>> The software behemoth reckons it's directly responsible for creating 14 million jobs worldwide,
<sarcastic hat on>
That would perhaps be ironing out problems in Vista for the punters would it?
</sarcastic hat off>
Ive been a fan of Windows in the past. Although I have issues with some of the things Gates does he gotta admit that the guy is a marketing genius. Hes taken some damn good ideas (not necessarily M$ ones if you know what I mean!) and made them available to the masses.
The concept of Windows meant that many who couldnt get to grips with other O/S's at least stood a chance.
Some people slated off Win ME - yeah it did have its faults compared to say 2k, but I personally never had a problem with it nor any of the machines I installed it on. A lot of people moaned about XP but I found it resolved a lot of issues and for the home user I think it was good.
However - Vista is another matter. I dont have as much to do with other PCs these days so perhaps thats something to do with it.. but Im really disappointed in what should be a highish spec PC - well media center that Ive built. Not because of the hardware thats in there, but more the problems and niggles with getting stuff to work just right. Theres still things I havent as yet ironed out.. and Im beginning to regret ever purchasing a copy of Vista to put on it.
Yes I will admit my knowledge of PCs/ operating systems/hardware has declined over the past few years (It does if you dont stay on top of it), but if someone like me struggles or tears my hair out over stuff - then what chance has joe public? Aside from the fact IMHO Its way too big and eats up too many resources.
*Ive dabbled with linux too (RedHat) a few years back, but drew the line when it came to compiling my own drivers