But here again, if they were so crappy, then they would never have become so universally used. Mac-bots like yourself could only hope your “loyal loser” configuration were actually true. You discount all positive gains or reports, unless they favor your iconic views of what is a “good” or “bad” OS. Just look at the market share, if you really need to compare what the market demands. And like all competitive markets, the proof is in the details of a 10 to 1 ratio.
Refrain from “educating” the rest of us by explaining away this completely warped ratio as a simple “monopoly” as some unfair and illegal practice. The truth is, Microsoft has always offered outstanding support and has sold a product that no one else can even come close to providing. This is the sole reason they are the biggest and the best or why the entire World prefers their products.
You cannot deny those facts but I am positive you will do so in spite of the facts.
You know what happens to people who make personal attacks a habit? I'm a Microsoft user since 1984, a Windows user since about 1988, and a Mac user since only late 2007. Not your normal Macbot history. I dabbled in Macs prior to 2007, but I refused to buy one for various reasons, one of which was the inferior architecture of the OS from about 1995-2001.
But here again, if they were so crappy, then they would never have become so universally used.
Basic inability to comprehend. It was the best browser when released in 2001. By 2004 the competition had surpassed it, by 2006 it was a joke. Microsoft knew this. IE7 was supposed to be only for Vista, then expanded to XP so those users could upgrade. Microsoft even removed the Genuine Advantage requirement of IE7 in 2007 so IE6 could be upgraded on pirated copies of Windows. That's how desperate Microsoft was to rid the market of IE6.
Just look at the market share, if you really need to compare what the market demands.
Anyone who thinks Windows marketshare is based purely on the merits of the Windows system is entirely ignorant of the history of computing. They know nothing of the IBM or Microsoft monopolies, Compaq, corporate purchase influence, Microsoft's triple-E practices and many other things. Those are the facts.
As for browsers, you forget the Microsoft exec saying "We are going to cut off Netscape's air supply." Doesn't sound like a general desire to compete on the merits, does it?
Refrain from “educating” the rest of us by explaining away this completely warped ratio as a simple “monopoly” as some unfair and illegal practice.
Monopoly is not necessarily either unfair or illegal. My use of the fact was that while Windows marketshare was around 97% and IE use was close to the same. Few people thought to replace their included browser because it was good and included with the system (many users thought "Explorer" equalled "Internet). Then by 2005 IE marketshare had dropped to the early 80 percents because it was so bad people actually bothered to replace their included browser. That's why Microsoft started work on IE again.
For years it was a far inferior browser. The only thing that kept up the numbers as much as they were was pure market momentum and riding on the Windows marketshare.
Microsoft has always offered outstanding support
I'll remember that the next time I get on the phone with a clueless, unintelligble guy in India going off a checklist. And that's even for paid corporate support, not just free consumer support. I'll especially remember that if I ever have to call Apple support (I haven't in three years) and get an educated American on the other end.