Gates in Harlem www5.zdnet.com
Another story on the latest "kinder, gentler Bill" offensive. I cite it only for technical content, of course:
One budding computer geek asked the Microsoft co-founder to explain why it took so long to move to a 16-bit operating system from an 8-bit one, a transition that took place in the first half of the 1980s -- before the questioner was born.
Er, um, somebody's confused here. 16 bit OS's came with 16 bit computers. Of course, 32 bit OS's came with 32 bit computers, with one notable exception. The relevant years are 1985 or so, when the 386 hit the streets, and 1995 when the integrity and uniformity of the Windows95 experience started to become clear.
Gates answered that the software had to wait for the power of microprocessors to catch up.
Now, did Bill understand the question and come up with a totally ridiculous backward answer, or was everybody confused at this point? Or is this a subtle joke? I think it's funny, but I admit to a warped sense of humor. Of course, the Times is always the best for subtle irony. Note the ending of the story Dermot cited:
Though the Justice Department is pursuing an antitrust suit against Microsoft, Jinelle Angeles, 12, said she was comfortable with Gates' contention that there is plenty of room for rivals in the computer business.
"He seemed comfortable when we asked him a question," she said. "He always had a smile on his face. It's nice to see a grown-up like that."
Cheers, Dan. |
