!Re: Nuke Redmond!

From: Richard Erlacher <edick_at_idcomm.com>
Date: Thu Apr 6 12:05:45 2000

This is one with which I have to agree, at least somewhat. The DEC stuff,
back when they were in their prime, in the '70's and early '80's, did good
work. They didn't field the latest technology in many cases, since they
wanted to be sure of what they shipped, but they didn't pass on the latest
cost savings as a result. Back then the older stuff was costlier than what
was new.

I also agree that since Microsoft's work is an apparent reflection of the
"state-of-the-art" in software, I have to belive that there will be
repercussions dealing with quality and with the inclusion of unnecessary
features, e.g. the flight-simulator/billboard module included in one release
of Excel, etc.

I'd also point out, howver, that what's made them wildly successful is that
they've made the computer accessible to people who don't want to become
experts. It's just an appliance to them, like the TV or microwave oven.
The fact that most people can tolerate this level of reliability (however
one perceives it) is to their credit, however.

Just to remind everyone, the system I'm using to process my email has never
"crashed" or behaved anomalously in any way. Of course, it's a notebook, so
I haven't had much motive to stick my hands inside.

Dick

----- Original Message -----
From: John Allain <John.Allain_at_donnelley.infousa.com>
To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 06, 2000 8:54 AM
Subject: RE: !Re: Nuke Redmond!


>
>
> >From: healyzh_at_aracnet.com
>
> >> If you want to dog somebody, the go after DEC, (God be thanked that
> they're
> >> gone!) with their antiquated technology always a generation behind
> everyone
> >> else and with their ridiculous prices.
>
> >Um, you do know that's flame bait in this group, and Microslop roasting
is
> a
> >regular hobby here? Personally I'll willingly pay more if it means I've
> got
> >stability.
>
>
> I can't believe some of the threads on this list. One is the
> OTpener, an other is DEC roasting. I used DEC 1980-1989 and
> Windows 1994-2000 and I think I crashed the DEC Once in that
> whole time. When I reported it the DEC engineers appeared
> gratis and the crash didn't happen again. I would constantly
> discover things about the DEC software that would bring new
> positive surprises (Oh it does that too?) (THAT can even work?)
> Another big plus: their documentation was clear and open.
>
> With windows it's more like (What's it doing now?... wait...
> wait... crash). With MS the surprises are 90% negative
> and the positive ones (few) are finding after much trial
> and error (No, do This first, then that.) that advertised
> features can be used productively, but never easily.
>
> DEC was quality at quality prices.
> I think there's Another scandal awaiting MS
> regarding reliability.
>
>
Received on Thu Apr 06 2000 - 12:05:45 BST