Re: When is a Windows network not a Windows network -- MIDRANGE-L


Now I am even more confused... He would buy and set up this little $500 box
just so he can flip the A/B switch and run Windows to use IE to visit the
sites of the web writers that love the Microsoft-exclusive
features??????  Then, after being properly awed, he'd flip the A/B switch
back to his real life and business?  Is this any basis for a business model?

I'm prepared to admit that Microsoft has won the Desktop Operating System
Wars, but for all the rest of applications out there Microsoft in any
category, whether its spreadsheets or getting the correct time.

Add to this that the desktop is rapidly becoming replaced by all sorts of
specialized appliances and one has to seriously question the professional
judgement of any IT manager that accepts the Microsoft-everywhere mantra.
My impression is that Microsoft Kool Aid is just like all the other kool
aids... lots of sugar, leading to lots of cavities.


---------------------------------------------------------
Booth Martin http://www.MartinVT.com
Booth@MartinVT.com
---------------------------------------------------------

-------Original Message-------

From: midrange-l@midrange.com
Date: Sunday, May 12, 2002 12:44:01
To: midrange-l@midrange.com
Subject: When is a Windows network not a Windows network

> From: Syd Nicholson

>

> To go back to a network of Windows machines just to run IE on them will

> cost me the $8000 dollars/annum mentioned above. IE is not free- it is

> very expensive!!!


You've said this several times, Syd, and I guess I'm just confused. Since
when does it require a "Windows network" to run IE? My network consists of
OS/400, Linux, NT, Win2K and WinME. Each piece does what it was meant to do
(except for WinME, which basically does whatever it feels like).

It would cost you less than $500 to set up a small Windows client. They
have book-sized computer cases now that are perfect for running small,
dedicated machines. For about $50 you can get an A/B switch for your
keyboard and monitor, and the total footprint is perhaps 12 square inches.

Ideal solution? No, but as you point out, there is no ideal solution. But
this way, you have a complete Windows-capable machine without any worries
about your mission critical systems.

There is no sound reason not to have a Windows machine on your network. One
workstation doesn't somehow transmogrify your network into a bunch of
Windows NT "servers". It's just a peer, like any other, except that now
your browser issues go away.

Joe

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