accessAbout a month ago I finally got around to building my own computer. The possibility had been lurking in my mind (as so many things do) for awhile, especially over the last few months when my previous computer really started to show its age. I’d seriously considered purchasing an iMac—and may yet, some day—but after dropping $4000 on a desperately-needed car, the possibility of building my own computer for over $1000 less than I’d have to spend on a comparable iMac started to look a whole lot better. Before selecting any components, however, I knew I’d be running Windows Vista. Linux (any flavor) as a desktop really isn’t for me. I know that severely damages my computer geek cred, but it’s just too much work for very little pay off. And as much as I really want to use Mac OS X, I’m not too excited about running a pirated OS.
It also helped that I got a free copy of Windows Vista Business from the Haworth College of Business. Thanks for something Haworth.
So, Windows Vista Business it was. Or is. Or whatever. I’ve been using it ever since Lain was activated, and I’m really starting to wonder… what’s with all the hate? Ignoring the ubergeeks who treat software selection like a holy war (even now, a Mountain Dew-fueled army of zombie computer nerds are arguing through command-line IRC on their Gentoo-powered Mac II’s over whether EMACS or VI is the better text editor for modifying .conf files over SSH), there’s still a lot of animosity towards Windows Vista. No, it isn’t perfect. Installation was a bit weird, requiring me to first install Windows XP and then go back and install Vista. Whomever thought User Account Control was a great idea should be forced to actually use it for the rest of their life. Compatibility is bound to be a problem for users who absolutely refuse to give up their aging software.
After a month of use, however, I’m extremely happy with the switch. Vista isn’t the revolution in computing Microsoft might want you to believe, but it is a significant improvement over Windows XP. The eye-candy is nice to look at, and a lot of little touches that might seem like pure eye candy actually help to improve usability, like capacity bars under drive icons or Flip 3D, which works similar to ALT+TAB switching in previous version of Windows but allows you to actually see windows. The new Windows Explorer is significantly more usable, with breadcrumb address bars and intelligent view selection. The Games menu is an excellent addition to the Start Menu, and the Start Menu as a whole is much improved over Windows XP.
Windows Vista really is a nice OS to use. It’s not the huge leap Microsoft wanted, but it is an excellent step in the right direction. So what’s with all the hate?
I didn’t read any of it because I don’t have time but I feel obligated:
I hate on Vista because I own a Mac. MAC FOREVER!! *eagerly awaits 10.5 even though only just now got a copy of 10.4 XD*
Awww, I spent a lot of time on that “zombie computer nerds” joke. =P
I seriously considered getting an iMac, and those new metal-and-glass iMac’s are gorgeous. In the end, though, I just couldn’t justify the extra cost - I was able to build a PC better than any available iMac (before the new models were recently revealed) for over $1000 less than I’d have to pay for the best available iMac. I’d still love to get one someday, though. It may even convince me to finally give up Windows.