Gates: Open source a great ad for Windows

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Computers vs. software vs. OS

"What are the first questions most of the computer using world asks about computers?
How easy is it to use? What does it do for me? I just plug in the cord and it runs, right? I don't have to add anything? I've seen this before, right?
For most, in fact, those are the only questions."

The order in which those questions are asked may have a great influence on the outcome of the decisions made after asking them. I would put "What does it do for me?" first on the list since a computer that doesn't do what you want or need isn't worth buying or even acquiring for free.

"I just plug in the cord and it runs, right? I don't have to add anything?"

The first question here is a non-issue except for laptops, the second one is answered by referring back to "What does it do for me?" to see if you bought one with the correct hardware for your intended purpose and environment. You will obviously need something that fits your budget, has sufficient computing power, memory and storage to perform daily tasks adequately and fit on or under your desk, doesn't generate excessive heat or noise and performs reliably so you aren't having to repair it all the time.

"I've seen this before, right?"

Familiarity is ubiquitous across the x86 hardware platform. There are few examples of x86 hardware that are different enough from the bulk of the field to present any user issues. Those that have varied from this usually do so to appeal to a niche market such as extreme gaming, handhelds, dedicated purpose such as recording studios or real-time data gathering, etc.

Of course there are non-x86 computers too. If you don't want a Mac, don't buy a Mac, if you do want one then that is what you would most likely buy. For Mac substitute SUN/Sparc or SGI if one of those computers fits your needs better.

So it looks to me that even fewer questions need to be asked to make your choice of computer be a success for you. This will lead to a less complicated decision tree and probably help speed the decision process.

Of course you will want to buy a computer that works with the operating system that you need to do your daily tasks. That is the question that comes before question 1. We should call that question 0 as it will determine what options you examine in order to answer question 1.

Posted by: Still Lynn   Posted on: 06/29/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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