I didn't like how the questions really emphasise the standardisation we have come to not only accept but to expect in computing. I personally marvel at new and innovative ways of providing a user interface that is fully functional and yet different in it's appeal. I love the Winamp player for the amazing skinning you can do with it, comepletely redesigning the user interface, button placements, display sections everything. This allows for some really creative displays of information that deviate from what could only be considered reminants of Windows 1.0 (Yes people, there was a windows 1.0). Linux has some pretty whacky X servers to use and being that linux is FOSS, you can do anything you want to it however you want.

But that's freedom for you, more choice but more work. Then again, I'm more than willing to work harder for the things I want over second best. I see the Windows model as widely accepted simply because disinterested people don't want to have to do the work, they just want to make it theirs by changing the applications. Just like making the PC for themselves, the disinterested don't like doing the hard work and finding out how it all goes together, they just want one that's pre-built for what they want. You lose so much love in this method, and your appreciation for what you have diminishes.

I have a relationship with my PC (not what you're thinking), I take care of it with more urgency because I built it up by hand. Piece by piece. I installed all the OSes, Drivers and applications. I set every setting manually to provide optimum efficiency and productivity. Whenever there's a problem, I generally know where it is and it never really takes me long to fix it. As a side effect, I've come to understand the common problems with PCs and now people keep coming round "Oh, can you fix my PC?"... These are the people missing the point. It's not just someting for you to use, it's something for you to understand. Just like your car, don't just drive it, learn about it.