Every legal technologist I know warns law firms to stay away from Windows Vista because of the headaches and lost productivity caused by a host of problems. These technologists are recommending firms stick with XP and "downgrade" to XP when buying a new computer.
Apple has recently exploited the consumer resistence (rebellion?) to Vista through a series of very funny ads featuring their now-famous "I'm a Mac" and "I'm a PC" characters. Microsoft is fighting back with commercials of their own (no video link provided because, frankly, they aren't worth watching) to overcome consumer sentiment.
Despite the advertising battle of words, it is good to learn that Microsoft is moving along with Windows 7 to replace, er, rescue, Vista. According to this article in InfoWorld, Microsoft seems to be getting the message. An early look reveals Windows 7 wil have lower resource requirements, tighter device integration, and IT-friendly features. It may be too early to really know, but it seems that the company known for bloatware may have finally decided slimmer is better!
Microsoft is preparing for public beta testing of Windows 7 in early 2009, according to IT World.