October 26, 2012 – A new beginning!

I am beginning to think that possibly the Mayan calendar is off just a bit. It is suggested that on December 21, 2012, life will change as we know it. A time of enlightenment. A time of rebirth. A new beginning. Is October 26, 2012, the day Windows 8 says hello to the World, that day.

Not since the introduction of Windows has there been such change in the operating system that we all have grown to love, or hate, depending on your point of view. I don’t recall the date, or the venue. But I remember watching a video of Bill Gates on a darkened platform, without the aid of Power Point, or anything else, describing his vision of computing in the future. A future where things like keyboards and mice were options, not requirements. Where voice, touch, movement, all of your senses became a part of the computing experience. Windows 8 is the first step down that path. From vision to reality. Now that’s cool.

Sure, there are those who will not welcome this change, this new beginning. That’s to be expected, as most people are somewhat resistant to change. Change simply for the sake of change is not change at all. It’s just different. But real change, or as defined; “to make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of (something) different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone; to change the course of history”. Now that’s what I’m talking about.

I can’t remember when I have been as excited, or have anticipated a new advancement, as I am with Windows 8. My nature is to approach most new things (or change) with cautious optimism, along with just a touch of sarcasm. Heck, I went to my AT&T Store on November 8, 2010, just to make sure I really didn’t like Windows Phone 7 (I already purchased 3 Tilt 2s; 1 primary & 2 backups, to tide me over till Microsoft came to their senses again). But by the end of that day I became a believer. With Windows 8 though, I am ready to jump in without a safety line or life preserver. Throw that caution to the wind baby. This is real change and I want in.

Maybe it’s because (for personal reasons) I missed the whole Vista/Windows 7 experience and now I have all this pent up anticipation. But it’s more than that. I keep thinking of Bill’s vision, and somehow I want to be a part of that World. My introduction to technology started with black (well, really dark gray) screens and bright phosphorous green (or yellow) characters in Times Roman (or was that Courier – Damn, how I really dislike most serif fonts today). I am grateful to have the opportunity to experience this “real change”. How far we have come.

Regardless of your computing poison, you can’t argue that the World revolves around Microsoft. From the time you wake up in the morning till you go to sleep at night, Microsoft makes your day possible. They are a part of; the energy you use, the transportation you take, the news you read, the knowledge you learn, everything. While I have certainly had my fair share of blue screen nightmares, at the end of the day I do appreciate what Microsoft has accomplished. They have made the World a better place.  On October 26, 2012 Microsoft takes another giant leap to fulfill their founders vision. Are you ready? I can’t wait.