Ignoring Vista

Computer Reseller News tells of how many computer resellers and vendors, including Dell, are offering non-Vista systems and even ripping Vista off and replacing it with XP.

While I've been critical of Vista, the fact is that it is here and it will eventually be bigger than XP. Ignoring it is not an option if you work in general support.

So my mind boggles at the attitude of Jay Tipton, vice president of Technology Specialists, who is quoted as saying "Technology Specialists won't even run the operating system internally on any of its production systems because Tipton does not want his technicians taking time out of their day to "debug Vista.""

Apart from the obvious cheap shot that a business calling itself "technology specialists" is pretending the latest Microsoft operating system doesn't exist, the other question is how on Earth can Mr Tipton expect to support his customers when the inevitable happens.

I recall this was an issue when 98/ME was phased out for XP. At the time many, if not the majority, of suburban techs refused to support Windows NT/2000. I was telling those I spoke to that they had no choice if they wanted to stay in the business.

Most of them did stay in the business, but I suspect a lot of them still don't really understand Windows XP, let alone Vista.

This is another reason why computer techs need to have a training path similar to other trades like motor mechanics and hair dressers. Not only would this give techs better skills but it would also improve their image with consumers.

When you see comments like Mr Tipton's you can understand why many consumers are deeply worried when they have to ring the local computer tech.