Windows Vista--Designed by the Anti-Christ?

[frazzledspice]

My daughter, who has been ditzy on more than one occasion in her life, told me she "accidentally" downloaded a music production program on her laptop and now Vista has 'killed' her laptop to punish her....

She said she was downloading a free shareware version of this program but at one point took the wrong turn.

She says if she brings it to Best Buy they will report her to the Vista Vigilante Squad who will come to her house.....

Last night she brought it to a friend who works in a computer store to see if he could fix it without reporting her to the Vista Vigilante Squad.

This is so bizarre! So my questions are these:

- Who in the world would want Windows Vista if it destroys your computer if you make a mistake?

- Do any of you use any other operating systems? If you use Linux can you use programs like Word and Office on it?

- If you buy a new computer, can you request that they load it with something else other than Vista?

I know when I started my new job in January they asked if I wanted Vista or XP on my computer. I said XP, just on the basis of bad press about Vista, but I sure am glad now.

Do I think my daughter tried to download something deliberately? Well, teenagers test limits, but she is sort of impractical and ditzy and ADD, too, so it is entirely possible she just took a wrong turn.

[thinkerlady[$]]

We have been using Vista now almost a year, and have had no problems. I don't often download major musical productions!!! I have downloaded many things from the internet, and have had no problems at all.

Both of my children use Vista on their computers, and FWIW, they haven't had any issues either.

Could your daughter's laptop have had an issue?? Or did she have enough memory for the download?? I have never heard of the Vista Vigilantes, but as long as her download is on the up and up, why not return it to where it was purchased??

[theworm[$]]

what the heck is Vista Vigilantes?

[brian_igo]

I think you're working off of a lot of bad information.

Vista does not have a DRM (digital rights management, or copyright infringement tool) that blows up the operating system or reports DRM violations to Microsoft, or anyone else. There is no Vista Vigilante Squad. If you are using software illegally you might be sued for copyright infringement by the Business Software Alliance, a trade group, or if you are caught downloading or sharing songs you can be sued by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The chances of being sued for one violation are damned close to zero. I've never heard of it.

It sounds like what she did is download a freeware program that said it did one thing, but was really designed to hijack or destroy your computer. These programs can be extremely dangerous, so it is important to be careful to get software from an independent site that tests the software for malicious code before distributing it. My personal recommendation has been to only get trial software from c-net's Download.com.

About your questions -

Vista isn't my favorite, but mostly for financial reasons. This wasn't a problem with the operating system, it's a problem with the operator. Don't download junk software and you won't have this problem.

Yes, there are office programs for Linux. Open Office makes a great productivity suite for Linux. But if your kid screws up Vista this badly she shouldn't get with ten feet of a Linux system. Linux is great for locked-down systems (where there are no user adjustments) and for enthusiasts who can work around the mechanics of an operating system and programming. Someone who doesn't know what they're doing but still has access to all the levers will turn it into a smoking heap thisfast.

You can still get an XP system if you know where to shop. Mom and Pop computer shops and individuals can still buy single copies of XP, and you can get them on business-only systems from some of the big manufacturers. I helped a friend of the family choose and order an XP system this weekend from a local shop in Michigan.

If you want, you can also buy a copy of XP from a place like Newegg and install it on your existing computer, or pay a shop to do it.

[frazzledspice]

Well, we just got back from St. Louis, and my daughter left her laptop with a friend who works at a computer store and he was fixing it and taking Vista off and putting on XP.

It wasn't really a major musical production--it was some sort of shareware that would allow you to put echoes and other enhancements on your voice (none of which she needs--she has a great voice.)

Some of the people I work with have had hassles with Vista, and when I started my new job in January I chose to have XP put on because of the bad press, but I will apprise her of all your advice. Thank you (and good night, I've driven 7 hours today--yawn!)