What operating system do I get tomorrow??

me

[Sungirl]

I would appreciate any advice.....

Tomorow at noon is a big day.....
Do I get Windows 98....Windows 2000.....Windows ME?? Windows XP is OUT!

I just want it for home use...no networks....no administrators. Simple, efficient and stable.

PLEASE ADVISE.

[disclaimer]

Yeah, imagine: I even own stock in IBM. Dell. GE. Those damned evil corporations...

IBM has been caught including the sales of an optical division as sales revenue falsely inflating their earnings. Now there is concern that their books have been cooked for years. Their stock was already hit for this reason, and there’s a good chance it’ll be hit again.

Companies put out articles all the time to hype their products and stock. Microsoft did this when they released XP – initial reported 'sales' numbers were large since ‘sales’ primarily went to stock up Microsoft's worldwide sales channels. Actual sales to consumers was not spectacular and businesses, at the time, were just getting around to incorporating Windows 2000 into the enterprise with XP not even on the radar screen. There wasn’t a ground-shaking move to XP like the Microsoft press release you posted implied, but you took it upon yourself to post Microsoft’s investor propaganda on the FreeRepublic and defend it like gospel - or shall I say like a Microsoft ‘bigot’ using your terminology. The article you posted was not dealing with a technical aspect of XP - it was promoting XP with hyped up sales numbers. You didn’t mention your affiliation with Microsoft as you hyped up Microsoft with that article.

It isn't my obligation to put a disclaimer on every post that I make. We all have opinions and biases. I don't get paid to post here. I do it because I enjoy discussing technical issues

You work for and own Microsoft stock – but you’re correct – it isn’t your obligation to notify us when you promote Microsoft. However, from now on I’ll hit the abuse button anytime I see you promote Microsoft in a way that hypes Microsoft products and/or stock IF you don’t reveal your affiliation with Microsoft in the same posting. I’ll leave it up the free market owner(s) of the FreeRepublic to decide if they want to be a sales instrument for Microsoft.

I have a particular interest in Windows-related threads because, frankly, MS has been unfairly attacked by not only a bunch of ignorant *nix bigots bent on reshaping the computing world but also by a government out of control. Somebody has to provide balance to your load of crap. That's me.

Give me a break. If I criticize some aspect of Microsoft, it doesn’t mean I have a vendetta against the company. I have favored Microsoft’s development tools starting with C version 2 and assembler through the “Visual” series IDEs over Borland’s and others. Even XENIX, which I wrote about earlier in this thread, had Microsoft involved in its genesis and incorporated a Microsoft compiler and assembler. I watched IBM attempt at a world class graphical OS with IBM/Microsoft co-developed OS/2, but IBM dropped the ball. After working with OS/2, I choose window products mainly due to IBM’s lack of support.

I don’t ‘preach’ Linux as the alternative to Windows, it’s not even close for the average user on a desktop. Linux needs to be optimized for the desktop, and is nowhere as consistent as windows is from the user’s standpoint – a crucial perception to survive in the market place. As you know, perception is reality in politics and sales.

The bad press Microsoft has received is justified in some cases and not in others. The XP licensing issue gives the end user, especially those that constantly fiddle with hardware configuration, the feeling like Big Brother Microsoft is watching. Those, like me, who constantly mess with hardware are put off by Microsoft’s edict to re-register their OS when the configuration limit bell rings. This is a perception that exists in several segments of the potential XP market segments including CIOs and IT groups within various companies. You can scream back at these folks with an environmental activists’ intensity, like you and innocentbystander have been doing, or you can accept that there is a perception issue and deal with it by providing fact instead of name calling. You lose credibility by labeling these folks as bigots and just dump more fuel on the fire. Do you really think you’re going to ‘fix’ these people’s perception by screaming at them?

[Bush2000]

The article you posted was not dealing with a technical aspect of XP - it was promoting XP with hyped up sales numbers.

BFD. It was news. Associated Press reported it. Don't like it? Don't read it.

You didn’t mention your affiliation with Microsoft as you hyped up Microsoft with that article.

You must be new here. I've already mentioned on multiple threads that I worked for MS as a contractor years ago. I also own a very small amount of MSFT stock.

[Bush2000]

Give me a break. If I criticize some aspect of Microsoft, it doesn’t mean I have a vendetta against the company.

There are plenty of folks on FR who do qualify as bigots, however. They usually are the most prolific posters of anti-MS demagoguery. They know exactly who they are. I've made no bones in calling them out as such. I don't know enough of your views to consider you a bigot. Yet.

The bad press Microsoft has received is justified in some cases and not in others.

Here we agree.

The XP licensing issue gives the end user, especially those that constantly fiddle with hardware configuration, the feeling like Big Brother Microsoft is watching.

A feeling? A lot of people have feelings that UFOs and BigFoot exist, too. But that doesn't make their "feelings" any more true.

Those, like me, who constantly mess with hardware are put off by Microsoft’s edict to re-register their OS when the configuration limit bell rings. This is a perception that exists in several segments of the potential XP market segments including CIOs and IT groups within various companies.

Corporations with enterprise licenses don't have activation requirements. You're blowing smoke on this point.

You can scream back at these folks with an environmental activists’ intensity, like you and innocentbystander have been doing, or you can accept that there is a perception issue and deal with it by providing fact instead of name calling.

Here's the problem: Many of these people are Mac or *nix users with no vested interest in the debate other than to spew FUD. They're disruptors. They have no intention of using Windows under any circumstances. So their "perceptions" are pretty worthless. What bothers me is that they're viral advocacy has given a lot of poorly-informed folks bogus information. I have encouraged people to read the facts at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/overviews/activation.asp and not listen to a bunch of ill-informed and paranoid Mac blowhards.

You lose credibility by labeling these folks as bigots and just dump more fuel on the fire.

These folks aren't interested in contributing. They're more interested in sowing paranoia and fear. The only way to deal with them is to call them what they are.

Do you really think you’re going to ‘fix’ these people’s perception by screaming at them?

No. You don't 'fix' a bigot's perceptions. But you can alert others to their bigotry. That is a useful function.

[Bush2000]

And we should "give a crap" about your overblown self-important opinions?

Because IB is as close a thing to a technology authority as you will ever meet, bub...

[disclaimer]

BFD. It was news. Associated Press reported it. Don't like it? Don't read it.

This isn't the NBC nightly news with Dan Blather - I am going to speak up when I see blatant propaganda posted here. The question is, why do you post it?! Using your terms, you must be a Microsoft ‘shrill’.

You must be new here. I've already mentioned on multiple threads that I worked for MS as a contractor years ago. I also own a very small amount of MSFT stock.

Funny how you never mention your affiliation with Microsoft when it's very relevant to the thread you posted. Just a coincidence, of course.

[disclaimer]

Because IB is as close a thing to a technology authority as you will ever meet, bub...

So, you two are buddies. Can you really expect me to accept your ranking of IB? The jest of his arguments are - if you don't like it, go somewhere else. Not exactly powerful reasoning.

[Bush2000]

So, you two are buddies.

He and I have never actually met in person. But I'm well aware of his reputation.

Can you really expect me to accept your ranking of IB?

I expect nothing from you.

The jest of his arguments are - if you don't like it, go somewhere else. Not exactly powerful reasoning.

He's right. If you don't like the activation support, use a Mac. Or *nix. Nobody will break a sweat if Elvis leaves the building...

[Bush2000]

I am going to speak up when I see blatant propaganda posted here.

Ah, I see. The AP is now part of the "conspiracy", eh?

The question is, why do you post it?!

It's a response to earlier posts that said XP was going to be a dismal failure. Catch up.

Using your terms, you must be a Microsoft ‘shrill’.

I receive no compensation for posting here, if that's what you're suggesting. And I don't believe that any particular computing platform is inherently better than another. It's just software. It isn't a substitute for a life.

[js1138]

I just set up an XP system for my sister. The activation was painless. I'd prefer not to register, but then I've been known to fudge a bit on multiple installations, so I know why Microsoft (and Autodesk, and Sonic Foundry, and many others) have had it up to here with piracy.

If you have amonopoly on manufacturing hardware for your OS, you don't need to worry about piracy, but if Microsoft tried to control any aspect of manufacturing, they'd probably get a visit from the feds.

<];^)

[Bush2000]

Good points. Thanks.

[disclaimer]

There are plenty of folks on FR who do qualify as bigots, however. They usually are the most prolific posters of anti-MS demagoguery. They know exactly who they are. I've made no bones in calling them out as such. I don't know enough of your views to consider you a bigot. Yet.

Thanks for the reprieve on bigot label for myself. You appear like a pro-Microsoft bigot by your blanket statements. Consider this constructive criticism.

disclaimer: The XP licensing issue gives the end user, especially those that constantly fiddle with hardware configuration, the feeling like Big Brother Microsoft is watching.
Bush2000: A feeling? A lot of people have feelings that UFOs and BigFoot exist, too. But that doesn't make their "feelings" any more true.

Like I stated earlier, ‘feelings’, aka perceptions, do count in sales and politics. Any experienced salesman knows that perception is as important as the facts about an issue. You’re selling Microsoft, whether you want to admit it or not. If you want to win folks over you won’t have a chance while you’re out there calling people bigots. Makes you look like one. Microsoft delivers world-class quality product, especially considering how complex the technology is. Give the facts and time will tell. Anyone without any knowledge of the software business, and software licensing, probably view your 'in your face' replies as overly emotional shrill opinions.

Corporations with enterprise licenses don't have activation requirements. You're blowing smoke on this point.

Well, small businesses are the ones outsourcing IT by the hour and have to deal with sort of issue too. That goes for small margin manufactures with a single IT guy where an enterprise license is not practical.

Here's the problem: Many of these people are Mac or *nix users with no vested interest in the debate other than to spew FUD. They're disruptors. They have no intention of using Windows under any circumstances. So their "perceptions" are pretty worthless.

Just state the facts, you’ll win every time. It may not be painless and a lot of work, but you’ll come out of it with some credibility instead of looking just as bad as they do. Why do you bother arguing with Mac users about the licensing issue - the Mac hardware is tightly licensed and proprietary. What kind of argument can they make? They pay inflated prices on everything Mac they buy. As far as Linux goes, the market voted overwhelmingly for Windows on the desktop. Linux has a lot of catch up here, so why bother getting all emotionally worked up?

What bothers me is that they're viral advocacy has given a lot of poorly-informed folks bogus information. I have encouraged people to read the facts at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/overviews/activation.asp and not listen to a bunch of ill-informed and paranoid Mac blowhards.

The real problem here is you underestimate the power of you own argumet using facts over emotions. You have to address emotion and provide facts to counter it, but you can’t win over closed-minded people so why get hung up on it? You can win over the readers you never hear from if you stick with the facts and lose the broad name-calling if you want credibility. If someone makes an outlandish claim, ask for information supporting their position and hold them to it.

These folks aren't interested in contributing. They're more interested in sowing paranoia and fear. The only way to deal with them is to call them what they are.…and look just like one of them to the uninformed.

Most of the folks on the FreeRepublic can reason you know - if you provide the facts. You know that China and other countries (including EU countries) are very paranoid about Microsoft products - probably with good reason. Microsoft has a lot of sensitive personal and business information pumping through them, how can the Feds ignore this potential source of information? It must be tough for Microsoft to ignore the gold mine of demographics their appilications have access to. Shouldn’t you expect some paranoia? That's the price of Microsoft's success.

disclaimer: Do you really think you’re going to ‘fix’ these people’s perception by screaming at them?
Bush2000: No. You don't 'fix' a bigot's perceptions. But you can alert others to their bigotry. That is a useful function.

You’re not performing that ‘function,’ you appear as a bigot yourself.

[jamaly]

You will have a tough time finding anything except an XP. I just bought a new computer in late December and couldn't get anything but XP. I bought a Compaq custom made for my home office. It was a total lemon. I had to send it back. After several people told me that Dell was the best on the market I ordered a Dell dude. It is great! I got almost exactly the same things on the Dell and I saved $700. But, the BEST thing about Dell is that they have a service agreement for $139 for 3 years were if they can't fix any problem over the phone they send someone out to your home or office to fix it for you THE VERY NEXT DAY! I am not aware of anyone else that offers that kind of service.

I am not crazy about XP, but I am adjusting. I do think I would love it, if I ever had time to sit down and play with it until I was more knowledgeable about all it can do.

Buy a DELL dude!!

[Bush2000]

Thanks for the reprieve on bigot label for myself.

I never called you a bigot. Reread the thread.

You appear like a pro-Microsoft bigot by your blanket statements. Consider this constructive criticism.

Gee, that hurts. Not.

You’re selling Microsoft, whether you want to admit it or not.

Wrong. I'm encouraging people to find out the facts before they decide. I could care less what they buy.

If you want to win folks over you won’t have a chance while you’re out there calling people bigots. Makes you look like one.

Logical fallacy. Pointing out bigotry does not equate to bigotry.

You can win over the readers you never hear from if you stick with the facts and lose the broad name-calling if you want credibility.

Those who follow these threads know that I provide both facts and name-calling. Two for the price of one.

You know that China and other countries (including EU countries) are very paranoid about Microsoft products

China has a 90% piracy rate. They're born thieves.

[Revel]

Well maybe you are ok then. But if know microsoft then I would say that they have a way to inject data into your online connection without Zone alarm even knowing it. They could have built it right into the networking systems on your PC.(Drivers) I do not trust them at all.

Whatever else XP is-It is spyware. People think so little about giving up there everyday privacy in every other aspect of life these days. So I guess it is no surprise that they don't care about giving it up with there computer either. Big brother is alive and growing with ease.

[Revel]

What are you going to do when you want to activate your system in the future and Microsoft is down for some reason at the time you try to do it? And what if they get tuff in the future and tell you that you can't put on the new PC you just built. Or that you can't get authorization again after you changed to much hardware in your computer. What if the government takes over Microsoft someday? What if Microsoft decides to save cost and cuts back on how many requests they can handle at once? Does it not bother you that they even know exactly what your comuter is composed of? And we are not even talking about the everyday spying that they are imposing on you. This is just one more leap in world of big brother. You can pretty much bet that anyone who has no problem with spyware will also have no problem with spy camera's, Nation ID cards, Digital Angel, And just about anything else that is comming. Princple is worth something.

[Bush2000]

What are you going to do when you want to activate your system in the future and Microsoft is down for some reason at the time you try to do it? And what if they get tuff in the future and tell you that you can't put on the new PC you just built. Or that you can't get authorization again after you changed to much hardware in your computer.

There are very few certainties in life except for death and taxes. Companies come and go. Perhaps Microsoft will be one of them. Linux isn't going anywhere. If anything, it is well-insulated to be around for a very long time. If you simply don't like MS, try Linux. Or buy a Mac. The choice is yours. I certainly don't want to stand in the way of user choice.

What if the government takes over Microsoft someday?

It already has.

What if Microsoft decides to save cost and cuts back on how many requests they can handle at once? Does it not bother you that they even know exactly what your comuter is composed of? And we are not even talking about the everyday spying that they are imposing on you. This is just one more leap in world of big brother. You can pretty much bet that anyone who has no problem with spyware will also have no problem with spy camera's, Nation ID cards, Digital Angel, And just about anything else that is comming. Princple is worth something.

Paranoia is a dangerous thing. Have you ever seen the 1974 movie starring Gene Hackman called "The Conversation"? Hackman plays a surveillance guy who has a change of heart when somebody gets killed. The problem is ... he's so knowledgable about eavesdropping that he can never live in peace again. It rules his entire life. He rips his apartment to shreds trying to locate nonexistent bugs. Point is ... you can live in paranoia and fear -- or not. You have no assurances that the government isn't already tapping your phone and watching you on tiny cameras. The only reassurance you have is the small comfort that, in the whole scheme of things, you and I really aren't that important ("the lives of two people don't amount to a hill of beans..."). Consequently, I'm not all that concerned. I refuse to live in paranoia. If it ever becomes an issue, I'm heading for New Zealand...

[disclaimer]

disclaimer:You appear like a pro-Microsoft bigot by your blanket statements. Consider this constructive criticism.

Bush2000:Gee, that hurts. Not.

Wasn’t intended to hurt. Just telling you my first impression of you. The political race baiters have been calling everyone bigots for years now. Most of us (on FR anyway) suspect the name caller immediately as the real bigot. So, you appear like a zealous bigot when you point your finger at others shouting bigot.

disclaimer:You’re selling Microsoft, whether you want to admit it or not.

Bush2000:Wrong. I'm encouraging people to find out the facts before they decide. I could care less what they buy.

Sorry, should of said promoting Microsoft. My mistake.

disclaimer:If you want to win folks over you won’t have a chance while you’re out there calling people bigots. Makes you look like one.

Bush2000:Logical fallacy. Pointing out bigotry does not equate to bigotry.

See my comments above. If you expect everything in this world to be based on logic, you have a lot to learn. Something tells me you’re a programmer with no management experience.

disclaimer:You can win over the readers you never hear from if you stick with the facts and lose the broad name-calling if you want credibility.

Bush2000:Those who follow these threads know that I provide both facts and name-calling. Two for the price of one.

Cute, but you keep saying that you’re not paid anything for your promotional services, now it’s buy one get one. Which is it?

disclaimer:You know that China and other countries (including EU countries) are very paranoid about Microsoft products

Bush2000:China has a 90% piracy rate. They're born thieves.

We’ll see how long it takes the Chinese to either buy or steal the Windows source code or break the copy protection scheme. They’re not dummies, they’re just not very original.

[disclaimer]

The difference, is that I dont give a rat's ass what you think. I dont have an agenda, I've been retired from MS for years now, and if you dont buy, it doesnt effect my bottom line one bit.

Why don't you go out shopping again. You don't add any value here.

[Mr. K]

LOL- I have vast YEARS of experience with Procomm- but like 10 years ago- I am just surprised it is still around.