[Lowfer] Virus alert!!

[Bill Ashlock]

Mike,

>In the considered opinion of this 31 year veteran of computer/OS wars I
>think we would be a much better off.
>Remember, we can be better off (as a culture, people, nation, world
>community) WITHOUT as many contributions. The "Quantity" of contributions
>are of little help. More competition with "Quality" contributions improves
>lives.

I couldn't disagree more strongly. Standardization has been key in the 
development of computer technology as has always been the case for ANY mass 
technology. "Quantity of contributions is of little help" HUH ???  You can't 
see what good things are happening all over world as the result of the rapid 
spread of computer technology? The invention of the high speed printing 
press had a huge positive impact on  scientific and sociological progress. 
The computer will have orders of magnitude more effect on this progress.  In 
order for this to happen all computers in the world have to compatible. Only 
20 years ago there were many non-compatible operating systems, and many 
non-compatible computers. There HAD to one company that would take the reins 
and allow us to move forward at this incredible rate. Naturally, not 
everyone is happy with the exact details of where this is going (and who 
amongst us doesn't curse MS at least once per day?). But I think all of us 
have to salute founders like Bill Gates for having a strong vision of the 
future and the drive to get there.

>Besides, name me ANYTHING that Microsoft innovated on it's own that was not
>already in the works either as an industry standard or an existing product.

Of what importance is this answer? I think what IS important is that today 
we are all on the same track and our dislikes for Microsoft are trivial when 
compared to how far we have come .....and how far we will certainly go.

Bill

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