JeremyBlum.com

I just had to share this comic.  It’s not a new one, but I find it particularly amusing.  If you don’t already, you should start reading the xkcd comics (xkcd.com).  WARNING: They are are for tech geeks.  If you don’t get this one, then I refer you here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudo.

I’m starting a Vlog!  It will be called TechBits.  The idea will be to informally answer tech/computer questions, talk about the technology industry, etc.  Below is the introduction video to the series.  Be sure to subscribe to my youtube channel! :)

The Description that goes with the video:

TechBits will be my new Vlog. Please comment to let me know what I should change/improve, etc.

Stuff Mentioned in my Video:
ZACH LYNN (CO-CREATOR Of ULTIMATECOMPUTERS.NET)
http://www.youtube.com/zlynn1990
http://www.zachlynn.com

ULTIMATECOMPUTERS (A COMMUNITY FOR COMPUTER-BUILDERS AND TECH ENTHUSIASTS)
http://www.ultimatecomputers.net
http://www.cafepress.com/UComputers (this is where you can buy the shirt I was wearing)

DEEPNOTE (A BOT MADE BY MYSELF AND FRIENDS THAT CAN PLAY GUITAR HERO)
http://www.mechanizedrock.com
Also check out the DeepNote videos in my youtube Profile

MY BLOG (JUST RANDOM STUFF THAT I LIKE TO TALK ABOUT, MOSTLY WHAT I’M UP TO)
http://www.jeremyblum.com

MY TWITTER FEED (FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER; THE FEED IS ALSO DISPLAYED ON THE SIDE OF MY BLOG)
http://www.twitter.com/sciguy14

MY YOUTUBE PROFILE (DUH…AND DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!)
http://www.youtube.com/sciguy14

I’ve used a whole lot of operating systems, but for many years, Windows has been my primary mode of computing.  I now use Vista on 3 machines and Ubuntu Linux on a 4th (with it also dual-booting on one of my Vista machines).  I’ve had a lot of experience with Macs as well, and about a dozen different Linux Distros.  Having seen all of these different computing methods, I’d like to offer my insight (even though very few people are probably reading this) into the development of Windows 7.

1. Backwards compatibility needs to go. By trying to make all aspects of the operating system backwards compatible with other versions, Windows releases have been getting more and more bloated.  The old apps usually don’t even work right anyways.  Add a virtualization engine that old apps can run in.  That way, it only has to be used when old apps are needed.
2. Vista had way to many SKUs.  Ultimate, Home Premium, Business…etc.  It was simply ridiculous.  Take a page from the linux playbook: Make a single base operating system, and allow the needed packages to be installed on top of it.  None of this extra stuff should be installed by default.  Duing the Windows install, it should start very stripped down.  You can can either choose a suggested configuration basaed on what you will use the computer for, or advanced users can pick and choose. For example, any business user would not need to install photo gallery, but they may want remote access.  A home use can pick differently to suit their needs.  If you decide you want to add or remove a feature later on, just pop in your Windows 7 Disc and choose what you want to add or remove.
3. Stop giving eye candy priority over features/improvements.  In Vista, great features like WinFS were stripped out, while aero remained in tact.  That is insane.  There is nothing wrong with making the OS look nice, but you should need a super computer to run the GUI, and the quality of the OS operations should always come first.
4. The registry needs to go. Now.  I am aware that this means changing a lot, but the Registry is outdated and stubborn.  It is the cause for too many problems, and makes moving programs impossible.  Try using config files like linux does.
5. Release driver information.  early.  like yesterday.  Drivers were a major issue with Vista, and while it wasn’t MIcrosoft’s fault that the developers didn’t write their drivers early, they do need to give the msome encouragement by providing info early on.

I’ll probably think of some more things later on and append to this post…

Please post some comments on what you think needs to be different in Windows7.