So a class of disgruntled Vista users are suing Microsoft, claiming it engaged in deceptive marketing practices while touting its new OS. I dunno. Suing Microsoft for deceptive marketing is like suing Paris Hilton for being blonde. It's in their DNA, they can't help it. Since DOS 1.0 Microsoft has been widely accused of spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt throughout the industry. The interesting thing is that So a class of disgruntled Vista users are suing Microsoft, claiming it engaged in deceptive marketing practices while touting its new OS.I dunno. Suing Microsoft for deceptive marketing is like suing Paris Hilton for being blonde. It’s in their DNA, they can’t help it. Since DOS 1.0 Microsoft has been widely accused of spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt throughout the industry. The interesting thing is that, with Vista, they’ve managed to spread FUD for one of their own products. Way to go, Bill-co! Quick, how many versions of Vista are there and what do they cost? Answer: At least 5 (not including the 32- and 64-bit variations), all with separate retail, upgrade, and/or volume pricing schemes. So should you order the 32-bit Ultimate Vista with cheese or the 64-bit Enterprise Vista Happy Meal? And do you want fries with that? There’s your uncertainty.In columns past I’ve written about Cringesters who bought brand new “Vista ready” machines from major vendors, only to find out that “ready” actually meant “as soon as we get our hands on some new drivers and a service pack or two.” Graphics cards, sound cards, and RAID drives are three areas where Vista systems haven’t been ready, sticker or no sticker. Even if your brand new system ships with the Premium or Ultimate versions and appears to hit all the key specs, you may not get all the Premium or Ultimate features (like the groovy Aero interface) cuz your hardware just ain’t up to the job. (I know this, because I just bought one.) You’ll have to dig deep into the footnotes on Microsoft’s Vista site to find that little nugget. I think that qualifies as doubt. The fear factor is that you’ll be missing out on “the most secure Windows ever” or that mysterious “wow” Microsoft keeps talking about. Not that it matters much. In a few months you won’t be able to order a PC with XP on it anymore.From Microsoft’s perspective, the fear is whether Vista — a minor upgrade that’s cause major problems for some users — will be remembered as the beginning of the fall of the Redmond Empire. I doubt Ballmer et al. are worried about that, but maybe they should be. Linux Desktops, anyone? I may be strictly virtual these days, but I’m still in the business of gathering gossip and giving out free “I Spy 4 Cringe” bags to my top tipsters. You can deliver the dirt here. Software DevelopmentSmall and Medium Business