🚀 go-pugleaf

Doug wrote:
> 
> Currently, and I mean TODAY, it doesn't really matter which type of
> computer you buy. One may be cheaper today, but tomorrow that will
> change, and it will change again next week.
> 
> USABILITY:
> BOTH are easy to use. Yes, some studies indicate that Windows 95 is
> easier to use to a first time user, but not if you've been using Mac
> software for years. In reverse, the Windows user will find Mac software
> more difficult. This is just because we all grow used to one system,
> develope unconscious habits, and it is our nature (darned humanoids) to
> resist change.
> 
> SOFTWARE AVAILABILITY:
> If you know WHERE to look you can purchase software for either platform
> at the same time. The major exception to this is Microsoft software.
> They live in a PC-dominated society. (Heck, they even try to convince us
> that mainframes, and minicomputers are dead issues).

For extremely popular titles this is true, but titles that have not yet
become hits become available for Windows first, even if the author fully
intends to port it to the Mac. They don't want to delay introduction while
working on the Mac version.
 
> EASE-OF-UPGRADES:
> Plug-and-Play works (on the newest systems). Plug-and-PRAY works on PCs
> over one year old. The only time that PNP has been found not to work in
> the last year or so is when either A) the PC manufacturer did not follow
> PNP standards precisely; or B) the manufacturer of the upgraded item did
> not follow PNP standards precisely. Also, PNP does NOT work well on
> networked PCs. 

The Plug and Play Standard has nothing to do with networks, other than
the newer network adapter cards ARE plug and play. BTW, after less than
positive experiences with PnP, I was pleased when I installed a system
for a client yesterday. It had a very new motherboard (Intel Venus) and
all recent design add-on cards and motherboards. '95 found EVERYTHING,
recognized the monitor, the 870CXI printer, and configured everything]
correctly. This was the first time I didn't have to go in and mess with
the system settings.

> It is very difficult to get PCs using different versions
> of operating systems to talk well together.

Um, no. It is a simple task to network Windows for Workgroups 3.11,
Windows 95, and Windows NT systems together. No server is even
necessary. 

What IS difficult is getting computers using completely different
operating systems to network together using real networked applications
(not just e-mail). Note that Apple will be offering  Windows NT for the
Mac next year, mainly due to the networking issue (we have to
deal with Mac/PC networking at work now, with about 3000PCs and
20 Macs, and it is a tremendous hassle, and as such further purchases
of Macs are not permitted at this time). There are some cross=platform
network applications like Lotus Notes.