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Only a small part?
I'm not going to sit here and try to convince you that it's exactly the opposite, that it's the home user that's only a small part. I know that's not true. Certainly gaming, 3D, and multimedia apps are the biggest advantage Windows holds over Linux, and to some extent MacOSX.

But to trivialize the importance of corporate customers would be very dangerous to MS. It is in corporate products and needs that MS is in danger of slipping behind the Unixes. Now there's no question MS Office is still better than OpenOffice for now, but OOo has gone from nothing to being at least useable in a professional setting in a very short amount of time. Voice recognition would give MS an almost unsurmountable lead if they can make it work as well as people's expectations. Other core programs, like CD burners, web browsers, e-mail programs, etc. work just as well, and in a few cases better than in Windows. And security, though not perfect on the Unixes (and some are better than others), is clearly better than Windows security.

Anyway my point in saying what the Unixes can do is that there is the threat of competition in that area, and it is not a trivial amount of business they'd be losing. And if people start using Linux or OSX at work, they might like it and want it at home (that's how DOS and Windows got its foot in the home users' door). So MS naturally has to defend its territory by talking about all the "exciting" security work and voice recognition that needs to be done. Now we all know the average 18 year old video game freak won't be excited about that, but there will be some high paying work in those areas that needs to be done. And to some young people, a six figure salary IS pretty exciting.
Posted by: Michael Kelly   Posted on: 03/01/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use
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Interesting, sort of.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 03/01/04
Of course Gates has probably been the BIGGEST detractor to the industry  Bobby Sskcat | 03/01/04
Only a small part?  Michael Kelly | 03/01/04
What people want from pc's.  Anton Philidor | 03/01/04
What comp sci students are interested in  Mark Miller | 03/01/04
Gates distance  Louis Ross Focke | 03/02/04
Put your money where your mouth is  Michael Kelly | 03/01/04
They do, in India.  No_Ax_to_Grind | 03/01/04
They do..... what?!!  el1jones | 03/01/04
Ummm Bill does invest in US education  Squawkbox | 03/01/04
And how do you know those numbers aren't fudged???  Bobby Sskcat | 03/01/04
Ya know it must suck to be you  Squawkbox | 03/01/04
You mean like the "research" that Arthur Andersson and Enron put out?  Bobby Sskcat | 03/01/04
this "ehtics" problem started when  JWatson77 | 03/02/04
god damn conspiracy theorists  PmAc_z | 03/02/04
$2Billion in Microsoft Money? What is that in Real dollars?  brenthawkinsmd | 03/01/04
re : $2Billion in Microsoft Money? What is that in Real dollars?  JWatson77 | 03/02/04
The Sputnik Effect  Anton Philidor | 03/01/04
Maybe that's what he wants  el1jones | 03/01/04
MS Employees very well paid.  PmAc_z | 03/02/04
Seems you would know... no salaries on their site.  el1jones | 03/02/04
A contradiction in terms  michael-t | 03/01/04
The Linux dialogue is interesting.  Anton Philidor | 03/01/04
innovation needs talent, not numbers  GDF | 03/02/04
Capture Suckers Early Before They Experience Linux  brenthawkinsmd | 03/01/04
Re: Capture Suckers Early Before They Experience Linux  Mark Miller | 03/01/04
really  JWatson77 | 03/02/04
FLASH: MS to encourage export of US jobs by lowering non-US prices !  Plain Logic | 03/01/04
So out of touch with reality...  emartin_z | 03/01/04
Very interesting article!  GraysonPeddie | 03/01/04
XML IS just like COBOL  jorwell | 03/02/04
Computer science is a poor career choice today  AV . | 03/02/04
Computer Science is a great career choice today  bjcollin | 03/02/04
If (or should I say 'when') you get your pink slip...  emartin_z | 03/02/04
Re: If (or should I say 'when') you get your pink slip...  bjcollin | 03/09/04
excellent observation  dmennie | 03/05/04
CEOs don't hire USA Computer Science graduates.  dianna.terry@... | 03/02/04
Adapt or Perish  Debunker | 03/02/04
fool's gold  AV . | 03/02/04
(NT) Great Interview!  P. Douglas | 03/02/04
Microsoft is wellknown market driven  ccnote | 03/03/04
Excellent Mr. Gates  msdead | 03/03/04
Reality check for Mr Gates  OverTheHill | 03/03/04

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