I think they should try and clean it up an then start selling it as "Windows Classic" for whatever faults it has is has been an extremely popular OS for the consumer market.
Everybody who wants Windows 98 already has it. They don't have it because it's better, they have it because it's good enough. If you've got a new machine (why else would you be buying an OS? Upgrading from Windows 3.11 perhaps:P) why not run Windows 2000/XP for the extra stability?
Yes, I know, there are some games that don't run on 2000/XP, but if you're someone that cares, odds are you've got a 98SE CD around anyways, right?
The holdouts are really squeezing a lot out of Microsoft
This may have been a nice thing to do, but it's a bad business move IMHO. Companies still using Windows 98 have been shown that if they're stubborn enough, they'll get their way. Not only did Microsoft lose out on the Windows 2000/XP licenses they would've bought, they have to continue to pay to patch up the old workhorse.
A similar thing happened with NT 4, although Microsoft didn't give in. I think they'll have a hell of a time when it comes time to EOL Windows 2000.
...between flexibility and cost. My DSL provider in Ottawa is iStop.
and I'm quite happy with it. It says, right there on the web site: 25GB of free bandwidth, $2/GB thereafter. You can also buy an extra 10GB monthly for $5.
The benefit is here:
Q: Can I run my own servers?
A: Yes, unlike HSE and Rogers, you're free to run servers. We do not block any ports or IP protocols. We may temporarily block or redirect ports for network performance or security reasons. We STRONGLY advise against running servers on Windows unless you consider yourself an expert on Windows security.
Basically, power users have to make a decision. They can stick with the "unlimited" providers, but they'll be restricted from running servers, ports may be blocked, and NAT may or may not be allowed.
Or, they can pay for the bandwidth they use. If an ISP is charging by the gig, why wouldn't they encourage servers? They're making money from it!
It's all well and good that they're threatening, but I'm not convinced this could pan out here.
Without a DMCA-equivalent, it would be very difficult to force ISPs to reveal their customers' identities.
So if you can download in Canada and you can download in the U.S., why don't the Canadians share American music for the U.S.ers and vice versa?
Pretty much all pop distributed in the states is distributed here too. With Canadian TV full of American shows, its only natural we'll be familiar with US music.
When people change jobs, employers and the employee do not want to have to learn something new.
Learn something new? Okay, OOo isn't EXACTLY like Word, but why would anyone need significant retraining? As long as you know what you want to do, you've got online help. On a basic level, word processors haven't evolved much since the Word for Windows 2 days.
Schools don't want to have classes for both. These days, community colleges are filled with people seeking Office certification (MOS/MOUS certification). Some companies and employees value these certifications. Schools play to that market and won't offer 2 totally different word processing courses.
Okay maybe I'm elitist here, but classes for MSOffice in 2003? Everyone under 25 grew up on Office, and everyone over 25 who needs to know it should've learned it by now (on the job). This might make more sense for Excel, but not for Word.
why the US election system is so reliant on technology.
Here in the Great White North we just use plain ol' paper ballots. You take your ballot, mark the X and put it in the box. As for security, that's what scrutineers are for. Now if this can be done nationwide in a country of 30 million people, why can't it be done statewide in California, with the same population?
I think you and the parent to your post both have valid points. The UI does have room for improvement, but most computer users need a lesson on the very basics:
1. Run a firewall. The free version of ZoneAlarm is fairly idiot proof and explains everything.
2. Read what's on the screen before taking action, know what you're clicking instead of just clicking through.
I worked for a couple of weeks at a call centre that used dumb terminals. Upon logging in, if your username or password was incorrect it would say "incorrect username and password, press enter to try again." At this point the woman at the station next to mine would carefully read what was on the screen (but apparently there was no brain power to interpret it), type in her username and press enter. The username prompt would then come up, and she'd enter her password which was then visible right on the screen! Then it would prompt for her password, which she would reenter, hit enter, and since she entered her password for her username, the whole mess would start all over again. I saw her do this about five times before she asked for help.
3. Keep your computer patched. I read a Wired News article about MSBlast quoting people who thought update reminders were hackers trying to access their computers!
4. Know what you're installing. People love to install spyware-ridden crap as long as it lets them commit idiot-proof piracy or a purple gorilla sings to them. Install ad-aware or Spybot.
5. Know the directory structure. I know a person who still runs Napster because that's they only way the know to play their music.
6. Newer is not necessarily better. New versions often equal bloat and instability. Every successive version of ICQ from maybe 1997 on (except ICQ lite) is a prime example of this.
From a quick look at the screenshots, it looks like the interface has a lot of whitespace taking up screen real estate.
In particular, look at the one in the bottom-left of the first batch. It's a simple autoplay dialog, but it takes up 640x492! There's no excuse for that kind of waste.
I know I'm probably in the minority, since I'm not one of those people that maximizes EVERYTHING (my roommie runs IE maximized at 1400x1050!), and I'm not opposed to a little eye candy, but why should a simple dialog with all of five choices take up that much space?
This isn't surprising considering how bad average users are at taking care of their computers.
from Wired News"I've been getting these pop-ups on my new computer's screen saying there was a patch that was downloaded and did I want to install it now," said Kathy Greeves, a schoolteacher. "I thought it could be an attempt to hack my computer, or give it a virus, so I always click 'no.' I thought I was being smart."
I bet this same woman thinks nothing of downloading spyware ridden crap because it's cute or makes piracy idiot-proof. Maybe if Microsoft had a purple gorilla sing the updates, people would take notice.
and try to tell your semi-computer-illiterate ("But I know how to use MSN and Kazaa!) friends that they've got a virus? I don't even bother anymore because the only response I ever get is
"No I don't."
Because of course they're running anti-virus software. And of course the definitions have never ever been updated.
These same people decide when their PC is two years old that it's just "too screwed up" and go buy and brand-spanking-new one with the same flaws which they will proceed to bugger up in a month in a half.
Shares in As Seen On TV fell $12.37 to $1.12 as investors reacted to a poll showing that every American over the age of 18 has been screwed over at least once by idiotic late-night TV pitches, according to an Ipsos-Reid survey.
Including the investors.
Only 10% of the populace is reported to be stupid enough to purchase off of TV again. Strangely, most of the 10% is made up of Americans with double barreled names, such as Peggy-Anne, Donny-Joe or Birdman-Sue.
Cledus the Slack-Jawed Yokel was not available for comment.
The real question is why the hell does this matter when a Google search for
rip DVDs will net you a nice, free DVD ripper for your computer. Even CNet is covering
commercial DVD copying programs, and they're a hell of a lot more convenient than setting up some weird DVI -> whatever rig.
The RIAA has brought suit against the descendents of Guglielmo Marconi for his invention, known as radio.
"Using a special radio receiver, a listener, or 'criminal', can listen to copywrited music for free," said Hilary Rosen, of the RIAA. "Some special units even have the ability record. All without one cent going to us, the true owners of the material."
Rosen added that the recent use of public WiFi radio-based internet to evade prosecution for file sharing was the last straw.
"This Marconi guy's got a lot to answer for. This 'radio' thing clearly has only ilicit uses."
Rosen also complained that her wallet wasn't big enough for all her fifties, and her diamond pants were too tight.
A couple of decades ago Ottawa was the world's coldest capital city (I forget what it is now). The saying goes that come it's impossible to tell people apart, because everyone's wearing parkas.
Now there's a challenge for facial recognition!
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Everybody who wants Windows 98 already has it. They don't have it because it's better, they have it because it's good enough. If you've got a new machine (why else would you be buying an OS? Upgrading from Windows 3.11 perhaps :P) why not run Windows 2000/XP for the extra stability?
Yes, I know, there are some games that don't run on 2000/XP, but if you're someone that cares, odds are you've got a 98SE CD around anyways, right?
This may have been a nice thing to do, but it's a bad business move IMHO. Companies still using Windows 98 have been shown that if they're stubborn enough, they'll get their way. Not only did Microsoft lose out on the Windows 2000/XP licenses they would've bought, they have to continue to pay to patch up the old workhorse.
A similar thing happened with NT 4, although Microsoft didn't give in. I think they'll have a hell of a time when it comes time to EOL Windows 2000.
The benefit is here: Q: Can I run my own servers?
A: Yes, unlike HSE and Rogers, you're free to run servers. We do not block any ports or IP protocols. We may temporarily block or redirect ports for network performance or security reasons. We STRONGLY advise against running servers on Windows unless you consider yourself an expert on Windows security.
Basically, power users have to make a decision. They can stick with the "unlimited" providers, but they'll be restricted from running servers, ports may be blocked, and NAT may or may not be allowed. Or, they can pay for the bandwidth they use. If an ISP is charging by the gig, why wouldn't they encourage servers? They're making money from it!
It's all well and good that they're threatening, but I'm not convinced this could pan out here. Without a DMCA-equivalent, it would be very difficult to force ISPs to reveal their customers' identities.
Pretty much all pop distributed in the states is distributed here too. With Canadian TV full of American shows, its only natural we'll be familiar with US music.
Therefore there's no escape.
[sarcasm] Right, because LinuxBIOS doesn't try to be like an OS. [/sarcasm]
Learn something new? Okay, OOo isn't EXACTLY like Word, but why would anyone need significant retraining? As long as you know what you want to do, you've got online help. On a basic level, word processors haven't evolved much since the Word for Windows 2 days.
Schools don't want to have classes for both. These days, community colleges are filled with people seeking Office certification (MOS/MOUS certification). Some companies and employees value these certifications. Schools play to that market and won't offer 2 totally different word processing courses.
Okay maybe I'm elitist here, but classes for MSOffice in 2003? Everyone under 25 grew up on Office, and everyone over 25 who needs to know it should've learned it by now (on the job). This might make more sense for Excel, but not for Word.
why the US election system is so reliant on technology.
Here in the Great White North we just use plain ol' paper ballots. You take your ballot, mark the X and put it in the box. As for security, that's what scrutineers are for. Now if this can be done nationwide in a country of 30 million people, why can't it be done statewide in California, with the same population?
1. Run a firewall. The free version of ZoneAlarm is fairly idiot proof and explains everything.
2. Read what's on the screen before taking action, know what you're clicking instead of just clicking through.
I worked for a couple of weeks at a call centre that used dumb terminals. Upon logging in, if your username or password was incorrect it would say "incorrect username and password, press enter to try again." At this point the woman at the station next to mine would carefully read what was on the screen (but apparently there was no brain power to interpret it), type in her username and press enter. The username prompt would then come up, and she'd enter her password which was then visible right on the screen! Then it would prompt for her password, which she would reenter, hit enter, and since she entered her password for her username, the whole mess would start all over again. I saw her do this about five times before she asked for help.
3. Keep your computer patched. I read a Wired News article about MSBlast quoting people who thought update reminders were hackers trying to access their computers!
4. Know what you're installing. People love to install spyware-ridden crap as long as it lets them commit idiot-proof piracy or a purple gorilla sings to them. Install ad-aware or Spybot.
5. Know the directory structure. I know a person who still runs Napster because that's they only way the know to play their music.
6. Newer is not necessarily better. New versions often equal bloat and instability. Every successive version of ICQ from maybe 1997 on (except ICQ lite) is a prime example of this.
7. Install a virus scanner and keep it updated.
There are probably more but I've tired of this...
In particular, look at the one in the bottom-left of the first batch. It's a simple autoplay dialog, but it takes up 640x492! There's no excuse for that kind of waste.
I know I'm probably in the minority, since I'm not one of those people that maximizes EVERYTHING (my roommie runs IE maximized at 1400x1050!), and I'm not opposed to a little eye candy, but why should a simple dialog with all of five choices take up that much space?
but the 120 mile crater in Ohio speaks for itself.
Oh well, I guess they'll just have to add a couple of layers to the ol' tin foil hat.
I'm Canadian. My economy is based entirely on the export of beaver meat and maple syrup.
from Wired News "I've been getting these pop-ups on my new computer's screen saying there was a patch that was downloaded and did I want to install it now," said Kathy Greeves, a schoolteacher. "I thought it could be an attempt to hack my computer, or give it a virus, so I always click 'no.' I thought I was being smart."
I bet this same woman thinks nothing of downloading spyware ridden crap because it's cute or makes piracy idiot-proof. Maybe if Microsoft had a purple gorilla sing the updates, people would take notice.
"No I don't."
Because of course they're running anti-virus software. And of course the definitions have never ever been updated.
These same people decide when their PC is two years old that it's just "too screwed up" and go buy and brand-spanking-new one with the same flaws which they will proceed to bugger up in a month in a half.
I wouldn't last a week in tech support.
Shares in As Seen On TV fell $12.37 to $1.12 as investors reacted to a poll showing that every American over the age of 18 has been screwed over at least once by idiotic late-night TV pitches, according to an Ipsos-Reid survey.
Including the investors.
Only 10% of the populace is reported to be stupid enough to purchase off of TV again. Strangely, most of the 10% is made up of Americans with double barreled names, such as Peggy-Anne, Donny-Joe or Birdman-Sue.
Cledus the Slack-Jawed Yokel was not available for comment.
I seem to remember having a toy car as a kid that worked much the same way.
There are, however, a few key differences:
RoboSweep is
- more expensive
- slower
- less fun
And with almost no innards, it's not even fun to bash to pieces, Office Space style!
Be very careful when you see that "As Seen On TV!" logo.
The real question is why the hell does this matter when a Google search for rip DVDs will net you a nice, free DVD ripper for your computer. Even CNet is covering commercial DVD copying programs, and they're a hell of a lot more convenient than setting up some weird DVI -> whatever rig.
Plenty
Why should the DMCA have anything to do with printer ink? That's a much better question.
The RIAA has brought suit against the descendents of Guglielmo Marconi for his invention, known as radio.
"Using a special radio receiver, a listener, or 'criminal', can listen to copywrited music for free," said Hilary Rosen, of the RIAA. "Some special units even have the ability record. All without one cent going to us, the true owners of the material."
Rosen added that the recent use of public WiFi radio-based internet to evade prosecution for file sharing was the last straw.
"This Marconi guy's got a lot to answer for. This 'radio' thing clearly has only ilicit uses."
Rosen also complained that her wallet wasn't big enough for all her fifties, and her diamond pants were too tight.
A couple of decades ago Ottawa was the world's coldest capital city (I forget what it is now). The saying goes that come it's impossible to tell people apart, because everyone's wearing parkas. Now there's a challenge for facial recognition!