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Pimp Your XP
An anonymous reader writes "Ezinearticles.com has up an interesting article on how you can improve Windows XP to mimic and even surpass Vista — at least some of its new features. Several of the suggestions cost money and others are free. From improving the user interface with Stardock to mimicking new security features with open source software such as Sudown, the article discusses many ways that die-hard XP users can enhance their environment without moving to Vista."
I'm not sure of the value of tacking on features to XP to make it more like Vista, especially when such features cost money. I mean, if you want Vista-like stuff, why don't you just pay the upgrade fee and get a complete, well-tested package instead of a bunch of disjoint shareware utilities?
This game will waste your life. Don't clicky!
I bought a brand spanking new Core 2 Duo E6600 w/ an X1950 vid card. 4 gig RAM.
I took Vista off and installed XP Pro SP2 because Vista felt like I was trying to jog in a swimming pool. XP runs like a dream, even using Adobe Premiere and Sonar 6 at the same time.
And, there's minimal DRM. And, I don't have to tell the computer that I really, really want to do what I want to do. And, I can play City of Heroes. And, for the first time since I started using computers a couple of decades ago, I feel good about not having the latest OS.
That may be the real legacy of Windows Vista. It may be the turning point in the way many of us have slavishly lined up for every new technology that came along, just because it was the latest and greatest. I see Windows XP sort of like the way I saw the '66 Mustang that I had when I was in grad school in 1977 - as far better than the current model. And you know what? There was something fine in feeling that way about a bit of technology. And there is, again.
When Microsoft removes the DRM from Vista, and I'm convinced all my little productive applets and plugins will work in Vista, AND I get a free upgrade to the latest service pack from the license I paid for when I bought this new computer that is now lying unused, I may take a second look at Vista.
Until then, I'll enjoy my nice new WinXP system and save up for the next gen Mac Pro or quad-core Ubuntu Studio box. And Bill Gates can shove Vista so far up his ass that his eyes look Aero Glassy. That's all.
You are welcome on my lawn.