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Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

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Re: Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

#41
post #11

some weeks ago i got talked into setting up the internet connection on windows vista machine (of a friend) - a very simple task i though. it was a horrible and unbelievable stupid experience. it took me two hours(!!!) according to a quick google at least 88 000 000 windows vista copies had been sold. i expect that at least (and on average) every vista user had run into a similar issue at least once (probably more oft…

Not everyone is as inexperienced as you are in Windows Vista networking. Just because it took you two hours to figure out something, doesn't mean that it is the same thing for everyone.

I've put a lot of time into making a home network with both Vista and XP. It's near impossible. I'm not dumb, Windows is dumb.

Re: Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

#42
Well, all the attention around Jobs was pretty much fanboyism, and it was more of a fad that arose from the iPhone/iPad. In 50 years, there will be another fad with another face on it for fanboys to obsess over, while at the same time, Gates' philanthropic contributions will be remembered as the model billionaire.

Re: Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

#43
post #27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's just like how Carnegie wasn't spoken of very well until later in his life, after he became a philanthropist. On the other hand, Fred Harvey (a very Jobs-like entrepreneur and a hero of mine) is remembered by very few. I'm sure you could find dozens of other examples throughout recent history, but the thing I've noticed is that the true heroes don't care if they're remembered; they're content in knowing they made…

Eradiacting a disease that has killed millions...that is a meaningful contribution to society. Helping fund massive innovation in the education system...that is a meaningful contribution to society. Selling electronics gadgets for a lot of money is not a meaningful contribution to society.

It's easily conceivable that Apple products will have a significantly larger positive impact on education and healthcare than anything the Gates Foundation does.

And I think it is pathetic to insinuate that Apple products are not a "meaningful contribution to society".

Re: Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

#45
post #11

some weeks ago i got talked into setting up the internet connection on windows vista machine (of a friend) - a very simple task i though. it was a horrible and unbelievable stupid experience. it took me two hours(!!!) according to a quick google at least 88 000 000 windows vista copies had been sold. i expect that at least (and on average) every vista user had run into a similar issue at least once (probably more oft…

You have to be kidding me, it took you two hours to plug a cat5 cable into the back of a computer? DHCP would have assigned an ip address to the pc within 5-10 seconds and you'd be on the internet, there are many reasons to hate on Vista(like over aggressive prefecthing for one), no need to make up some nonsense.

if everything works (i.e. DHCP), then there isn't a problem. but if something does not work, there is a problem. then the OS should make it possible to solve the problem. this is were vista (home basic) fails.

if vista would have worked, it would have been awesome (maybe). but as it didn't it was (and is) horrible and stupid - as it prevents easy solutions.

Re: Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

#46
post #2

I agree that Gates and not Jobs will be remembered in 50 years, but for a different reason. Gates vision of "a computer in every home" made computers a common item in most household in developed countries. People are using computers in their home and offices, where would we be without them. In the same way people remember the Wright Brothers for planes, Edison for the light bulb (yes, he wasn't the first to invent it…

I don't really associate Bill Gates with "a computer in every home" and in fact it was Steve Jobs and Apple's vision well before Microsoft. And in 50 years I think we are going to be much more aware of "a computer in every pocket" and probably computers everywhere. The whole desktop thing will be quite quaint.

Re: Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

#47
post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You have to be kidding me, it took you two hours to plug a cat5 cable into the back of a computer? DHCP would have assigned an ip address to the pc within 5-10 seconds and you'd be on the internet, there are many reasons to hate on Vista(like over aggressive prefecthing for one), no need to make up some nonsense.

if everything works (i.e. DHCP), then there isn't a problem. but if something does not work, there is a problem. then the OS should make it possible to solve the problem. this is were vista (home basic) fails. if vista would have worked, it would have been awesome (maybe). but as it didn't it was (and is) horrible and stupid - as it prevents easy solutions.

If DHCP doesn't work then either there is a problem with your router/DSL/cable modem or you have a virus.

None of those things are the fault of the OS, since you didn't describe the issue or the resolution I can only assume you are a troll or have no business providing tech support.

Re: Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

#48

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not everyone is as inexperienced as you are in Windows Vista networking. Just because it took you two hours to figure out something, doesn't mean that it is the same thing for everyone.

I've put a lot of time into making a home network with both Vista and XP. It's near impossible. I'm not dumb, Windows is dumb.

[deleted]

Re: Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

#49
post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

if everything works (i.e. DHCP), then there isn't a problem. but if something does not work, there is a problem. then the OS should make it possible to solve the problem. this is were vista (home basic) fails. if vista would have worked, it would have been awesome (maybe). but as it didn't it was (and is) horrible and stupid - as it prevents easy solutions.

If DHCP doesn't work then either there is a problem with your router/DSL/cable modem or you have a virus. None of those things are the fault of the OS, since you didn't describe the issue or the resolution I can only assume you are a troll or have no business providing tech support.

>I can only assume you are a troll or have no business providing tech support.

you are right, i "have no business providing tech support", that's what i tell my (technical not advanced) friends and elderly family members every time!!!!!

Re: Malcolm Gladwell asserts that Gates, not Jobs, will be remembered in 50 years

#50
Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, which provides disaster relief, first aid training, and large amount of the blood that saves people's lives in the US.

I suspect that she is less well known than many historical figures with no humanitarian impact. PT Barnum, Harry Houdini, or Bonnie and Clyde spring to mind.

Gates humanitarian work is commendable. One could make an argument that he is a more important figure in the history of the business of computing than Steve Jobs.

But I doubt that merit or rational argument will determine who will be remembered in 50 years.

Steve Jobs is a compelling character. His life is a colorful, primal and enthralling story. He said interesting things, in an interesting way. He will be remembered long after the guy who spent a lot of money to eliminate a disease that people will not be dying from.

Fair? No. Likely? Yes.

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