Windows Update setup (Apple Software Update versus Microsoft Update)

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RE: Windows Update setup (Apple Software Update versus Microsoft Update)

I think you're all missing the real point. Everyone is wrapped up in this MS v Apple deal instead of concentrating on the real issue: what makes users' computing lives better? Do users fare better in an environment where the decisions are made by others who claim they know 'better'? (I.e., unrevealed or even 'default selections') Or do users fare better in an environment where they make their own decisions? (I.e., all options revealed, all options unchecked, all options explained.)

There are viable arguments on both sides.

Like many of you, I use and support multiple platforms and multiple levels of user competency and I not only agree with but would personally assert, 'There is no one correct answer.'

The inexperienced novice may be offended at having to read so much, learn so much, and having to make so many choices. Isn't that what the so-called experts are for?

The experts may be offended at not seeing full disclosure and being given the right of personal control over all things in their environment.

Most users will, in fact, wax and wane between these two extremes regardless of, or in synch with, their personal experiences.

Mr. Bott is offended at Apple's seemingly sneaky way of pushing Safari on users of "some" of its software. And rightly so.

However, I was offended at Microsoft's way of pushing Internet Explorer on Netscape users many years ago by inextricably integrating it into the then-existing version of Windows, which I think was ME as I seem to recall running Netscape on '95, but it may have been way back in 3.x.

The point is, they are retailers in competition and their duty is to expand their market in every not-explicitly-illegitimate way they possibly can.

Apple has an absolute monopoly -- but their market share makes "their" monopoly not a "real" monopoly as defined by law.

Microsoft has an "effective" monopoly due to their market share, as defined by law.

So who's more predatory? Who cares!

The more "they" fight, the more "they" innovate. And the more they innovate, the more we benefit.

It's called competition in a free market and it's a messy business. But then, so is freedom itself.

My 2? worth.

Posted by: geoff@...   Posted on: 03/28/08 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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