Windows 7 Looks Interesting [Old Content]

Kyle Brady — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:16:56 +0000

I'll be the first person to admit that I don't like Windows, and haven't for years. I've gotten frustrated with their lack of user control, their continuing assumptions on the intelligence of users, and the general crappy slowness that has become so pervasive in the operating system.

I've been using Linux (Ubuntu) for awhile, but my desktop won't install it... there's a problem with some hardware I have, so I've had to use Vista for the last 8 months. I'm not happy about it, and the only reason it's functional is because I have so much bleeding-edge hardware that the slowness is neglible.

However, I was pretty surprised at the hoopla over the Windows 7 Beta release awhile ago, and found myself interested in what may be happening on the inside of Microsoft. I've always had a love/hate relationship with Microsoft and Bill Gates, a combination of awe in their sheer dominance, and annoyance for the same reason; so this potential "radical change" in the Windows product appealed to my curiousity.

And now, today, I came across a poll from 200 users of the Beta. Take a look at what they put together and tell me you're not interested. That you're not scared. That you're not sitting in a corner, crying, with your thumb in your mouth.

Because, folks, it looks like Microsoft is ready to be back on top. We already knew that, thanks to an interview with Ray Ozzie that made me quite scared of the next few years in software (but somehow hopeful too), but they apparently mean it. Think about it: Microsoft put out a beta version of their next operating system, pretty much on time, and it got good reviews and feedback.

This is difficult to imagine in a world where Vista was lauded as the end-all-be-all of gamechanging software, but this poll seems to fit with the rumors I've been hearing around the 'net.

Microsoft finds itself, once again in a corner. But when do they perform and innovate best?

When they feel threatened, or feel a need to obliterate any and all competition.

The Beast has risen, and he has the name of Microsoft...

Bill Gates, Hero or Mortal Enemy? [Self]

Kyle Brady — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:47:36 +0000

An Open Letter to Bill Gates

Dear Mr. Gates (Bill?),

You don't know me, but I'm a 20 yr old living in Silicon Valley who has what only can be described as a "love/hate relationship" with you (not in a sexual sense, but intellectually and philosophically). And I thought I'd put it all in writing. For the ages, as it were.

The earliest I can remember using a computer was about 17 or 18 years ago, back in Maryland (yes, that makes me either 2 or 3 yrs old). I can remember learning how to type commands in DOS, not Windows 3.1 yet, that let me run my games that usually involved Sesame Street. After that, we got Windows 3.1 and I thought it was the best thing ever. Keep in mind this was way before the Internet was publicly used, so all my activities involved playing games or messing around with Windows itself (I actually got in alot of trouble, up to when I moved to California, for changing settings, specially configuring things, and "exploring" ... get it? ... how everything worked).

All of this set the foundation for what was to become an obsession and fascination with computers, and ultimately, how they worked. By 4th grade, I remember being "that guy" who the teachers asked to fix computer problems... even the computer teacher. By middle school, my "that guy" status had increased to include physically fixing hardware problems as well, and extended to almost everyone that knew me. By high school, I was heavily into the Internet and programming (learning HTML wasn't enough... I immediately jumped into web-based languages).

So you see, I can only credit you and my father for this. Him for his genes (Engineer) and having the computer around, and you for creating "the right thing, at the right time". But I've also had a fascination with the stories of your personality and success, often hoping that I would be the "next Bill Gates": coming from nowhere to eventually rule the computing world.

But as my computer abilities progressed, I discovered Linux, and became increasingly frustrated with the speed and access constraints that are so often associated with Windows. In fact, I am now officially a Linux "geek", and only use Windows when I have to (i.e. I have a PC for the Adobe Suite, because I hate Macs more). And with this glowing new relationship with Linux, I've discovered the freedom and security that comes with moving away from Windows. I won't bother with the details, because I'm sure you're aware of the old arguments, but they are anything but myths.

You might see my problem by now. I detest Windows, and most other Microsoft products, and avidly suggest friends and family take alternatives (Linux vs. Windows, iPod vs. Zune, Firefox vs. IE, etc.). Just yesterday I came across the issue of Fortune that features your wife, and found this quote:

Reading the article, Bill learned about the World Bank's 1993 Development Report, which calculated the cost of these disease. He got the 344-page document and read it several times. [Page 50, Right Column]

I actually tore that page out, highlighted it, and it's going on my wall. Why? Because it so perfectly describes what I've always admired about you... the attitude. "Cut the crap, get to the point" is something I have lived by for years, and the willingness to devote massive amounts of time to something you believe in is not a common human trait.

To wrap this up, I find myself often comparing myself to you (goals, personality, and, hopefully, intelligence), while hating almost everything that Microsoft does. Except the XBOX. That was a stroke of pure genius, so congrats on that one. And now, with your philanthropic efforts being mixed with your foresight and attitude, I can only hope that my goal to become the "next Bill Gates" one day comes true.

Except for the Microsoft part.

Sincerely,

Kyle Brady

Kyle Brady: Blog » Bill Gates

Windows 7 Looks Interesting [Old Content]

Bill Gates, Hero or Mortal Enemy? [Self]