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 …

1. The old version breaks or is unusable (security risk), because it’s totally outdated.
2. Offers new and better functions I ACTUALLY NEED and will use for work.
3. 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.

I think the Microsoft campaign has done it’s job well: everybody is talking about those cute (more Kylie here) or stupid ads (the dreadful Launch Party video).

I love Skype! It’s one of my most important tools for everyday business. I bought a lot of Skype credits for SMS and calling normal lines. So the newest version is important to me – like any tool I have to rely on.

And the new version blows. Big Time!

Instead of staying focused on keeping it a sharp tool in my drawer, they made it a bloated office application. Note to developers and especially the marketing guys at Skype: Bigger isn’t always better and bloating your application with even more interface gadgets, information and buttons isn’t helpful either.

I can see that the team tried to bring all the Skype functions closer together, like having you contacts on the left and all action associated with one contact on the right. But the all at once approach leads to an information overkill.

Plus I hate the new design. It tries too hard to be cool instead of being FUNCTIONAL. It looks like an overblown Web 2.0 design instead of a specialized desktop application.

The current 3.8 version may look boring, but it’s design (especially the icons) is more efficient and intuitive.

So once again KISS!

Sometimes I wonder if computers haven’t already achieved consciousness and are just keeping silent to piss us off with stupid error messages. I could swear I heard a little snigger coming out of my notebook when it crashed yesterday …

Installing the latest upgrades and system patches will make your computer work better, faster, more secure and reliable.

*muhahaha (evil admin laugh)