Ok quick super geek moment: I hate Vista!!! I have tried really really really hard to like the features and work with the new OS but in the end there is nothing that I can see as a clear advantage over XP. The themes and the desktop look cool but that can only take you so far, In fact after about 20 min with Vista the OH AH UH factor was totally gone. For those working on web design IIS 7 is a nightmare. Now perhaps I am being hasty since I am not an expert when it comes to any IIS but geez what I do know, I don't like IIS 7. There are lots of other things I can complain about (like the Network and Sharing Center that takes some serious time getting used to) but I am not going there. If you have the chance to stay with XP...do. I read an interesting article the other day relating that only 8% of developers are coding for Vista as 13% are coding for Linux. Now for those of my friends who are not familiar or comfortable with the idea of another OS don't be. There is life after Microsoft. Now I won't say that everything is compatible or that you can really do everything on Linux that you can do on Windows, let's face it Windows is an industry standard. Linux does however give you a very very nice alternative. It takes some getting used to, but IT'S FREEE!!! So there is a learning curve, at least there is no $200 upgrade fee every time a new version is rolled. I used to be afraid of the "dark side" but try it, you may find that it is a refreshing new look on personal computers. If you are unsure how to even start check out this site: http://distrowatch.com/ here there are tons and tons of different flavors of Linux. I personally recommend Ubuntu and Suse. I have used both and both are user friendly and come with tons of features already built in. They are light too so they can run on almost any machine. If you are a hard core internet user and don't spend too much time on the desktop try GOS. Its mostly an internet based OS but fun and the graphics are very appealing. Well thats the end of my little rant about computers. One last note - Mac's are getting really really nice. OS X has really impressed me. The only downside is the pricey hardware. If you can get over that don't be afraid of the Mac.
Have fun everyone and I hope all the fathers had a good day on Sunday.
Cheers,
-JR