Most of the consumer world is going to buy a new computer and will have to experience Windows Vista. My personal thoughts on Vista are mixed. Regardless of your needs, Vista has clearly been designed to be more graphically pleasing. In layman’s terms, it looks nicer. The downside of this is it looks different and feels different than all the older versions of Microsoft operating systems, like Windows 98 and Windows XP, etc.
There are newer features like a stronger security format and different designs under the hood which make products like older printers, camera software, other software for older versions of Windows, to not work. In short, these factors are disorienting to many. Because the end-user will have to deal with a change of what they are used to, it provides a terrific opportunity to consider other operating systems, outside of Microsoft Vista.
In general, when I speak to clients, they are mostly interested in getting email, and not worrying about spyware, virus software, and the reasons why there are general system “slowdowns.” Some people are willing to make a few behavioral changes when they use the Internet, to avoid future infections and problems. But some bearly understand the computer, and will never feel comfortable with it.
Apple, Linux and Vista all look different than Microsoft’s past operating system designs. The advantage Apple and Linux have over Microsoft is that they are both less exploited by viruses, Trojan’s, worms, spyware, ActiveX problems and spyware.
Apple is available on line, and at retail locations. Both have price fixing, yet the Apple stores offer educational discounts for students and teachers. I would consider buying directly from the Apple store for these discounts. I also suggest to purchase Apple Care along with any of their machines in case something goes wrong within the next three years of ownership. They do make great machines.
I have been running the Linux operating for years. These machines can run for 100’s of days without requireing a reboot. If power goes out, the computer will recover without any kind of damage or loss – unless a lightenin bolt travels a surge up to the computer, itself! Linux is available several different ways. Dell and Lenovo are both offering these machines, and I HIGHLY suggest this alternative. I also offer the service of refurbishing machines, that my clients already own, to run Linux.
To see a video explaining Dell’s Linux effort, please watch this four minute video.
More to come on this….