Microsoft Windows in Danger of Collapse?

Say it ain't so! I've been--if not a fan--a constant user of Microsoft Windows since shortly before it went mainstream. I started with Windows 3.0, which was needed to run the Aldus PageMaker and CorelDRAW! programs. It still had to be loaded in tandem with Microsoft DOS in those days. Windows didn't really get wind in its sails until version 3.1.

All the while, I learned how it worked, what to tweak, and how to customize it and live with its limitations (and work around them). Shiny, sparkly Mac products came and went, and yet I was never tempted. Then Windows Vista appeared, and for some reason, I never adopted it. At work, we depend upon our proprietary sign-making hardware, and with 12 computers, upgrading is expensive and a pain in the butt.

The boss got a new notebook computer which came with Vista, and we also got one at home. It isn't all that different, but I haven't sussed it out like earlier versions. I've even split the difference on my desktop computers at home and work by applying Vista "lookalike" software. So everything looks pretty much the same.

Anyway, lots like me didn't make the switch--or worse, made the switch and hated it, even sometimes reverting to XP. Is it too late for Microsoft to fix their mistakes?

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Gartner Warns Of Windows Collapse, Says Change Needed

A controversial analysis by Gartner looks into Microsoft's Vista woesIts no secret that Windows Vista wasn't the resounding success that Microsoft hoped for. While Microsoft managed to push decent sales, it failed to surpass Windows XP's success and received a largely critical reception from the press. Microsoft is taking the situation seriously, and is pushing aggressively to replace Vista, with Windows 7 in 2010, hoping for better luck.

Read more at: Daily Tech

Software I Can't Wait For: CorelDRAW X4

Photo from Corel.com

I work in the sign industry, which means I work on a PC platform. This is counter-intuitive to most graphics people, who tend to favor Macs. The reason for this is that sign making machines, once they fully embraced the computer age, opted for the PC. While it may be theoretically possible to operate some of the machines with a Mac, it would certainly take away from the Mac's alleged ease-of-use.

This all worked out for me, because I've been using PC software for graphics almost since such programs were made available. I've used CorelDRAW since version 2. Add to that the fact that I'm a bit Mac-phobic (not scared of them, just dislike them), and also have a profound distaste for Corel's main competitor, Adobe. So I'm kind of excited by a new release from Corel.

One feature that Corel has had for a long time--and one that Adobe lacks--is the ability to set the interface to look almost exactly like the competition. So if you find yourself in front of CorelDRAW, and you are trained on Adobe Illustrator, in a few quick clicks you can be in familiar territory. The only chance Adobe has at ever converting me is to return the favor.

If you're curious about what CorelDRAW X4 (the 14th release) has to offer, here's a preview.

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CorelDraw Graphics Suite X4

CorelDraw is often regarded by designers as a Creative Suite for marketing departments, but this hasn’t stopped Corel pitching it as much at creative professionals as those who create media as only part of their job. The Graphics Suite X4 bundle combines vector artwork design, page layout and image editing in a single package that costs around a third of Adobe’s equivalent package. . .

Read more at: Digital Arts