Win98 Is 86-ed
When you have a problem with Windows 98 or its siblings next year, don’t
bother calling Microsoft. Support for the 8-year old OS
will
end this year, and unlike many support-intensive mission critical server
tools like Exchange 5.5, there will be no support extensions, Microsoft says.
I’m not sure how much I mind the end to phone support, as third parties
can fill that gap. The end to patches is a whole ‘nuther story. I’d
hate to see old systems become the launch pad for new viruses and attacks. And
the third world, which relies upon old computers, will be thoroughly exposed.
Guess all the underpaid in poor countries will have to suck it up and buy Vista.
Sino-Google Relations Never Better
Google may be a cool company here, but for freedom-seeking Chinese, it is just
a silly name for just another repressor, helping the one-party Chinese government
control what its citizens can see. But Google-meister Eric Schmidt is generously
pouring money into China to build a research center, and admits he
hasn’t even asked China to re-examine its censorship policies, claiming
it would be “arrogant” to do so. Oh well.
Here is the version of this item that Chinese readers will see, thanks to Google
and other U.S. firms: Google may be a cool company CENSORED, but CENSORED it
is a silly name CENSORED. Party Chinese government CENSORED generously pouring
money into China to build a research center. CENSORED China policies do so well.
Sino-Microsoft Relations Never Better
Microsoft has always hated the fact that the Chinese would rather bootleg Windows
than pay for it. But the Chinese government is helping to end that practice
by banning
the selling of software-free computers in Beijing. At the same time, a Chinese
PC maker is buying $250 million worth of Windows licenses to load on Chinese
PCs. And another maker is buying roughly half that amount.
All this is paving he way for a visit by the president of China to Redmond,
who will have dinner at the Gates estate. Wonder if Qi Dongfeng will be allowed
to sit in Bono’s chair?
Can Google Make an Old Idea New Again?
In the interest of full disclosure, I used to cover calendaring software as
a reporter for InfoWorld (it was really part of the messaging beat).
Being one who always tried to avoid meetings, I found the subject duller than
a Dick Cheney comedy routine (how many jokes can you make about shooting your
friend in the face?).
Google is hoping to liven up this market with a calendar
extension to Gmail. I’ve got my two boys on Gmail, and they both love
it. As soon as they give the calendar a whirl, I’ll let you know how it
works. What is your free Web mail tool of choice and why? Tell us at [email protected].
Now if Google can get to Dick Cheney’s comedy stylings.
About the Author
Doug Barney is editor in chief of Redmond magazine and the VP, editorial director of Redmond Media Group.