#168 — Dubious Improvements
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Later this year Microsoft will release Windows version seven. After nearly a decade-and-a-half in development, this new software package promises to give you the same smooth, hassle-free experience as Windows 95. As with the release of any new operating system, the arrival of Windows seven is exciting the geek community the way the arrival of European settlers excited the natives in the new world. Specifically, the geeks are dividing themselves into camps and working out attack strategies.
One camp is populated entirely by people who have an excess of ready cash; these are the People of the Apple. They’re eager to point out that the Apple OS is now in version X which is waaay better than version seven. So what that Apple hardware costs about three times as much as the Windows equivalent? It’s just ‘that’ much cooler. They say they’d like to see Windows gone, but deep in their hearts they know they really need Windows so they’ll have something to feel smug and superior about.
The folks in the Linux camp have no use for anyone who isn’t willing to compile an operating system in order to use it. You have to watch them closely because they’ll GREP or FINGER you at the drop of a CD-ROM. They don’t care about other operating systems because all non-Linux software is just a pale reflection of the Platonic ideal.
The largest camp is made up of actual Windows users; half of whom hate the thought of a new version while the other half cling to the hope that this time things will be better.
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Notes:
My thanks to all of the great folks who sent encouraging words my way this week:
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