14 DAY TRIAL // While Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is regarded as a turning point for the operating system's adoption in the perception of a limited segment of consumers, the refresh is not likely to fix the top three nastiest problems impacting the latest Windows platform. Support.com made public the results of a study involving 1,000 PC users. According to the independent survey, in excess of 70% of the participants revealed that they experienced at least some problems with Windows Vista.
But the vast majority pointed at Windows Aero, compatibility and networking as the top three Vista issues. Windows Vista's new graphical user interface, along with the operating system's enhanced compatibility under Microsoft's logo programs as well as the improved networking experience are among the pillars that the company is using as leverage for the adoption of the platform.
The overhauled Vista UI, Windows Aero, is one of the features on which Microsoft has focused its Wow marketing campaign for the product, and it seems that the company's choice was a poor one. Over 30% of the survey participants after the first six months of availability for Vista, pointed to Aero as the number one problem of the operating system. The familiarity of Windows XP's interface is hurting Vista and Windows Aero. More recently, Microsoft applauded the fact that Vista compatibility is at an apex and revealed from the get go that the platform's networking capabilities leave nothing to be desired.
Support.com also commented on the next two top Vista issues: "device incompatibility - Consumers who purchase computers with Vista installed or who upgrade their current system cannot connect their devices, including printers, MP3 players and digital cameras, due to outdated drivers. Home networking issues - Consumers who set up a home network using a Vista-enabled computer cannot view other computers in the network running Windows XP."
"We know very well that any major switch in operating systems can initially cause confusion and problems for end-users," said Anthony Rodio, chief marketing officer for Support.com via InformationWeek. "Consumers often suffer from frustrating issues that prevent them from using their computer for its intended use, whether it's simply accessing their e-mail system or printing a document."