Multiple Personality Disorder
And so, the triumphant sequel to OS Wars. I recently (eh. two weeks ago) wrote an article, extolling the virtues of Linux. As an avid reader of Slashdot, NewsForge, OSnews and others, I am consistently bombarded by newsposts of the latest and greatest Linux achievements, as well as a steady stream of anti-Windows blogs. I'd like to take the opportunity to offer a response in defense of Windows (more specifically, Windows XP).
I have very little patience for newbies who write articles about an operating system without having truly mastered it. I often read poorly supported arguments for either Linux or Windows that consistently use a generic overused topic. For instance, many firmly entrenched Linux users are not willing to try using Windows because a) its not opensource 
it costs money c) corporations are evil. Windows users often knock Linux by saying a) its too hard to install stuff its free so it must suck c) lazy.
Anyway. Onto the subject of misconceptions regarding Windows XP. I recently read an article somewhere (cant remember where..sorry) that said that it was easier to convert newbies to a different OS than it was experienced users, because we know what we like and fear change. I agree with this, for the most part. So, why not use Linux exclusively?
- Even though I love apt and yum, theres still something nice about being able to download one file that walks you through installation and puts a shortcut in the launch menu (YES, I am aware that this is so because there is only one distribution platform.). On Linux, there is Autopackage, but its still in its infancy.
- When I search the Internet for software, I expect it to run on Windows. Its a conditioning that's sunk in because of Windows' prevalence. Windows just happens to be the platform that more people write for.
- Drivers. I am aware that Linux counterparts are continuously improving, but like I previously stated, its just a lot easier knowing there will be Windows drivers on the manufacturer's website than resorting to Google.
- Faster. This one definitely needs clarification. Myself, I happen to find Explorer considerably more responsive than both Konqueror and Nautilus. Plus, Windows boots faster (cold to desktop).
- This sort of goes along with the installer point, but I happen to appreciate only having to bother ensuring that program X is compatible with Win32. The downside here is that there is one way to do a lot of things; choice is sacrificed. In some cases, I would rather take a sold, universal foundation over choice, especially if I don't find any outstanding problems with the given solution.
I use a heavily modified version of Windows that is highly superior to the vanilla dumbass edition. It also clears up a lot of problems that most people complain about.
-- ITS SLOW. Hell yes! XP is horribly slow. The trick is to make it go faster. How does one do this? if you have your original XP disc, you have the option of using nLite (Link), which allows you to remove components from XP you won't use like extra services, and other components. It also lets you slipstream SPs and internally tweak stuff. Of all the programs I have ever used in my life, nLite ranks very high on that list. I won't go into more detail about its usage, since I am sure you can figure it out.
Also, TURN OFF extra services! This is the single most set of components about XP that people overlook. In most cases, over half of the currently running services can safely be disabled, decreasing memory usage. Microsoft seemed to think that Joe Dumbass was very interested in running a VPN, operating a web server, and managing remote terminals. Sound familiar? I am going to speculate that no, they do not. Sometime I will post a more indepth guide on removing services. If you want to try it yourself, go to Start > Run > type services.msc
Here are some other things I do to make Windows run better:
- Roll my install out with nLite. I probably already mentioned that. Did I also mention that it is a wonderful, wonderful piece of software?
- Never install bloatware. (ie Java, .NET fx.........)
- Run Windowblinds. I love eyecandy)
- Use a hardware firewall, which eliminates the need for a software one.
- Be intelligent. No you dont need antivirus software either.
- Use Firefox and Thunderbird. There is NO excuse for not doing this.
- If you share my passion for continuous music, do NOT use Windows Media Player or another bloated jukebox. Use Winamp or Musikcube
You know, I sincerely want to go on, but lack of structure in this piece would only confuse us both. I hope this information can help you.