Thanks For The Memories, Microsoft

Well, it took less time than some of us expected. Microsoft has released a critical fix for that nasty IE bug. You know, I wonder. I would really like to know what the moral is like over at Microsoft headquarters?

In the mobile front, they are having success with the Zune along with Windows Mobile. In the gaming world, the Xbox 360 rules the living room. But to be honest, I am deeply concerned as to the direction of their Windows Vista efforts. In this recent piece from ZDNet, we hear how Vista is a good thing as it is forcing people to upgrade their hardware. Um, who cares? Not that I have a problem with the article mind you. Rather, why in the heck do I need to upgrade hardware that is not even two years old yet?

The argument is a good one for what it is, an argument to make sure that gamers and video editing fanatics have the proper tools to make this happen. However once again, the average user has been completely forgotten about – again.

In the end, I think that Microsoft has created an OS that will serve Windows enthusiasts and gamers alike. As for the the average PC user on the other hand, I see absolutely zero reasons why they should be upgrading in this direction whatsoever. By taking XP, using an up to date install of Firefox, locking down the ports with a good external hardware firewall built myself and restricting access to the administrator account except in specific needed situations, there is no reason for any of my ex-PC repair clients to dance with the coming hardware headaches of the upcoming Vista OS.

If you are looking for a media experience or simply need a screaming gaming machine, then perhaps Vista is great match for you. Speaking for myself, I will be dumping Windows completely in exchange for Ubuntu while buying an Apple for my video and audio work.

This will not likely happen immediately, but soon Windows will no longer be a part of my life. I made this decision sometime back, but once I discovered that anyplace Ubuntu left me hanging, the Mac could pick up the pieces, upgrading any other direction made little sense to me at that point. Linux allows me the joy of building PCs still, but the Mac allow me to do the one thing that I need from an OS that Linux does provide enough options in Kino – video editing with professional level software.

Until the upgrade takes place, I will happily use my XP box for my video work. It’s served me well and I may even hang onto it for awhile. I see no reason to rush just yet, however by the time Vista becomes the norm, a very long time Windows user will no longer be part of that world any longer. It’s been fun Microsoft, your OS flaws made me a lot of money in the PC repair game back in the day. Thanks for the memories.