NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: DAVE KEARNS ON WINDOWS NETWORKING TIPS
07/11/05
Today's focus: Why readers are slow to upgrade Windows
Dear networking.world@gmail.com,
In this issue:
* Readers respond to last week's newsletter
* Links related to Windows Networking Tips
* Featured reader resource
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Avocent
Network World Executive Guide:
Security Evolves. Automation, specialized 'ops centers' and
more.
For network security professionals, keeping a safe distance
ahead of the worst the bad guys have to offer is a never-ending
race. This guide is designed to help with a collection of news,
analysis and product test reviews for practical how-to advice on
subjects ranging from patch management and spyware to promises
and risks of automated security services.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=108303
_______________________________________________________________
COMPLIMENTARY NETWORK WORLD PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
Managing networks and systems can be a lot easier if you stay
aware of the latest developments in tools and technologies
designed to help. Network World will ensure that you don't miss
a beat. We would like to offer you the leading source of
dependable, accurate, timely information you can rely on to make
the best decisions for your corporate network. SUBSCRIBE TODAY
AT:
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=108253
_______________________________________________________________
Today's focus: Why readers are slow to upgrade Windows
By Dave Kearns
I received a large outpouring of e-mail responses to last week's
newsletter highlighting Steve Ballmer's claim that Windows users
were now the biggest threat to Microsoft's bottom line. That is,
users who refused to upgrade to the "latest and greatest"
version of the operating system.
What's surprising, though, is that the overwhelming majority of
the comments I received were in full agreement with Ballmer, but
also served to identify the respondents as part of the threat!
Here are a few quotes to show the thoughts of your fellow
readers:
* "Not only are users not willing to upgrade, they aren't going
to and most don't need to."
* "They [the reader's customers] feel like extortion tactics are
being used and it's hard, as you know, to sell the upgrade when
what they have works just fine."
* "Every time Microsoft comes out with a new version of
something, it has more features. That translates into more lines
of code. More lines of code translate into more chance for bugs
and for vulnerabilities."
* "I stayed on NT4 as [Windows] 2000 and all its iterations
became available because NT4 was stable and it worked. I didn't
care about the pretty GUI and none of the newer software options
prompted me to change. Some of the software I used was difficult
to configure, and I had no idea how it would work on a new
[operating system]. I could have tested it, but why waste my
time? Eventually it was the hardware that forced me to change."
* "I have maintained for several years that total costs for
software and hardware upgrades are the biggest driving forces
behind the expanding 'IT economy', and that it is a more
significant part of the U.S. economy than some would have us
believe. There may come a day when the chairman of the Federal
Reserve Board whispers in the ears of the WinTel cartel 'The
economy needs a boost. Come out with a new CPU and [operating
system] to give it some stimulus.'"
The amount of work required to upgrade, the cost of licenses and
the cost of new hardware were the biggest reasons cited to avoid
this constant churn that Microsoft upgrades seem to produce:
<repeat>
New Server OS
Desktop refresh
Server Refresh
New Desktop OS
</repeat>
Is there a way out of this rat race? A way out, that is, that
doesn't require switching to non-Microsoft operating systems and
applications? I have some ideas, but I'd like to hear yours
first. What do you do to avoid being constantly in "upgrade
mode"? How do you assure that your network and users aren't
missing the features and functionality they need without
spending huge amounts of money and time testing and installing
new software? I promise to share (anonymously, if you prefer)
the best suggestions.
RELATED EDITORIAL LINKS
Microsoft encroaching on storage territories
Network World, 07/11/05
http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt3129
Microsoft targets midsize businesses
Network World, 07/11/05
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2005/071105msinfra.html?rl
_______________________________________________________________
To contact: Dave Kearns
Dave Kearns is a writer and consultant in Silicon Valley. He's
written a number of books including the (sadly) now out of print
"Peter Norton's Complete Guide to Networks." His musings can be
found at Virtual Quill <http://www.vquill.com/>.
Kearns is the author of three Network World Newsletters: Windows
Networking Tips, Novell NetWare Tips, and Identity Management.
Comments about these newsletters should be sent to him at these
respective addresses: <mailto:windows@vquill.com>,
<mailto:netware@vquill.com>, <mailto:identity@vquill.com>.
Kearns provides content services to network vendors: books,
manuals, white papers, lectures and seminars, marketing,
technical marketing and support documents. Virtual Quill
provides "words to sell by..." Find out more by e-mail at
<mailto:info@vquill.com>
_______________________________________________________________
This newsletter is sponsored by Avocent
Network World Executive Guide:
Security Evolves. Automation, specialized 'ops centers' and
more.
For network security professionals, keeping a safe distance
ahead of the worst the bad guys have to offer is a never-ending
race. This guide is designed to help with a collection of news,
analysis and product test reviews for practical how-to advice on
subjects ranging from patch management and spyware to promises
and risks of automated security services.
http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=108302
_______________________________________________________________
ARCHIVE LINKS
Breaking Windows networking news from Network World, updated
daily: http://www.networkworld.com/topics/windows.html
Operating Systems Research Center:
http://www.networkworld.com/topics/operating-systems.html
Archive of the Windows Networking Tips newsletter:
http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/nt/index.html
_______________________________________________________________
FEATURED READER RESOURCE
TEN WAYS TO STOP SPYWARE
You will get spam down to a manageable level this year, but then
spyware will kick in. Spyware cleaners will help, but won't
eradicate all the unwanted activity at the office, at home.
Here's a ten step guide you can follow to curb the spyware
problem:
<http://www.networkworld.com/nlwnt3130>
_______________________________________________________________
May We Send You a Free Print Subscription?
You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered
at your fingertips each day. Now, extend your knowledge by
receiving 51 FREE issues to our print publication. Apply
today at http://www.subscribenw.com/nl2
International subscribers click here:
http://nww1.com/go/circ_promo.html
_______________________________________________________________
SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES
To subscribe or unsubscribe to any Network World e-mail
newsletters, go to:
<http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/Changes.aspx>
To change your e-mail address, go to:
<http://www.nwwsubscribe.com/ChangeMail.aspx>
Subscription questions? Contact Customer Service by replying to
this message.
This message was sent to: networking.world@gmail.com
Please use this address when modifying your subscription.
_______________________________________________________________
Have editorial comments? Write Jeff Caruso, Newsletter Editor,
at: <mailto:jcaruso@nww.com>
Inquiries to: NL Customer Service, Network World, Inc., 118
Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772
For advertising information, write Kevin Normandeau, V.P. of
Online Development, at: <mailto:sponsorships@nwfusion.com>
Copyright Network World, Inc., 2005
No comments:
Post a Comment