rants @ 18 Feb 2007 09:54 am by bigfish
I admit it: I have yet to see Windows Vista in any form other than in reviews. It looks nice enough, but I’m still wondering why I’d pay nearly $400 for an operating system. What does it do that is so amazing? I’m open to learning, once I can figure out what all of the versions are. I don’t have the brain cells to sort it all out and I don’t plan to try.
I still have to support Windows so it helps for me to know what’s what. And I still need to use Windows for certain applications that won’t run under either Wine or Crossover Office, but I don’t need Vista to do that. But would I recommend to anyone that they bother with an upgrade to Vista?
Okay, Vista has improved security. But how significantly improved? If you need to have someone hold your hand while you brush your teeth, then maybe this “improvement” is a good thing. It’s like “It looks like you’re brushing your teeth. Do you really want to brush your teeth” questions. (I have a great t-shirt with this on it and Mr. Paperclip. Remember that helpful little monster?)
Here’s what Microsoft has to say about Vista’s improved security:
- Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption (Why Do They Have to InVent All of These FunNy Names?) — I can encrypt my drive — if I want to — with several free tools.
- Built in spyware protection, from what I can tell. I think this is Windows Defender. Eh, if you’re using Windows, just get SpyBot Search and Destroy. And run AdAware too. And don’t click on attachments in email unless you know that you’re expecting them.
- Windows Firewall. Try the free ZoneAlarm.
- More secure code. I don’t know, looks to me like it’s already been hacked.
- Parental controls. Hey, why not monitor your kids and put their computer in a public place? Did you know that even kids can get past those parental controls. Ever hear of proxies?
Now, I’m not pretending to post a review of Vista here. Remember, I’ve never even seen it. I’ll look at it sometime when I’m in a computer store to see what it’s about. And if Microsoft will send me an eval copy I might even run it. (And one of those nice Ferrari laptops too, please.) I’m interested, sure. And, I’m sure that many smart people spent countless hours building Vista. So what? Ever since Windows 2000, I’ve only seen problems with subsequent versions of Windows. And 2000 had its problems too but now it’s mostly been patched.
I hear that all of Vista’s security improvements slow it down. It asks a lot of annoying questions. And if you want all of the bells and whistles which are of questionable merit, you’ll pay through the nose. And never mind the hardware requirements which are through the proverbial roof. I don’t think I could run it on any computer that I own and I’m certainly not going to upgrade my hardware just to run the beast.
I currently use Ubuntu on two desktops and one laptop. (We publish a great book on it: Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks by Rickford Grant — arguably the best beginning Linux book on the planet. Not that I’m biased. Oh no, not me.)
Linus is not perfect, but it’s pretty damn good for free. And I can even run it directly off a CD. Try that with Windows.
Linux is pretty secure too, though not as secure as OpenBSD. I don’t worry about spyware or viruses. It does sometimes freeze (probably a driver problem on this Acer laptop), but I’ve always been able to fix it. It doesn’t ask me stupid questions or pop-up useless error messages. And, when I discover an error, I find that I can type it into Google and get an answer. Why? Because the source code is open — people can actually fix it rather than wait for the Gods of Microsoft to cast down the answers to them. And Linux offers from very cool features that Vista can’t touch:
- Multiple desktops. Price? Free.
- Frequent updates. Price? Free.
- Tons of applications that do most of what I want — certainly email, web, and productivity stuff. Price? Free.
- Eye candy if you want it, Beryl and XGL. I’ve tried it; it’s very cool. But I don’t need it. Price? Free.
- Ability to add all sorts of customizations to your desktop to make it look as cool as you want. I don’t need to. I have a nice, basic scheme. I’d rather clean and speedy then jazzy and annoying. Oh, and the price? Free.
I could go on but I won’t. At least not in this post.
My best friend called the other day. He wants to get a new laptop with Vista. I’m still wondering why. It’s just an operating system, stupid.
If you want window dressing buy some new shades.
