Gee, I guess I wasn't paying attention, Yabby.

>>Pericles, you clearly weren't following the story, as it unfolded
over time!<<

You might like to fill me in sometime on the stuff that I missed. It was obviously important.

But to summarize the tiny amount that I do understand:

- you bought a new computer from your local supplier

- it came with Windows 7, but without Outlook Express

- on the first visit, the local supplier installed the machine, transferred the files and reloaded your software

- on the second visit, the local supplier completed the installation, solving the "couple of issues" that you mention and setting up the virtual XP system under Windows 7, so that you could run Outlook. Which wouldn't really be your first choice, since you would prefer Outlook Express

- at some point in the future, you may decide to stick with the Windows Mail and Outlook combination you have, operating in a Virtual XP system under Windows 7. Or buy Outlook Express, which - presumably - will be installed by your local supplier.

>>To me that makes perfect sense. Outsource the trivial and irritating stuff that others know far better<<

It makes perfect sense to me too.

But that still doesn't explain why you - who agrees that others know about the "trivial and irritating stuff" far better than you - should suddenly turn into an advocate of Microsoft, complete with word-perfect pontifications from their ever-ready "Linux is for geeks" handbook.

From experience, I know that it is pointless getting into a pissing contest with a Microsoft tech; they have a firmly vested interest in their team winning.

But it is something of a surprise to come across someone with absolutely no reason to take sides, spruiking their sales pitch, as if to the manner born.

For someone who outsources everything to do with installing systems, you sure gave the impression, for a while, that you knew what you were talking about.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_(computer_retailer)

Pericles, my Osborne came from this mob, who seemingly set up
under Osborne in Australia, later on. Eventually I gather, they
were bought by Gateway. In 1994, they were giving great deals.

To complete the story of my computer, on the first visit there were
a few things we could not finish, as we could not connect it to the
internet, due to Telstra. I thought I might as well upgrade the
modem too, as the other one had played up, so bought one from a
nearby town. It took around 4-5 days to sort out the Telstra
drama. Once I had the internet sorted out, I had a couple of issues
and the guru came and fixed them. At the same time he wanted to know
a bit about astacology, so I gave him a quick lesson.

*and setting up the virtual XP system under Windows 7, so that you could run Outlook*

The way I understand it, that is already part of Windows 7. You can
apparently run any programme in XP mode or Vista mode etc. You
just have to know which button to push :)

*From experience, I know that it is pointless getting into a pissing contest with a Microsoft tech;*

I really don't know what they think, I haven't talked to a MS
employee for many many years. From memory it would be the mid
to late 90s.

The way I see things, AFAIK is rather common in the everyday
community. Just about everyone I know uses Windows, apart from
my brother. I do know a few dedicated Apple fans, but they seem
to be mainly from the arty farty community. And yes, their general
view would be that Linux is for geeks, some businesses, etc.
That would not be MS talk, but community talk.

*For someone who outsources everything to do with installing systems, you sure gave the impression, for a while, that you knew what you were talking about.*

Pericles, I have never claimed that. How computers and other office
machines work, simply does not interest me

The way I saw it Yabby, you claimed linux was for tinkerers only.
Clearly, now that you've explained yourself better, it shows just how much Windows is clearly for Tinkerers LOL!

Never have I seen a linux user tinker... err go to so much trouble to receive email :)

>>I live at both ends of the scale. In my day job I manage the computer affairs for a largish organisation (several hundred employees). It is all based on Linux. Suffices to say it does a much better job than Windows in most ways and worse in a couple - well one really.<<

rstuart, you are very informative. As a system administrator (I imagine) of a company of a couple of hundred, you would certainly know your stuff.

-- -- -- -- --

After reading through the thread, the score is about Linux 100, Microsoft 1.

Not only is Linux free, you don't have any issues reloading software, no issues with virus software, no issues backing it up and no compatibility problems with alien software. (Have I missed anything.) As an open source product, you know it has been developed by a collective that really enjoy their work and who want to be a part of creating a product that has no artificial, commercial boundaries.

Equation: buy Microsoft, feel good and powerful and be wrapped up in its image but really only be its slave, versus anonymously download linux for free and have a simple time using and maintaining the software.

Mmmm, tough choice.

RawMustard, for all your chest thumping and feelgood stuff, I don't
think that you are giving MS sleepless nights just yet :)

I'd say that Google is their real threat as they have serious
money. How good is their Chrome operating system?

*After reading through the thread, the score is about Linux 100, Microsoft 1.*

That is really up to the marketplace RobP. Consumers vote with
their wallets every day. They clearly don't agree with you!

Anyhow, thanks for all the many intersting contributions and
thanks everyone for keeping a sense of humour. Its not always
this friendly on OLO.

Having lurked on this thread since it started, I have to say that I've been persuaded to give Linux a go. I've been toying with doing so for a couple of years now :)

Over winter I'll install it on a desktop PC we have that isn't too old and doesn't get used much. If it works out without software conflicts I'll be happy to install it on this machine or its successor.

Yabby - my understanding is that Chrome is a web browser at this stage, rather than an an operating system.