Vista - Everything You Read About It Is All Lies - Maybe! Part #1

The nice thing about being involved with computers for so many years, is that even though the hardware and software products change over time, peoples prejudices are timeless. One only has to read some of the reviews about Vista or some of those “10 best things about Vista” or “10 worst things about Vista”, [The number changes, sometimes it's 5, 10, 15, I even saw one for 100 ], and doing a 100 list takes a lot of creative writing whether your writing good or bad points.

The first thing we need to address is past history and the evolution of the PC and operating systems. And do it quickly. Whether it was DOS or Windows, or whether it was new hardware or software, everyone has to chime in with their two cents. In days gone by, the commentaries were mainly confined to printed format. But now with the luxury of the Internet, postings are made immediately, and we get to hear from people like myself adding their take into the mix. And with the competition from blogging, coming up with some useful information to attract readers, adds to the writers plight. Thus, we have some tales being spun about Vista, just for the sake of having something to post to the world.

So how do you the reader, know what to believe and what not to believe? Get to know the writer. What other articles have they written. How well do they present their point of view. Check the comments section. Are they adding to the comments, or just dismissing comments as a nuisance. What facts are they basing their opinions on? Personal experience or just using relying on other opinions?

How honest is the writer? Have you established a bond from previous writings. Two examples. First, and I have mentioned this person before, and that I really enjoy the writings of Robert X. Cringley who posts a column over at InfoWorld. Though his column is only a 1/2 or page or less, it is the first article I go to when I receive my weekly copy of the magazine. I like his style of sarcastic humor and also his unique insider information.

Second, is myself. Being a Microsoft MVP is a honor. It means I have been recognized as someone who gives back to the technology community in some small way. But the one real thing I like about the program is that I am under no obligation from Microsoft to say or do anything or to be a puppet for their organization. Case in point. When I wrote about the first Vista Ultimate upgrades, here, I had two choices to make. Either a glowing report how wonderful the Ultimate Extras were or that they were “Ho-Hum.” which was my real personal opinion.

Stay tuned for Part #2

[tags]vista, opinions, best, worst, [/tags]