A generic term for a series of Microsoft operating systems. Windows has come to dominate the desktop. These days, I see Windows in two main contexts. One is a platform for development of commercial applications in a corporate setting, this world is fairly committed to Windows for a number of reasons which are fairly solid and unshakeable for now.

The other is home users. My exposure here is supporting friends and neighbours, and viewing this world I see Windows as more and more of a handicapped lumbering monstrosity that stops people from doing what they want by making things too complex and too unreliable. It is a spoilt, bastard child – “in your face”, either saying “look at me, I’m here” when you just want it to do it’s stuff, quietly and efficiently or it’s throwing a tantrum, stamping it’s feet saying “Nope, I won’t, nope, go away”, and then sulking in a corner refusing to help.

To this world, I am increasingly saying you don’t need the hassle, go get something that just does email, allows you to browse the web, can organise your photos and do some home video. Get a Mac. Games? Get a Wii (or maybe a PS3).