Texas senator: Let's ban Windows Vista purchases

Just when you thought our tax dollars and TARP funds were going out the window, a Texas senator added a provision to the state budget that would require state agencies to get written approval from the Legislative Budget Board before buying Windows Vista technology related to an operating system, equipment, or licenses.

My San Antonio News reports on the proposal, up for debate Wednesday:

The "rider" in the proposed two-year, $182.2 billion state budget--expected to be taken up Wednesday by the Texas Senate--would require state agencies to get written approval from the Legislative Budget Board before buying Vista technology related to an operating system, equipment, or licenses.

Sen. Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, added the provision in committee and said it's meant to block purchases of the technology, which has been targeted by criticism: "Don't buy it because it's not worth it."

The senator must have experienced one "blue screen of death" too many to want to force an entire state to reject Vista.

Follow me on Twitter @daveofdoom

[bensobel]

Very sensational statement to catch some headlines.

[shootthecops]

*microsoft dispatches lobbyists*

[gggg sssss]

sounds like Apple and SUN/IBM already have.

[SeanBlader]

If one of my state representatives said that, I'd make sure he didn't get re-elected. What a waste of time, anyone in the state IT department would probably do exactly that anyway. They'll wait for Windows 7 service pack 2 since SP1 is "included" with Windows 7.

[myles taylor]

Well with as much crappy stuff as the legislature does on a regular basis, maybe someone is actually doing something worthwhile, although it's probably overdoing it. On the other hand, maybe it's a good thing. (Shrugs)

[ewsachse]

Stupidest state senator ever. What do you expect from Texas.

[twburger]

What would be so smart about spending your tax money on an OS that does not work properly, causes older applications to fail, needs hardware upgrades to run, and will be replaced by a fixed version (Windows 7) at the end of the year?

[Mr. Dee]

Microsoft is not forcing anybody to upgrade to Windows 7. Just like XP, Vista will be available post Windows 7 RTM for quite a while. Businesses are most likely to deploy it because it will be considered proven technology with the release of Vista SP2. Windows 7 will be greatly adopted by consumers of course at RTM, but businesses will hold out until SP1 as they always do.

[johnj834]

Most everyone I know uses Vista, everyone has more problems with it than any other version they have ever used. Therefore, I believe the Senator has some intelligence. As far as your ignorant insult to Texas, you've probably never been there.

[twburger]

Sen. Juan Hinojosa - God bless you.

[ThePrairiePrankster]

Micro-management at it's worst. It seems to me the Honorable Senator would be better served if the IT Operations of his state are measured by objective standards than emotion.

It may be that it is in the best interest of the state to use Linux or Apple instead of Microsoft operating systems. Or it maybe not. Regardless, unless the State Senator is a systems expert with bleeding edge skills and knowledge about operating systems, the residents of his fine State would likely be best served if his Honor would stop micro-managing and instead development metrics to measure success of the IT Operations of the State in a way that is fair and easy to understand.

[Renegade Knight]

Maybe, maybe not. Different agencies have different IT departmetns. Each with a different spin on getting the job done. Most times it doens't matter. Sometimes you have to make an executive decision (pass a law or executive order) to get everone on the same page. They can still pick their favorite mice.

[johnqh]

April fools?

[Erictheruler1]

Wouldn't buying Vista Make you an Everyday fool? That would include april 1st...

[gstah]

Haha. I love it.

[mewen]

And I thought our Chicago Aldermen were stupid. Let's see, 90% of business desktops use Windows (ok, less using Vista), but let's now make it harder for people to do their jobs. If I thought any of these Legislators had a technology clue, I might give them a break, but most are as technophobe as you can get. after all, they have Aides, Secretaries, etc. They never have to use any technology.

[ddhboy]

Like it matters with Windows 7 on the horizon, or like anyone let alone the government which is always 2 days slow technologically was converting their computers to Vista.

[nouser]

If the state hasn't moved to Vista at this point why would anyone think they should not wait for the new Windows and just skip Vista. Lots of companies have this planned. Sounds pretty smart to not waste taxpayers money only to have to upgrade to the next Windows shortly anyway. Face it, Vista has seen less than stellar acceptance since it's very beginning.

[gggg sssss]

so when they are buying a new computer this week, what shoudl they put on it? XP? OS/2? Something made in China?

[tm_anon]

If they're buying a new computer this week, let's find out exactly why.

It doesn't stop them from buying it, it just holds them more responsible for it.

By the way, most likely, at least some part of that computer you're using to comment came from China.

And for an OS, there's always Linux. Saves money and does everything they'd need to do including syncing with an Exchange server for e-mail.

[oVERTHINKINGLY]

I am in Houston, Texas, and I completely agree with his decision to block useless technology. One Microsoft spokesman even said that Vista was a open Beta version of Windows 7, just to get profits.

[jdzions]

" One Microsoft spokesman even said that Vista was a open Beta version of Windows 7, just to get profits."

Oh, reeeeeallly? Name the name. Cite your source. Who said it, when, and where.

If you can't give a citation, you're almost certainly repeating someone else's outright lie, and you oughta know better than to do that.

If there is a real citation, I'd expect to see massive class-action lawsuits, or at least front-page NYTimes articles about it.

[The_happy_switcher]

In my best Nelson Munce voice: "HUH HAH!"

[Perry_Clease]

In my best Nelson Munce voice: "HUH HAH!"

I am pretty sure that it is "Hah Ha" or "Ha Ha"

Now do your Homer "Doh!"

[The_happy_switcher]

I stand corrected. I didn't say it was a good imitation.

[dbraddy]

This is smartest thing I've ever heard come out of Texas. Better yet, why not ban Microsoft Windows entirely on the grounds that it is inherently insecure.

[CherokeeBrave]

you sound like an AO-HELL critter!!!!

[ewelch]

He must have caught a virus. Did anyone explain to him that visiting the "Biggest Little *****house in Texas" wasn't for those practicing safe politics? :-P

[russkeller]

First intelligent thing ever done by government to prevent waste. Don't count on it lasting MS will get their bail out money.

[CA1900]

Microsoft will ship Windows Mojave in about 10 minutes if this passes.

[dmhallman]

CRAZY! There is no bigger priority in the government? Just proves, anyone interested in public office is too stupid to be there.

[sanjayb]

Steve Ballmer's TODO list:

1. Slam Apple.
2. Take out certain Texas Senator.
3. Slam Google