The UI is just a bit different by default. The program group spacing isn't exactly the same and it just looks a little different. Start8 is practically an exact replica of the Win7 menu. To me, I think the overall design is just a bit better. But ultimately they both get the job done.

Honestly, Windows 8 is pretty snazzy once you put a start menu on there like Start8 or something. I personally don't like the Classic Shell free ones, but for $5 Start8 is pretty awesome. Regardless, I'm certain they will be bringing it back. Having a hybrid environment of both the Start Screen and Desktop mode is actually quite nice. It's like I'm working in desktop mode 9am-5pm and they I open up the Start Screen mode for watching my movies, reading news, social networking, etc. It's not for everybody and has a ways to go, but the concept of a hybrid interface is something I think we'll start seeing more of in the future.

I was in a similar situation a few years ago. After working various IT positions for the past 15 years, it wasn't till about 4 years ago I decided to get involved with web development. I picked up a book from O'Reilly called "Head First in to PHP and MYSQL" which taught me an incredible amount of web fundamentals and seemed to have been geared towards people that already have a background in technology. Without meaning to give them a free plug, I really appreciate the "Head First" series of books that O'Reilly publishes. They are definitely fun and exciting. Not just for PHP and MySQL, but tons of other languages like Python, C#, Java, and more. I thought I was a lost cause when it comes to programming thanks to only having minor experience in HTML and QBASIC hehe. Needless to say, it definitely got me interested in programming again. Worked for me. Might work for you too.

Xorg works quite well. Just look at the PC-BSD project. They've taken the Desktop environment to a whole new level for *BSD.

Definitely some solid points there. Anybody can indeed make mistakes that's for sure. I guess my main point was that I saw a couple people commenting saying that the certs are bullshit, but I really don't think they are, it's more about the person who has them. I have some friends that took the old MCP exam and the first 100 pages of the book they were reading was all about hyper threading. So there's definitely more than just clicking Next, Next, Next, like some people are saying on here, so you can't just hire any idiot. In my own personal experience with MS tests, you really have to read and apply best practices. Sometimes there are 2 right answers, but one is just a *little* bit more right than the other. I think those who can distinguish the difference between a partly correct way to do something and the 100% MS way to do something comes from learning their tried and true methods. I agree with you about the kernel dumps too. Those simple skills are crucial even when you work in a simple repair shop. Surprised the MCITP's didn't know how! But not too surprised ;-) *back to my dark and dingy UNIX cave*

I disagree with those who say you should "stay away" from people with certifications. Perhaps that was true in the MCSE days because anybody could get one, but the competency tests they have nowadays are very thorough and are geared towards one specific subject. Therefore if the person has several of those competencies they probably know what the hell they're talking about such as Server Platform, Hosting, Mobility, Management and Virtualization, etc. You just have to look at what tests they have passed and whether or not it is relevant to what you need. I've seen pseudo experienced Windows Server Admins with no certifications or any clue how to apply MS best practices completely destroy a server. Like not using proper document redirection or storing user data from a Terminal Server stored on the C drive, etc.

I've never been one to prefer MS servers, but you are correct, sometimes it is essential when you deal with clients that use certain line of business applications and it really helps to get a technician that is familiar with administrative best practices. You also tend to learn more about how to use MS products in a business environment when you take the cert tests and how to sell their products. It's not just turning the server on and screwing around with stuff until everything works. You will save yourself time and money when you get a guy that can get the work done quickly.

Why would you continue to make an old product when your new product (Kindle Fire 2) is scheduled to be released any day now? Nothing about that seems bizarre to me.

LOL not worth a thoughtful reply. next.

I know where you're coming from, and personally, no I don't want people that stupid making laws. But imagine if we elect a president who is equally as retarded? Thanks to federal control over the education systems, then that retarded president can make laws that effect EVERYBODY. Then we all lose.

I don't want any of your federal tax dollars to begin with. That's the whole point. The economy is shit because the small businesses who employ the majority of workers in this country have to pay nearly 25% of their employees salaries for things like unemployment insurance and payroll taxes. A $40,000 employee really costs about $60,000 or more depending on whether or not you supply health benefits. How do you expect the small businesses that are struggling to begin with to be able to afford that?

I never said ACT was administered by the government. I was pointing out that when a problem like this happens, we want to act on it on a federal level.

Not to mention if a president gets elected that you disagree with, then all of your brilliant federal ideas to change how the schools systems should function will be COMPLETELY flipped and removed. Then EVERYBODY in the entire country loses. It's not effective at all.

That's really cool of you to post on an article that you moderated on. Regardless, you do realize that schools with the WORST test scores are the ones who DO NOT get the funding they need? You do realize that the whole system is flawed and certain schools get more money than others? I know it feels like you're doing things for "the greater good" when it comes to federal regulation of our school systems, but more harm than good has come from it. The FEDS do not deserve your money. Your STATE does. You know how much easier it is to remove the elected officials in your state than it is to remove them from the feds? If you want real change, you're not going to make it happen on a federal level. Especially on a topic as controversial as this. If you want the schools to get more funding, maybe you should consider paying the Feds less, and give your community more. We're not a communist country last time I checked.

"Communist Education - the planned, purposeful, and systematic formation of a comprehensively and harmoniously developed personality in the process of building socialism and communism; an integral part of the theory of scientific communism."

It's funny, you'll complain when it's something like No Child Left Behind, but not something like this? You don't realize how their bureaucratic paper pushing bullshit is costing us more money, and nobody benefits from it. You rather let people like George W. Bush create legislation for schools than your own local populous? You must be crazy. If you have a problem with it, get more involved with your localities. Don't just complain to the feds every time there is a problem. Regarding ACT, they are an independent non-profit that have been under investigation for cheating, and even for-profit scandals. If states choose to be fucking morons, then let them be fucking morons. There's no need to waste your time with the feds getting involved, which is my point. The whole country will complain that one state is doing something wrong until we spend millions of dollars trying to fix it and force them to unionize with something that is really nobody else's business.