Another Day With My PC

Once in a while, some of us install old applications to bring back a part of the good old days. I’m sometimes guilty of clearing a few megabytes in my hard drive for circa 1990 software, some of them even DOS-based.

Nostalgia isn’t the only reason why some people are resurrecting old programs. For those who abhor the clutter of options that software-makers litter in their creations, it is indeed not surprising why a good number of PC users are missing the old applications that are simpler and easier to use.

While it would seem that breathing life back to your outdated programs may be harmless, analysts are discouraging using old software. For one thing, installing them might just induce migraine as new operating systems don’t support obsolete applications anymore.

But the real reason why experts advise users not to reinstall old programs is because they could chisel a hole in your computer’s wall. Malware could easily exploit the security gaps that unpatched software creates. Although program makers regularly releases security patches or updates, they usually do so only to products that have been recently released. Very few would even bother putting a band aid on apps that were issued more than 10 years ago.

Be very careful then when reinstalling or running programs that are not supported by their makers anymore. If you’re bent on using old software again, try to look first on the Internet for patches or updates. If there are none, then don’t connect to the Internet whenever you’re using them as malware in cyberspace could smell unpatched software from thousands of virtual miles away.

Despite the advances in computer hardware and software, many are still wooed by the simplicity of the applications of old.

There used to be a time when writing letters or documents on a word processor was not so complicated. The only word processing options for anybody back then who dared to snub the typewriter for a Mac or an XT is Bold, Italicize, Underline, or Indent. Life was sweet until Microsoft Word came along.

Many of those who grew up and fell in love with DOS, WordStar, or Lotus 123 had a hard time moving on and accepting the fact that the help guide of the current office applications are as complex and confusing as the nutrition facts written at the back of the burrito packs sold on a nearby 7 Eleven store. Even those whose first computer experience was with a Pentium 4 are now longing for a hardware or application that is simple and easy to use.

I hope computer and program makers would realize that what people want is not something which is faster and more powerful, but one which is simpler and more useful.

Catholics have this belief that every child that is brought out in the world has original sin. This sin comes from mankind’s biblical ancestors, Adam and Eve. In order to get rid of original sin, the child has to be baptized. After being Christened, the child begins life without any burden of sin.

That sinless existence also comes a few times in a PC’s life. The system doesn’t bear the weight of any needless software during the time that it’s taken out of the box. Of course, a computer is practically helpless or useless without any application installed in it. The first burden that it has to carry, then, is the operating system.

First Sin?

Many consider Windows as the first sin or burden of a computer. Everything seems to be perfectly fast and smooth when a new PC conducts that first run or check in DOS or Linux. However, such pristine condition or impeccable performance won’t last long. As no PC could ever survive or be useful without embracing Apple or Microsoft’s religion, the commission of original sin is consequently inevitable.

Putting it to the Test

Of course, operating systems are made to make things easier for the user. Hence, it’s quite wrong to look at it as if it’s Pandora’s box. Of course, your system will definitely slow down once it begins to run on Windows or OS X. That’s just normal considering that DOS or Linux practically needs just a fraction of processing power in order for it to function. In contrast, Windows or OS X will definitely put processors to the test, especially if it’s a single core model.

Still Pure

Despite taking up a few gigabytes of hard drive real estate, as well as keeping task manager busy, your PC should still be able to run smoothly after the installation of XP, Vista, or OS X. I’ve installed XP on a Pentium M notebook with just 256 of RAM and it ran without a glitch. Navigating through the commands or windows was seamless. The ease by which I was able to go through things or tasks made me wonder for a short while if the specs of my notebook were mistakenly labeled.

Problem in Disguise?

Slow PC performance starts when you install the other applications. You’ll definitely feel the drag after you’ve installed an antivirus. It’s already a given that the presence of a security software in your system will slow it down. That’s a consequence that every PC user will face regardless of the processor that he has.

Some users try to solve the problem by getting rid of their antivirus altogether and just rely on their cautious nature to ferret out malware attacks. Of course, this is a reckless move. Antivirus or other system utilities will slow your PC down. However, the greatest drag or burden that keeps PCs from running at optimum speed comes from malicious applications and not from legitimate ones. You may not notice this immediately, but you’ll definitely be noticing your nails grow while waiting for your programs to load if you’ll let your system roam around cyberspace without any armor on it.

Necessary

Do not court disaster by dispensing with system utilities that you think would just waste hard drive space or slow down your system. Antivirus programs or registry cleaners may take up some space and may sometimes demand a good deal of processing power every time they’re scanning your PC for malicious instructions. The small inconveniences that you’ll experience from scans and clean ups are nothing compared to the major hard drive sweep that you’ll be doing when unwanted software starts squatting on your main disk.

Do you still have that very first PC of yours?

I was browsing through some of the sites on the Web for old computer parts for my prehistoric AMD K62 computer when I chanced upon the Computer History Museum’s Web page. Google may have already placed the K62 on its “ancient PCs” list as I saw words, such as “vintage” and “obsolete,” on the search results.

Old PCs are already practically useless. They can’t run most of the programs that are commonly being used today. Sure, you may still have old DOS programs on your shelves. But chances are, most of them are already corrupted or aren’t working properly anymore.

Some Web sites offer free downloads of old PC games and applications that might still run on old XTs. Call me a nostalgic weirdo, but the thought of being able to run WordStar or play Pacman on my old 286SX clone PC still gives me that static energy effect all over my body.

I hope that there will be more individuals or organizations that would sponsor exhibits involving old PCs. It would be fun to let generation X have a glimpse of what it was like when the typewriter was still seen as a threat to computers as far as word processing was concern.

Oooops! I may have spoken on Vista’s demise quite too soon on my previous article. In my April 16 entry, I have revealed Microsoft’s plan on pulling the plug on its most successful program. Although it’s not yet dependent on any life support system, Windows XP’s days are definitely numbered already.

Plotting XP’s End

I think I didn’t give details as to how and when Bill Gates’ company will cut the life out of XP. Microsoft will still be providing a hefty oxygen tank for its old product in 2008 before slowly letting the air flow out without any plan of replenishing it. It expects XP to suffer its first stroke in 2009 when non-security updates will be put to a halt. The fatal blow would come 6 years later when the company will cut all its ties with the software. Of course, the OS would still run after 2015. However, it would be reckless to stick with it considering that it won’t be updated anymore against any error or threat.

Many were saddened by the news, but weren’t a bit surprised. Everybody was already expecting that Microsoft would soon euthanize XP. The only question was when or how soon. I thought that we already got an answer last week when it was announced that all kinds of support over the OS would be cut by 2015. However, it would seem that Microsoft is not in a hurry to bury XP after all.

Extended CPR

Dell has recently announced that it would still be selling PCs bundled with XP. This is surprising since computer makers are supposed to be solidly one with Microsoft in exclusively promoting Windows Vista. Many were surprised then when Dell backtracked and decided to accommodate the growing clamor for XP machines.

You might suspect that the XP-bundled PCs are either low-end models or hand-me-downs. This is hardly the case. In fact, the new Dell XP PCs are powered by the latest processors. Needless to say, the units could easily handle Vista as if it’s DOS.

What made Dell decide to ditch its original plan of exclusively bundling its PCs with Vista is the growing number of complaints against the new OS. Many consumers are simply not happy with Vista. The popular PC maker is also being more receptive to consumer preference. Aside from offering XP again, it has also announced that it would soon release models bundled with Linux.

Delaying the Inevitable

You may surmise that Microsoft frowned upon Dell’s move. Well, you may have suspected or presumed wrongly. Of course, it’s a dent to the former’s campaign to get Vista into every PC in the world. However, giving its old product a new lease in life wouldn’t harm them. In fact, it’s a perfect opportunity for them to get rid of excess XP stocks rotting in their warehouses.

The news is quite vindicating for Vista critics. They have been emphasizing since day one that Vista has been unreasonably rushed and that it’s just XP sporting a new skin. I totally agree on the former, but I may have to temper my tongue on the latter. While the technology with which Vista is based has some similarities with the one used in XP, it’s definitely a lot different and far more advanced. Your PC’s muscles would not be wasted in Vista, that’s for sure.

I’m glad that an XP revival is already in the making. However, I doubt it if it could be sustained. The fact remains that there’s already a new OS. While it may not have lived up to its expectations, I’m sure that it will win critics over very soon.

Is there such a thing as a perfect operating system?

If you’ve been a Microsoft client since the 1980s, then you’ll probably answer in the negative. Indeed, the previous Windows released by Bill Gates’ company had a lot of flaws. If you think that compatibility issues only sprung after Windows 95, then you’d better ask those who navigated their computer using the DOS prompt. OS problems are as old as the program itself.

Windows XP

The most successful OS to date is Windows Vista’s predecessor, Windows XP. Around 90% of the world’s computers function under this program. It even gained many converts from Apple’s OS X. For many, it’s the closest thing to a perfect operating system.

Microsoft would now want us to believe that XP has outlived its purpose and that it’s already ill-advised to stick with their previous product. One of the things that the Redmond, Washington company boast about Windows Vista is that it’s purportedly the most secured operating system in the world. They were so bent in trying to convince people to ditch XP for the new OS to the point that they were already contemplating on throwing mud at the former.

Not Perfect

Microsoft doesn’t have to magnify the previous security flaws that plagued Windows XP in order to show everybody that it’s not as secured as many might think. Nobody needs to be reminded of that, especially since updates or patches continue to roll out for this program. Hackers seem to find new holes in the OS every week. Fortunately, Microsoft has been successful in stitching the tears of their product before malicious applications could fully exploit it. This has been the story of XP since its first release.

Not Perfect Either

Every type of program needs to be updated from time to time, regardless of the purpose for which they’re constituted. However, operating systems need those patches more than any type of application does. No OS author can ever anticipate every peril that his creation might encounter in the future. New software, especially malicious ones, are being released on a daily basis. Hence, the operating system needs to continuously adapt to changes or threats as they come.

While Windows Vista is billed as the most secured OS in the planet, any person with sufficient experience in computers would immediately brand such claim as far fetched. There’s no way that the new OS could survive new attacks, recognize new programs, or adapt to new technology without the necessary patches or updates.

This Vista myth has been recently shattered by claims that Microsoft is set to release more than a hundred patches for its new product. Take note that it has only been 3 months since Vista has been released to consumers. XP received its first service pact 11 months after it has reached the vendors’ shelves. So which OS has a better record now as far as security is concerned?

A good OS doesn’t have to remain unchanged until the release of its successor. On the contrary, a static program will outlive its usefulness faster than those which are constantly being subjected to updates or modifications. It is therefore important for an OS to be malleable so that it could reshape itself into something which is more responsive to the needs of the user.

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