Get Off Microsoft

Apple can head off any real competition to the iPod by switching its policy and licensing FairPlay.

People are aware of Microsoft’s history of locking customers in with new features at the expense of security, proposing pseudo-open standards, and spreading FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) about its competitors.

Intel-based Macs introduced at Macworld Expo run faster but are still pricey and don’t yet offer the ability to run Windows.

Sample question: MS Office products are moving to xml in the next release; how will that affect compatability with other products?

Macworld Expo in S.F. in early January is more than just a rally for Mac users. Apple’s Steve Jobs typically trots out something totally new and cool for the faithful. The buzz focuses on two important areas: Macs with Intel chips, and a new video delivery system.

News agencies are falling over backwards trying to find news about flaws, worms, and viruses that attack anything other than Windows systems. They’re having a hard time making these stories meaningful.

It’s no longer a mini-trend. Windows users are switching to the Mac. Some say it’s due to the success of the iPod; others say it’s due to malware problems with Windows.

Windows: it’s not your fault. But it is your problem.