Windows 7 Makes Up for Vista, Survey Suggests

Last week it was reported that Microsoft's customer satisfaction rating had rebounded from a 4 per cent drop in 2007 caused by the mess that was Windows Vista. Now, a new study of hardcore techies finds that there's some truth to that report, as most people feel prepared to admit that Windows 7 makes up for Vista, by a long run.

Last Wednesday we reported that the American Customer Satisfaction Index, or ACSI, had improved Microsoft's mark from a 70 in 2007 -- shortly after Vista's public release in January -- to a 76. Experts pointed to Windows 7, which was released in October of last year, as the reason for the rebound.

Windows 7 Repairing Microsoft's Reputation

"When Microsoft's score tanked [in 2007], that was pretty much a first," said David VanAmburg, managing director at ACSI. "But we're now seeing the reverse of that, as Windows 7 has had a reparative effect." (Source: crn.com)

Now, a new survey by tech blog Lifehacker has provided further proof that techies in particular are ready to let Windows 7 make up for the Vista debacle. Last week the site asked readers if Windows 7 had vindicated Microsoft from Vista, and the results were overwhelmingly positive for Microsoft.

An incredible 78 per cent -- well over three-quarters of those who responded -- said they were satisfied with that statement and that the Windows 7 experience makes up for frustrating moments associated with Vista. For those who can't remember or never owned Vista, the operating system (OS) was sadly marred by compatibility issues and slow performance. It did not hit the ground running.

Bitterness Wanes as Users Upgrade to New OS

According to Lifehacker, only 12 per cent of respondents said they felt Windows 7 was only a marginal improvement over Vista, while 5 per cent -- just 1/20 who answered the question -- felt Vista left a lingering bad taste in their mouths that Windows 7 couldn't alleviate. (Source: lifehacker.com)

California-based solutions provider Larry Piland says the dramatic turn-around is due to the convenience of upgrading to the new OS. Making the switch from Vista or even Windows XP to Windows 7 is a surprisingly hassle-free experience.

"We are finally seeing those organizations that would not upgrade to Vista migrating over to Windows 7," Piland said. "Microsoft once again has a fairly happy user base, and even Microsoft haters are finding it hard to criticize the product."