 |
 |
 |
Windows Vista Review : The Vista Experience
Thursday, November 16th, 2006
Microsoft has made a concerted effort to imbue Windows Vista with a holistic user experience 
that was only hinted at in previous Windows versions. To understand what this means, consider the evolution of Windows: Not the pixels, widgets, and other onscreen interface elements so much as the overall "feel" one gets from Windows. Over time, Windows has evolved from a clumsy graphical user interface (GUI), built on top of MS-DOS, to a cohesive and complete environment of its own. The current Windows version–Windows XP–is reasonably stable (and, with Service Pack 2, reasonably secure) and provides a number of user-friendly touches that enhance and simplify certain experiences, such as the act of acquiring photos or movies from a camera. Windows isn’t perfect–and maybe it never will be–but it gets the job done.
What Windows has really lacked, besides pervasive and effective security controls, of course, is an emotional attachment with users. Unlike rival computing platforms such as Linux and the Mac, there aren’t fanatical groups of Windows enthusiasts roaming the Internet and striking down non-believers with unnecessary religious zeal and bias. In fact, if you think about it, the closest we have to that scenario in the Windows world are guys like me, and I couldn’t care less if you choose not to run Windows. Instead, Windows guys tend to be more pragmatic than Linux and Mac fanatics. First, we’re not fanatics, and while I can’t speak for the rest of the community, I completely understand why someone might want to run Mac OS X, and I’d never ridicule them for making that choice.
Second, the system we use is already dominant, so we don’t get defensive over every perceived slight. Oh, we laugh at the Bill Gates jokes, because we’re pretty sure he’s as creepy as you think he is too. And we circulate those "If Microsoft built cars" jokes just like Mac users. We’re comfortable with our choice, sure of our technological manhood, if you will. Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows: Windows Vista Review, Part 4: The Vista Experience
Popular Posts
Please read our Disclaimer
