Remind me: Why are we supposed to hate Windows Vista?
When Microsoft came out with Windows Vista, IT guys in the know sneered. “It doesn’t do anything new.” “It’s not compatible with anything.” “It annoys the hell out of me.”
My new desktop came with Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium Edition. I’m supposed to be resentful. I’m supposed to hate it and think it is a joke.
Uh oh — I LOVE IT!
Perhaps it’s the combination of the new, faster computer and the great big screen, but everything is so blankin’ cool now. When I mouse over my open windows on the task bar, little preview screens pop up to show me what the windows are — even little videos when I am watching CSI on the CBS website. It’s organized clearly, and I can find things in a flash. I like the fact that it warns me when an executable is about to launch or an application is trying to break.
It keeps my most-used applications in a quick list, and I love not having to expand the start menu 20 times to find applications. It makes cute little noises when it starts up, and has these sexy little transparent window borders when a window is reduced. I even like the big ole’ clock face that sits on the desktop.
So, here’s the interesting thing. I was just searching around for the “vista sucks” websites and hate groups, and I ran across info on the Mojave Experiment. Microsoft interviewed non-Vista users about how they felt about Vistas, and across the board they hated it. Then Microsoft presented these people with a new operating system they called “Mojave,” which was actually Vista in disguise. The users loved it.
So, I’m a pretty smart chick, but I decided before I used Vista that I’d hate it because smart, techy people said I’d hate it. I still am pretty embarrassed to admit that I like it. I feel like I’m going to lose any “geek status” I’ve ever had, and I’m going to be banned from ever visiting CNET again.
I’m okay with that. I like Windows Vista, and I’m not afraid to say it anymore.
Hate it and want to switch back to XP? Here’s how.
You knew there had to be one: The VistaSucks Blog
And one more….
Claire on 08 Aug 2008 at 10:29 am #
Vista Home Premium is cool. I loved it on my new computer. However to connect to the Microsoft corporate network as part of one of my jobs, I had to install Vista Enterprise instead. (They paid for it and I even got a full copy of Office 2007 as a sweet bonus.) However, I don’t have some of the cool features you mention now, like the previews. And I’ve had minor issues with the fact that some of the hardware installed on my new laptop isn’t apparently compatible with Vista enterprise. Geez. Even so, I too had tech software developer buddies that said nothing nice about Vista. I think it’s just fine. People bitch because it’s new and they don’t like change. Just like those that are still bitching about Word 2007, preferring to stick with 2003 because they “know where everything is”. Get over it folks and move on – that’s what I tell them. Keep up with the times.
Beth on 08 Aug 2008 at 10:40 am #
I think that’s most of it…. the fear of new. I taught computer courses for many years to adults, and some would literally sit on their hands until I told them to hit a button. Their learning styles were not conducive to exploration. They wanted something safe and easy. I can waste an entire weekend pushing buttons on a new electronic toy, so I am comfortable with change.
I love Office 2007 as well!
chris on 08 Aug 2008 at 12:17 pm #
I really enjoyed your, “So, I’m a pretty smart chick,” comment!!!! That’ makes my Friday!
Beth on 08 Aug 2008 at 12:23 pm #
Chris, you crack me up! I’m a smart chick, and you’re a funny guy.
Lesli Lord on 08 Aug 2008 at 12:33 pm #
I love Office 2007 but do believe Vista is the devil. Compatibility with my printers, different software (my prof. adobe only prints graphics in red)is a nighmare and my scanner is having a nervous breakdown. I work from both a PC and a MAC and don’t mind learning new functionality but the transition to Vista has been an ongoing headache for me.
Papa on 08 Aug 2008 at 12:33 pm #
I hate change in computers. They are with us to do work and if they do the work they are supposed to do, leave them alone.
I think it was 1971 when I first said this. Thank goodness no one listened to me. I still hate change though.
But I thought phonetic spelling was a great idea. Spelling rules just inhibit my creativity.