Microsoft revisited

Anyone who knows me, will know that I do not like Microsoft Windows. Microsoft are arrogant and their products are overpriced.

I have used almost all flavours of Windows from Windows 3.1 to Windows 7. I gave Vista a miss and kept XP. My main operating system and the one I do all my work in is Ubuntu (Linux). The only reason I have Windows on my PC is because it came with the machine when I bought it.

I get updates almost daily for Ubuntu, Microsoft releases them once a month. I get a new version of Ubuntu free every six months, Microsoft release service packs when needed and a new version as soon as it is ready and you pay to upgrade. Ubuntu is open source, so if you can improve it, you are free to do so. Microsoft do not allow you to change their code.

Microsoft have just released Windows 8 which is an ideal operating system for the Windows tablet, provided you have a decent Internet Connection, because your software and your data are stored in the cloud. Whilst bandwidth in South Africa has improved, I do not believe it is stable enough or cheap enough to be permanently connected.

The Desktop version will allow you to use the PC using a keyboard and mouse instead a touch screen. What I don’t like is the fact that the look and feel has changed and you will need to relearn to use your PC. That should not take too long. But the majority of Computer Users will not accept the change easily.

But having said that I do not like the new look, Ubuntu changed their look and interface and even though I still do not like it, I have got used to it and find it easy enough to use.

So I expect even the more conservative users will adapt and Windows 8 will be as successful as the previous versions.

Windows 7

I do not like Microsoft products. Their products are overpriced and often inferior to their competitors. I have been using Linux for some time and have settled on Ubuntu as my PC’s operating system.

So I was pleasantly surprised when using Windows 7 that came loaded with my new laptop. It is easy to use and comes standard with most software that you need for day to day use. The only thing missing is an Office Suite and this can be easily solved with Libre Office or Open Office.

I did make a few extra changes to Windows to suit the way I work. I spent several days experimenting with different Linux distributions and moving data from backups. I used mostly Windows 7 during this time and used Windows with out a problem.

So now the the big question – did I abandon Ubuntu and embrace Windows? Is the Pope Catholic? Of course not!

I may use Windows for certain jobs and to test Web Sites, but I still very much an Open Source Guy!