2012 August 27 archive at Robert Pogson

Archive for August 27th, 2012

Another “Killer” Feature of That Other OS Gone

Published by Robert Pogson August 27th, 2012 in technology. 25 Comments

We all know there are a few valid reasons to use that other OS. One is playing DVDs.

“No, I’m not making this up. Come the day you buy a Windows 8 PC, or if you’re brave enough to install it yourself on an older PC, you’ll find that Windows 8 can’t play DVDs. You can also forget about TV tuner support and DVD Video Object (VOB) file playback. They’re gone too.”

See SJVN – How to watch DVDs on your Windows 8 PC: VideoLAN’s VLC.

Isn’t that cute? M$ is unbundling DVD playback… How soon will they unbundle the OS? “If you want to use this PC you just bought, send $50 USD and your UPC to
TAXATION
One M$ Way
Redmond, WA”

- Robert Pogson

If You Pound Your Head Against a Wall for Two Years and Nothing Happens, Why Continue?

Published by Robert Pogson August 27th, 2012 in technology. 68 Comments

It used to be said that if what you are doing is not working, you should change. IDC seems to miss that point in a recent news article:

“The U.S. market will remain depressed until Windows 8 products hit the shelves in the fourth quarter of 2012. The industry is responding by reducing shipments of PCs and clearing Windows 7-based inventories to pave the way for a new generation of systems. But, as we move into the tail end of the third quarter, PC activity will continue to slow as demand drops. The third-quarter back to school season is also proving to be a challenging period, despite prices dropping to their lowest levels. We expect the year will end with shipments in the U.S. falling by 3.7%, marking the second consecutive year of contraction”

Vista was supposed to save the world. Then “7″ was supposed to save the world, remember? Why is “8″ supposed to do that when “7″ and Vista did not? Two years of declining shipments in USA for Wintel PCs? Take a hint!

IDC has no explanation except that it believes the US consumer is “waiting” for “8″. I see no evidence of that. People are buying small cheap computers without M$’s software. People are buying anything but M$’s software licences. I recommend OEMs and retailers begin shipping PCs with Debian GNU/Linux. That might generate some interest, especially if it’s on ARM.

For a chuckle, see IDC Lowers PC Outlook As Shipments Decline In Second Quarter Ahead Of Fall Product Updates – prUS23660312.

- Robert Pogson

My Mission

My observations and opinions about IT are based on 40 years of use in science and technology and lately, in education. I like IT that is fast, cost-effective and reliable. I do not care whether my solution is the same as yours. I like to think for myself.

My first use of GNU/Linux in 2001 was so remarkably better than what I had been using, I feel it is important work to share GNU/Linux with the world. I have been blessed by working in schools where students and school systems have benefited by good, modular software easily installed in most systems.

I have shown GNU/Linux to thousands of students and hundreds of teachers over the years and will continue in some way doing that until I die in spite of the opposition.