Is software all about image now?

I’ve spoken quite a few times about people’s different perceptions of companies and how it can effect how they view future actions the company makes.

A simple example of this is the launch of Microsoft Windows Vista which was met with a luke-warm reception and condemnation when Microsoft started trying to phase out Windows XP.

I’ve been running on Vista for quite some with only a few small quibles which for a new operating system I don’t think is so bad. However people’s perception of Vista is “another Windows ME” which is unfounded in my opinion. Many haven’t even tried Vista due to the negative image.

So rather than sitting back Microsoft came up with a clever idea to at least attempt to show Vista isn’t so bad. The Windows ‘Mojave’ project recruited people who had a low perception of Vista but no actual experience of it. The project was to trial a new version of Windows or so the group thought. In actual fact they were test driving Vista and the results were very positive.

So why the negative image? It’s Microsoft of course! Some people would rather eat their own children than acknowledge Microsoft have done anything right?

Is Vista worth shouting home about? Hmm I wouldn’t say it was a ground breaking as I was hoping. It’s built on the steady structure of XP (although built from the ground up if you believe Microsoft) and with Microsoft’s goals of higher security it’s been beefed up using a more resilient security model. However another layer of security they’ve added is actually my main gripe with it. Showing users warnings about programs trying to access certain resources doesn’t work. The main users on Vista won’t even understand what it means! I’ve disabled UAC myself because it’s just so annoying!

Vista search is great, the interface is much slicker and I’ve never had a full system crash as yet - if they happen it’s at an application level and rare.

When Windows XP was launched it was squarely slagged off too - “Windows with crayons” because of the default theme but now it’s recognised as a good OS by most. This of course is partly due to Microsoft’s attitude to getting patches and upgrades out quickly when needed - which other software companies need to follow.

Of course there are also select companies that will receive positive receptions even before the product is launched to name Apple for one (I really wanted to avoid the Apple / Microsoft comparison but it’s the most obvious).

I myself try to be as unbiased as possible when it comes to any product - although I have to admit I probably do have a more PC / Microsoft stance just due to my background. I’ve also mentioned that some of the supporters of technologies have also led me to have a more cynical attitude to these products. Does this make me the exact opposite of the what seems to be the majority of people? Is it just image that seems to matter now?

Tags: birminghamuk, disable UAC, microsoft, perception, software image, windows me, windows mojave, windows vista, windows xp
Posted in Software |