I have been using Windows Vista since it was released for MSDN users in late 2006. I must say that Microsoft have really taken security issues seriously as during the first few months I must have pushed hundreds of “Allow” buttons in multiple security warning dialogs. Security is an important issue but this is really weakening the user experience. I also haven’t been able to run many applications due to the new security “features” or I have had to tweak some things before I was able to get things done. This makes the Apple’s Get a Mac ad called “Security” quite funny as it is true.

For example I just tried to install JBoss Application Server using the Java Web Start installer simply by clicking on the installer link on JBoss homepage. But as it turns out the installer can’t create folders or files out-of-the-box into Program Files folder because of security settings. I was able to bypass this by downloading the installer to a local folder and executed java -jar command from command prompt that was run as administrator. These pop-ups can be disabled but that doesn’t make you feel quite so safe. All in all this shouldn’t be this painful… I should have bought MacBook Pro…

I’m not saying that Vista is the only one that have taken the Security features to the next level. Symbian have also made some really “nice” features to Symbian Series S60 3rd Edition. As you may know if you have used my Mobile Trail Explorer or Mobile RSS Reader software on new S60 phone it always prompts for an acceptance if application tries to access a web or bluetooth connection. There is a way to pass this by signing the MIDlet but then you must import certificate to your phone and mark is as trusted before you can even install the application on the phone. Great usability… I’m starting to understand why they won’t allow any 3rd party software on Apple’s upcoming iPhone.