Book Controversy: "Deadly Vipers Character Assassins"

Thanks to a blog reader, I came across this controversy over a book published by Zondervan, a giant Christian book publisher. This book is "Deadly Vipers Character Assassins," written by Jud Wilhite & Mike Foster, two white authors.

In a nutshell, too much stereotyping of any ethnic race limits their overall contributions to society, and unwittingly promotes unhealthy perceptions of any one ethnic group.

What the Book is About
Leadership using the metaphor of kung-fu. You can read Eugene Cho's summary here. From what I know, the book covers 7 mortal enemies of leadership character (Creep, Zi Qi Qi Ren, Amped Emotions, Headless Sprinting Chicken, Boom Chicka Wah Wah, Bling Bling and High and Mighty Assassin). All these assassins are secretly working behind the scenes to kill leadership character. Steve Bobbins made an excellent summary on his blog, reproduced below.

• The Assassin of Character Creep - Character begins to die by a thousand small cuts that weaken you enough for the assassin to deliver the coup de grace...
  
• The Assassin of Zi Qi Qi Ren - Zi Qi Qi Ren is a Chinese word that literally means "self-deception while deceiving others"...
  
• The Assassin of Amped Emotions - In the moments of everyday life, he waits for you to blow your top, lose your cool, or go postal. Then he strikes...
  
• The Assassin of the Headless Sprinting Chicken - If you are too busy and tired, you have little defense against the attacks...
  
• The Assassin of Boom Chicka Wah Wah - Stupid decisions are made when thinking is done without the brain...
  
• The Bling Bling Assassin - While you chase for "enough" this assassin can cut you down...
  
• The High and Mighty Assassin - Over confidence and arrogance can do this assassin's job for him...
  
  (Credit: Steve Bobbins)

What the controversy is about? Stereotyping of the Asian image.

What happens next? Aftermath
- series of compromises by the authors and publishers;
- Many Asian Americans felt offended;
- Zondervan eventually pulled the book off the shelves;
- Website (deadlyvipers.org) shut down.

Lest I repeat some of the very good points made by many, let me give a brief snapshot of the different views.

On a positive note, there are useful insights about leadership from the book. Michael Buckingham appreciates the book for its creative blending of visual art and concepts. Michael Melilli points out that the book is useful for leaders to take note of lest they fall out of grace. Jenny Clayville, an Asian American fails to see what the fuss is all about, and makes a perceptive note that many who oppose the book have not really read the book in the first place. She gives a helpful summary of the whole controversy. She describes the predicament well: "Now, everyone feels censored."

On the opposing front, some have written open letters to Zondervan (Professor Rah of North Park Theological Seminary), others have written against it on principles, (DJ Chuang, Todd Thomas). Others have published their dismay on their own blogs, websites etc (daveingland, Scott McLellan). I like McLellan's phrase that 'images aren't necessarily neutral' (of the kung fu metaphor).

My Comments
The fact that Zondervan has taken the step to remove the book totally from the shelves goes to show that they recognize the seriousness and validity of the unhappiness. The important thing is to learn from it, not to simply put this aside and forget all about it. Stereotyping of anybody is plain wrong, regardless of who is making it.  Having said this, I must also say that stereotyping happens both ways. Even in Asia, people stereotype white and black people. That too is deplorable. Stereotyping happens everywhere.

Having said this, let me also say that we learn to accept the authors' intent and apology with grace. There was no malicious intention, but a genuine concern to address important leadership flaws in society. Move on, but learn from this episode, that sensitivity flows both ways.

Looking Forward
A side comment. Personally, I have pessimistic views about Asian authors being able to succeed as serious writers in the West. (The authors of the controversial book are not Asian, which makes the stereotyping accusation more serious) Just look at the numbers, and you can see that not many Asian authors ever get on the New York bestseller book lists, let alone starting a writing career at all. If an Asian gets stereotyped as good Chinese cooks, people accept them readily when they set up restaurants and Chinese take away food stalls. If they get stereotyped as kung fu masters, thanks to Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Jet Li, each time people see a Chinese, they flash off some kung-fu strokes and may even volunteer to join a martial arts course if he was to start one. As more Asians appear on TV as police officers, as doctors, dentists, teachers and various professions, people will start to change their perceptions of Asians. A TV watching generation is more prone to stereotyping based on what they watch and see. For this reason, I feel that the book is flawed, despite the good leadership pointers and the good intentions the authors originally have. By the way, if this book has been written by an ethnic Asian, I doubt it will stir up so much controversy as not many will read it. There is no stereotyped Asian authors anyway. Some has been successful no doubt, but they remain too few.

If things remain this way, I am somewhat pessimistic about any foray into publishing. Yet, I am hopeful that the day will come, when all Christians, regardless of ethnicity and cultural origins will be stereotyped by how much they love one another. Period.

ks

Manhattan Declaration & Canadian Anglicans

I have been pre-occupied with preparing for my January doctoral residency. At the same time, I unwittingly awaken my 'geek spirit' as I twiddle with computer upgrades, backups and all those Windows 7 stuff. That is not all. I am also in the process of upgrading my Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional, which requires a custom upgrade. With Black Friday deals all around, I am surely distracted. Eek!

Rest assured, my readers that I am still mindful of my humble little blog. This week, I read a couple of books by some heavyweight theologians: Miroslav Volf, NT Wright, ...... (you know). At the same time, I am reflecting on two events. The first is on the Manhattan Declaration and the second on the latest result of the unpopular law court case between the main Anglican diocese and breakaway churches.

A) MANHATTAN DECLARATION [link
Published on November 20th, 2009, this declaration is essentially a statement that supports the following:

"We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are: (1) the sanctity of human life, (2) the dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife, and (3) the rights of conscience and religious liberty."

According the the press release, the 4700-word document calls all Christians to "to adhere to their convictions and informs civil authorities that the signers will not—under any circumstance—abandon their Christian consciences." Most prominent in such a declaration is the list of religious leaders that support the statement. Some of the signers include prominent figures like Church Colson (Prison Fellowship), James Dobsom (Focus on the Family), Al Mohler (President of Southern Baptist Seminary), Richard Mouw (President of Fuller Seminary), David Neff (Editor of ChristianityToday), Ravi Zacharias, Ron Sider, William Donohue, Joni Eareckson Tada, and others often associated with the 'religious right.' Two professors of schools I am directly associated with, Dr JI Packer (Regent-College) and Dr Dennis Holllinger (President, Gordon-Conwell) also signed the declaration. This statement seems to be gathering momentum even as this is being written. Within a week, the number of signers are approaching 170,000.

The first issue is essentially a support for pro-life. The second is for the traditional view of marriage being between a man and a woman. The third is for freedom of religion and the need to exercise one's conscience accordingly. While the document is not something that is legislated by law, it can be seen as an attempt to make the voice of the religious right heard. This is especially when the political establishment in the US appears to be leaning more to the left, (the more liberal side), thanks to the political rise of Obama and his adherents. I have heard several comments from religious leaders down South that the US is heading toward more religiously liberal lifestyle. Just last week, someone shared with me about the growing suspicions conservatives have over Obama's faith, that he is leading to US to greater secularism.

MY MUSINGS:

1) Firstly, is it a necessary document?
I think we need to remember one benefit, that this document is something that is drafted to make a stand for future generations. 'Not making a stand' is already an opinion. While I may not classify this in the same category of the ancient creeds (Apostles, Nicene), this essentially highlights the troubles that many Christian leaders have to face in the light of a post-postmodern era. In other words, what is traditionally believed are no longer automatically believed. The younger generations are beginning to ask why. Youngsters are beginning to question the practicality of holding on to traditional beliefs. In other words, if nothing is done, the sacred cows of yesterday will be slaughtered in the secular abattoirs of tomorrow. If Christians at large do nothing to stem the tide of liberalism, traditional beliefs will be history. From a political standpoint, the timing of the press release tries to apply pressure on the senate not to support abortion funding.

Personally, one does not have to make an official statement in order to prove one's conviction. Yet, I will not be too quick to dismiss the significance of such a document. If we do not agree with it, do not sign it. However, let us not be too loud with our disagreement that our actions undermine the intent of the document. In other words, what may not be helpful for us, may be helpful to others. Whether this is necessary or not, depends on where we come from. As far as the future generations is concerned, I think it is necessary for our younger generation, our children to know about our stand. Otherwise, when people ask our kids about their stand regarding abortion, same-sex marriage and conscience, they may reply: "I don't know." Worse, they may shrug it off by saying: "Whatever!"

2) It will probably create a backlash, (even from moderate evangelicals)
I know that some other respected evangelicals are skeptical about it, like Tim Challies and my Regent professor Dr John Stackhouse disagree with this statement. The latter even says it is a 'waste of time' and his blog has generated quite a vigorous discussion. Dr Stackhouse makes some pertinent observations, which I tend to agree with. However, I have this nagging feel that even if we do not agree with it, we should not block others from doing it. That said, by questioning whether it is a 'waste of time,' it may further discredit the statement. I would prefer Dr Stackhouse to put 'not necessary' instead of the more provocative 'waste of time.' Tim Challies highlights some insightful views by non-signers such as John MacArthur and James White.

Many on the evangelical right may have no qualms in signing the document. Those who oppose will not sign. What remains to be seen is the silent moderate majority. This moderate party can become a bridge not only between these two sides, but also with non-believers. One of the most prominent moderates is the Emerging Church movement. They remain silent. Perhaps, their views are still 'emerging.' Perhaps, they do not feel it necessary to be involved directly. For me, any public and visible press release will create an equal and opposite reaction. This is how the world is. Freedom of speech always means that people are free to agree or disagree. This is a good thing. 'A backlash' is not necessarily a bad thing. It can keep one humble and to recognize that we need to keep one another in healthy check.

Let me say that merely signing the declaration by no means a magic solution to the three complex issues. It is a statement. Period.

3) Declarations Potentially Polarises
While it strengthens current convictions, it also fortifies the opposition. In a nutshell, it polarizes evangelical camps further from each other, forcing some to take sides unnecessarily. This is for me the single most distressing effect of the Manhattan Declaration. Evangelicals are not known to be completely united. This statement may further distance any fragile truce between parties that disagree. This leads me to the next thought about the Anglican Church in Canada further below.

In summary, I feel that the Manhattan Declaration is a document made with the intent to preserve traditional beliefs which is increasingly being threatened. While it may not be the most palatable piece of draft for some, it remains a statement that one can freely sign or not sign. There is no compulsion on anyone that one has to decide. Having said that, this statement forces us to examine our willingness to make our convictions known, especially to a growing and questioning younger generation. Those of us growing up with traditional upbringing do not have to deal with a 'whatever' culture, that our younger generations have to deal with. Without specific statements of belief, people can hop onto any bandwagon of beliefs (and unbeliefs), without a proper sense of what is right or wrong. Too much swimming in an ocean of 'gray,' can eventually drown one's sense of identity. In other words, be prepared to make your stand, albeit a quiet one, especially when others ask us about our opinion. I am ready to sign the document, as a symbol of what I believe rather than to militantly influence others. This I do so, without wanting to condemn or discredit others who will not. I respect them for their reasons for not doing it. By understanding the reasons why each of us do or do not sign, it cultivates an understanding that moves toward unity.

My advice: Do not look at names of people before you decide. Ask your conscience. Let your faith in God determine your action. If you want to sign the Manhattan Declaration, click here. Otherwise don't bother.

B) ANGLICAN CHURCH IN CANADA LAWSUIT UPDATE
Just today, I learned that the main Anglican diocese has won the lawsuit against several breakaway Anglican Churches in BC Canada. At stake are four properties owned by the Anglican Diocese based in New Westminster. While the courts declare that these properties are owned by the Anglican Church, the present parishes were told to 'settle' with the diocese concerned.

Legally speaking, if the breakaway parties no longer belong to the Anglican Church, they have no right to occupy the properties.  I think the decision was made that allows both parties (diocese and the breakaway churches) room to practice their convictions. The diocese gets to keep the title deeds, while the breakaways get to keep their convictions intact. Here are three brief thoughts.

1) In the first place, I feel that the moment the case went before the law courts, it is already a lose-lose situation for all. Why let the secular courts decide on matters of faith?

2) Secondly, this may be the best way forward. It lays to rest the polarising topic of same-sex marriage and allows the respective churches to move ahead with other more pressing matters of faith, like pastoral care, spiritual growth, community outreach among the parishes. It is costly for the parishes to move to another location. Yet, do not underestimate the people of God when they come together. Like the early Church, the more they were persecuted, the more the Word of God flourish.

3) Thirdly, I remember a recent conference at Gordon-Conwell seminary on "Renewing the Evangelical Mission." One of the memorable takeaways is that a revived Church needs to have a "willingness to suffer." A Church that is too comfortable often does not grow as much. Like what they used to say about the early Church in Jerusalem. The reason why there is Acts 8:1, is because the disciples fail to obey and follow through on Acts 1:8.

"And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria." (Acts 8:1)

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

I pray that the churches who lose their properties will indeed gain a revitalized faith. Perhaps, their flock will grow even more.

ks

Google Chrome OS

Google is slowly but surely dominating the Internet and poses a big threat to traditional businesses. This initiative called Google Chrome OS looks promising. It aims at people who:

• are Netbook users
• Mainly surfs the Internet or do work online;
• Always has an internet connectivity;
• Uses mainly (or only) the browser to do work;
• Cheap and super-fast bootup.
• Wants something light, simple and open source

If you are a mobile user, who uses a computer mainly to check emails or do work on the Internet, and want a cheap and easy to carry computer device, perhaps Google Chrome OS will interest you. This is the "Operating System" and not the no-frills browser only program. Requiring only a solid state memory on the Netbook-type size computer, the Chrome browser is the operating system. Period.

Everything that one uses to do offline can now be done online. This concept video will show you more.

1) Easy to understand Concept Demo of Chrome OS (link)

I find this video very clear and quite convinced of the benefit of a quick and light browser OS. It is a 'totally rethought computer' for the user who uses mainly or only the Internet.


2) Amazing 7 seconds bootup! (Mountainview Debut)


Presented by the Google Product team, this demo showcases an amazing 7 seconds bootup time for the computer to get ready for our Internet work. They are looking to improve that too! Cool.

3) First Look of Google Chrome OS (link)


This is an interesting take on the Chrome OS from an early user perspective.

My Comments
This is a shrewd move by Google. They are correct that many users nowadays use the Internet for their work. It is also true that the operating system is not that useful if all a person does is Internet work. After all, if most of the time we use browser only as our sole application, why not have only the necessary to support this browser? Since most applications are now online, we do not need to install other programs on our small computer gadget. Imagine saving money on:

• Ever expanding hard-disk requirements or backup; (store in online)
• Buying expensive Office Apps; (there's online apps)
• Investing in antivirus; (scanning available online)
• Maximum battery life (Google netbook uses solid state memories as alternative to hard disk);
• Minimum apps (simple)

That will truly be a cash saver. However, the main problem is that the way to use the computer is when one is online. What happens if the inspiration comes, but the internet is offline? I suppose that this idea can work only if the Internet is always available, like in a corporate office environment with Internet connectivity redundancy. This being the biggest weakness in the Google Chrome OS project, I believe that they will eventually have some offline capability. Watch this project carefully. It is quite promising. Perhaps, if such a project becomes popular, we may be able to buy a Google Netbook at Dollar shops one day!

ks

Virtual Spirituality

Martin Marty wrote in 2005 an insightful article on the trends of modern use of virtual space. We have heard of virtual reality, and virtual space. The inventive human mind will sooner or later come up with 'virtual spirituality.' Marty distinguishes 2 kinds of spirituality. The first is communal. The second is individualistic. It is to the second that he is particularly critical about. He writes from a position of concern that this second type, called "Spirituality Two" will overwhelm the first, making the already individualistic world more extreme in itself. In "Spirituality Two," lonely people becomes more alone when they have their computer screens, their personal iPods and their own electronic gadgets to keep them company. The individual that is trapped in the second kind of spirituality is more concerned with the self and totally disconnected from flesh-and-blood communities. In its place, Spirituality Two people are at home with the digital domain. Whatever a person can dream or desire, or to lust after, thanks to technology, one can select his dream girl or gay friend, choose his preferred digital companion, and virtualize anything. If one cannot get it easily offline, one can simply go online to live out one's fantasies.

This has become rather profitable for companies like Artificial Life. An example is the availability of a virtual girl called Vivienne, who is a walking encyclopedia, a guide for all kinds of questions, who possesses a sensuous body ready to perform anything the 'customer' wants. Though one cannot have sex with the virtual woman, the company promises that one can try. Marty concludes by suggesting that the limit for Spirituality Two may ultimately be financial.

My Comments
Marty's article is an eye opener. Published in 2005, around the same time where "Second Life" was also popular, it was supposed to virtualize a person's dreams and fantasies in the remote comfort of one's computer. It fits perfectly the modern man's desire for privacy, for indulgence and for self-narcissism. Currently, social networking is much more exciting than such virtual toys. People talk more about Facebook, Twitter and even mySpace. I find it quite ironic that while society is said to be getting more individualistic, yet the rise of social networking shows that people still desire to be connected more than being in their own private domain. Fortunately, Marty's negative view of "Spirituality Two" did not become as popular as social networking. People are excitedly connecting meaningfully with one another, in the digital realm. That said, it does not mean that society is any less individualistic.

If I were to call 'Spirituality One' as physical community, and "Spirituality Two" as ego-centric individualism, is 'Spirituality Three' (social networking style) a digital revision of 'Spirituality One?' If that is so, the big concern is whether "Spirituality Four" will be "Spirituality Two" reincarnated?

Strange world. People are beginning to use 'spirituality' as a means to meet their innermost desire for meaning in life. More will be turning to the digital medium to find that meaning. I will be observing cautiously signs for the next phase, once the fad of social networking dies off.

ks

I Will Follow You (Cantonese)

May this song be an opportunity to worship. This song is striking as the chorus emphatically clings on and follows Christ throughout. It is a good reminder that worship must takes precedence over service.

我要跟主祢(词曲: 刘步青)

Chorus: (2x)

我要跟主祢,让我不偏离, 立志紧握主的手
戒命一生都遵守, 决心跟主祢

无助时我寻求

耶稣基督拯救
安心的等候祢的手
静默听祢声音
依靠主我的神
奉献主我的一生

Chorus: (2x)

我要跟主祢,让我不偏离, 立志紧握主的手
戒命一生都遵守, 决心跟主祢

Chorus: (2x)

我要跟主祢,让我不偏离, 立志紧握主的手

戒命一生都遵守, 决心跟主祢

俗世不可逗留

此生那么短暂
基督的吩咐要记紧
就算世界笑我傻
传福音要清楚
传扬主赎罪恩歌

Chorus: (2x)

我要跟主祢,让我不偏离, 立志紧握主的手

戒命一生都遵守, 决心跟主祢

我要跟. . . . . . 我要跟

ks

Book - "Click" (Bill Tancer)

Title: Click (unexpected insights for business and life)
Author: Bill Tancer
Published: NY: Hyperion, 2008.

"We are what we click," claims Tancer, a general manager with a data statistics firm (Hitwise) that analyzes what Internet users do online and how the trends are changing the world. Based on collected clicks on the Internet, Tancer highlights trends like:

• The week after Thanksgiving being the most depressing of the year;
  
• Most weddings are held in Summer;
  
• Estimating interest in a particular movie by checking the amount of hits on the movie website;
  

Some of these discoveries are nothing new. However, what is interesting about the book is the understanding of the behavioral styles of people in an Internet era. The questions and search keywords reveal the demands of people in general and allows businesses to target their products accordingly. The first part of the book deals with understanding ourselves. The second part deals with what we do with the information gathered.

Part I - Understanding Ourselves
The Internet has been associated with Porn, Pills and Casino.  Tancer observes that internet traffic often reveals not only the people but the reasons why these people visit the sites. One reason is the get-rich-quick mentality, or feel-good-fast attitude. Some of Tancer's observations are interesting.

• Porn traffic is coming down due to the rise of social networking; changing interests of a new generation; (23)
• 80% of all email messages are spam. Though most people ignore the spam, those who unwittingly respond to them, makes spamming very profitable in itself.
  
• Online behavioral also reveals political interest;
  
• The Internet offers a quick way to detect changing customer interests;
  
• "Celebrity Worship Syndrome": Self-help sites which used to be highly popular is fast being superceded by popular news surrounding celebrities. (84)
  
• a significant search theme deals with relationship matters. Questions like "Why did he leave me?" and "Why didn't she say goodbye" rank among some of the most popular framed questions.
  
• Fear related terms also rank high. The top 15 'fear of' (in order) deals with intimacy, rejection, people, success, crowds, failure, sex, commitment, public speaking, being alone, love, girls, falling in love, abandonment and broken heart. (105-6)
  
• "How to" questions reveal aspirations.

I am particularly fascinated by the religious questions, which deals more with 'why.'

• Catholics tend to ask about their traditions and rituals;
  
• Jews search more on Holocaust and why they are so hated
  
• Searches for God has to do with the theme: "Why bad things happen to good people."
  
• With such revealing statistics, Tancer gives an interesting take to the term Web 2.0 calling it "Web Who.o" in reference to the revelation of selves in the search terms per se.
  

PART II - What's Possible With What We Know 

The author tries to deal with what to do with the data collected. This is actually the harder but more rewarding portion. In fact, he confesses that when it comes to 'data arbitrage,' the maxim is simplicity is better. (169)

• There is a close connection between TV watching and Internet clicks. For example, when there is a contest highlighted on a TV program, people rush to the Internet to register their interest, hoping to win some cash or some prize. The key motivation is a get-rich-quick mentality.
  
• People who latest trends closely are called the early adopters. Marketers can profit greatly by making intelligent guesses quickly based on trends about market direction. Indeed, rather than waiting for market research companies to tabulate the data and suggest the market trends, having direct access to Internet clicks is faster.
  

The second part of the book is weaker, as the author tries to make sense of the data. Reading this part makes me feel like the author himself is overwhelmed and struggled to qualify his conclusions. Coming one full circle, he re-asserted his initial idea that we are what we click.

Further Comments
There is a lot of data. Tancer does a good job at getting the data trends out. His interpretation of it however is not as convincing. It seems more like a case of what to do with messy wads of information. I agree that simplicity is key to understanding the data collected. Yet, it requires some skills in differentiating the information obtained. Tancer has the advantage of having first hand access to the kinds of information people click on. He is also correct in identifying some market trends quickly as well as some success in market predictions. Yet, the nature of the Internet is a changing one. For anybody or any organization wanting to build a case or a system based on popularity, one also has to watch out for legitimate unique visitors to any website.

Legitimacy has to do with non-spammers. Uniqueness has to do with ensuring that 1000 hits is not due to the programming genius of a few. The other issue is privacy, which can be a very sensitive subject to many. The popularity of Tancer's kind of work may lead to a greater proliferation of spyware and various adware related cookies on our computers.

The key benefit in reading this book, is in recognizing that people in general have moved from offline to online businesses. In doing so, they have chosen to reveal more of themselves and their preferences via their clicks. While this book does not say a lot of new things in general, it does reminds us the trend that "we are what we click." Currently, the main problem is grappling with over-information. The goldmine of the future is not the collection of data, but of owning or designing a system that can automatically and intelligently make sense of the data. Tancer's book begins rather promisingly, but lands with a dull thud.

Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.

ks

Unpeeling the Hype of Windows 7

Unpeeling the Hype off Windows 7

Launched in Oct 22^nd, 2009, the computer world continues to watch the meteoric rise of Microsoft's latest operating system. Marketed as a replacement for the much disliked predecessor, Vista, and the older XP, the newest operating system comes across much sleeker, more stable and a lot better publicity from both experts and lay users alike. What is happening to Windows 7 appears to be virtually the complete opposite of how Vista was received. The Vista operating system was launched in January 2007, mainly because Microsoft was frantically trying to slow Apple's rising popularity. The XP system was increasingly overshadowed by Apple's continued onslaught of newer and feature-packed Mac OS upgrades. As it turned out, Vista's earlier release pales in comparison to Apple's Tiger, in both features as well as stability.

I remember supporting the Vista operating system in its first year of launch. Installation times were extremely long. Older applications would break. Irritating security messages would pop up unexpectedly, prolonging an already lengthy installation process. As a systems engineer, I remember the simplicity of letting an installation run its natural process while I go for my morning coffee. Upon my return, I am used to seeing "Installation Complete. Click OK." For Vista, it would be windows after windows of agreeing to continue. Feeling frustrated is an understatement. I know that command flags can be program to automatically skip any prompting. However, Vista is supposed to be a tool simple enough for the everyday user, not professional programmers.

I got my first Windows 7 a couple of weeks ago. Here is a quick list of rundowns what my experience looks like.

1. Windows 7 fixes Vista
   The latest operating system is not exactly a new creation. When we are told that upgrading from Vista would be easiest (compared to XP), we should have taken the clue. Windows 7 is closer to Vista than any of the Windows earlier versions. Indeed, if we upgrade from Vista to 7, installation of the OS can be less than 30 minutes, without having to re-install everything else. This is assuming that we are moving from 32-bit Vista to 32-bit 7; or 64-bit Vista to 64 bit 7.
   
2. The Main Difference is in 64-bit
   Unlike what some people think, Windows 7 is not greatly superior to Vista in terms of performance. Tests have shown that speedwise, 7 is only marginally better. The performance distinguisher is between 32-bit and 64-bit. I have two computers, one running Vista (64 bit) and the other Windows 7 (32 bit). The 64-bit Vista outperforms the 32-bit 7 in everything.
   
3. Windows 7 feels More Intuitive
   I like the ease of use and the way Windows 7 understands where I want to go. My favourite feature is still the quick search feature. I do not need to open up folders and manually look for my programs. All I need is one search box for everything.
   
4. Better Driver Recognition
   Windows 7 comes loaded with its set of drivers. All the devices I have do not require additional software installation. Windows 7 automatically recognizes everything. Compared to Vista, I have to install and re-install drivers in order to make the system accept the new devices.
   
5. Thumbnail Preview
   This is one of my favourites for Windows 7. Simply by moving my mouse pointer over the minimized program along the taskbar window, the preview also updates the images accordingly without the need to make that window my primary window. The constant updates are impressive.
   
6. Less Alerts. Much Less.
   This is a welcome relief compared to Vista. I dislike clicking through windows after windows of security prompts.
   
7. Network Connectivity
   This has also been improved in Windows 7. It is easier for Windows 7 computer to connect to other computers running a different operating system. In fact, the help information anticipates this. This is really refreshing, as it shows that Microsoft is thinking what the user is thinking.
   
8. Windows 7 Starter, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate
   I still dislike the way Microsoft packages the operating system this way. It will be much better if we can have one common platform for all users. This way, we need not worry about what can this version do and not do. I use a Windows 7 Home Premium edition. Two features I miss. Firstly, the ability to connect to a domain, and the flexibility to run older XP applications in their native mode.
   
9. Can Run on Older Hardware?
   I remember a computer salesman last month, telling me how Windows 7 perform flawlessly on a 386. I doubt his boast. Netbooks can run Windows 7, but like the biblical example of wineskins, new wine is better placed in new wineskins.
   
10. Uncluttering "My Documents"
    This may be frustrating to many users who are used to seeing this as their storage area for working documents. It has been renamed "Documents". The word 'My' is history. However, I find looking for documents much easier, I begin to search for my documents a level earlier, from a "User" level. Previously in XP, all my documents, music, videos etc are under "My Documents." Under Windows 7, everything is under "User" which allows me to quickly navigate my most recently used files automatically on each category without having to open up the folder.
    
11. Jump List
    I like the way each open program lists the latest files used by it.
    
    

Picture Credit: Microsoft
12. Supportability
    This is perhaps my main reason for upgrade. XP is no longer supported officially by Microsoft. Software makers are increasingly fleeing from Vista. That leaves us with basically one option: Windows 7. If we can upgrade, why not?

My Recommendations

Windows 7 is a good operating system. It is more stable and much more pleasant to work with. We need to be wise with our own resources, and upgrade only when necessary.

XP: If you are currently using XP, know that upgrading to Windows 7 is a big move. Moreover, if you retain the same hardware, there is a good chance that your system may become slower. Do not assume that newer operating system runs faster on older hardware. Compared to XP, Windows 7 is still a more resource hungry system. However, if you are an XP user buying a new computer, choose 7 over Vista for the new operating system for your new hardware. Of course, you can always skip Vista and 7 totally and buy yourself a new Mac.

Vista: If you are currently running Vista, I will recommend you move to Windows 7 as soon as possible. If your computer is 64-bit ready, go for the Windows 7 64-bit version. I am not talking in terms of technical performance. As far as the operating system performance is concerned, I can live with Vista. However, when it comes to future compatibility and the market direction, there will be a sharp rise of software written to support Windows 7 more than Vista. Hence, my recommendation to move to 7 is primarily driven by the market pattern more than technical considerations.

In summary, if you are running Microsoft XP, chances are, you should try to use it as long as possible. If you are running Vista currently, make a move soon to Windows 7, for more software makers will be fleeing from this platform. Most new PCs loaded with Vista comes with a free Windows 7 upgrade anyway. Why not take the plunge if it is free? Even better, when you buy a new computer, make sure it is 64-bit ready, which means at least 4GB RAM and a dual core CPU and at least 250GB hard-disk.

Having said this, some of you may be tempted to go Mac. Remember, that Mac too, especially the Intel ones, can run both Mac OS and Windows. So, having some knowledge of Windows can be extremely helpful.

If you are a student like me, remember that upgrades need not be expensive, especially if you are a registered at major US educational institutions.

SOME GREAT SOFTWARE DEALS (students only)
1. Windows 7 Student Upgrade Pack (29.99USD) - up to Jan 3, 2010
   
2. Office 2007 Student Ultimate Pack (59.99USD)
   

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