The old saying used to be: Never talk about sports, religion, or politics in mixed company. That is, never bring these subjects up in a group with opposing views because people have such passionate beliefs that inevitably a heated argument will ensue, feelings will get hurt, and friendships will end.

It’s probably about time to amend that old saying. Now it should go something like: Never talk about religion, politics, or operating systems in mixed company. In fact, I would go so far as to say that if I ranked these three subjects I’d put operating systems on the top of the list! It’s been my experience that even if a person doesn’t care which god you pray to (or even if you pray to one), don't like the team you cheer for, or they don’t support the candidate you are planning to vote for, they definitely care which operating system you use!!

Don’t believe me? Start a thread on ANY forum that reads “Which OS is better?” or “Which OS do you use?” then stand back and watch the flame wars begin.

It’s freakin crazy.

I’ve read the user agreements when I’ve started up a new computer and I’ve looked for the phrase “Do you as the user solemnly swear to use this OS, and only this OS, forsaking all others until death do you part?” I’ve looked at them all and I swear it isn’t in there, but a lot of people act like it is.

Does an operating system deserve such fanatical support? Does it really make a difference in your life as to which OS I use? And how can you not like an OS that you don’t use anyway?

For the record I use Apple’s OX, Windows XP, and Linux Ubuntu. NONE of them are perfect. There are things I like about each OS and on the other hand there are things I dislike about each one too.

Please understand that I’m NOT trying to start a debate as to which OS is superior! I just wanted to point out the absurdity of such an argument. After all, in the end you should choose the OS that YOU like the best and not worry what anyone else is using.

Besides we can still fight over sports, politics and religion.