14 DAY TRIAL // With Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Beta already here and Windows 7 Beta 1 on the horizon, Microsoft has debuted a project designed to offer answers to questions related to the successor of Windows XP. Microsoft Answers, currently in Beta stage, is set up to provide insight into various problems associated with the Windows Vista operating system. The website allows users to explore and search the responses already available, but also to ask for help in case they manage to come across new issues.
“Trying to share photos? Protect your computer? Set up a home network? Microsoft Answers is where you get Windows Vista questions answered, and share your knowledge with the community. Use the search bar at the top of the page to see if your question has already been asked. Review the top questions and answers. Ask other people how they fixed a problem, or discover what you can do with Windows Vista,” Microsoft reveals on the website.
Microsoft Answers Beta centralizes support content generated by both the Redmond company and the community of Windows users. The software giant has built the website with end-users in mind, and this is reflected both in the design and in the way support information can be accessed.
Nevertheless, what the company is obviously aiming at is constructing the core of a community of consumers that can take advantage of support content not only from end-users, but also from Windows Vista support engineers.
Under the “Ask the Community” section, Microsoft is inviting users to “tap into the expertise and enthusiasm of Windows Vista customers and Microsoft support professionals worldwide.” They are pointed to a variety of forums connected with Windows Vista and the operating system's components, where they only need to sign in and seek answers to their questions.