It is really exciting to read about Microsoft and the development of Windows Vista. As an IT geek, it really thrills me. But it has its costs. Vista will not run on the majority of the PCs of today. Typical
Microsoft. A small "Hello world" application compiled on Visual C++ to a Windows application resulted in an executable four times bigger than any of my DOS applications - without doing anything.

For the desktop, the applications eat up all the resources made available through new technology. A new 64bit system will not give you much benefit after MS has eaten its part. MS is capable of making intelligent and compact programmes like Windows Mobile. This isn't fancy, and it is
really demanding on the developer.

While Microsoft is thinking 'bigger is better' in the American way, I would prefer compact, efficient and smart like the European or Asian way. My Toyota is compact and takes me where I want with plenty of power. I will not trade it with a bulky American car with accessories I don't need and where the power is needed only to move the surplus metal. I like Vista because I hope it will give the alternatives a boost.

Svein Olav Hagen