During one of the recent purges of files from my hard drive, I rediscovered a Windows Vista screenshot depicting a flock of windows hovering over a dreamlike landscape, no doubt suggesting unlimited horizons.
The picture ought to show a blasted and charred landscape, when you consider what a wipeout this updated Microsoft operating system has been.
I have yet to embrace Vista, which was released two years ago, because I fear the change would be a downgrade. My technician, Roger, refused to supply this software for my personal computer; he passed up business because he finds Vista too screwy and cannot cope with the torrent of support issues that it churns up.
He is far from alone. Everyone I know who has adopted the software has had issues. A 60-something language teacher said Vista contains so many constraints, he could not use it at all.
As a result, he decided to 'downgrade' and install the previous version of the operating system, Windows XP. But his machine refused to recognise XP and he lacked the expertise to reinstall his old system. Consequently, he had to take his personal computer to a technician who charged A$150 (HK$1,100) for the retrofit. Ouch!
No wonder the Web is awash with Vista vitriol but, despite all the scorn, the system will survive. The reason is simple - backwards compatibility. That's a fancy way of describing how a new product slickly co-operates with products designed for its predecessor.
If Microsoft brings out a completely new system that is incompatible with old programs and devices, Windows users will flip. You can picture torch-wielding mobs storming the offices of the US-based software giant.
