Is windows killing the internet? No. There was a network of computers long before Microsoft, and there will be a network of computers long after. It may not look like it does this year, but this year's internet doesn't look like the internet of 5 years ago either, so wtf?
It was clear to me that this guy's family are a bunch of fucktards, and they probably weren't advanced enough to use a typewriter. This guy probably has to fly home every couple weeks to show someone how to program a VCR or make the toaster less brown. If they can't use the internet, I'm totally okay with that. Computers/internet are a fabulous way to spend time and learn things, and can be very useful and valuable, but not so much that every grandma on the planet needs us to hold her hand while she figures out how to make a capital 'b'.
Additionally, anyone who uses Windows gets what they deserve. Dealing with antivirus and defragmenters and registry errors and popup windows and memory errors is part of the game. I know lots of windows people who put up with this shit, and say they don't mind, because of software availability or hardware compatibility. Fine, I tell them, just don't come crying to me. I've been a proud Mac owner for 6 months, and the only problem I have ever had was the external DSL modem going down. I personally have not seen an unwanted popup in 3 years, thanks to Mozilla.
The only thing that leaves me wondering is: why is nobody doing anything about this? Apple has the money to get on tv or radio and tell people "hey, we don't have viruses or popups, and we're easier to use." Honestly, that's all they have to say. Grandmas and fuckwits are a pretty large chunk of the computer market, and they might be willing to switch, if it was made abundantly clear to them just how easy it was to be trouble free. But probably Apple has some sort of deal with Microsoft, as far as licensing of OfficeX goes, or something. Hell, Steve and Bill probably designed some sick sort of truce 10 years ago, I don't know.
Anyway, among intelligent people, the only ones who still use windows are the ones who "have to" for software purposes (games, CAD, etc). And they know how to install antivirus and download a decent browser. They'll get bit eventually, but the internet will outlast us all.
