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So how bad is Windows Vista? The delayed, bloated Microsoft operating system is "very good," according to CNET, earning a 7.4 rating for its Home Premium version. But if you've actually installed it and want a second opinion, you should know that it's one of the "top ten terrible tech products" ... also according to CNET. Whom should we believe? By process of elimination, not CNET.

What's likely going on here? A snark offensive, with editorial consistency sacrificed on an altar of witty barbs. Feeling pressure from gadget blogs, CNET is trying to mimic their tone by going negative. The manufactured edginess, of course, has inadvertently hilarious results, like the one above. What's sad is that despite the blog buzz, CNET's doing just fine. Why the sudden panic?