M H Stein wrote: Considering that many thousands if not millions of folks are happily using Windows and Microsoft apps 24/7 without any real problems, I think the fact that you and your clients are having such a different experience probably says more about you than Microsoft. Usually, my clients start out with the problems -- it's part of the installed software. And, shutting down their machines on a regular basis has come to be seen as normal by many, if not most, people using computers. But, thank GOD I now know, thanks to you, that it's all my problem. Of course, I should have known, since if it were a problem in the coding, why, the 'nets would be simply FILLED with complaints. Oh, wait... Writing an email program in BASIC 27 years ago hardly makes you an expert in properly configuring a system today, any more than my wiring IBM plugboards 45 years ago, and I don't think many folks here will be inpressed by your "25 years PC experience" either. I guess it should go without saying, but... You missed the point. I pointed out that I had been in electronic communications about as long as the subject has existed, making me an expert in forms of e-com, including the flame and troll. I stand by that. And, yes, electronic media tends to encourage people to post mean-spirited and personal messages, and say things they would never say face-to-face. Like your post here, for example. You're "confused" because you KNOW that you could have done a better job than Microsoft? Heh, I'm just amused... that's where you *really* lose credibility... Really? Don't YOU think that YOU, given billions of dollars, could run a team to produce a stable, functional operating platform for PCs? Especially after twenty years, don't you think you would have an impressive product? Cripes, that's time to learn programming, and do most of it yourself. Just a few people wrote Unix from its beginning to an incredibly stable and useful point in about nine years... and that's waiting from the first assembler pass all the way to the Seventh Edition. Don't you think you could manage a project like that if you had nearly unlimited funds and more than twice as much time to complete it? Frankly, I think almost anybody in the IT field could do it. But, thanks for providing a graphic illustration of why it's not wise to even discuss the subject. I tend to be too optimistic about these things, despite my long experience with electronic communications. I figure that a calm, rational discussion of limitations of products can take place as long as it doesn't start with some idiot yelling "MICRO$$$$$OFT SUXXORS!" But, for some reason, it usually doesn't stay rational for long. I assume that everybody involved in collecting classic computers is either, uh, "well-seasoned" or at least a very bright youngster. This has been true for every collector I've ever met, and it holds true for most of the people here, as well. While English is often not the strong suit of the collector type, cogent, succinct, informative posts are the norm from most people, yourself included. So, can you tell my why you produce a post such as this, full of condescension and insult? What is it that makes you post such a thing in public? I swear, when I read your post, I got a picture from a trip to the zoo I made as a child. One of the older gorillas became offended at something, and started beating his chest, and making the most disturbing of noises. No actual fecal material was thrown in this case, but the older gorilla DID club and mount the challenger. Let's hope your "aping" of this behavior is now over, and we can keep to a text format. Thanks. But, seriously, a reaction much like the one illustrated in the picture below would be reasonable.... http://www.afunnystuff.com/forumpics/notagain.jpg ... but I still don't get the reason for turning it personal. Not that I'm very concerned -- I have a thick skin. But I am curious about WHY things turn personal. Since I was not even addressing you, and then you personally attack me, it's clear that THIS is the starting point for personalizing an impersonal discussion. So... why? Warren

On May 25, 2009, at 2:42 AM, M H Stein wrote: That's just the thing, though: They don't. Some 88% of all spam today comes from Windows machines being remotely controlled without the knowledge of their owners. I fight it every day (I run a few large mail servers for people) and see the OS fingerprints. Further, I've reloaded several Windows machines for people since my social contacts around home have begun to branch out to include nontechnical folk. At least a dozen machines over the past year. The half-dozen Linux people and the two guys with Suns don't have any problems at all. So, I say with respect, please know what you're talking about before making big sweeping statements like that. -Dave -- Dave McGuire Port Charlotte, FL