[CQ-Contest] Re: Future for DOS programs

[Kevin Bier, K7VI]

I wrote a couple of replies to Wes' note and pitched 'em both.  Neither
came off sounding non-confrontational. :)  It's real tough to discuss and
disagree on OSes without coming off as a zealot or a heretic, so I'll leave
that alone for now.

Let's leave it that PC operating systems are sufficiently complicated
beasts that having dramatically differing experiences happens all the time
and leads to differing opinions.  My suggestion is that as Win98 becomes
more real ('cuz there's still functionality going in and coming out, folks,
even at beta 3!!), read reviews and talk to users.  Let's post experiences
on reflectors and ask questions of developers.

I've read that we should only make changes in your systems that clearly
benefit us.  That makes SO much sense.  There's so much marketing pull to
convince you to upgrade and it's just not necessary for most people in most
situations.  There are always costs.  Some of us will decide to upgrade
'cuz our work demands it.  Others will be able to do exactly what they want
with their computers running what they have today, or by making piecemeal
enhancements.  YMMV!

Anyway, I think that the point that started this whole interesting thread
is still very valid.  DOS is losing its momentum and Windows is in
ascension, even in ham shacks.  As developers, we need to be looking to the
markets we can be most effective in (for profit or to just give back to the
hobby).  As users, we should tell the developers what we need so that they
can make smart decisions about how to prioritize their efforts.

It's a good point.

73 de Kevin K7VI
mailto:bier at teleport.com
mailto:kevin_bier at hp.com

P.S.
Flames to me, if you must.  Throw the first one away.  You'll feel better
and you may not send the second one. :-)

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