Quote “However, those guys at the e7 blog are realists too and they know geeks because they are one too so they are providing the instructions on how to skip the validation check and let you install the RC overtop of your current Beta 1 installation. ”

The “Geek” term is often used to insult (not in this case I add). I prefer to take it as a compliment in that it refers to a person with an indepth understanding and an opinion that is informed on the basis of trying the options available to users.

Someone who has only used Microsoft products is not a geek. It is my opinion that these people cant be considered even “tech enthusiasts” and would like to ask, would you trust your car to garage that only has experience fixing one brand (and not yours)? I believe that using Microsoft products exclusively makes you a Microsoft product expert, not a tech geek or enthusiast.

Its often leveled towards Linux users that we have no experience of “the benefits of vista” etc etc, but unless someone is trying to claim that Linux users have gone through life with only experience of Linux, its a little silly.

From my personal experience (as Ive just said on another blog) I was around before Windows made an appearance, I was around when the A500 rose to the top of the 16bit home computing arena, I had an Acorn Archimedes which I adored, saw a plethora of consoles come and go, and all the while used Windows at home and work.

I still use Windows (at work) but why do I support Linux? Because out of all the packages/platforms I use or have used I have a honest held belief its the better one. That may change. If Windows 7 turns out to be better for me, then I will champion it. I am not in the habit of promoting anything which isnt 100% suitable and functional for my needs (free or not)

Comments such as “I want to be able to give Microsoft as much info as I can from my little corner of the world. What will you provide?” highlight exactly why Linux is such a decent system. Any user who sees a worth in this type of ethos need look no further than Linux, which bases its entire existence on feedback/help/contributions from the community in which it serves. Maybe thats why a Vista user will stare with childlike bewilderment at the speed in which Linux operates and why things that Linux users have taken for granted for years, seem “new and shiny” to a Windows user.

Maybe whilst we stand in the void between Vista dissatisfaction (IMO) and Win 7 release, users will take the time to explore alternatives? and maybe also keep in mind that this Win7 hype and excitement existed pre-Vista and we all know what happened there.

The Windows 7 beta has, for the most part been praised and welcomed (IMO) but the people doing it are experienced Windows users (IMO) and I dont see your average Windows user jumping in feet first. The apathy (IMO) towards the Windows platform by the average user is in my experience, a combination of poor experiences with Vista and a general attitude of “if it works I couldnt care what I run” This is why (IMO) it is so important for Microsoft to aim for the earliest date possible in releasing Windows 7, lest Microsofts customer base start finding (on a larger scale) an alternative is just as suitable as the Windows platform they have been used to.

Contrary to what people may think I believe, I believe the biggest threat to Windows7 isnt Linux, it isnt MAC,Freebsd,Aros or whatever else you can name. Its XP, and ive yet to see Microsoft produce a compelling reason for the average user to upgrade it.

Or am I wrong?

Quote “However, those guys at the e7 blog are realists too and they know geeks because they are one too so they are providing the instructions on how to skip the validation check and let you install the RC overtop of your current Beta 1 installation. ”

The “Geek” term is often used to insult (not in this case I add). I prefer to take it as a compliment in that it refers to a person with an indepth understanding and an opinion that is informed on the basis of trying the options available to users.

Someone who has only used Microsoft products is not a geek. It is my opinion that these people cant be considered even “tech enthusiasts” and would like to ask, would you trust your car to garage that only has experience fixing one brand (and not yours)? I believe that using Microsoft products exclusively makes you a Microsoft product expert, not a tech geek or enthusiast.

Its often leveled towards Linux users that we have no experience of “the benefits of vista” etc etc, but unless someone is trying to claim that Linux users have gone through life with only experience of Linux, its a little silly.

From my personal experience (as Ive just said on another blog) I was around before Windows made an appearance, I was around when the A500 rose to the top of the 16bit home computing arena, I had an Acorn Archimedes which I adored, saw a plethora of consoles come and go, and all the while used Windows at home and work.

I still use Windows (at work) but why do I support Linux? Because out of all the packages/platforms I use or have used I have a honest held belief its the better one. That may change. If Windows 7 turns out to be better for me, then I will champion it. I am not in the habit of promoting anything which isnt 100% suitable and functional for my needs (free or not)

Comments such as “I want to be able to give Microsoft as much info as I can from my little corner of the world. What will you provide?” highlight exactly why Linux is such a decent system. Any user who sees a worth in this type of ethos need look no further than Linux, which bases its entire existence on feedback/help/contributions from the community in which it serves. Maybe thats why a Vista user will stare with childlike bewilderment at the speed in which Linux operates and why things that Linux users have taken for granted for years, seem “new and shiny” to a Windows user.

Maybe whilst we stand in the void between Vista dissatisfaction (IMO) and Win 7 release, users will take the time to explore alternatives? and maybe also keep in mind that this Win7 hype and excitement existed pre-Vista and we all know what happened there.

The Windows 7 beta has, for the most part been praised and welcomed (IMO) but the people doing it are experienced Windows users (IMO) and I dont see your average Windows user jumping in feet first. The apathy (IMO) towards the Windows platform by the average user is in my experience, a combination of poor experiences with Vista and a general attitude of “if it works I couldnt care what I run” This is why (IMO) it is so important for Microsoft to aim for the earliest date possible in releasing Windows 7, lest Microsofts customer base start finding (on a larger scale) an alternative is just as suitable as the Windows platform they have been used to.

Contrary to what people may think I believe, I believe the biggest threat to Windows7 isnt Linux, it isnt MAC,Freebsd,Aros or whatever else you can name. Its XP, and ive yet to see Microsoft produce a compelling reason for the average user to upgrade it.

Or am I wrong?