Again, at the risk of sounding like a conspiracy theorist, would you really rate an article or Q&A by TC's biggest proponent as much more than propaganda? The ultimate goal is that both software and hardware be 100% TC compliant. Though not utterly horrific, the thought sickens me. It puts both users and typical programmers a long step back from hardware and raw data. For the average user this might even sound like a plus, but I enjoy this aspect of computing.
TC sounds innocent enough, but I can't imagine that it could be more than marginally more secure than current software that is (properly) designed to be secure, and even if it is, I personally don't think it is worth it. It is naive to think that Microsoft's goal with TC is anything but to essentially eliminate piracy and enhance licensing (not just software licenses, but licenses on data and content) and permissions in a secure manner. (The "Trusted" in trusted computer refers more to the software vendor's ability to trust users than the user's ability to trust their computer.) That sounds like a good thing, and I am not an advocate of software piracy and I understand the need for licensing, but I think that the concept of intellectual property is far overrated. (Take a hard look at google's business model.) My concern is that I simply don't think that control of my computer should really be in anyone's hands except my own. Period.
MrPaul, I understand what you are saying about those who are less computer literate than you or I. I find myself in the same situation time and time again, but a lot of malware and internet scheming will quickly find its way around TC (the core fundamentals of TC do not directly address this type of problem, despite software vendors claims that TC will help in these areas). The interest of TC lies in large software vendors, not users. There is alot to be said about trusted computing, and I don't think that it is the devil. I think that it is great for business computing. I think it is great for government computing. I just think that it is horrible for home computing and academic computing.
Again, there is very much to be said about TC. It is hard to understand why I might say some of the things I've said without knowing the ins and outs of TC. I recommend you do some research and understand how it works, what the motives are behind it, and what benefits and risks it involves. Like I said, I really don't want to discuss TC on this thread, because that is not the topic of this thread (and believe me, I've only said a tiny fraction of what I think about TC). If it is to be discussed it should be done on another thread (where I will be glad to discuss it). I don't think that everyone discussing Vista really wants to read all my nonsense.
Back on topic, where would I go from Windows? Most likely either Linux (the capital in the land of free software) or I will keep my x86 with Windows Xp for decades to come, like an old man listening to his vinyl records. It would be a shame to leave DotNet programming behind, because I truly love it, but I would do it for the sake of principle. Besides, that cabin in the woods sounds awfully inviting.