I think this article was pretty cool, because I personally prefer Macs over PC's and after reading this article it further persuaded me to stick with Macs. This article talks about how with Window's Vista's arrival to the market it basically required people who were going to 'upgrade' to Vista to "throw their current computer into a landfill and buy a new one." I don't know how aware you guys are with how bad dumping computers into landfills is, but it's terribly terribly bad for the environment and for the people who live near those landfills. So, with that said, just that one reason would already dissuade me to go with Vista. Also, in the article it talks about how limiting programs are on Windows Vista, which only allow you to use them if all your hardware support those certain software restrictions. Another thing, Vista, according to this article, is not only unstable and restriction laden, it also bares constant monitoring - I think we can all do without anymore breach of privacy and our freedom of speech.
Should you allow your computer to limit how you express yourself?
oh p.s. the link to the article is:
ReplyDeletehttp://badvista.fsf.org/freesoftwarefreesociety/free-software-free-society/
I totally agree with this blog. I think microsoft is over-rated. It doesn't really suprise me that you basically have to throw your old computer out to even have vista as an operation system. It just a scheme to make money, regardless of how the world itself is affected. What really gets to me is the fact that microsoft feels as though they can monitor what we do online and limit what can be done with digital media files. I think that even the idea of the company trying to use computers to control what we do online is absurd. I definately agree with Kristian when he says " we can all do without anymore breach of privacy". Although it makes me wonder why our government think it is ok for that to happen? As far as, the environment goes, its a terrible thing that some people treat the earth as a huge landfill. I think that people should understand we only have one earth and its irreplacable. I also know that some cities have specific recycling sites wher youcan take old computers and other household products that you cant just throw out.
ReplyDeleteThough I am not a big fan of Microsoft, and their product Windows Vista, I think that the change is necessary. Though dumping computers is bad and harmful, I don't believe that Microsoft should get bashed about it as much as they are. What do you think happens to old cars? What about all the Tube Tv's that are almost extinct in the electronics stores? Since people want the new technology they just throw out the old and it all ends up in the same place, a land fill.
ReplyDeleteSo in my opinion I don't think that Microsoft should be the only ones in this discussion.
While it would be nice to have open source or free software, it just wouldn't work, who would work on it for free?
The Article states, "Free software is often usable on older hardware, more secure, more easily customized, less expensive, and available in more languages" while that is true your old hardware can only do so much until its maxed out, performance wise. That is why the new computers that Microsoft says are capable of running Vista, will indeed improve productivity, and simplify a lot of things in the near future.
Of course, I have to be the odd one out! I absolutely love Windows Vista (even though it did take some time to get used to). I really think that technology has just made it too easy on us. We expect to unwrap the new piece of equipment and become pros in minutes. Windows Vista will take time to learn, but after you do, I think you will like it. Dumping of technology like cellular phones and laptops are very dangerous (as was stated in the responses above). I believe that an awareness of this fact needs to be publicized better, and companies need to promote recycling over dumping. Office Depot has a program where you can bring your equipment to them and dispose of it properly. This is a great program, and it should be used more.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this article I dislike Windows even more than I did before (which I didn't even think was possible.) I've had a mac for about 6 years now and I could never go back to using windows, especially now with the new Vista. I think its horrible to suggest that people should just throw away their computers like that, not only is it bad for the environment but its a huge waste of money. Windows is just interested in making more money. Their products are mediocre and although I agree with J when he says its just something you have to get used to I find that it takes a whole lot longer than it should.
ReplyDeleteI agree that simply throwing out old computers is probably not the best of ideas. I think the problem is that windows continues to come out with new programs that people insist on having. Not only the new programs, but computer prices for dells, hps, etc. are dropping year after year. It is not such an inconvenience to go out and buy a new computer when something goes wrong. I know this, my parents are prime examples. Another problem with windows is you are constantly at risk for viruses whether you are downloading music, or simply opening the wrong e-mail. If these “Digital Rights Management” programs are going to monitor our computer, why not monitor virus control also. Instead, you are basically forced to buy some sort of virus protection software along with your computer, which will probably only last you 4 years if you are lucky.
ReplyDelete