Every week I receive various mailings from online security “magazines,†of which I like to read the opening comments. Today, there was an interesting blog about Microsoft Windows turning 20 — Link. This blog got me to start thinking about how Microsoft has changes my life and the options I have.
To start, I’m employed as a technology auditor. This consists of auditing internal security, application development, data center operations, and disaster recovery, among other things. I’m led to believe my function within a company would be less common if Microsoft did not come along.
These days, I do most of my personal finances using Quicken… on my Windows XP laptop. About once every month I write a check… once! That’s pretty amazing considering my parents, who haven’t totally embraced the electronic age, probably write 8-10 checks each month. Growing up I wouldn’t be surprised if they wrote more than that. My wallet consists of various cards… no cash! Rarely do I carry cash. It’s not needed, even for that $1 pack of gum.
Recently, I developed my own web site, a concept that probably wouldn’t exist without Microsoft. If you’ve seen my web site, they’re good reason to wish Microsoft didn’t make it easier for people like me to have one. The main additions to the web site are this blog and the photo album. How amazing is it to think I can share photos with my family and friends by using this computer… running Windows XP!
There are many people out there that spend day and night complaining about Microsoft and their lack of security. Sometimes I’m one of them. Some naysayers of the world would say Apple would have made all this possible if Microsoft didn’t come along so strongly. Maybe they would even be more secure. I’ve even started thinking about buying an Apple computer. They are more expensive, but I’m always wondering what the fuss is about. The iPod has definitely added to my curiosity. There are a lot of mp3 players out there with great functionality, but the iPod O/S is easily the best. The Mac O/S X has been marketed as being better and more secure. However, I don’t buy into this theory. Microsoft happens to have more people beating down their door. Still, I’m curious. If I do decide to buy a Mac, let’s hope curiosity doesn’t kill this cat.
