windows - most widely distributed OS

security

When dealing with security, what we have to keep in mind is that an infected computer is mostly the fault of the user. Having security protection can help in this area, and is of the utmost importance. It doesn't really matter if it is AVG, McAfee, Norton, or one of the many others. This is where Windows falls short. Windows must have security software protecting it. It can not protect itself. And unlike other operating systems Windows can let infections in without you even knowing it. Just keep Windows protected. So with this in mind, Windows can be a fairly secure OS. Also we need to remember that security software helps keep infections from outside getting inside. They do not protect your computer from the user. It's like this. You can install the most expensive, most secure locks on your front door, but if you are irresponsible and pass out out keys to everyone on your block, or leave front door unlocked or open, then anything and/or anyone can come in. What Windows has become to make it the most popular, and most compatible operating system, has come at a great price in several areas. One of those is areas is security. Ask yourself. Why does Windows require security software and most other operating systems do not?

stability

Every time a new version of Windows comes out it seems to have all kinds of issues. Some worse than others, like Windows Vista and Windows 8. No matter what the reasons for these issues are, and especially with Microsoft's newest, Windows 11, it is quite obvious that Microsoft wants to keep you, the user, totally dependent on them. In Microsoft there are only a handful of people who have access to the source code. This leaves a greater chance for mistakes. Takes longer for fixes to come out, if a fix can be made. Meanwhile you the public, have to put up with all the issues caused by these mistakes. And if you are daring enough to call Microsoft, and if you can understand the person you are talking to, they will lead you through a bunch of worthless procedures that rarely work. When that fails, they leave you thinking the issue is yours. It's your fault. Yet there are people that buy windows like it is the only game in town. However, you do have a choice. Ask yourself this. Why do other operating systems, in most cases, run faster, have far less problems. Crash far less, and and some can even run for several years without even rebooting, or slowing down. Why can't Windows achieve this?

update process

Ever since the beginning of Windows, Microsoft has pushed and insisted that you need every update and patch that they put out to keep your computer safe and running at its optimum performance. Many people don't agree with this, and with good reason. It is evident by experience that far too many of their updates make things worse or even crash your computer. This leaves you having to figure out which update did not work and un-installing it. And now since Windows 10 they have taken away your right to choose whether or not you want updates. In the words of Microsoft, you're getting our updates whether you want them or not. If an update messes up your computer, that's your problem. When updates have installed, your computer has to restart and go through a configuration process. Many times this is inconvenient, however if you interrupt this process, your computer can really get messed up. With Windows 10 and now Windows 11, this process can happen at any time, if you're not carfull, interrupting what ever you are doing. Microsoft has gotten better with default update settings not interrupting what you are doing, but it can still happen. Ask yourself this question. What happens if you are installing software and Windows 10 or 11 terminates the process midstream just to install updates that you have no choice in whether or not to receive? (we have experienced Windows 10 doing this). While installing new software, Windows terminates the installation to install new Windows updates. The terminated software installation is then corrupted, and must be removed then re-installed. In some cases the corruption won't let you remove or install, because this corruption pours over into the Windows system, leaving you only one choice. Re-install Windows. So ask yourself these questions. Shouldn't these updates fix vulnerabilities without creating new ones? Shouldn't these updates add new and inproved features without taking away others? And shouldn't these updates be your decision, of whether or not to take them, thus increasing your control over your computer instead of limiting your control over your computer?

proprietary control

Since Windows 1.0 was released in 1985, Microsoft has headed down a road where they would try to control everything they were involved with. Ask yourself these questions. Should you have to buy a new copy of your Windows operating system every time you get another computer? Microsoft thinks so. If a piece of hardware such as a motherboard fails on your computer and you have to replace it, should you have to buy a new copy of Windows all because of a faulty component? Microsoft thinks so. If you are using an older version of Windows such as, Windows XP, or Windows 7, because you like them better, shouldn't you be able to do so without somebody trying to force you to upgrade or buy new? Microsoft doesn't think so. If you want to upgrade Windows, but only every five to ten years, shouldn't that be your choice? Microsoft doesn't think so. For quite awhile people were buying new computers every year or two. That translates into a new copy of Windows every year or two for every computer sold. In 2009 that all stopped. Now we see people keeping their computers 5 - 10 years. Sometimes longer. Microsoft doesn't want you to be able to do this. This brings us to where we are now. Windows now conciders itself a service. This is now seen everytime you get updates. You see a message something like this. (Windows is a service and needs the latest security updates and quality fixes to work properly). And now with Windows 11, you have to create a Microsoft account to even install the system, plus create a Microsoft password through your Microsoft account before you can create a local password. In other words: you access your Windows computer by Microsoft's leave. Windows is well on its way to becoming a subscription based OS which will probably be charged on a monthly rate. And when Windows goes subscription, then you can be assured that if you don't keep your subscription current, your computer will be dead in the water. So whether you have a new computer or an older one, you would be paying Microsoft subscription fees just to be able to use your computer that you paid for, with your money. You can also be assured of one other thing. The update or updates that will transform windows into a subscription will roll out unanounced. Some people are OK with that, but most are not. You be the judge. Now to be fare, I will point out a couple of upsides to the newest Windows. First, Windows XP required 512MB RAM min, Vista about 1GB RAM min, Windows 7 2GB RAM min, Windows 8 2GB RAM min, And Windows 10 64Bit 2GB min. There seems to be some improvement with all the features Windows 10 is loaded with and still only needs min 2GB RAM. However, Windows 11 needs 4GB RAM and is now only 64bit. Then again most all OS's have become 64bit only. Second, Windows is equipped with a lot of features and apps, however all controlled by Microsoft. Thirdly, anyone can download Windows 10 from the micrsoft website, installl it, and not activate it. At this time it seems to be fully functionable except for some personalization. It also appears that Microsoft is encouraging people to get Windows 10 even if they don't activate it. Ask yourself. Why would Microsoft allow this. Probably something like this. The quicker they get more people committed to using Windows 10, the faster the subscription based updates will roll out. It is not clear how Windows 11 will do in all this, but, one thing does seem to be clear. Windows 11 may very well be the version of Windows that goes subscription. We just don't feel that these upsides and the few more that may exist, can make up for all the freedoms and choices Microsoft has and is takeing away, from you the user. You be the judge.