Yeah, Laurie, this is NO WAY I want any of my documents and other data "on the cloud".  I want a system-installed word processor.  I want to put stuff there I want it.  I don't want online backup cloud services.  Absolutely not.  I want to use LOCAL media for that.  It's just the way I am.

I think more and more Windows has been trending towards less choice, more online-based applications and scenarios.  They have much more control that way.  I just don't think I am willing to give it up to the degree that they want it.  Just look at how Windows has evolved from XP up (and it explains some of why XP STILL dominates the market share, besides businesses not upgrading due to costs).

Each version of the OS: Vista, 7, 8 there is a lot less in the way of choices and (I think) many have gravitated towards 3rd party solutions.  Perhaps not a full-on "dump the OS and go to Linux" but in small ways: Classic Shell to get some productivity back (and the Start Menu if you are on 8), 7+ Taskbar Tweaker, gravitating away from Windows Explorer or Media Player to different applications.

But even saying that, I am running Windows 8 and somewhat enjoy it.  However, I've very much subdued the "Start Screen" (I don't even see it) and I granted myself full admin permissions via the Group Policy Editor.  I just don't need that kind of hand-holding or puffy cloud stuff. :P  There is certainly a degree of "I want to turn it on and it just work" but at the same time I think you need to retain the advanced options for those users who would like to have them.  Not everyone is booting their computer to read emails and click "Like" on Facebook.  It's an aspect of computing but not the end-all.  But I think a lot of us are tech-heads here so I'm probably preaching to the choir :D

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