October 27, 2009

Live United.



269.365, originally uploaded by iMachias.

No matter what the economic climate is, we should always strive to make the world a better place. The pay cuts at work earlier this year sort of pissed me off. I have to admit that I was a little surprised to find out that the company was still having a United Way campaign.

Today I decided that I have it really good in life and to give back to the community, so I am continuing my United Way contributions next year. During the meeting kicking off the event, I answered a question correctly and won this t-shirt. It fits beautifully.

And it’s a reminder on how good my life really is.

Fickle.

So last week I was all excited about the launch of Windows 7. I proudly installed Windows 7 Ultimate on my computer, I hosted an official Windows 7 Launch Party and I was 99% sure that I was ready to jump back on the Windows bandwagon again.

Why, oh why, Windows 7, did you fail me this morning?

I attempted to install Google Chrome as my browser of choice on Windows. I dutifully downloaded the file and then ran it. Windows 7 bonked at me for my permission and I granted it.

Then the screen turned blue. I was thrown back to the days of yore. That’s right folks, Windows 7 shunned me by showing me the Blue Screen Of Death.

That’s just mean.

I don’t know if the blame lies with Google Chrome or with Windows 7. The betrayal of trust I felt with that BSOD made me remember why I switched to Linux way back in the days between Windows 98 and Windows Me. It also made me happy that my trusty ol’ MacBook Pro was sitting there, patiently waiting for me to come to my senses.

Do I still recommend Windows 7? Oh, very much so. I need to figure out why Windows 7 and Google Chrome had their little skirmish this morning, but that all-too familiar flash of blue on my screen chipped away at the foundation of trust I had built with Windows 7. I still think it’s the best operating system to date from Microsoft.

But is that enough?