Microsoft cuts down Vista prices

Microsoft announced Friday that it is cutting prices of packaged Windows Vista operating systems it sells in stores.

The move comes as computer users rebel against the software, contending it is too complex for many machines and conflicts with programs they rely on or enjoy.

Vista price cuts are to take effect in March with the release of a set of upgrades for the operating system.

A class action lawsuit accusing Microsoft of giving personal computers misleading "Vista Capable" stamps is underway in US federal court.

The suit contends Vista's capabilities exceed the capabilities of many approved machines.

The US software giant maintains Vista is doing well, with more than 100 million copies being sold pre-installed on computers since the software launched in January of 2007.

Retail purchases of "stand alone" Vista software primarily limited to "early adopters" or people building their own machines, according to Microsoft marketing vice president Brad Brooks.

Promotions conducted in various markets showed slashing prices boosted retail sales of packaged Vista software.

"While the promotions varied region to region, one constant emerged - an increase in demand among consumers that went beyond tech enthusiasts and build-it-yourself types," Brooks said.

Prices of Vista Premium and Ultimate editions will be reduced in established markets, while prices of basic versions and upgrades will be cut in emerging markets.

The precise amounts of the price cuts were not disclosed.

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