computer manufacturers based here in Texas.
Madison said 12:09AM on 4-04-2009
Lolz at politicians and the non-political things they don't understand, but insist upon officially screwing with. Just remember the Internet is tubes, and when those tubes get filled, the Internet gets delayed!