Re: "640k"; "good software" (was: Byte Magazine: 18 Vintage issues, 1985-1986)

[wbdesnoy@acs1.acs.ucalgary.ca (Byron Desnoyers Winmill)]

jsavard@ecn.ab.ca wrote:
: Michael (see.sig@the.end) wrote:

: : When I
: : told him he could alleviate many of his problems by using a different
: : operating system he just looked at me blankly; he _didn't_know_there
: : _are_ alternatives to Windows.

: Of course, when it comes to finding software to run under those operating
: systems, particularly in a box on the shelves of Staples - or any of its
: competitors, to be fair - there practically is no alternative to Windows.
: The Mac is the closest alternative, but requires new hardware; and I know
: Linux is getting there, but can you really say it's an alternative for a
: guy like him?

There have been many alternatives over the years.  The one that I am most
fond of which does not require new hardware was OS/2.  It has all of the
advantages of Windows 95, without including most of its problems.

Even so, if you are into the used market, things such as our Apple II's
are fine for most people.  Usually you can find both the machines and
software for under $20 in buy-sell papers or thrift stores.  Sure, you
are chucking the fancy GUI for an old machine.  But I have my IIgs on
the Internet for $50 Canadian.  I can also do my word processing, run
calculations in a spreadsheet, play games should I so desire, and so on.

If only more people would consider the Apple II, the compact Macintosh,
the Atari ST, and others.  If they did, most people would be able to reap
the resources of the internet, the advantages of word processing, and the
entertainment provided by games.

Oh well, I guess it is people's ignorance which keeps these computers
cheap.

Byron.