rec.autos.simulators

Wordpad/Write vs. Microsoft Word/Corel Wordperfect
Paintbrush vs. Photoshop
Terminal vs. Procomm Plus
IE4 vs. Netscape

Which one is different than the rest?  Clearly the latter, because its
a complete, commercial size/quality product being packed in free with
the OS.  Obviously, Microsoft could at some point start putting Word
into Win95, but they don't need to.  They have nearly the same
monopoly in office suites that they do in Operating Systems.  They
also provide OEM Office Suites for sale with computers, so most mail
order companies also give you Office or Home Essentials.  So Microsoft
does not feel any compelling need to capture marketshare or destroy a
competitor in the word processing market.  Therefore, Wordpad
continues to be the 'word processor' we get for free with Windows.  It
is sufficiently functional to do some casual writing, but not a full
featured word processor.  For that, you've got to shell out for Word.
So, I don't have a problem with SOME Internet browsing capabilities
being bundled with Win95.  I would prefer that it be something with
limited functionality, features and footprint...this justifies
comparing it to Wordpad, Calculator, Paintbrush etc.  It means the
customer who just needs a simple browser might be happy, but if they
want the full blown thing they decide between the commercial quality
browsers (including the full IE4).  This leaves customers with the
choice without depriving competitors of the ability to compete in the
market.  So I simply ask you this:  Why did Microsoft feel it
necessary to include the full blown IE4 software with Windows?!

Randy

Randy Magruder
Contributing Reviewer
Digital Sportspage
http://www.racesimcentral.net/

I understand what you are saying, but I would be real happy if they
incorporated works or word or some great word processor into win95.  And as
far as the browsers are concerned I don't care if they put it there or not,
if I don't want to use it, then I won't.  The thing I don't like is something
that another person mentioned, that certain things wouldn't work unless you
have ie4.  I really don't like that, but since the only thing I have used
that required ie4 was cart,  and I took that back awhile ago, I just use
Netscape.  I didn't take Cart back, just because of this,  but it didn't help
that I only got partial functionality for something I paid full price for.
Even though the only thing lacking was the stupid bio's that I could get off
www.cart.com using Netscape.  :-)

--

           It's a damn poor mind that can only
           think of one way to spell a word.
                           -- Andrew Jackson

I was saying the only thing Cart needs ie4 or actually I think it can use ie3
also is for the driver biographies.  I am not sure what you mean opposed to
netscape, but you can't access the driver bios, the driving school, or the Zone
using Netscape.  These things didn't really hamper my enjoyment of the game,
what little there was, I was just talking about not getting every feature.

Hi Marc,
             Just out of curiosity what is this your describing? Also I
have read a few notes about needing IE4.0 to enjoy Cart and yet I dont have
4.0. Do you folks mean all I.E.s as opposed to Netscape? Cya, Mike

Cheers!
John

Joe

I agree that he was in the right place at the right time and nothing more.
However, if you deny that the advent of Windows and its common api's has
changed the face of the pc world, you are  mistaken. I'm not trying to make
Bill sound like God, I'm just giving proper credit where due. MS is the
Information revolution. How many homes did IBM hit with their PC? Maybe a
few million? How many homes had MS hit with Windows? 100s of Millions.

-/- Walk Walker
BAMotorsports
A Premium Sim-Racing Team

I agree.  Bill Gates and Microsoft have no doubt revolutionized the
PC/Software Industry and have earned their place in history.  I admire
Bill Gates intellectual prowess and Microsofts business presence.
However...  I believe they are trying to overstep the bounds of fair
business practices when it comes to packaging IE with Windows.  

Just a side note...  I think it was a disgrace that people threw cake in
Bill Gates face.  Thats just disrespectful and a sad commentary on those
individuals.  Also... I read today in the Wall Street Journal that
Netscape is considering selling part or all of its company.  Nothing is
certain, but they entertaining offers and looking for some strategic
maneuvering to counteract Microsofts browser marketing blitz.

I happen to love Communicator.  I have nothing against IE, I just prefer
Netscape is all.

Microsoft should be ASHAMED of its release of CPR!

Scott

Rehi Marc,
                I see, I had heard about the Zone not being accessible
using Netscape. But I wasn't sure if folks were saying you specifically
needed I.E.4. As far as the drivers bios and driving school I didn't know
that you needed IE to access the CD. You know not to change the subject
but, I used to have both I.E. 3.02 and Netscape installed on my H.D never
was a problem just pick which you want to use as your default browser so
you E-mail etc. goes there. I can only speak for myself but if I needed
Netscape to play a sim and Netscape was free? Shoot I would just have it on
the H.D. I would not have a problem with that. I mean most games " need"
Direct X right? Would it not be the same to return most games because I
didn't want to be forced to use Direct-X? Just my POV. Mike

began to run the most powerful computers of the time, yet the programers

of that day ran entire corporations on them.  I agree with you that Bill
has the
power and he directs the path of our market place TODAY, but he was NOT
the one to "transform the information revolution".  While we are on this
point
why do you think IE is free, do you think its out of the goodness of his
heart?
NO he knows where computing is going, the internet/intranet.  Networking

is the new further, and MS is way late on this, they have their
wonderful
"Blue Screen of Death" NT and it barely works, within 10 years home
computers and many biz computers will be nothing but fancy color
terminals
that have a browser in rom that loads on power up, ALL the computing
will
be done on the internet/intranet.  Now gee if that happens good ol Bill
will
lose his power and his control, UNLESS that browser is IE.  This is the
entire point of what this thread is about, he has the power now and does
not
want to lose it so being the smart guy he is, he is now trying to ram IE
down
our throats.  I for one will go along with this kicking a screaming, I
just
think of the hardware power in my desktop and think of the JUNK OS I
have to run on it because I have no choice, competion is best for us all
and
if any one person or company has taken away our choices then all
consumers
lose.
    I get off my soap box and beg for forgiveness for getting so carried
away :)

--

           It's a damn poor mind that can only
           think of one way to spell a word.
                           -- Andrew Jackson