How Big A Flop Is Vista?

By Digital Trends Staff October 18, 2007

How Big A Flop Is Vista? Windows Vista has its fans and its critics. British retail group DSG, whichowns electronics and appliance company Currys and PC World, is definitely in the latter camp. It claims that thefailure of Vista has cost them about $40 million in lost revenue. Customers have stayed away from new computers running Vista, and there was never the anticipated rush to buy boxed copies of the OS. The company has ordered plenty of new machines, especially laptops, anticipating users would want to upgrade, but it never materialized. Likewise, OS sales were far less than expected, in partbecause of Vista’s hardware requirements, which meant it wasn’t compatible with older PCs. DSG Finance Director Kevin O’Byrne also expressed his disappointment with the lackof promotional support from Microsoft on Vista and told the Guardian, "We thought many more customers than transpired would want to change their existing hardware."

Editors' Recommendations

Digital Trends Staff

Digital Trends has a simple mission: to help readers easily understand how tech affects the way they live. We are your…

Computing

How to check how much RAM you have on Windows and Mac

RAM installed in slots.

You can only know if you have enough RAM, if you know how to check how much you have. Fortunately, doing so is super quick and easy and then you can decide whether you want to upgrade your memory -- here's how to choose new memory sticks -- or whether you have enough for what you need to do.

You certainly don't need to buy more or new RAM just for the sake of it, and if you have enough for what you need, more memory won't make much difference anyway.

Computing

How to apply and clean off thermal paste

Thermal paste application on CPU.

If you're building a computer, you need thermal paste, or heat paste, to ensure that your computer's processor doesn't overheat. It's a gloopy, silvery material that you squirt between the processor and the cooler to fill in all the micro cavities in their surfaces, which enables a more efficient transfer of heat from the processor to the cooler. The best thermal pastes work so well they let your processor run harder and faster, at lower temperatures, making your PC quieter in turn.

You need to replace the thermal interface material every few years, too, so if you haven't opened up your PC in a while, it might be time to give it a spring cleaning. Keep reading to learn how to apply heat paste and how to clean it. Plus, we'll go over other aspects of its use, such as how often you need to reapply it and if there are any alternatives to using heat paste.

Computing

How to create a Memoji on a Mac

Memoji creation screen in Messages on Mac.

Using emojis is a great way to add flair and personality to what would just be a plain ole’ text message. But if you’re an Apple devotee, you’ll also be able to liven your chats up with Memojis. Introduced on iOS 12, Memojis are custom avatars that you make in your likeness. Choose from numerous clothing, facial hair, and other cosmetic filters to dial in your appearance. When finished, your Memojis can be used with a few iOS apps, including Messages and FaceTime.