Three’s a charm? Windows 8 patches could pave multiple paths to Windows 9
Trying to piece together the puzzle created by Microsoft’s new patching policy, I was struck by an intriguing thought. If you look at the situation just right and connect the dots with a few leaps of faith, there’s a possibility we’re witnessing the birth of a “three versions” future for Windows 9 (code-named “Threshold”). That would be extraordinarily good news, albeit little consolation to those who are still stuck trying to install Windows 8.1 Update.
Microsoft’s confirmation that it will stop issuing security patches for Windows 8.1 has turned into a lightning rod for people who are unhappy with Windows 8 in general and Windows 8 patching in particular. You need look no further than the comments to Steve Thomas’ TechNet post last weekend, which confirmed that Windows 8.1 customers who want new security patches have to first install Windows 8.1 Update. NSFW warning: Many of the comments about the Windows 8.1 Update requirement are not kind — or printable.
(A note on terminology: Windows 8.1 Update — note the capital “U” — specifically refers to the patch made widely available last week as KB 2919355.)
Cutting off Windows 8.1 patches is controversial. The argument goes like this: “If you want security patch C, you need to get security patch B first. In this case, security patch B just happens to be the 8.1 Update.” Fair enough…
Well, like you said, Microsoft strikes again. If anyone needed further proof that Microsoft no longer listens or cares about its client base just read the articles by Woody Leonhard or Steve Thomas, and many others currently available on the internet. All of this because Microsoft didn’t take the time to perk up and absorb the viewpoints of its users, rushed what they deemed important, created a huge botched mess which isn’t the first time, and is now taking drastic steps to “correct” their multiple errors so that they can recoup some of their lost earnings by bullying their loyal users saying that if you don’t upgrade NOW we’ll cut off support, in fact we’ll abandon you. If this was the first time then perhaps we could say we understand. However, the dusty trail is littered with mistakes made by Microsoft covering not months but years of time gone by. There are many that are now, for the first time, questioning the validity, practical application, and financial wisdom in furthering a continuing relationship with Microsoft and rightfully so. Clients are facing ever increasing and ongoing hardware upgrade issues, software upgrade costs and problems, adaptability of custom software to the “new and improved” operating systems, and costly retraining cycles that are robbing an already tight market with lost productivity and profit. I started with Microsoft MS-DOS 3.* years ago and have professionally supported Microsoft ever since then. Thankfully, I’m retired now and enjoy life once again. I find it interesting that Microsoft stands alone in these problems. Apple, Google, and Linux do not have problems of this magnitude. Are they error free? Of course not but they do their homework on the front end, take the time to get it as perfect as possible before release, and if a problem arises which is usually very small in nature it gets taken care of so quickly that you almost don’t even know it happened. Yes, this is really a sad commentary about Microsoft, the company that has done so much to promote technology and the use of computers in the 20th and 21st century. We have much to thank Microsoft for doing in the world of technology. However, there is a tremendous difference between “change” and “progress” and if the powers-that-be at Microsoft Corp. don’t begin to fully understand the difference then they are, as my dear grandmother used to say, going to be in the pickle barrel.
As an interesting point, I own a Dell XPS M1550 laptop which I purchased approximately six to seven years ago. It has a 2.0GHz Intel processor, 1GB of RAM with onboard video, and a 200GB hard drive. I am running Linux Mint v16 on it. It has been error free since the first day that I installed it. I can access social networks, the internet, do word processing and spreadsheet calculations, e-mail, photo management, achieve wired and wireless connectivity, and just about anything else that I need or desire with no problems at all. In other words, I am in a position to simply “use it.” I don’t have to be constantly tweaking it or working on it or spend money to guard against some criminal, nefarious intrusion. My Linux units all share this same capability as does my iMac. Yes, I still run Windows 7 on two of my units but for how much longer I really can’t say. I do sincerely wish all the best of success and an enjoyable upcoming weekend.