Microsoft’s latest entry into the world of operating systems, Windows Vista, has been met by many users with disdain, hesitation, or any combination of the two. Between the (much) higher system specifications, the price hike, and the lack of any real reason to upgrade, most users are looking at Vista as something they might consider a few years down the line, but not immediately. While it’s unlikely that Microsoft will see the kind of massive sales for their new baby that they would like, it’s likely that Microsoft will begin phasing out Windows XP within the next year or so in order to push their new Windows on us.

However, Linux users are looking at this new OS as a kind of blessing in disguise, postulating that thousands of angry Microsoft customers left in the cold might make for perfect converts. I mean really, if Microsoft pulls the plug on Windows XP, what’s to stop these guys from crossing over to the Light Side?

Well reality for one.

Most users won’t look for an alternative once Microsoft ends support for Windows XP. Rather, much like what happened with Windows 98 (oh how I long to forget that OS), users will simply continue to use the outdated Windows until either a) they need to use a program that requires Vista or b) they screw their computer up badly enough due to an existing (and unpatched) security hole that they upgrade out of frustration. While we’re likely to see a number of users jump to the Linux camp, the fact remains that the vast majority of Windows XP users simply aren’t going anywhere. Most view it as “good enough” and it’s going to take more than one massive Microsoft mistake to show them they’re wrong.