[Lowfer] Virus alert!!

[Ed Phillips]

Bill Ashlock wrote:
> 
> 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. 

	Standardization is one thing, monopolistic practices are another.

>"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.

	And had nothing to do with Microsoft, of course!

> 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?). 

	There are more honorable ways of taking the reins!

> 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.

	Unfortunately, in recent years Gates' vision seems to have been one of
predatory business and less one of technological innovation. 
Furthermore, the admitted Microsoft practice of letting the user debug
its software leaves much to be admired.  Ever talked to someone who's
worked there?

Ed