Without considering the internal issues Microsoft Vista 64 might have, the problems with the integration onto the desktop are still glaring. Drivers of most every type are lacking, with the most necessary,  printer support, yet to be usable.

Now, the security certification body, Virus Bulletin, released results of its own testing of 20 antivirus products with Vista-64.  In the test batch, over a third failed to meet the criteria of the procedures. In fact, 6 of the 7 failing products gave false positives, incorrectly flagging non-threatening files as malware.

Knowing that, users, aware of the tendency of Microsoft efforts to be a favorite target, will hardly flock in large numbers to begin daily use without adequate protection.

Since many of the problems with operating systems are remedied through the ’squeaky wheel getting the grease’ process, it will be up to a mass of brave individuals to forge ahead, and point out the remaining shortcomings of the 64 bit flavor.

Until users jump in with both feet, the chances of major improvements to the Vista-Large editions will be few, and far between.  This would seem to be another area where the Linuxes will easily gain share, as the driver problems are not being reported - yet.

[tags] antivirus, malware, 64 bit Vista, Microsoft, Linux, security [/tags]