Friday 19 September 2008

Why Microsoft shouldn't bother advertising Windows.

Ok. Let's face it. The only people using Windows are those who have no choice. I'm talking about most gamers, enterprise who run legacy software, system modders, server environments who depend on ActiveSync [a Microsoft Technology], and the casual users who want a familiar interface.

And mind you: that's about 90.66% of the market. That's ubiquity that even the iPod hasn't achieved, after 10 million units.

So, with such ubiquity, why are they having the 'I'm a PC' ad campaign?

The answer lies in one of their main competitor: Apple. Their 'I'm a Mac' ads have tarnished the Windows brand name to a new low, so much so that Windows' market share has been on the decline.

So, to tackle the bad press, you inject good press. Simple as that.

But unfortunately, I think Microsoft may want to reconsider focusing on improving their product before advertising the nuts out of it.

Exhibit A: Malware vs Antivirus software. Many professionals mentioned that Macs do not need antivirus software because they do not get major viruses, so much so that there's only ONE major antivirus software for the Mac [oh, I don't have an antivirus software on my system. I'm a living proof.]. Nobody has complained of having to reformat their Mac once every month to keep their system speedy. This was in the times of the PowerPC, pre-2006. Now, no difference. Macs do not need regular reformats. On Windows, things are different. There's tons of antivirus software products, with exponentially higher numbers of virus and malware programmers. Why? Windows has a higher number of users, and higher number of corporate users.

Exhibit B: Crapware. I wouldn't blame Microsoft for this point. But I must say, I've never seen a clean install of Windows, except when I installed Windows on a Mac, and when my brother built his own PC. What is up with the PC manufacturers, like Sony, Dell, HP, and Acer? Why must you bundle so much crap with the product you are selling? Has any of the managers of these companies used a Mac? You only get the important stuff, and non-intrusive trial & softwares, like iWork, Office for Mac by Microsoft, and iLife. I understand having more crap cuts costs, but when is it too much? We don't need screensaver and wallpapers that advertise your product, or a Yahoo! toolbar.

Exhibit C: Ignorance to the press. Microsoft needs to deliver perfect products if they want to get rid of Apple once and for all. Why is there a virus on a PC on the International Space Station? It is fortunate the computer was not responsible for control of the station, but if it did, what would happen? And by the way, Microsoft, you can run Windows on a Mac. Don't say that you're locking yourself when on a Mac. No, you're getting the best of both worlds. Dimwit.

Oh, for the creative types, Microsoft lets you enjoy quality media and make phony video clips with Movie Maker. Macs let you create exam-quality videos [proof: me, with my 'O' Level project. 50% done on iMovie '08, 50% done in AE CS3, Premiere Pro CS3, Soundbooth, and Aperture 2, 100% done on a Mac] that looks professional, and enjoy quality media, both made by you, and those you bought.

Why do you think so many people in the Media industry, such as Marketing & advertising, Studio production, Music, Movies, and also celebrities, use Macs?

And don't even get me started about Windows Vista. Apple has poked fun at the many versions of Vista, and what's up with Aero? Is Windows 2000 and XP so bad that you guys need to put on a new mask? and is the GPU so underutilized and not powerful enough, you guys need to whip it?

Microsoft should not advertise Windows. Microsoft should just clean up their product, and then prove to people the usability. Otherwise, Snow Leopard, combined with the new low-margin 'product transition' Apple has been hinting at, may just be a chance where Apple could turn the tides.

Get Windows 7 / Vienna right, Microsoft. Don't do a Mojave II. And don't do a 2nd Windows ME [Millennium Edition].

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