Eveline: goodness, I can't remember having seen a non-machine
generated post this long. But regarding the NC, I'm stunned.
I'm afraid that a bunch of people have lost their sense of
reality.
Now that may be normal, on the Corel thread.
But remember when the Network Computer was first mentioned?
It promised to be a revolution, because it was so much
cheaper to run.
There would be completely automatic software updates. No more
expensive system crashes. Way less user support - also because
the user wouldn't be able to customize his computer. Added bonus:
no virus could be introduced on a computer without fixed
storage and/or an OS in ROM.
All of this to dramatically reduce those extraordinary IT expenses:
if not the only, then at least a major reason-to-exist for the NC.
Now Corel comes up with a VMC. And guess what it is?
An box running linux with, say, a 1Gb HD and a Netscape browser.
Personally, I had to laugh when I read this. The NC ideals are
to be met by Linux, the most USER-UNFRIENDLY, UNSUPPORTED,
FREEWARE operating system in the world, the OS that hard-core
tech nerds install on their home PC's to prove their
superior engineering skills. Oh, there is plenty of software for
Linux. Want to get it? Hey, download the sourcecode, specify
your #ifdefs and compile with one of the free compilers that
goes with the OS! WAY COOL!
No matter. You don't want that. Corel says you just want to run
Java apps in your (non-freeware) Netscape browser (since MS
Explorer isn't available).
How is this computer different from a Windows PC?
1. Nobody can run any of their existing software on it, but
magically this will happen Real Soon Now.
Message to CEO's: trust the King of Vaporware Corel, not MS!
2. Nobody knows how to update from Linux x to x+1, but that's ok,
tech support will handle it.
3. There isn't any Linux user support. If it doesn't run, then
read the documentation. Better: call tech support.
4. the 'VNC' is a UNIX PC, not a Windows PC (Serious Advantage!)
5. There is absolutely no Microsoft software to be found anywhere
on its HD. A great advantage indeed.
In short, the VNC seems to finally succeed in combining all the
disadvantages and none of the advantages of both the PC and
a Unix workstation.
But is the corporate market and its IT types really supposed to
believe Corel and buy this incompatible Corel PC just to get
a browser on the desktop???
Nope - they've got a browser installed on their PC's today.
It's the investor who is supposed to buy into this.
So forget all of the above. Let's start again:
The VNC has Tremendous Potential!
Corel is going to dominate the VNC market!
The VNC is going to cut cost, big time!
Hold on to your Corel shares - $100 in 1999!
Be a LEADER, not a FOLLOWER: buy a VNC!
Please believe this.
Please buy my shares.
My name is Mike.
-Alex |
