Vista

I don't use Windows, never have (oh ok, in work situations, but only by necessity and under extreme protest).

Windows may be a fine OS for certain types of computer needs, but I don't understand why so many people still continue to use it.

For me, the virus/spy/mal ware etc of the Windows world is reason enough not to go there. Period.

But now comes VISTA. Woohoo. More reason to dislike Microsoft.



I pity the legions who switch over, only to find that Microsoft (and Hollywood it seems) have taken back more control from you over your own computer.

It's a Genuine Advantage™, don't you know.

Seems Microsoft can disable, on your computer, software it deems "unwanted". Oh but you can control that feature, no?

From the BBC: the terms and conditions remove any doubt about who is in control by providing that "this agreement only gives you some rights to use the software. Microsoft reserves all other rights".

For those users frustrated by the software's limitations, Microsoft cautions that "you may not work around any technical limitations in the software".

It's good Windows has no limitations...or do they....?

Then comes this piece of joy:

the restrictions associated with the ability to play high-definition content from the next-generation Blu-Ray and HD-DVD discs (referred to as "premium content"). He noted that Vista intentionally degrades the picture quality of premium content when played on most computer monitors.

For your convenience.

Said Microsoft: "If the policies [associated with the premium content] required protections that Windows Vista couldn't support, then the content would not be able to play at all on Windows Vista PCs."

While that may be true, left unsaid is Microsoft's ability to demand a better deal on behalf of its enormous user base or the prospect that users could opt-out of the technical controls.

When Microsoft introduced Windows 95 more than a decade ago, it adopted the Rolling Stones Start Me Up as its theme song. As millions of consumers contemplate the company's latest upgrade, the legal and technological restrictions may leave them singing You Can't Always Get What You Want

LOL, or "It's All Over Now" or "Surprise Surprise" or "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" or...

And yes, Apple could slap the same bullshit on us with Leopard.