Nerd’s Words (sm)

If you’re a Mac user, skip to the next part; there’s some important stuff there.

Windows Vista was a mistake.

I’m in the computer repair business so I only hear from people who are having problems. There are probably Vista lovers out there somewhere.

But the die is cast. Microsoft is abandoning Vista in favor of a new Windows operating system, Windows Seven. Actually, they’re calling it “Win-dows 7” but I want to avoid appearing like a proponent.

I am highly skeptical of Windows Seven and all things Microsoft these days and if I had any Microsoft stock, I would sell it.

Pre-release copies of Windows Seven are circulating among nerds and proto-nerds at this point. First retail copies should be appearing this fall.

Stay back! Even if you have Vista and can’t wait to get rid of it, stay back.

Treat Windows Seven like an uninvited guest. If mid-year 2010 comes along and you still want a copy of Windows Seven, go for it.

I am betting you will not want Windows Seven when it is fully revealed. It looks great now, but that’s where the “philosophy of hope” comes in. Anything looks good when you can’t see the details, especially compared to something bad that’s close at hand.

But I’m seeing glaring holes in this new Windows Seven. The more I see, the more I long for XP.

If you just have to get rid of Vista, buy a Macintosh. Take a good look at the Mac Mini. You can use your mouse, your keyboard and with a $2.50 adapter, your monitor.

If Windows Seven turns out to be a good thing, I will be happy to take this all back. It won’t and I won’t have to.

Spend Less Money

A year ago I wrote about how to spend less money on your computer. With the recession in full “on” mode now, it might be worth another look:

http://blog.comphelpco.com/index.php?paged=2

Yahoo Groups and Personal Privacy

If you’re a member of any Yahoo Group, they are now tracking what you do with your computer using something called “Web Beacons.” With this in-formation, they can send you targeted ads for things they know you like. They call it “ad matching” and make it sound like it’s a service to you.

You should, what, feel good that Big Brother is watching you? Twenty-five years later, 1984 is now upon us.

If you don’t want them to keep track of you, go to

http://info.yahoo.com/privacy/us/yahoo/opt_out/targeting/details.html

and opt out. Do this on every computer you use.

If you want the details, go here:
http://networkadvertising.org/

And finally…

Every period of time needs a “winter,” a period where things we’ve built are partially torn down in order to build better again. We’re in “winter” now. Don’t know how long it’s going to last. But spring always follows winter. Always.

If you’re having trouble feeling optimistic, make QuietCounsel your home page. It’s a help.
http://www.quietcounsel.org

-LLiioonneell