HerbVic: The software situation is quite complicated. On the one hand, the Mac has superb software and sufficient for most of the people most of the time. On the other hand, there are definite problems.
First of all there are niche gaps. When my periodontist wanted to computerize, he knew I'd published Mac software and respected my opinion, but still he had to go with the PC to buy very expensive office software that does what he needs. Similarly, the medical offices necessarily buy PCs. There's no decent Mac software for office management. Also, I consult for a summer camp for the creative and performing arts and they were a Mac shop. But when their accountant was asked to computerize, they had to go for the PC, because their accounting is very complicated, with numerous kinds of grants and donations and accounts to track, and grants that they make to track. There's no Mac software. I looked hard for them. And of course we have the stock trading software. Web Street Brokerage has dynamically updating quotes and Level II but when java loads on their site and their little applet starts appling, my G3/300 Mac stalls. Phooie.
And there's also the problem of the small developer. I had to fold up my tent and so did a myriad of others. When the Mac was young, everyone was excited and creating software, for free, for shareware, for commercial use. Lots. Now, how much is being done? The little software area is almost as boring as the PC world. :-)
I hope all this will crank up again. I think it cam. Knowing that Steve Jobs cares about it, gives me considerable hope. The WWDC should be very exciting!
Linda |
