Microsoft.

[Recursion]

What are your views about the company Microsoft and their products?

I love their products, although I hate it when people buy them then have a ***** fit because they cause a problem and blame it on MS. It's extremely important to know about the company and product and how it came about and obviously everyone needs to know this because it's just so important.

They're a fantastic company, with fantastic goals and morals who produce state of the art products.

Fantastic.

[HotelUser]

As far as them being a "good company" goes they are because they make a profit.

As far as me using Windows goes, I haven't actually run Windows in quite a while now :P

[Chippiewill]

Microsoft is a terrible company in parts because they don't know what to do with themselves, they're focusing on the consumer side of things and failing everywhere except with the Xbox (Does not include Business and Consumer orientated products); Zune failed, Windows Phone failed, and is still failing, Media Centre failed, Windows home server failed, Windows Live is now starting to fail, Windows Tablets failed for ten years.

75% of Microsoft's income is from Business.
25% of Microsoft's income is from Consumer, some of which (ie windows) is also used by business.

Microsoft should become the new IBM rather than wasting resources on purely consumer products, although Xbox360 could continue.

[xxMATTGxx]

I like Microsoft for what they do for education/business and so on but I also enjoy using their products. Windows 7 is such a good product and operating system that has really done them well in terms of sales, I've also recently moved from Android and got myself a Windows Phone 7 device and the OS on that is sleek and fast. Yeah it needs improvements here and there but I believe MS will deliver that when the correct time comes.

They are just a proper full on company! :P

@Tom, Yeah I hate it when people blame Microsoft like that. :P

[Recursion]

Zune failed, Windows Phone failed, and is still failing, Media Centre failed, Windows home server failed, Windows Live is now starting to fail, Windows Tablets failed for ten years.

Well, ya know, considering no one else provides solutions anywhere near Media Center and Windows Home Server, they haven't failed at all. Windows Home Server is a new product that is being ramped up with a new release soon that has proven fairly popular in the Tech community already and there is nothing like Media Center on this planet, which obviously didn't fail seeing as it made the cut into all Windows 7 machines and is now being heavily pushed on new ARM systems this/next year. Media Center is very popular in the states btw.

How can you also say Windows Phone 7 is a failure? It's extremely popular already, hasn't been out long and is considered a game changer.

Just no.

[xxMATTGxx]

Microsoft is a terrible company in parts because they don't know what to do with themselves, they're focusing on the consumer side of things and failing everywhere except with the Xbox (Does not include Business and Consumer orientated products); Zune failed, Windows Phone failed, and is still failing, Media Centre failed, Windows home server failed, Windows Live is now starting to fail, Windows Tablets failed for ten years.

75% of Microsoft's income is from Business.
25% of Microsoft's income is from Consumer, some of which (ie windows) is also used by business.

Microsoft should become the new IBM rather than wasting resources on purely consumer products, although Xbox360 could continue.

I laughed at this post because you want to know why? Because what you posted is a load of bull.

Windows Phone hasn't failed, it's still early days for the platform and it hasn't even been out a year. Give it a chance :rolleyes:
Media Centre hasn't failed either :rolleyes:
Windows Home Server hasn't failed :rolleyes:
Windows Live won't fail :rolleyes:
Windows Tablets, not been great but theres always improvements. Especially with the news of Windows 8 being able to run on ARM. :rolleyes:

[Recursion]

Also don't quote false/made up statistics.

[Chippiewill]

Well, ya know, considering no one else provides solutions anywhere near Media Center and Windows Home Server, they haven't failed at all.
a) What use is Media Center, can you use any of the new online media services on it? No.
b) Windows Home Server serves no purpose, cloud computing is where it's at and frankly, how many people actually HAVE a Windows Home Server, 5%? Probably less.


How can you also say Windows Phone 7 is a failure? It's extremely popular already, hasn't been out long and is considered a game changer.
Frankly no, they released it promising updates to fix missing features to get it out asap, have they yet? No they've be resting because it's 'complete' it took them three and a half years to come up with a solution and competitor to the iPhone. It's pathetic how slowly they work.


I laughed at this post because you want to know why? Because what you posted is a load of bull.Real mature behaviour from the GM, gratz.


Windows Phone hasn't failed, it's still early days for the platform and it hasn't even been out a year. Give it a chance
a) Three years too late
b) It's ten years old, they can rename it all they like.


Windows Live won't fail
Flag ship product just went down hill, trust me, it will.


Windows Tablets, not been great but theres always improvements. Especially with the news of Windows 8 being able to run on ARM.:Ok, so two years time we'll have new Windows tablets when Honeycomb will have been out for two years and the iPad for three. Microsoft is too slow to operate in the consumer market.


Also don't quote false/made up statistics.
I didn't, I like Microsoft but from a business standpoint they need to pull out of the consumer market:
http://www.winsupersite.com/article/microsoft-products/Microsoft-Should-Abandon-the-Consumer-Market.aspx

THIS is fanboyerism, you're too attached to your Microsoft to see anyone criticise it with logic.


Media Center is very popular in the states btw.
Not anymore, people want Netflix, Hulu etc.

p.s. I just laughed because Google included 'Microsoft' on the spell check aka brands = official words now :D

[Jordy]

Mhm I'm a big fan of Microsoft, I'm unsure about the morals of the company as they don't seem all that innovative or fair at times but I'm not really concerned by that, it's the products which matter.

Microsoft is excellent value for money I must say and it dominates technology I use. A lot of their products do fail I must admit but personally I think most of it is pretty decent. I've used Windows Mobile for 3-4 years now, admittedly it's not for everyone and it's not very easy to use but it's so capable and customizable people don't quite understand. It may not be all jazzy like the iPhone but you'd struggle to find something any other phone can do which a Windows Mobile one can't. The Xbox 360 is fantastic, very good value for money and a great service. Then of course there's the Windows operating systems, whilst I think they could be a bit simpler to use, Windows 7 is almost a faultless OS in my opinion. There's also software like Media Center, Live Messenger and Office which I've all used for a long-time, some excellent stuff :)

I think Microsoft has a bright future in Cloud computing, the way Live services are transforming and innovating is remarkable even if there is a few hiccups along the way (Messenger for instance) but it's got some nice Cloud computing solutions which lets face it, are the future. Where would I be without Microsoft? :P

[peteyt]

I use Microsoft software and so on but I'm not the biggest fan.

My main issue with Microsoft as someone mentioned earlier is the fact they often seem behind. They've got a bit better lately but still could be a lot better.

I use the prime example of Internet Explorer 6 to 7 - the gap between the two was huge, just about 5 years. In between that time Firefox and many other browsers came along and got popular. Microsoft seemed to ignore it for a while then when Internet Explorer 7 came out went on about all these "new" features that other browsers had had for years.

The problem is its a big war out there technology wise, with each company trying to over-top the next. Microsoft may be popular but it could be a lot more popular if it tried to stay ahead of the times instead of waiting. I mean wasn't there lots and lots of delays with Longhorn/Vista yet Linux, working for free and a lot less staff, was able to be on schedule.

My other issue is they don't always listen. For example a lot of people complained about Vista's many versions and they claimed they would fix it. I still find Windows 7 has far too many versions which makes it more confusing. There are 6 main versions (and some sub ones). It would be easier to have a basic, pro and ultimate.

[Recursion]

Off topic, but I. hate. cloud. computing.

[xxMATTGxx]

a) What use is Media Center, can you use any of the new online media services on it? No.
b) Windows Home Server serves no purpose, cloud computing is where it's at and frankly, how many people actually HAVE a Windows Home Server, 5%? Probably less.

Is there even any evidence of how low Home Server actually is?


Frankly no, they released it promising updates to fix missing features to get it out asap, have they yet? No they've be resting because it's 'complete' it took them three and a half years to come up with a solution and competitor to the iPhone. It's pathetic how slowly they work.

Real mature behaviour from the GM, gratz.

No need to bring my Habbox role into a thread about tech, no need what so ever and my post was fine. In regards of missing features and so called updates, yes they have been some what slow in that aspect but hey. Android devices are still waiting for the latest versions but I guess we blame that on the manufacturers and carriers! (Non-Rooted)


a) Three years too late
b) It's ten years old, they can rename it all they like.



Flag ship product just went down hill, trust me, it will.

Windows Live will only fail when it loses millions of users which I doubt they will do any time soon.

Ok, so two years time we'll have new Windows tablets when Honeycomb will have been out for two years and the iPad for three. Microsoft is too slow to operate in the consumer market.




I didn't, I like Microsoft but from a business standpoint they need to pull out of the consumer market:
http://www.winsupersite.com/article/microsoft-products/Microsoft-Should-Abandon-the-Consumer-Market.aspx

THIS is fanboyerism, you're too attached to your Microsoft to see anyone criticise it with logic.

I always knew you read that site or watched the podcast on it for sure. Microsoft will most likely never do what he was talking about. We would still be using the same products as we are today with differences and changes even if they did.


Not anymore, people want Netflix, Hulu etc.

p.s. I just laughed because Google included 'Microsoft' on the spell check aka brands = official words now :D


I use Microsoft software and so on but I'm not the biggest fan.

My main issue with Microsoft as someone mentioned earlier is the fact they often seem behind. They've got a bit better lately but still could be a lot better.

I use the prime example of Internet Explorer 6 to 7 - the gap between the two was huge, just about 5 years. In between that time Firefox and many other browsers came along and got popular. Microsoft seemed to ignore it for a while then when Internet Explorer 7 came out went on about all these "new" features that other browsers had had for years.

The problem is its a big war out there technology wise, with each company trying to over-top the next. Microsoft may be popular but it could be a lot more popular if it tried to stay ahead of the times instead of waiting. I mean wasn't there lots and lots of delays with Longhorn/Vista yet Linux, working for free and a lot less staff, was able to be on schedule.

My other issue is they don't always listen. For example a lot of people complained about Vista's many versions and they claimed they would fix it. I still find Windows 7 has far too many versions which makes it more confusing. There are 6 main versions (and some sub ones). It would be easier to have a basic, pro and ultimate.

I suppose this is where IE9 comes into place for that. In regards of the versions, I don't have too much problems with them but I suppose it would be nice to just having to buy one version with everything in, instead of having different versions with less or more features.

[peteyt]

I suppose this is where IE9 comes into place for that. In regards of the versions, I don't have too much problems with them but I suppose it would be nice to just having to buy one version with everything in, instead of having different versions with less or more features.

I don't mind a few versions, but there are too many. For example I run a small business, online radio station which is getting renamed and actually registered as a proper company - should I get business or ultimate. If there where just a few versions it would make it easier for consumers, but at the moment it comes a difficult decision knowing which to pick.

[N!ck]

Off topic, but I. hate. cloud. computing.

It's a good concept, but not ready yet. We need at least 100Mbps full duplex and optic fibre to most homes before it's properly viable imo.

Off topic: Troll threads?

[Luke]

It's not hard to pick a version: Do you need to work with 35 languages? Do you need to encrypt your files? Ultimate. If not; Do you want to backup to a network? Do you want to join a Domain? Do you want XP Mode? Profesional. If not; Home Premium.

That wasn't too hard, was it?

[Recursion]

I don't mind a few versions, but there are too many. For example I run a small business, online radio station which is getting renamed and actually registered as a proper company - should I get business or ultimate. If there where just a few versions it would make it easier for consumers, but at the moment it comes a difficult decision knowing which to pick.

It's in the name.. Home users funnily enough should pick Home Premium, businesses should pick Professional and people who want everything should go for Ultimate.

[Chippiewill]

Is there even any evidence of how low Home Server actually is?
Yes, go stick your head out of your window and ask your neighbour if they have one.


No need to bring my Habbox role into a thread about tech, no need what so ever and my post was fine.
Perhaps, but there is a need when you represent Habbox and the site you're on is Habbox.


In regards of missing features and so called updates, yes they have been some what slow in that aspect but hey. Android devices are still waiting for the latest versions but I guess we blame that on the manufacturers and carriers! (Non-Rooted)
Exactly.. they've arrived and have thought of themselves as 'done' and stopped working.


Windows Live will only fail when it loses millions of users which I doubt they will do any time soon.
Judging by some people's reactions...

[xxMATTGxx]

Yes, go stick your head out of your window and ask your neighbour if they have one.

Yeah because asking my neighbour is going to really give me the knowledge of how many people in the world use HS. :rolleyes:


Perhaps, but there is a need when you represent Habbox and the site you're on is Habbox.

My post wasn't an issue, if you feel it was then you know what to do.


Exactly.. they've arrived and have thought of themselves as 'done' and stopped working.

No they haven't done that, they are still working. Just because you can't see them working doesn't mean they have stopped. They have planned for updates this year for WP7, although we have no further details like the release day they do on planning on getting them out.


Judging by some people's reactions...

"Some", that is no where near a failure.




In bold.

[peteyt]

It's in the name.. Home users funnily enough should pick Home Premium, businesses should pick Professional and people who want everything should go for Ultimate.

But then there is Home Basic, Home Premium, Starter.

For you it might be easy, but imagine someone new to computing trying to decide? They might think Basic is too basic, but worry that home could be confusing and so on. Look at Mac - 1 version for everyone - It's Microsoft's way of making even more money but it could be simplified a lot more

[Chippiewill]

I believe that you can't get Home Basic outside of developing countries and I'm fairly certain you can't buy a CD version of starter. So your only realistic options are Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate.

And that's an easy choice because Home Premium is for home, professional is for work and Ultimate is for both.

Also, Mac is aimed primarily at one market, Consumers, they're all they serve, they can release just one because that's all that's needed. Windows sells to two different markets, Business customers need Business features such as RDP whereas consumers need consumer features like Home Group.

[peteyt]

I believe that you can't get Home Basic outside of developing countries and I'm fairly certain you can't buy a CD version of starter. So your only realistic options are Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate.

And that's an easy choice because Home Premium is for home, professional is for work and Ultimate is for both.

Also, Mac is aimed primarily at one market, Consumers, they're all they serve, they can release just one because that's all that's needed. Windows sells to two different markets, Business customers need Business features such as RDP whereas consumers need consumer features like Home Group.

When you say consumers do you mean general use people?

Because a lot of companies will use Mac's especially for video production among other design wise stuff. Obviously most will use a Window's computer for the main side of the business

[Chippiewill]

Yeah because asking my neighbour is going to really give me the knowledge of how many people in the world use HS.
It gives you an indication.


My post wasn't an issue, if you feel it was then you know what to do.
Go winge to Jin who inevitably won't be bothered? There's nothing to do except to inform you.


No they haven't done that, they are still working. Just because you can't see them working doesn't mean they have stopped. They have planned for updates this year for WP7, although we have no further details like the release day they do on planning on getting them out.
And there's the problem, they have no plans, they're in disarray celebrating because they rushed a product missing half it's features.


"Some", that is no where near a failure.
That's how it always starts, it's not like one day it's there, the next day it's not. But people have less use for IM these days due to facebook etc.



When you say consumers do you mean general use people?

Because a lot of companies will use Mac's especially for video production among other design wise stuff. Obviously most will use a Window's computer for the main side of the business

Yes, consumer is home use, although I wouldn't say general use because there are more computers in the world for business than consumers.

Some companies, yes, will use Mac's for video production but it doesn't present the many business features that sell Windows to businesses.

[Jam]

I don't see the appeal in Apple products and I don't see Linux as a 'everyday' kind of OS. Kids with little knowledge of technology now see Apple as 'the best' and buy iPhones and iPods because they know no other, and don't want to learn either.

I agree that they've let Media Centre slip but, 7 is a great version and they're making it a highlight of 7 embedded so its not 'dead'. WHS has always seemed to be a 'novelty' and now they've pissed off their users with no WMC or Drive Extender support in V2 I can see that being set adrift.

Apple has certainly done a lot in the recent years but until they produce a sub-£500 they'll never break the PC market.

[iBlueBox]

I don't see the appeal in Apple products and I don't see Linux as a 'everyday' kind of OS. Kids with little knowledge of technology now see Apple as 'the best' and buy iPhones and iPods because they know no other, and don't want to learn either.

I agree that they've let Media Centre slip but, 7 is a great version and they're making it a highlight of 7 embedded so its not 'dead'. WHS has always seemed to be a 'novelty' and now they've pissed off their users with no WMC or Drive Extender support in V2 I can see that being set adrift.

Apple has certainly done a lot in the recent years but until they produce a sub-£500 they'll never break the PC market.


Apple's done great in the past few years. I would never think Apple will ever a sub-£500 computer. I think the way people see Apple as a label. I'm not sure, but I think Apple is actually worth more then Microsoft.

[Recursion]

Apple's done great in the past few years. I would never think Apple will ever a sub-£500 computer. I think the way people see Apple as a label. I'm not sure, but I think Apple is actually worth more then Microsoft.

You need to remember Microsoft don't make hardware (apart from peripherals like keyboards etc) the way Apple does (computers etc) and the gap between the two companies is becoming wider. Microsoft is a software development company, Apple is a mobile devices hardware/software company.

[GommeInc]

Microsoft are a decent company, they're affordable and get the job done. Windows 7 is a masterpiece OS as far as I see it, pulling together customisation and processing power. Very few companies do this, Android are getting close to this now though.

I don't really know what to say as they don't really do anything bad nor anything amazingly good. Their adverts are a complete load of bull crap, which is a good thing. Their Windows 7 adverts are at least informative :P Windows Phone 7 looks like it could be a good mobile OS, given time. Zune would have been good if they listened to their market and released their product over in other countries - I saw a few people on here liking the idea of the Zune. I use Windows Media Centre as there is no other Media Centre out there that fits my needs and is easy to set up and use (plus Sky is on it to watch films :P) It does need to improve like Chippiewell said, to include streamable content like iPlayer, ITV Player, 4oD etc.

Other than that, haven't gt a bad thing to say about them really :/

[Flisker]

That's how it always starts, it's not like one day it's there, the next day it's not. But people have less use for IM these days due to facebook etc.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure Windows Live covers more than just the Messenger.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Live#Online_services_and_applications

[MrPinkPanther]

Off topic, but I. hate. cloud. computing.
Are you trolling or what?

[Ajthedragon]

I've never had a problem with their products, I just dislike IE. Windows Vista still works wonders for me, never been a problem.

[xxMATTGxx]

Are you trolling or what?

He does actually hate cloud computing, well he doesn't like it at this moment in time either way.

[MrPinkPanther]

He does actually hate cloud computing, well he doesn't like it at this moment in time either way.

Yeh don't you just hate being able to access your email anywhere? :rolleyes:

Somehow I'm thinking he's trying to court controversy rather than actually disliking cloud computing.

[GommeInc]

Yeh don't you just hate being able to access your email anywhere? :rolleyes:

Somehow I'm thinking he's trying to court controversy rather than actually disliking cloud computing.
Pretty odd to cause controversy over that. Doesn't cloud computing cover more than email anyway? I need to look into this as it seems to of come from no where :/

[MrPinkPanther]

Doesn't cloud computing cover more than email anyway? I need to look into this as it seems to of come from no where :/
Yeh, it's such a wide area that it's naive to say "you don't like it". I was just pointing out how arguably the most powerful communication tool in the world is a form of cloud computing, well, at least Google Mail, Hotmail etc are.

[xxMATTGxx]

Pretty odd to cause controversy over that. Doesn't cloud computing cover more than email anyway? I need to look into this as it seems to of come from no where :/

Think of it this way, all/most of our files at the moment are stored on our computer. Imagine them being in a cloud and then we just use the computer connected to the cloud to get access to such files. I think that's one way of using cloud? I'm sure Tom will explain himself. :P

[Jordy]

Pretty odd to cause controversy over that. Doesn't cloud computing cover more than email anyway? I need to look into this as it seems to of come from no where :/It does but webmail is the most obvious and used form of cloud computing :) email is cloud computing when you access it within the browser, if you're using POP3, IMAP, Outlook, MS Exchange to access your emails you're downloading them to your HDD so it isn't cloud computing.

It's essentially things on the Internet you don't have to download to your computer to access. Spotify for instance can be considered cloud computing as you don't download the songs on to your computer, you stream them off the Internet. Or technically you stream them from the 'cloud'.

It's likely that in a few years, core parts of the OS will be on the cloud. For instance you'll store your files and apps online. That website which let's you stream games is another good example (I forget it's name).

[Recursion]

I don't think of email as cloud computing really, but I suppose it is. What I don't like is the idea of an OS storing all your personal files and applications on the internet (like Chrome OS and as the rumours are saying is the case with Windows 8 or the one after), personally I draw the line at e-mail and Dropbox (for quick file uploads that I do want to access anywhere). Spotify is a good example, yes it's cloud computing, but buy Premium and you have the ability to store the files offline.

I don't want to have to rely on having a constant, always on connection on my laptop for example, it's a fact that it's not extremely reliable and whilst it may become more reliable in the future, I still don't want to rely on it. And how long will it be before we start seeing people discover security flaws in cloud systems? When they do, they'll have access to everything. The idea of security being out of my control is just... not nice.

[Jordy]

I don't think of email as cloud computing really, but I suppose it is. What I don't like is the idea of an OS storing all your personal files and applications on the internet (like Chrome OS and as the rumours are saying is the case with Windows 8 or the one after), personally I draw the line at e-mail and Dropbox (for quick file uploads that I do want to access anywhere). Spotify is a good example, yes it's cloud computing, but buy Premium and you have the ability to store the files offline.

I don't want to have to rely on having a constant, always on connection on my laptop for example, it's a fact that it's not extremely reliable and whilst it may become more reliable in the future, I still don't want to rely on it. And how long will it be before we start seeing people discover security flaws in cloud systems? When they do, they'll have access to everything. The idea of security being out of my control is just... not nice.The constant connection is definitely an issue yes, however security is no more of an issue than it currently is. There's flaws to find in browsers and operating systems which could open up all your files to hackers. Of course it's unlikely but it's just as possible as it happening whilst cloud computing. Unless you disconnect from the Internet you'll never be truly secure. Plus I have emails which are far more sensitive than any files including very personal things, access to online banking, workplaces, facebook etc, I trust Google with my emails so trusting them with files is no bigger deal.

Email isn't cloud computing unless you're viewing it in your browser really.

[GommeInc]

It does but webmail is the most obvious and used form of cloud computing :) email is cloud computing when you access it within the browser, if you're using POP3, IMAP, Outlook, MS Exchange to access your emails you're downloading them to your HDD so it isn't cloud computing.

It's essentially things on the Internet you don't have to download to your computer to access. Spotify for instance can be considered cloud computing as you don't download the songs on to your computer, you stream them off the Internet. Or technically you stream them from the 'cloud'.

It's likely that in a few years, core parts of the OS will be on the cloud. For instance you'll store your files and apps online. That website which let's you stream games is another good example (I forget it's name).
Is the "cloud" label new? It all of a sudden appeared, yet Google Mail, Steam and a few other programs, have existed for years. It's very strange :P

Also, isn't cloud computing anything you use that isn't stored on your computer? So going on GoogleTalk/Gmail/Outlook to view your emails seems like a sort of cloud computing, as the emails aren't physically stored on the computer. Basically Google (Docs, Mail, Calendar etc.), Live/MSN and so forth.

I can see why people may be a bit annoyed by the idea of an OS relying on a connection though, I prefer keeping my information to myself. A HDD was built for a reason. They should keep a happy balance, rather than over advertise the "cloud".

[Callum.]

Don't know too much about technical stuff but I like Microsoft. Windows 7 is great, especially from moving from Vista.

[Chippiewill]

Don't know too much about technical stuff but I like Microsoft. Windows 7 is great, especially from moving from Vista.

I totally agree because...
http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/windows_7.png

[Conservative,]

Some of their stuff is good. Others not so much.

I use microsoft PCs and programmes (word etc.) which I love and could use forever. However Xbox is awful. The graphics may be good but paying for online is not worth it compared to PS3. It's a rip-off.

I like most of their stuff, and it is obviously successful - turning Bill Gates into the richest man in the world. But I think they can still be better.

[Agnostic Bear]

I totally agree because...
http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/windows_7.png

And that makes your opinions on Windows null. Vista was a good operating system and so is 7. Vista just had a few issues.

[Richie]

I love their products and I hate when mac users are too ignorant to agree that the products they sell aren't as bad as people make out them to be.

[Marbian]

Microsoft will never die out, cause there are too many people that like to keep with the old stuff, many I know are still on XP. They are trying to beat other companys and over come them but failing, but they won't die out and become nokia.

--

i'll change that, cause the last couple of days nokia and microsoft have formed alliance lol...