This year we continue our series of interviews with a very special guest: Vishal Gupta, the man behind AskVG.com. Vishal is one of the most well known Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals on the internet, author of great themes for Windows Vista and writer of countless tutorials about Windows. His site won last year the "The Best Windows Vista Website 2008" competition, a competion where our site won third place. If you want to know more about him on a more personal level, check out our interview.

Who is Vishal Gupta as a person and what does he enjoy most in life?

Ok, let me introduce myself: I’m a very simple, calm and young man from India. I love computers and I spend all my free time with my Laptop (yup, I’m single).

Which is your greatest achievement so far?

My "Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional)" award. As I told you, I spend all my free time with computers and I don't know when I became a net addict. I used to browse lots of online forums and post tutorials, themes & help other members. A few computer magazines even published my articles and that's how I got this valuable award.

What is the biggest goal which you have not yet achieved?

Nothing, seriously, I don't think too much and I don't make plans.

When did you start writing tutorials and why?

As I earlier said, I'm a net addict and when I started browsing forums almost 4-5 years back, I noticed lots of people asking the same questions again and again, so I've started posting tutorials to cover those FAQ and once I've started, I never stopped.

What motivates you to continue writing them?

Love and support of people. They like my work, they appreciate my work and that's the best thing I've ever got from net.

Lately you have been writing a lot about Windows 7. In your opinion, which are the killer features of this operating system?

Yeah. Windows 7 is the upcoming OS from Microsoft and it's one of best so far. I'm using its Beta version and I'm pretty much satisfied with its performance. There is nothing wrong with Windows 7 and I proudly say that Microsoft is doing everything correct this time. If you ask killer features of Windows 7, then the first thing which comes in my mind is the new "Superbar". Also, the redesigned Explorer is great and who can forget the freedom to remove unwanted programs like IE, WMP, etc from the OS, which is a welcomed step from Microsoft.

Do you think Windows 7 will easily convince users to stop using Windows XP?

Indeed. Windows XP is very old now and Windows 7 is definitely a rock solid OS and once its RTM (Release to Manufacturing) version is released, almost everyone will switch to it.

Let's speak a bit about your site. If someone were to visit a Windows Vista website right now, why should that person go first to AskVG? What do you believe it separates your site from the rest of the pack?

No, AskVG is not a special site. It's just an ordinary site dedicated to Microsoft Windows and other popular software. I just try to cover each and everything I can. There are lots of tutorials, troubleshooting articles, themes, skins and many other stuffs on the site which keep visitors busy. If a person comes to AskVG, I'm 100% sure he/she wouldn’t regret the visit.

Regarding Windows Vista for Beginners: what do you like most about our site and what would you improve if you were to be the admin for a while?

The thing which I like the most about your site is its simplicity. The site interface is very simple, well organized and easy on eyes. Also the articles are very well written and easy to follow. In my opinion, there is nothing which should be changed.

Do you have any interesting plans for AskVG?

At the moment I'm covering everything at AskVG but I do have lots of plans like starting a forum for AskVG readers, lots of interesting giveaways for readers, organizing contests, etc but lets keep it a secret between both of us. Shhh…

Related articles:
Getting to know the Microsoft enthusiasts: Corrine Chorney - Microsoft MVP
Getting to know the Microsoft enthusiasts: Joseph Fieber - ITsVISTA.com
Getting to know the Microsoft enthusiasts: the How-To Geek
Getting to know the Microsoft enthusiasts: Anand Khanse - winvistaclub.com