You know, when you think about it ... calling the vast majority of the population sheeple is really elite snobery of the worst ilk. When one is talking about fools who voted for clintoon and still support him I suppose it is warranted but when speaking of OSs it really is insulting. We regular people have jobs. We have kids. We do not have the time to understand computers. Just like you do not have the time to understand brain surgery. Yet you think we should venture into the rarified air of Linux or Unix. This is not particularly insightful on your part.
Microsoft obviously wasn't going after the educated and informed user market.
I couldn't have said it better myself, and I am a network and systems engineer!
The simple fact is that computers have become a part of everyday life... Every company is now in two lines of business: Their primary business, and computer support! However, in many cases, the second line is nothing but a draw on productivity and resources for the company...
When "Geeks" or "Techs" talk about what OS/HW/SW is better, it's between them: They shouldn't expect "real people" to know or care which is better, or for that matter, what they're using! These are people who have a job, and it's NOT working on computers! The computer is supposed to enable them to do their job more efficently!
As an integrator of systems, my favorite type of installation is a new one, where people haven't gotten used to doing things "their way." I can say, "to check your email, click on this icon. To check your schedule, click here. The write a letter, click here..." They shouldn't need to know what OS/network/SW they're using: It shouldn't matter. What matters is that it lets them do their job!
Mark
Sorry you feel that way I think that what I wrote was very insightful
Nowere this I tell people to go Linux or Unix .. Win 98 or ME are just fine and are user friendly to the home user. I would tell fokes to stay with them
Note I DID NOT CALL Win 98 or ME a OS for the sheeple did I?
Have you work with XP? compared it Win 98 or ME, XP is like working with handcuffs on, your locked in. Simple problems to fix in Win 98 or ME can be SOL in XP.
A simple upgrade can be a nightmare in XP.
It funny you used the terms "elite snobery", because I would say XP reflect the height of "elite snobbery" and total arrogance on the part of Microsoft
The average home use could do simple fixes and upgrades in 98 and ME
In XP the average home is going to get bit hard trying to do simple fixes and upgrades.
Locking in customer with proprietary software and locking out unauthorized hardware and software upgrades is not new and the what XP is all about.
If XP fly's the next step on Microsoft agenda be that you will not own the OS but "lease it"
The home use pay every year or month over the internet to be authorized to use the it or the OS turns off