Five reasons why the Windows desktop isn't going away

At least Ed Bott is optimistic for the desktop, Ed Bott is a well respected journalist and he seems to be optimistic that the desktop is not going to disappear. That, at least, is comforting.

The speculation on the next version of Windows (code-named Blue) is getting out of hand. Based on a few screenshots and one offhand remark from a prominent Windows blogger, one of my colleagues is convinced that the Windows desktop is an endangered species. Nope. Not gonna happen.

Read more at source:
Five reasons why the Windows desktop isn't going away | ZDNet

 

[labeeman]

Reintroducing the Start menu to Windows Blue would reduce some of the distance that the cheese has moved for non-technologists coming to the operating system from Windows 7. But that cuts both ways — Microsoft can't do that without a tacit admission that Windows 8 is in fact a sister operating system of Windows Vista. That would hurt their stock price, and nullify any of the Windows 8 marketing expenses incurred thus far.

This is the part I don't like.

 

[SIW2]

We can't be certain what will be in Blue eventually.

Seems likely MS are just going to push on with their consumer monetisation plans.

 

[labeeman]

We can't be certain what will be in Blue eventually.

Seems likely MS are just going to push on with their consumer monetisation plans.

I would call it suicide.

 

[SIW2]

I think they can get away with it.

What is the average user going to do?

They may hang on to their current machine for a while.

Not forever. The prices are being slashed.

Likely they will just think - ok , I need a new machine - it's cheap - I will put up with it.

There is nothing else for them.

Not many can afford a Mac. Not many have any idea even what an iso is - they have no chance of attempting Linux - they might not even know what Linux is.

 

[labeeman]

I think they can get away with it.

What is the average user going to do?

They may hang on to their current machine for a while.

Not forever. The prices are being slashed.

Likely they will just think - ok , I need a new machine - it's cheap - I will put up with it.

There is nothing else for them.

Not many can afford a Mac. Not many have any idea even what an iso is - they have no chance of attempting Linux - they might not even know what Linux is.

I will have to agree with you there. I can afford a Mac but will die before I will buy any Apple products.
The general user has no idea what to do with a new HD to get it to work.

The OEMs that is another story they are not happy.

 

[Coke Robot]

People do not like change.

Wrong.

People do not like change for the worse.

People do not like change being forced on them - e.g in the workplace - they now have to make an effort instead of just carrying out their dreary task like automatons.

I think that may be where this myth comes from.

People do like change for the better. They like new things. That is why so much packaging carries the word "New".

People do not like change for the worse...until they ACTUALLY see why it's better.

 

[Ray8]

[
People do not like change for the worse...until they ACTUALLY see why it's better.

How long is that supposed to take? Six moths and I still don't like it.

 

[Coke Robot]

[
People do not like change for the worse...until they ACTUALLY see why it's better.

How long is that supposed to take? Six moths and I still don't like it.

The year 2022.

 

[SIW2]

It might have improved by 2022.

That won't matter to Cokie, he will have moved to new fad long before and be decrying those who want the touch stuff as luddites.

 

[SIW2]

I have been using it for longer than that - about 6 moths and 5 butterflies.

How long is that supposed to take? Six moths and I still don't like it.

 

[Ray8]

I was just counting from when I bought the official version, I didn't count the previews. I thought I could get to like it, but alas I'm just a Luddite stuck in the past.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Canonical

They are not running much of a risk.

This is aimed at the consumer.

MS can subsidise the oems and wait till the consumers have to buy something - unless they can afford a Mac - that something has 8 on it.

There is a slim chance of competition appearing, not very likely as the barriers are too great.

Canonical has the same goal (unified GUI in all computer sectors) with Ubuntu Unity.

If they actually released an all-in-one package (desktop, tablet and phone) with preconfigured sync features (private "Cloud") they could make significant gains.

 

[whs]

Canonical has the same goal (unified GUI in all computer sectors) with Ubuntu Unity

The problem is that the Unity UI is not the yellow of the egg either. There are much nicer UIs in Linux land. But they are not as agressive with marketing them as Canonical.

Example: Home | Canonical

 

[Fredledingue]

Port the desktop and kernal improvements from Win 8 into Win 7 and I'd be a darn sight happier...

Yeah of course, that's what we were asking them from the beginning...

---

I don't think it's realistic to port all the windows applications (assuming they are not abandonned) onto another architecture, not before 10 years at least. That leaves plenty of time for the classical Windows to continue alive and well for the next decade, but that also jeopardizes the long term completion of the Metro UI as a full OS replacement. Gien the enormous redevelopement cost that this would requieres I doubt that it will ever happen.

 

[Fredledingue]

The Start Menu issue became the symbol of the wave of discontent about Microsoft policies. Its stubborness and stupidity.

 

[Coke Robot]

The Start Menu issue became the symbol of the wave of discontent about Microsoft policies. Its stubborness and stupidity.

Probably should take a deep look at yourself in the mirror....

 

[Ray8]

Pot-Kettle

 

[whs]

The Start Menu issue became the symbol of the wave of discontent about Microsoft policies. Its stubborness and stupidity.

+1, very true.

 

[pcRat]

People do not like change.

Wrong.

People do not like change for the worse.

People do not like change being forced on them - e.g in the workplace - they now have to make an effort instead of just carrying out their dreary task like automatons.

I think that may be where this myth comes from.

People do like change for the better. They like new things. That is why so much packaging carries the word "New".

People do not like change for the worse...until they ACTUALLY see why it's better.

I agree with you Coke with the exception of some who absolutely refuse to see the improvement.

 

[lehnerus2000]

Canonical has the same goal (unified GUI in all computer sectors) with Ubuntu Unity

The problem is that the Unity UI is not the yellow of the egg either. There are much nicer UIs in Linux land. But they are not as agressive with marketing them as Canonical.

Example: Home | Canonical

Agreed.

Even though Unity's better than Metro, I swapped to Linux Mint MATE, because I found Unity (and GNOME 3) to be horrible.

I agree with you Coke with the exception of some who absolutely refuse to see the improvement.

You can't see something that is invisible or non-existent.

What improvements does it bring to a desktop without a Touch input device?

Two Device Managers (one of which is basically useless)?
Two Control Panels (one of which is basically useless)?
A "Start Menu" that blocks the entire screen?