Blake asks, “Who cares about the Vista launch?“

Here’s my impression of every single Microsoft operating system launch I’ve ever seen:

Step 1: Release new OS that has a bunch of features no one was asking for but look mildly impressive.
Step 2: Break anything that worked well in the last OS
Step 3: Wait and watch as everyone avoids it like the plague.
Step 4: Panic!
Step 5: Realize that the company is about to go under.
Step 6: Release SP2.
Step 7: Realize that somewhere along the way you got a product that’s not bad.
Step 8: Force it down the throat of everyone who’s buying a new computer.

Yea, I pretty much only get a new version of Windows when it comes pre-installed on a new computer, which is probably the same for 90% of everyone else. So… Vista’s launch is only a big deal if you’re in the market for a new PC.