Microsoft Should Throw a Rock Through Its Windows

Operating system needs a fresh start

By Wesley Oliver, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 29, 2008 9:50 AM CDT

(Newser) – The window on Microsoft’s operating system agility has closed, and to fix it, Randall Stross argues in the New York Times, the tech giant needs to start from scratch. Windows “has become an obese monolith built on an ancient frame,” Stross says, and it “seems to move an inch for every time that Mac OS X or Linux laps it.”

Redmond should draw the blinds on Vista, and refashion its next upgrade, Windows 7, by aping Apple: Force speed-conscious users to buy new versions of their existing applications. Even Microsoft’s own software engineers say Windows 7 must break with what Stross calls “an obsolete design.” “Sticking with that same core architecture is the problem, not the solution,” he concludes.

In trying to improve its image and the agility of its next operating system, Microsoft should learn from its chief rival, Apple, Randall Stross says. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, File)

Many IT professionals and consumers were unimpressed with Vista, and to correct their mistakes, Microsoft should start from scratch, Randall Stross says. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, file)

"The best solution to the multiple woes of Windows is starting over. Completely. Now," Randall Stross says. (AP Photo/File)

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US Cuts Off Funding to UNESCO Over Palestine

Political workaround unlikely to go anywhere

Why Windows XP Refuses to Die

It's ' the Methuselah of desktop operating systems': Harry McCracken

IBM Surpasses Microsoft, Claims No. 2 Tech Spot

Shift illustrates tech industry's move away from PCs

Shoppers Blast Retailers' Online Anti-Gay Ties

Petitions prompt Microsoft, Apple to cut connection to charity group

Look Out, iPad: Windows 8 a Contender

But a lot can happen in a year, note reviewers

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Microsoft • Apple • Microsoft Windows • Microsoft Vista • Linux • Mac OS X • operating system • Windows XP

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Cuts Off Funding to UNESCO Over Palestine

Political workaround unlikely to go anywhere

Why Windows XP Refuses to Die

It's ' the Methuselah of desktop operating systems': Harry McCracken

IBM Surpasses Microsoft, Claims No. 2 Tech Spot

Shift illustrates tech industry's move away from PCs

Shoppers Blast Retailers' Online Anti-Gay Ties

Petitions prompt Microsoft, Apple to cut connection to charity group

Look Out, iPad: Windows 8 a Contender

But a lot can happen in a year, note reviewers

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Newser By Users

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