The Graffiti Train
OK. So it's well known that I like Macs. Since switching to OS X a couple of years ago I come to love the experience my little Mini has brought. So much so, that I now have the new aluminium iMac. Eventually, over time, I've come to realise that some of the bad experiences I've had with computers aren't necessarily a pc problem, they are more to do with the operating system I've been running. I've been around since Windows 3.1 and have been exposed to Windows 95, 98, ME, Windows 2000 and XP. I've had plenty of problems, partly due to the fact I'm not a full time Microsoft Certified Engineer and partly due to the complete lack of usability inherent in the system: Here are some of the memorable: Using DOS, e.g networking 2 computers, was a challenge and the results were always hit and miss. Trying to use System Restore on ME was also a low point, because it never did what it claimed it could do. It would only restore if there was nothing wrong. As soon as you needed it, up popped the error messages. Formatting my hard drive and then realising this now means I can no longer use the Windows CD, because I don't have any CD drivers left on my computer, is a quality kick-in-the-nuts that I'd prefer not to repeat. However, there is one experience in Windows that beats all the rest. It's the one where you keep your troublesome (and expensive) virus software up-to-date, run Spybot Search and Destroy and Ad Aware daily, and then look in your program folder to see a load of software you didn't know you had installed. After googling their names you realise that they are spyware and other such malware, put there by other people, via the internet, for their benefit. How can they violate me like this? And to top it off, the virus software pops up constantly to say that my trial is nearly over and I need to purchase it to receive upgrades. This after spending £50 on it a few weeks earlier.
Thankfully, these days are over. Or so I thought. Unfortunately for me, I have to use a laptop for work running Windows XP. My internet explorer has been highjacked and my homepage has been directed elsewhere. There is nothing I can do about it. All the options are greyed out, the evil homepage is locked. Tinkering with settings does nothing. I've searched for a solution, but most suggestions involve downloading several bits of software and rebooting from now until christmas. More software for this crap? I think I'll just leave it. Like a train covered in graffiti, I'll just have to learn to live with the run down experience and stop expecting too much. It's only Windows after all. I mean, what would be the point of clearing it up? You just know that someone will come along and mess it up all over again.
posted by Si-man at
12:48
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