Apple seems to be determined to dismiss Vista at all costs. After causing serious damage to Microsoft's self esteem with the "Get a Mac" Ad Campaign, the Vista launch in late January made Apple commercials even funnier. The Nagging Security Agent, the mocking of the 'upgrades', PC's surgery undergoing...great stuff. And quite enough to make Bill Gates pretty upset.

The Microsoft chairman denied all claims about Vista copying older Apple features and applications. Also, he feels the ad campaign is insulting the PC users around the world, about 90 percent of all computer users.

Well, it looks as though Apple will strike again. Rumors say the attack will now be led closer to the customers, mainly in Apple's chain of stores. Think Secret sources say that sales representatives were already given six-page documents filled with information on how to permanently win over computer users.

The focus will apparently be set on emphasizing Vista's downsides, such as the upgrade issue, security problems, the expense of Vista and so on. The Mac's strong points are to deliver the customer a "beyond Vista" experience, with no need for upgrades, no choosing between multiple Vista versions and the ability to run Windows on Macs. We'll just have to see if the advantages Apple claims to have over Vista will persuade buyers to buy a Mac after all and stick with it.

Early 2007 brought us Vista, Microsoft's newest operating system. Apple is not keeping a low profile, though. Not at all. First strike, the TV ad campaign, Get a Mac. Second strike, sales representatives trained to win over customers at all costs in Apple's chain of shops. Strike three.....well, we all know who's coming to dinner this spring: the mighty Leopard, of course. Considering the announced innovations, plus the experience of Apple's latest operating system, the Tiger, looks like we're in for a pleasant surprise.