What we have here is the real key. Use what works for you. You like Macs, I prefer Linux (granted I really haven't had enough time with a Mac to be able to give a truely educated opinion on it, but lack of multiple desktops is really a killer for me), some folks prefer windows. For a lot of windows users, their preferences are largely based on ignorance, as they've never used anything else. Many MS-Windows users feel that they have so much time invested in having learned the quirks of their OS, that they don't think they can invest that kind of time elsewhere. Again, ignorance helps this a bit because they really have no idea how much time it takes to convert to OSX or Linux for that matter. Most Mac and Linux users, on the other hand, do have experience with MS-Windows, and many of these, myself included find that working with MS-Windows leaves a bad taste in their mouths. I know that when I have to use MS-Windows, it frustrates the hell out of me because of it's almost laughable lack of basic tools I use on a daily basis. Granted, I'm a professional nerd, so I have a greater need for such basic, fundamental networking tools as ssh, telnet, dig, and a shell that has more power than basic DOS shell commands.
The vast majority of folks out there that don't have the need of a specific Microsoft-only program, I believe that they'd ultimately be much happier with OSX, or even Linux, if for no other reason than their lower succeptability to malware. Most folks out there need to be able to browse the web, deal occationally with documents, do light photo work, and maybe a few other things that are trivially handled by either OS. Gamers are the exception, but frankly I don't understand why a serious gamer wouldn't be using a console. Hot. water-cooled rigs for games is not really something even considered by your average joe out there.
More than anything else, I'm glad we have choices in what kind of system we want to use. Whether it is Linux, Windows, or OSX, I ultimately don't really care. Use what works for you. For those who choose to submit to the pain of dealing with viruses, trojans, and other malware that seems to just go with the MS-centric environment, I'm perfectly willing to let them wallow in their pain. I do not offer technical support for it though. Not even for family. If they are willing to let me install Fedora, I'll help them all I can. Until then their computer is their problem. Not mine.
This rant wasn't really meant specifically to you Vermont. You just provided a convienient hook on which to hang it.
HAND!
Z!
No comprende. At the moment, on my four year-old MacBook Pro, I am running NINE (9) desktops simultaneously All courtesy of an "old" Mac OS 10.5.
Most of the objections to Macs I have seen here stem from sheer ignorance as to what OS X does routinely...
It's had it for a few years now. Look up "Spaces" and using "Mission Control" to manage your apps and see the spaces. I like the three-finger swipe to go between them, and you get the visual of the screens sliding across to keep the mental context.
OSX has had "Spaces" for several years now...