What does everyone have against Microsoft anyhow? That thought occurred to me this past week while writing a C++ program on a computer running the UNIX operating system. (If you want to know all about operating systems such as Windows, Apple OS, UNIX, Linux, etc., ask the local resident computer geek and I'm sure she or he can go on for hours). Yes, I know — in the past, I have not appreciated some of the features of Microsoft products, but from my recent experience, out of all the choices out there, Microsoft has the best user-friendly software that can be readily and easily used by just about anyone.

First off, let me say that, yes indeed, comparing one operating system to another is sort of like comparing apples and oranges.

Yes, operating systems have different uses and each has its own benefits and downfalls. What I'm saying here is — as far as personal computing goes — Microsoft has indeed created some good stuff throughout the past few decades.

OK, so back in the early '80s, DOS wasn't all that user-friendly, but once Microsoft started using a Graphical User Interface (allowing users to point and click to do stuff), everything started getting very easy for the computer users of the world. Apple users — I'll admit that the GUI was before Microsoft and that as of now — OS X.1 is a very nice piece of code, but Windows still wins in my book with the accessibility and compatibility it provides.

When Microsoft released Windows 3.1, I found it to be very useful in opening personal (even business) computing to the masses.

Windows 95 did so to an even greater extent and was probably the most important software release in computing history.

After many revisions, Microsoft has at last released Windows XP (eXPerience), which appears to be just as history altering as Windows 95.

No longer will the open-source software crew (sorry Linux users) be able to complain about stability problems with Windows XP.

This operating system appears to be the most stable, reliable, really cool-looking, easy-to-use one to date. Personally, I like the big green start button and the thick blue taskbar at the bottom.

It makes me feel like a kid again.

For releasing this product, Microsoft is facing legal action from the U.S. Department of Justice and several individual states that have decided to take on the software company.

They claim that by including several useful software components with the operating system Microsoft is monopolizing the computing industry.

Personally, it doesn't bother me that included with the operating system are several functional, useful software applications.

In fact, Microsoft should be praised for doing so. Because of this, one doesn't have to go out and purchase even more expensive software after spending a chunk of change on the operating system.

And since when does a capitalist society punish a company that thrives (and profits) on innovation and evolving a small company into a major international corporation?

Anyhow, we have reached the part of the article where I cover my posterior bodily orifice by saying that Linux is a really cool alternative to Windows, offering a great deal of free and useful software with which to tinker.

I encourage people that are confident enough to experiment with it to do so.

Apple users rock. The video and multimedia editing aspects made capable through the Apple OS astound me. UNIX users — the stability and programming capabilities of the operating system are equally astounding. All other OS users — I'm sure have their reasons.

Finally, some Microsoft software is available for free for Penn State students.

Its operating systems, programming applications and office suite are available from the software distribution counter in the basement of the Willard Building near the Microcomputer Order Center.

Apple users, the OS X.1 upgrade is available as well.

For all the Linux users, several distributions are available at no cost to you from the Web site.