While I’m bashing Microsoft, can I just point out more of their late-to-the-market “innovations?” They just announced some of the stunning new features in Windows Vista, still not expected to be on the market until, I think, 2007.
…a new interface with features including live preview in the task bar, which will allow users to see all applications as they are running, as well as a “3D” bar that lets users flip through applications.
Apple’s Mac OS X has had both those features since, well, 2001. That’s 5 years, for those who are counting, and Vista still hasn’t been released yet.
…the user interface, which now sports a glass-like sheen that is, appropriately enough, called Aero Glass.
Do I really need to comment on that one?
Windows Vista will feature User Account Protection (UAP, formerly called Limited User Account), a reduced privileges mode that will prevent even admins from running in administrative mode normally, giving you better defense against electronic attacks. With UAP enabled–the default–you will need to supply an admin password any time you make a change that could affect the system. This is similar the way Mac OS X and Linux already work.
I didn’t even have to make the comment there, someone else already did.
There are lots of other features that are the same as what’s in OS X, from smart folders to searching metadata to window translucency. It’s not that I’m complaining about Microsoft copying Apple; some interface features are the product of natural evolution, as are some underlying OS features.
What really gets me is how long it takes Microsoft to get things to market. For a company that calls itself innovative, they’re often the last ones to get something to market, and even then it is riddled with bugs, flaws, and security problems.
Can I just point out that there are rumors of nine different editions of Vista? Starter, Home Basic, Home Basic N, Home Premium, Professional, Professional N, Small Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Wha? This is emblematic of Microsoftian complexity. Please note that Mac OS X has only two editions: OS X and OS X Server. That’s it. And in fact, 99% of the server capability is included in OS X, it just lacks the easy GUI administration tools.
(Ooh… I can’t wait! On the rare occasions that I post something Windows-related, people crawl out of the wood work and post all kinds of interesting, wacky, crazed comments!)
This is my first comment on a scary post! yay. Are you trying to make me cry??? wow, another Windows hater.
However, I primarily use Tiger back at my home. But I’d be jobless if I hated windows so much. Though seriously, 9 versions? I wonder how the new MCSE track will look like. I am not thrilled about it at all…. but your post almost made me cry. 
Happy Friday without taking sides. (^_^)V
How can I take sides, I built my desk to hold two computers and have a PC sitting right next to the Mac. I even have PC anywhere on the Mac. My work requires me to use both daily and I use both at home as well. There are things I like on both.
I do spend more time in front of the Mac but I spend my nights editing photographs and video and for those two tasks the Mac wins hands down but I’m not ready to dump the PC. Or give up on Windows. (I am starting to feel less and less secure on it.)
I don’t even see this post as an anti PC or even an anti MS post. Its a little late for MS to pretend it isn’t copying Mac. They are. And nine versions is too many.
Microsoft, like GM has become a giant, movement is a tiring endeavor. No zigging and zagging, that might upset the balance. Slow wide slow turns are the order of the day. And like GM, MS wants to pretend its hip and fresh but it just isn’t and that’s just the way it is.