I’ve mentioned before I am not very good with new technologies on electronics, especially with computers.
For the past one hundred years I’ve been enjoying my Windows XP computers (well, a little less that one hundred years). So far I’ve had three computers with XP: A Laptop first, then two Netbooks. But the end of an era that already finished for the world has finally reached me.
My last Netbook (picture above) is still working, but it seems to be too old and tired to handle internet stuff, and so now runs so slow, that just opening an internet page takes so long you would want to throw the little trusty machine out the window! (No pun intended).
I love XP!! It is like a very powerful calculator that obey YOUR orders, not its creators. You could do so much with XP and keep everything neatly organized and at your fingertips. It was about productivity rather than socialization.
I can understand the manufacturers (Microsoft) wanted to make more and more money with the possible sales around selling a computer, like all the programs and subscriptions they could charge for after selling the computer itself. Not just a one time sell with the machine, but turning each computer sold into a forced lead from where they could keep collecting money from the buyer.
I really disagree with the dirty techniques they use. Creating an operating system that not only connects to the internet to tell all about the buyer, as a secret spy working for them; but also it forces you to give more and more information in order to operate? Then the so intrusive programs that keep showing up when you are doing something, and the works they do connecting to the internet to send information and download updates, all on your back?
Yup! I got myself a new Laptop with Windows 10!!
I can’t avoid thinking of the robot tales from Asimov, where at some point machines would work thinking on their own, making humans lives easier with less need to think, yet little by little taking control. Those robots are here already. I’ve mentioned this before when talking about new cars, and now I can see how it is with computers.
For a long time, while using XP, I didn’t realize what was going on because I just didn’t have to deal with newer computers. But now that I jumped from XP to 10 I can see how things have changed.
The reasons why I got myself a Windows 10 are two; one, I really needed to get up to date on how this new things work before I became too behind to catch up; and two, they just don’t sell new computers with XP anymore!!
But I just don’t like how Windows 10 works!!
They changed the Start menu, which you could use to change things in your computer, into a “Tell me what do you need and I’ll get it for you” system. The Menus now are “I’ll help you get what you need, but don’t mess with my brain works” Yes, the computers now have a Master…their creators…Mighty Microsoft!! You are not buying a practical machine to use for your needs, like it is with a microwave or a fridge. Now you really pay a one time rent fee to use a Microsoft extension.
You have cloud storage that will not be enough if you upload pictures and videos, so have to pay for more (internet); you have antivirus system installed that need to be paid for after the trial period (internet); if you want to add functionality to your computer you can use the “so conveniently” pre-installed Store application (internet); You can save all your passwords and form filling information at your fingertips…on the internet.
No need to carry a thumbdrive anymore; no need to make more storage space and back up with an external hardrive; everything is in the Cloud, and the Cloud was created and kept by its Masters…they keep your information for you, not you in your pocket!!
But then, computers nowadays are not organizational machines for productivity as their sole function and reason. Now they are more about connectivity and socialization. There are more icons to post in Facebook, download music and videos, and the internet in general, than icons about folders and functions. And the programs are very invasive and created to take over whatever you put in the computer, and then force you to use them as the only alternative.
I had this problem with Groove Music. It took by storm my music albums I transferred from my old computer to the new one, and only allowed me to play them through the Groove Music program. If I wanted to play an album using Windows Media Player the computer simply would not recognize the files anymore. In the next post I’ll tell you about the Sci Fi movie we are in, that relates to what I’ve just mentioned…and Cortana.
So Windows 10 it is!! I don’t like it, but mostly I don’t like the way it is designed to work…as a spy and selling agent for Microsoft. I’m still trying to get to understand this robot and change its behaviors to a more “my friend” than “their friend”. But at the same time I’m still trying to get up to date with these new technologies, so I don’t get left behind by dead.
Raul
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