As a technician I service many windows computers onsite. The problems arrive when you connect to the net (basically a hard-to-regulate area). The MAIN problem I deal with, on a day to day basis, is the operator not knowing how to securely protect their computer from the internet nasties. The new XP OS is a very comprehensive and improved stable system that only needs some basic maintenance tasks associated with life on the net. Add antivirus + firewall + spyware remover + windows updates and keep away from dubious web sites. Then – keep these programs mentioned up to date and use them (on a daily basis) and you’ll have very little problems. Neglect any of them and you’ll have problems – simple as that. Many people will first blame the Windows OS rather than learn a few simple maintenance proceedures. The advantage of staying with Microsoft is: the OS has good support from a security viewpoint from a largely unsecure world wide web. Fix the web and the associated organised crime that florishes within it and many computer problems will disappear. regards mike
