A challenge to Bill Gates (was: Interact)

From: Sellam Ismail <foo_at_siconic.com>
Date: Fri Jan 19 09:17:01 2001

On Fri, 19 Jan 2001, R. D. Davis wrote:

> It appears that what we need to do is to find a way to set the record
> straight on this, such as for Bill Gates to make an appearance on this
> list. Perhaps some of him have, or haven't, misjudged him, but, if
> will show up here, perhaps we could withold the flames until we find
> out how the _real_ Bill Gates thinks about computers and operating
> systems. What I'd like to really know is what he'd like to see an
> operating system be like if he could start over again from scratch.
> If Mr. Gates was challenged to design the ultimate operating system
> that was both easy for computer neophytes to use, yet also hacker
> friendly so that people who like to hack hardware and software would
> also feel at ease with it, which could support many users at one time,
> and also had excellent security, and with a reasonable degree of
> backwards compatibility with modems, hard drives and networking, etc.,
> what sort of idea would he arrive at? This group, and participants in
> it, with all of their knowledge of classic computers, could provide a
> wealth of knowledge for helping to design such a system.

You're assuming the technical aspects matter to him, which by all accounts
they do not. He simply wants to win at all costs.

> respect such privacy, but can he change, for _his own benefit_? He
> has wealth and power, but still has a lot of disrespect - which, I'm
> sure he'd like to turn to true heartfelt respect.

Who needs respect when you have $55 billion?

> If Bill Gates truly wants to achieve lasting greatness and respect,
> and be someone that his descendents will be able to look back on with
> much admiration, things which he still has a chance to do, perhaps he
> will. Will he accept the challenge? I doubt that he'll ever see this
> message; however, should he read it, what will he think? After all,
> he is in an excellent position to lead the way in making many
> _beneficial_ changes.

I invite, nay, I CHALLENGE Bill Gates to speak at VCF 5.0! And Steve
Jobs too! :)

Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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International Man of Intrigue and Danger http://www.vintage.org
Received on Fri Jan 19 2001 - 09:17:01 GMT

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