The popularity of the OS and the sheer numbers of people who have opted not to upgrade to Vista or 7
says a great deal about how people regard the direction Microsoft has dragged us all in. Outlook
Express was the most user-friendly mail client compared with what was foisted on us afterwards.
I have no hesitation in pointing people towards Thunderbird these days.
Whilst I recognise the dangers of retaining an unsupported operating system, I do not welcome its
retirement. Windows 8 has flopped and I see this as a cynical way to strong-arm people into spending
yet more cash on an OS upgrade.
Personally, I have no intention whatsoever of paying a further £75 for an upgrade to 7 for my netbook.
Instead, I shall stick two fingers up at Microsoft with a royal "screw you!" and buy a non-Microsoft tablet.
Discontinuing an associated mobile broadband contract will save me around £120 pa that will offset the new
hardware cost.
If I feel adventurous, I can always stick Linux on the netbook...