10 Issues That Could Spoil the Release of Windows 7

Ioio Technologies has been using Windows 7. And although the company has been relatively happy with the way the operating system performs, it found that it boots much slower than Windows Vista.  

In fact, the company claims that Microsoft's upcoming operating system boots a whopping 42 percent slower than its predecessor. Microsoft, meanwhile, contends that Windows 7 boots more quickly to the desktop. The difference is that Ioio's measurement looks at the time the system is booted up to the point of "usability"—and Ioio found Vista was "usable" first.

Semantics aside, if word gets out that Windows 7 boots slower than Windows Vista, it could spell trouble for the software giant. That's just one of many issues Microsoft doesn't need as it prepares for the launch of Windows 7. The next nine days are critical for Microsoft. Everything needs to go right.

These issues can't control the discourse:

Resource Library:

1. Boot times are slow

The word is already out that Windows 7's boot times are slow. Microsoft needs to make sure that it doesn't reach critical mass. Users want to be able to get on their computers as quickly as possible. They don't want to wait. Microsoft needs to reassure them that they won't be waiting longer than they would on Vista.

2. Security

As more people get their hands on Windows 7, the last thing the company needs is an insecure operating system. That was one of the main issues affecting Windows Vista, and it caused Microsoft to lose some of its dominance in the PC business. History can't repeat itself with Windows 7.

3. Beware of drivers

One of the main reasons why Windows Vista wasn't adopted heavily by both the enterprise and consumers was its driver issues. The operating system was incompatible with far too many existing applications. It didn't work with several legacy hardware products. And it turned many users against the operating system.

4. Apple hype

Although it's unlikely that Apple will make any major announcements related to Mac OS X, it's certainly possible that the company will try to limit Windows 7's appeal by announcing new products that captivate audiences. Speculation abounds that Apple will release a tablet and update its Mac lineup. What better time to announce those updates than when Windows 7 hits store shelves?