Shutting Windows for good

I have a problem with Windows Vista.

I know what you're thinking, "Sheesh, you're not alone." But considering that I don't OWN a copy o f Windows Vista I'd say my problem is, not unique but noteable.

Here's the thing... it's just so darned unnecessary.

Windows XP is a perfectly useable operating system, right? I mean, sure, it's had it's ups and downs. Some security issues. Some glitches and bugs that had to be worked out. But overall it weathered the storm and became the kind of operating system you might reasonably expect from Microsoft. Functional, aesthetically pleasing and working 80% of the time without major glitches.

Now, that said, it DID have glitches. And they were things that annoyed me. The problems with using Remote Desktop, for example. Problems with networking. Problems with mysterious, hidden files that track my every digital movement. Problems with software I need not running properly.

From what I've read and seen THOSE problems still exist in Vista. Only now you have the added bonus of a totalitarian OS that demands that every move you make be authorized and determines on its own that since you added a new hard drive AND new RAM you have a new computer so it's going to shut down now.

No wonder I went Mac.

I was the biggest proponent for Windows. I truly was. "There's nothing you can do on your expensive Mac that I can't do on my cheap and flexible Windows system." Only the "flexible" part turned out to be a lie and if I have to buy a new OS every time I upgrade my motherboard then it's not exactly cheap, is it?

I had a conundrum. Vista has ticked me off so bad that I no longer wanted to have anything to do with Microsoft at all. But what alternative did I have? I've managed to purchase exactly two Macs at this point and I have half a dozen PCs gently roasting me in my tiny little office. They all serve a purpose. What was I to do?

Linux. Dang it all, but Linux will save the day.

I had been hesitant to make the move but once Vista hit the market I found myself feeling it more and more. I had to get away. I had to break free from this stupid, useless, money sucking monster that wasn't going to rest until it had drained me of every last penny and had control of every document, video, song and photo on my hard drive. Microsoft seems to have an agenda, and that can be no less than "Total Digital Domination." So... I ditched 'em.

Recently I installed Ubuntu on one of my PCs. After giving it a thorough shakedown I've determined that "Open Source is good," and I now intend to start putting it on other machines.

Of course, I'm also going to try some of the other Linux suites out there. Hey, they're free so why not?

So it's a whole new world for me, OS wise. I've decided that if it ain't Mac then it's going to be Linux. There are Open Source alternatives for all of the software I use so that's a bonus. And it meets my two major requirements - it's free and it ain't Microsoft.

I'll let you know how it goes.

J. Kevin Tumlinson is the Editor of ViewOnline Magazine and a Producer with Hat Digital Media. He wants to install Linux on his wristwatch.

posted by Unknown @ 5:51 AM