Microsoft hops through the loophole, making a joke of OS stability infoworld.com
Well, some would say Microsoft making a joke of OS stability long predates their current legal adventures, but never mind. After all, what could be more stable than the vintage Windows release on the store shelves?
Let me summarize the most recent Windows saga: The upgrade to Windows 95 started as Windows 97. It became Windows 98. Then the Department of Justice returned with its request for million-dollar fines. Next, the federal judge issued a preliminary injunction: Stop the bundling. Microsoft then appealed and responded. Justice then asked for a "civil contempt" penalty for Microsoft's seemingly pompous response.
Confused? You're not alone. Figuring out the future of Windows -- and how this battle affects corporate decisions -- isn't easy. And, we aren't done -- in fact, we have just begun. We should prepare for instability around Windows 95, Windows 98, and the many variants.
But, big deal, everybody is supposed to move on to NT2K, the OS for the next millenium. Real Soon Now.
In light of Microsoft's responses to the judge's ruling, I was staggered that Microsoft released OSR 2.5 to OEMs just days before. That's right, the most current OS with Explorer 4.01 integrated. Somehow, Microsoft can accelerate this new release by two months yet can't offer a current version of Windows without Explorer. I guess it's a matter of motivation. Go figure.
Well, sheesh, I thought OSR2.5 was just OSR2+IE4, to make good and sure the Roach Motel California of browsers assumed its proper place of honor on all new PCs, as early and often as possible. But who can say?
I got to go dig up a Fred Moody column or something, poor Bill & co. can't seem to find a kind word anywhere. Except among the technically expert fellow travelers here, of course.
Cheers, Dan. |
