Microsoft Prospectus
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Microsoft, is it 'trustworthy'?
A little background information on Microsoft.
The history of Microsoft and (only a few of) it's operating systems.
1982, MS-DOS -
Simply a renamed version of 'QDOS' (Quick and Dirty Operating System) which was purchased by MicroSoft from IBM.
MS-DOS is based on QDOS which was written by Tim Patterson (working under Seattle Computer Products). MicroSoft
bought the rights to QDOS for $50,000, keeping the deal with IBM a secret from Seattle Computer Products.
1998, Windows 98 -
Essentially an upgrade from Windows '95. Microsoft planned to discontinue it's support for Windows '98, but due
to it's popularity, Microsoft extended support until June 30th, 2006.
2001, Windows XP -
Why is Windows XP so popular? With more bugs and security holes than ever, it's a wonder that people aren't
throwing their copy of windows out the window and switching to a more secure operating system. The fact of the
matter is, that Microsoft's marketing strategy is "Tight integration" and "Easy to Use". Their programmers are
hired right out of college, with no network experience. Management is quite aware of it's security "issues",
and they also know that security doesn't sell. Features, however do.
The more I read about Microsoft and its' software and practices in general, the madder I get. On the other hand, however,
the more I read about Bill Gates (One of the Founders of 'Micro-Soft'), the more intrigued I am. He didn't start out to
"rule the world". He just wanted to survive. Being the savvy business investor he is, I'm sure you'll agree,
he did more than just that. It's how he got there, that seems to be a big issue, though.
I'm not setting...
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