Microsoft: Friend or Foe?

A lot of people really, really don't like Microsoft. The news of Bill Gates stepping down from his company has a lot of people cheering. I'm not so sure why. It seems like there are 3 types of people in the world. Those who love Microsoft, those that hate them, and those who don't know/care about them at all. If I had to choose one to describe myself, I think I would have to make a 4th category (hell, I made the first 3). I like and dislike Microsoft (affectionately dubbed Microsquish, just because I like the way it sounds) at the same time. Lets face it, with out their software, the tech world as we know it wouldn't exist. Bill Gates is directly responsible for the state of personal computing today. Would we have gotten here with out him and his work? Sure, but who's to say when and what level we would be at. However, it goes with out saying that Microsquish has some issues too. Monopoly and security concerns abound. But what great invention hasn't had problems, name me one automobile manufacturer that has never issued a recall. (I feel like I'm playing ping pong inside my own head with this one). Lets break it down.

underwear... its not gonna happen. So, we have Windows. Its a good system, but you have to be smart about it. Computers aren't just as simple as turn on and use... I wish it were, but alas, were not there yet. But with a good I use Microsquish products everyday, as do most of us. Unless you are on the verge of achieving superhuman level intelligence, you have to use Windows (ever try Linux? it made my head hurt, and I'm a fairly smart guy). While Windows is a great and powerful tool, it is one area that squishy has a monopoly. There is Linux for the MENSA types, but the only other real alternative is Macintosh. I've use Mac, not in a while, but its not a bad system. For me Windows works better, but the debate between Mac and Windows has been going on as long as they have existed, and its like telling a Fruit of the Loom guy that he has to wear Hanes underwear... its not gonna happen. So, we have Windows. Its a good system, but you have to be smart about it. Computers aren't just as simple as turn on and use... I wish it were, but alas, were not there yet. But with a good antivirus, anti-spyware, regular updates and a little internet common sense, Windows will work very well for the average user.

That takes care of the basics, lets get a little further into this. Just because we've established Windows as a decent Operating System, that doesn't mean that all the crap that squishy throws in there is decent too. Prime example, Internet Explorer. This is where a little know how comes into play. Most people turn on the computer, see internet explorer and think that that's how to get onto the internet. Personally, I say that there is one good use for Internet Explorer. Open a window, type www.firefox.com in the address box, and download a real web browser. Once you have Firefox downloaded, close Internet Explorer, delete the shortcut and never think about the blue "e" again. Internet explorer seems like a decent program, you can open it, go to web pages, and it works. But its whats below the surface that is a problem. Ever look at the list of Windows Updates that are available (shame on you if you haven't). A large majority of them are for Internet Explorer. The thing's like swiss cheese, it will let in any bit of icky software (officially known as malware- virus's and spyware that can do bad things to your computer) into your computer. With regular updates, IE can be helped, but there are still a lot of security flaws, and more popping up everyday. Not to mentioned the fact that squishy tried to monopolize the browser game. The browser mentioned above, Firefox, is a great, solid browser. There are not as many security flaws as IE (although there are always going to be some), it has an internal popup blocker that works rather well, and its open source, which means that is was created by users, and the code is available to anyone. Squishy would NEVER reveal their source code to users, why, why, they may actually IMPROVE the product... heavens no, squishy doesn't want that. Along the same lines as Firefox, is an email program that is a great replacement for Outlook Express. Its called Thunderbird, and its from the same makers as Firefox, and it too is open source.

For almost every piece of software that squishy tries to make you think is the best, there is an open source, solid replacement. Open Office is a great, free, open source office suite that will take care of the basic users needs. One of my favorite companies, Google, has even released a pack of software that is designed to improve and speed up your Windows experience. This is mostly Googles own software (which is not bad), with a few extras thrown in. It is currently only available for Windows XP users, check out Google Pack. In fact, I highly recommend any of Googles, software. I've given up on Outlook to manage my mail, since getting my Gmail account, that's all I've been using. I usually hate web based email (email using an internet page to access, rather then a program on the computer), but Gmail is hard core. With nearly 3GB of storage, it cant be beat. It also has a calendar function, and an instant messenger build right into the web interface. If you want a Gmail account, you can sign up from the page using your cell phone (they text message you a code to sign up for a new account).

Hang in there folks, were almost done. Since we've talked a little about how software can help improve your internet experience (how did I get here, I started talking about Microsoft... damn ADD), lets take a minute to talk about basic internet common sense. The internet is hands down, one of the best inventions EVER. However, it can be a dangerous place as well. There are all sorts of virii, spyware, and other dangerous software that can infect and do nasty things to your system with out you ever knowing it. The most important rule on the net is to stick to well known and trusted sites. When it comes to buying something online, using reputable dealers like Bestbuy, Amazon, and Walmart, are safe (ebay is a whole other can of worms). Trying to buy a blender from joesusedcarsandblenderimporum.uk (not a real site by the way), probably isn't the best idea. Stick to name brand retailers. If they have a large store, chances are they have a website too. Same applies to downloading software. Using sites like download.com, and cnet.com are usually ok, but if something looks funny about the site, and you get that spider sense about what you are doing... then stop and find what you need somewhere else. If you get a lot of popups from a particular site, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!!! Popups are a primary source for malware getting into your system. Most sites will give you one or 2, but if you get a lot, or ones that try to hide how to close them (remember alt+F4) that's a red flag. Keep a good antivirus, and a good anti-spyware, and KEEP THEM UPDATED!!! People often install an antivirus, but never update it, or run scans. Update them regularly (new virii are created everyday), and set up an automated scan for regular intervals. Pay attention and remember, if it seems too good to be true, it sure as hell is, run away, run far far away.