Readers debate the relative virtues of Windows and Linux OSes, consider a possible Wii-like game controller from Microsoft.
Is Windows broken? Gartner says yes, and explains why. Many readers have other ideas, though, and not everyone is ready to jump ship to Linux. Give us your take on the situation.
Thinking of moving to Linux? We've put together a list of Linux-compatible replacements for your favorite Windows applications. Did we leave any out? Join the discussion.
Sources say that Microsoft will be releasing a Wii-like controller this year. Many readers are not surprised that Microsoft is copying Nintendo's game controller, but some say it might not be a good idea. Let us know what you think.
This week's most-recommended stories include a cautionary tale of hard drive disaster, a look at free online tools, and a review of a tiny laptop. To vote for your own favorites, click one of the thumbs-up icons on an article's page.
We end with product reviews from users like you. Have you gotten any new high-tech goodies recently? Let us and your fellow PC World readers know what you think of them. Go to PCW Shop & Compare to search for your gear and add a review.
Note: To use our interactive features, such as adding comments to discussions, voting in the weekly poll, and contributing your own product reviews, you must be signed in to the PC World Web site. (Not registered? You can sign up online.) However, you can view the discussion threads and poll results without being signed in.
Gartner Explains Why Windows Is Broken
chipbennett says: The most interesting part of this article: the tidbit about 95 percent of Microsoft's revenues coming from OEM installs.
MasterGuru says: After ten years we're still waiting for Open Source to be anything but a hack tool for folks with bad-sounding names in blogs, and we are still waiting for Apple to figure out is is no longer a computer company, but just a very small niche market of expensive electronics.
Cryptodan says: All those people who tout Linux as being the best are quite ignorant. The best is whatever operating system suits your needs. If all you do is e-mail and Web surf then any operating system will do. If you are a developer then maybe Linux/Unix is better suited for you. If you are a gamer then Windows is better for you since it is both DirectX and OpenGL compatible.
Samikey says: Too many people are totally dissatisfied with Vista. My wife works for a huge business that refuses to upgrade. They are staying with XP because of the problems with Vista. With this kind of unhappiness, how can you not say that Microsoft is slipping? Not only is the public sector not happy, but also the private sector. With all the advanced promotion of Vista, it was supposed to be the OS of the future. Looks like the future didn't last too long.
Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
Linux Replacements for Your Favorite Windows Apps
pjotr123 says: Tip: Open Office for Linux has recently reached version 2.4, and will be in the default installation of Ubuntu 8.04.
pooch says: I've tried Linux over the years but one thing lacking and a must have is a good genealogy program. What I've been able to find just doesn't cut the buck.
Dennisb1 says: Please define "expensive" as a reason to switch to these applications. I spend about $100/year for full-bore Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Quicken Home and Business edition, and Taxact (which includes the fee for electronic filing).
StStephen67 says: Come back down to earth. Linux is fun to play with but will never become mainstream.
Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
Sources: Microsoft to Launch Wii-Like Controller in 2008
caleblee says: I think it's a cool idea, but somewhat lame to imitate the Wii. It's original. It's unique. It's amazing! (Not for long!)
MidWestMac1997 says: Microsoft is going to copy somebody? No way. It can't be. The world will never be the same.
rabbitc says: I think Microsoft is getting ahead of itself here. Yes, the Wii is outselling everybody 2 to 1, but the attach rate is abysmal. Few people I know have ventured beyond Wii Sports with respect to the Wii remote (few feel the need to). Despite efforts, Nintendo really hasn't generated enough of a catalogue to make the remote anything other than an accessory for the game that ships with its console. Microsoft needs to generate a long-term plan including software partners to make this effort work within any sense of reason.
Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
http://www.pcworld.com/
Technorati Tags: Windows, Linux, Wii
Is Windows broken? Gartner says yes, and explains why. Many readers have other ideas, though, and not everyone is ready to jump ship to Linux. Give us your take on the situation.
Thinking of moving to Linux? We've put together a list of Linux-compatible replacements for your favorite Windows applications. Did we leave any out? Join the discussion.
Sources say that Microsoft will be releasing a Wii-like controller this year. Many readers are not surprised that Microsoft is copying Nintendo's game controller, but some say it might not be a good idea. Let us know what you think.
This week's most-recommended stories include a cautionary tale of hard drive disaster, a look at free online tools, and a review of a tiny laptop. To vote for your own favorites, click one of the thumbs-up icons on an article's page.
We end with product reviews from users like you. Have you gotten any new high-tech goodies recently? Let us and your fellow PC World readers know what you think of them. Go to PCW Shop & Compare to search for your gear and add a review.
Note: To use our interactive features, such as adding comments to discussions, voting in the weekly poll, and contributing your own product reviews, you must be signed in to the PC World Web site. (Not registered? You can sign up online.) However, you can view the discussion threads and poll results without being signed in.
Gartner Explains Why Windows Is Broken
chipbennett says: The most interesting part of this article: the tidbit about 95 percent of Microsoft's revenues coming from OEM installs.
MasterGuru says: After ten years we're still waiting for Open Source to be anything but a hack tool for folks with bad-sounding names in blogs, and we are still waiting for Apple to figure out is is no longer a computer company, but just a very small niche market of expensive electronics.
Cryptodan says: All those people who tout Linux as being the best are quite ignorant. The best is whatever operating system suits your needs. If all you do is e-mail and Web surf then any operating system will do. If you are a developer then maybe Linux/Unix is better suited for you. If you are a gamer then Windows is better for you since it is both DirectX and OpenGL compatible.
Samikey says: Too many people are totally dissatisfied with Vista. My wife works for a huge business that refuses to upgrade. They are staying with XP because of the problems with Vista. With this kind of unhappiness, how can you not say that Microsoft is slipping? Not only is the public sector not happy, but also the private sector. With all the advanced promotion of Vista, it was supposed to be the OS of the future. Looks like the future didn't last too long.
Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
Linux Replacements for Your Favorite Windows Apps
pjotr123 says: Tip: Open Office for Linux has recently reached version 2.4, and will be in the default installation of Ubuntu 8.04.
pooch says: I've tried Linux over the years but one thing lacking and a must have is a good genealogy program. What I've been able to find just doesn't cut the buck.
Dennisb1 says: Please define "expensive" as a reason to switch to these applications. I spend about $100/year for full-bore Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Quicken Home and Business edition, and Taxact (which includes the fee for electronic filing).
StStephen67 says: Come back down to earth. Linux is fun to play with but will never become mainstream.
Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
Sources: Microsoft to Launch Wii-Like Controller in 2008
caleblee says: I think it's a cool idea, but somewhat lame to imitate the Wii. It's original. It's unique. It's amazing! (Not for long!)
MidWestMac1997 says: Microsoft is going to copy somebody? No way. It can't be. The world will never be the same.
rabbitc says: I think Microsoft is getting ahead of itself here. Yes, the Wii is outselling everybody 2 to 1, but the attach rate is abysmal. Few people I know have ventured beyond Wii Sports with respect to the Wii remote (few feel the need to). Despite efforts, Nintendo really hasn't generated enough of a catalogue to make the remote anything other than an accessory for the game that ships with its console. Microsoft needs to generate a long-term plan including software partners to make this effort work within any sense of reason.
Read the posts in this thread and contribute your own opinion.
http://www.pcworld.com/
Technorati Tags: Windows, Linux, Wii
