Dave Winer nails what I’ve tried to explain to friends since Vista arrived on the scene:

An OS is still just an OS, the purpose of the OS is to stay out of your way until you need it

This explains perfectly why I can’t stand Vista. It’s like the annoying kid in class  who raises and shakes his hand to every question the the teacher asks. Vista constantly yells, “HEY, LOOK AT ME!!!” It’s in your face when you don’t need it.

Down boy, down.