Vent-ows

So, in what could be considered one of the great rip-offs, Microsoft has managed to convince Shell to install Windows Vista on over 100,000 computers worldwide. And that too, after Shell users have been waiting with bated breath for almost ten years – to be delivered from the distant past that is Windows 2000. Delivered, we have been – from the past into a black hole. I mean, even Microsoft has abandoned Vista for 7. But, not to worry, this relic will be preserved within Shell for at least another decade.

Colleagues who have recently taken up the yoke (some say the crucifix) that is Windows Vista, encourage me when they say that the instability lasts (only) a month, after which your machine stabilizes or you become numb (or dumb). I blog for posterity. So, here goes from today’s Windows Vista special edition:

1. All my quick launch buttons have disappeared. Naturally, the disappearance of the Show Desktop button has been an unmitigated disaster, given what follows.
2. MS Outlook closes unexpectedly, restoring my profile to a distant point in the past, and resetting all my personal preferences. The icing really is the timely message which alerts me to the incoming missile, and says, without any serious commitment, “Windows can try to restart MS Outlook”. Nice try.
3. Internet Explorer crashes unexpectedly and is unable to download anything. During one of the failed downloads, an unrelated folder on my Desktop vanished. Nothing is safe.
4. Windows 2000 was not without its faults. However, as I liked to say, Mac for the home, Windows for the office – where an ever-ready IT helpdesk slays all the dragons for you. Today, our helpdesk guy laid down arms. After a patient battle that lasted 2.5 hours. Now, they don’t want to talk to me anymore. The last straw.

Note to self: Development need: Learn how to become billionaire selling trash.

Interestingly, other than the fact that I lost a few hours today, none of the above should really stop me from chugging along now. Except for the sticky terror that some unidentified demon lurks, ready to vaporize a day’s work. For a moment’s whim. Without a moment’s notice.

PS: I watched a lot of TED on my iPhone while on hold with the helpdesk guy.

Happy Friday.