Vista is proof of the Peter Principle applied to computer operating systems. They've tried so hard to make this OS more secure that they've loaded Vista with stuff that the average user will simply turn off. ("The more you tighten your grip, Tarkin, the more star systems will slip through your fingers.")

Further, it's change for the sake of change. Aside from the annoying security features, none of the changes were really necessary. They look nice, but that's all.

They've effectively killed backward compatibility with hundreds of pieces of software that businesses use every day, and will be using for years to come. In my office, for example, the company mandates a single e-mail client (we don't use Outlook), and that client will not install on Vista without workarounds that take almost 20 minutes per computer. Much of the software my business uses, aside from Office, will not run at all on Vista and requires that the user be an admin-equivalent. I'm seeing and hearing that installing printers which are shared from a server is almost impossible, again requiring workarounds. A new OS is NOT supposed to make using the computer more difficult.

You can bet that the moment any Vista Business machine enters my facility, I will be taking full advantage of the EULA provision that permits a downgrade to XP Professional. The machine will be wiped and reloaded with XP...and I'll give up XP when they pry it from my cold, dead hands.

I'm hoping Vista becomes the next Bob.