I have used Windows Vista RC2 and whilst I wouldn't claim to be overwhelmed by its features, I would say I was relieved.
Everyone knows Microsoft has played the catch up game with Apple. Mac OS X has some great features and has had them for some time.
I'm just glad this release of Windows does have the graphical eye-candy: I'd be annoyed at being stuck without it for another 5 years.
Mac OS X is amazing. In March, I bought a cheap G3 Mac for my sister. She loved the look of the machine and the interface. I loved the fact that she enjoyed using computers (i.e. keeps her up to date with the skill set) and that I don't have to remove spyware/worms etc etc.
But, lets face it, Games support is pants: like linux, but at least you can install Microsoft Office.
A new Mac is far too expensive for me. I'm still a student.
Linux is fantastic for giving old machines a new lease of life - like my Dual Intel Pentium III 733 box; which with an nvidia graphics card allows me to use XGL/Compiz and get all the fancy eyecandy Aqua and Aero offer. Don't think Linux is useless: install Ubuntu and use O'Reilly's Ubuntu Hacks book. You'll achieve lots in a very short period of time including the DVD and multimedia support that a lot of people say is missing.
I keep returning to Windows though. I do need games to distract me from my studies (Applications of Formal Methods and Requirements Engineering do take their toll). I also need Visual Studio 2005.
I think some people that do not like Windows last used Millenium Edition. Windows XP had crap eyecandy but it did have two things that kept me from returning to 2000: considerably better stability: I havent seen a blue screen of death in years; and compatibility mode for applications.
Windows also comes preloaded on cheap yet powerful computers supplied by Dell. (Student - remember?)
I enjoy using all three operating systems. But I can't enjoy Amiga OS 4 because no one has given me the opportunity: I can't see or use either hardware or software.
Alternative operating systems (to Windows that is) need to fit into niche market. Linux is great for older machines (and manipulating text within files). OS X is great for fashion extremists and people with lots of money (lucky lucky bar-stewards).
Not a dig, just a balanced viewpoint.
Sam Holland
Final Year Undergraduate,
BSc Computing Science
