People are crazy. I just read through the comments on someones plug for Windows 7, and as always, bitter debate ensued. There were basically two camps: Windows users and Mac users. Each group consisted of mostly common users--people who use their computers for typing up reports, sending emails, or surfing the net (side note: since the internet is a series of connected tubes, I propose we call it the "inter-tubes"). Sprinkled throughout the mud-flinging were a few IT techs and network administrators who attempted (to no avail) to even the playing field one way or the other.
Windows 7 has been hailed as the end-all be-all of operating systems by end users who just suffered through Vista. In comparison, I'm sure it's breathtaking. It hasn't been out long enough for users to find the little annoyances and fatal system bugs that will inevitably arise. Already, Windows has released numerous fixes to patch up cracks in the media and security holes. In time, W7 users will descend from their high and they'll start complaining again--this is the nature of new toys. I'm not saying they'll be as unhappy as they were with Vista; I find that extremely hard to envision. Windows users will still be Windows users because that's what they're used to.
Snow Leopard has been the hottest news in the Apple community since it came out in August 2009, but Apple seems to be slipping from their white tower. Mac users often boast that Apple computers can't get viruses and don't crash. Ever. McAfee (anti-virus software giant) recently extended support for Macs (stupid move if they can't get viruses), and Snow Leopard, even without a virus, will delete everything you ever saved if you log in as a guest. My point should be made by now. No operating system is perfect--patches and upgrades are necessary. In the end though, Mac users will be Mac users, those bumper stickers are super-glued on.
Apple advertising is shameful. Mud-flinging has always been seen for what it is, and I personally sympathize with the PC guy--if only for the fact that he's made fun of time and time again. Microsoft did a great job with the counter campaign: "I'm a PC." They're not flinging mud back; they're just making Apple look like they don't like people.
The ironic thing: PC means Personal Computers. Apple computers are PCs. The least they could do is say "Microsoft" when they mean it, but that would give them away.
Now that I've sufficiently angered both sides, allow me to stereotype Windows and Mac users. If you don't fall into my stereotypes, you don't need to be offended, just sit back and chuckle a little as you think of people you know in either boat.
Windows users are the everyday computer users. Most haven't branched out to other operating systems, and if they have, they realized that the largest support base was back where they started. They don't want the job to get their hands dirty, they just want to get the job done. Windows is everywhere: schools, businesses, internet cafes, and coffee shops.
The large majority of Mac users I've met would kill for their Mac. The article I read that inspired me to write this called them "Mac fanboys," which is a good description. These are the fanatic Mac users who will comment mean things about me when I post this message. They have a great operating system. They have white Apple stickers on their car and warn people to stay away from their precious white machines. Their paranoia is justified. Don't hate or ostracize them, they're just in the minority--and know it.
If you're a Windows user, find a Mac user who's not overly protective of his machine and give it a try. You might be surprised.
If you're a Mac user, try out Windows, it's everywhere.
Both of you, find some nerd with Ubuntu and give it a whirl. You might be surprised.
Linux people are generally nerds, but it is true that Ubuntu is becoming very user friendly. The upside is that it's free and new full versions come out twice a year. Free. Linux people don't mind searching forums for the program they need to get the job done because there are enough nerds out there to make good programs and to test one another's programs. They're the outcasts, and they don't mind.
There will always be issues to resolve no matter what operating system you use, so before you get too old, try a new one. Don't just sit down, feel uncomfortable, and leave; ask someone to introduce their world to you. They might look at you like you've lost your mind, but hey, people are crazy.
