I’m a loyal Windows user!

I still remember the first OS (operating system) I’ve used when I was in my high school years. We used the Disk Operating System that runs via floppy disk and all commands have to be memorized to be able to execute certain programs. When I entered college, we started to use Windows OS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces. If I’m not mistaken, the version I first used was 3.xx something like that. But now here I am using the latest version of Windows, the Windows Vista Home Premium SP1.

I was already here in the US when I started using the Windows Vista and I like it very much. I’m sure many of you first noticed the layout and visualization of the said OS. There are plenty of features that had been made by Vista and to list a few here are my favorites:

1. Desktop Search – One feature in Windows Vista that I love is the desktop search. Any time you have a folder open, a search box appears in the upper right corner. From there, you can search for any kind of file or information on your computer. While the desktop search is powerful and makes it easy to find files fast, you can also add metadata to your files making it a snap to find them later.
2. Windows Speech Recognition – The inclusion of speech recognition in Vista is a great feature for anyone, but especially those with disabilities.
3. Windows Aero Glass – Depending on your hardware, you might be privledged to experience Windows Aero, the new visual style for Vista. Aero offers transparent window frames, live thumbnails in the taskbar, live thumbnails in the application switcher, and more. It is not available in Windows Vista Home Basic and Starter editions, although the Desktop Window Manager is included in Windows Vista Home Basic.
4. Performance Improvements – Vista offers some new features that can improve the performance of your computer, including Windows ReadyBoost, Windows SuperFetch, Windows ReadyDrive, and the Sleep power state.
5. New Applications and Games – There are more new or improved applications and games in Windows Vista. Here’s a few: Windows Media Player 11, Windows Media Center, Windows DVD Maker, Windows Movie Maker, Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Sidebar and Gadgets, Windows Contacts, Windows Defender, Windows Calendar, Windows Mail, Sync Center, Games, Windows Meeting Space, and the Snipping Tool.

If you are not yet aware about Microsoft’s newly introduced Windows Vista Small Business Assurance, it is another version of the Vista operating system. Just by reading the OS’s name, you’ll know what it does. And also, to ensure a smooth transition they’re offering free support, compatibility assistance and one-on-one coaching from Microsoft if you buy a new PC with Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Ultimate from July 1 through December 31, 2008.

See? That’s the reason why I’m very loyal to Microsoft. I grew up with them and I will die using their programs and machines hehehehe. Though on second thought, I also want to try the Ubuntu Linux if we can get a new laptop or desktop soon.