Bye , Bye XP.

I remember way back when...When Microsoft ended support for 98SE. I cried. I moaned. I posted on the NGs on how unfair it was for Microsoft to force me to purchase a new OS when I own my 98SE.

Defiantly I continued to use 98SE. Using IE, more and more, sites would not function right using the old IE that was the last for 98.

The Antivirus programs, no matter which one I tried to use would crash 98SE after some odd upgrade that made the program incompatible to 98.

Replacing hardware became difficult because new hardware did not come with 98SE drivers.

So now my Win98SE machine sets quietly on a back room desk...silent. It's big (state of the art) CRT monitor blankly stares back reflecting my passing.

But back when...I used 98SE refusing to even look at XP. Waited and waited for a glimmer of hope that Microsoft would come to their senses and revive 98SE.

To no avail:( Then one day I saw a TV ad where they were showing people using a window' system that they said Microsoft listened to them and built a NEW OS that was crafted by their suggested needs and demands.

The dawn of VISTA! The OS that would put an end to needing any other OSs. Microsoft's masterpiece.

So I danced and pranced, throwing flower pedals in the air all the way, to the store and purchased the ULTIMATE version of any and all operating systems. VISTA.

Even built a machine with all the new hardware that had Vista drivers..... So called Vista drivers.

Humming and giggling to myself as I built and installed my dream machine.

The thing worked great. At least to me it was great. I just spend a couple of months wages making my child. It HAD to be great. Well after two weeks the system deteriorated to a point where an old Atari would show better graphics. My child was dying. I cried. And being a firm believer in mercy killing I did the only thing.

On line I found an affordable XP OS installation disk.

Put my baby to sleep and booted to a floppy that would format the HD. So with my child still asleep I wiped it's existence out. Rebooted PC to installation of XP.

Installed XP. Cautiously. I ran updates. Installed support programs (AV, firewall, etc.).

Microsoft, later, offed a XP SP3 upgrade free. Just had to send for it. Sent for it and received it. Installed the SP3.

And our life together started. XP and me. Together we evolved. CRT to LED to plasma screen. Dial-up to wireless. Mb of video ram to Gigs.

Life was smooth and happy.

Later on with Vista influence, driver store were more defined, I built a Vista machine and gave it to my wife.

Let her deal with that "Red-headed stepchild". Not me!

XP was daddy's girl. Soon my 98SE machine was forgotten. Fond memories of 98SE was foggy dreams.

Now XP has been put on the chopping block. And the process begins. Win8, by reviews is a terror. 8.1 gave back the "start" button.

Win7 is said to be like XP. Apparently these so called know-it-alls are not know-it-alls. Win7 is NOT XP. Not by a long shot.

And I hear that Microsoft...hearing our cries...is unveiling the Win9 early to appease the die-hard XP users. Win9 will be an OS for desktop PCs.

And through the fading memories of the Vista fiasco.

My mind is whispering. "Remember the past! Victory is fleeting!"

Continue reading...