Each new version of the Mac OS/X or Windows creates a frenzy in Nerdistan. Microsoft finally released it’s newest shiny toy to eager consumers this week – and boy it’s all over the place.
I also did my little "Installfest". Windows 7 is great, it simply works … but I downgraded to XP a couple of hours later.
Why? Simple – there is nothing I really new or better I need. So why change working setup? The Operating System is not doing my work – I am. And Photoshop or Word or Firefox are almost the same – no mater which OS I am using – even running them on a Mac or PC makes hardly a difference. This also applies to my Mac which came with Leopard – and I won’t update to Snow Leopard either …
I am only switching to a new system or version when …
- The old version breaks or is unusable (security risk), because it’s totally outdated.
- Offers new and better functions I ACTUALLY NEED and will use for work.
- There is no third reason.
I always happily trailing several versions behind the Glamour Nerd Flock. I still would be using Office 2000, but too many good add-ons are working with it, so I only switched to Office 2002 – not any newer version. Photoshop CS3 is good enough for me. Apple forces me to constantly update iTunes, otherwise I can’t access my music properly. Also Firefox is a tool I keep updated for security reasons.
Hysteria back then, hysteria today.
Software companies love upgrades, because it makes them money. But I don’t need the newest toy in town to get my work done.
And it’s often smarter to wait and let the In crowd do all the testing and develop work-arounds …
I have to test and explore so many new apps and sites for my job anyway, so I am more than happy to keep my setup simply working.
Someday I’ll join the party and update my Operating System … maybe when Windows 8 is coming.
