Poll Results: “Pry XP From Our Cold, Dead Hands”
By: Doug Caverly
This article should probably start with the acknowledgement that ZDNet’s readers don’t represent the average person; a poll of them isn’t the best measure of America (or the world). Still, 48 percent of respondents in a ZDNet poll can see themselves running XP six years from now.
From Microsoft’s perspective, this is disastrous. Hardware failures and changes of heart may keep the stat from coming true, but regardless, the company’s obviously behind in public opinion. It’s as if people would let every aspect of their online and computer-related lives be slow and behind the times just to avoid Vista.
Also, the date of 2014 goes beyond when Windows 7 is due to be released. I’m just trying to make my six-year-old computer (which runs XP) last through that launch; about 2,090 ZDNet respondents seem ready to let it pass, too.
At that rate, it’s hard to believe they’re not considering Macs or Linux as eventual alternatives. People don’t collect operating systems like classic cars, and sticking with XP shouldn’t be taken as a sign of love for Windows or Microsoft.
Hopefully the ZDNet poll will get enough attention within Microsoft that the company will dedicate more time and money to addressing certain issues and winning back a following.