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Bill Gates Is Coming To A College Near You
Xyn writes "Microsoft chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates visited UW-Madison today as part of his 2005 College Tour, designed to promote greater youth involvement in technology careers. Gates discussed "The Impact and Opportunity of Technology: Why Computer Science? Why Now?" at a student forum."
That was a very bare article. I feel less informed for having read it.
I think it's spurious to blatantly claim that he got his money 'illegally'.
- He created a product that was sold to over 100mil+ computers (Windows 9x/2000/XP). ANYTHING that sells that much cannot be that bad.
- Call it a monopoly, call it what you may, Microsoft has EARNED what it has made. It has done so with SHREWD business practices (yes, start shouting)...and honestly, you would have done the same. B.G. is a smart businessman, which is what gives him an edge over Steve 'turtleneck' Jobs and the rest of the clan.
About fixing others' computers - I feel your pain - I deal with all the time too. But your answer is in your statement - they are *non-technical*.
The analogy I always make is with cars - if you give a 4 year old a car, he/she IS going to wreck it or worse. We expect a certain maturity to be able to operate vehicles - the same should apply to computers. It is what has happened with computers now. Every shmuck is allowed to use a computer and essentially
allowed to fuck it up for everyone else.
When an old lady who can barely lift a full cup without spilling half of it is driving down I-495 in the left lane in her Ford Taurus at 50mph, it pisses me off so much, I wish I had a Mack truck to run her over. But the blame lies with the user/driver, and not with the software maker/car maker.
Microsoft makes software like Ford or Honda - for the lowest common denominator - anyone with 2 hands and 2 feet, whereas *nix and Macs are made like Mercedes or Porsches - for people who KNOW how to use one.
Teach your non-technical friends to exercise good computing practices. That's what I do.
As far as monopolies go, I don't see anyone bitching about Apple. They have created a monopoly with iPod+iTunes - where I can download songs, but can't take it anywhere with me unless I have an iPod? I don't see anyone complaining about their monopolistic (??) business practices?
Think about that.
If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants.