[Tristan Lall]

I wouldn't characterize myself as a die-hard Microsoft fan. They have good products (Windows 2000, 2003, VS .net 2002, 2003, etc.), and bad products (Windows Me, PhotoDraw 2000, etc.), and many others that fall somewhere in between. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of any major company's competitive tendencies, but I can't fault Microsoft for being successful, by using standard commercial tactics. (Not to say that standard commercial tactics are always a good thing--but they are accepted in the business world.)

Speaking more generally, there's no need to be alarmist about it, or to do the "cool thing" (i.e. rebel against Microsoft)--just use what works for you. If that's a Mac, you'll pay more, but feel warm and fuzzy inside. If it's Linux, you'll pay less, but fight with it incessantly (if you enjoy conflict, this may be a positive thing...). If it's Microsoft--well, you know well enough what Microsoft represents. Make an informed choice, and feel free to change your mind, if you need to (i.e. no "Linux 4 evar").