"Easy to obtain" doesn't have to imply a lockdown -- Android uses Google's store by default, but makes it trivial to download from any repository the user chooses, should they want to use non-approved software.

Online software repositories make good sense, but they don't have to be the ONLY easy source of software.

So, you enjoyed having to schlep down to a computer store or other retailer, hoping that they had the current version of whatever program or utility you needed, maybe order from PC Warehouse and wait for the box with the disks to arrive at your doorstep?

Online distribution, with immediate access to updates, patches and fixes, is the only way to go.

I would like the ferking computer to be an appliance. I don't want to ferking figure it out. I want it to work for me.

Online distribution is the way to go. Agreed. Online distribution doesn't have to prohibit users from installing software from other sources (whether online or not). Note that Google permits users to use their online store AND ALSO use other online "stores."

I have an issue with Microsoft making life hell for people who want to install Metro programs without going through their vetting process. Having the choice of submitting confidential software for a 10-20 person company to a megacorp for vetting, or paying said megacorp an extortion fee of $3000 is f**king ludicrous. If the person who made that decision contracts flesh-eating Staph, I'd piss on their grave while break-dancing.

Not sure I'd want to install software from a company that couldn't scrape together that many sheckles.

Yeah, who would have wanted to buy something put together by a couple of kids in a garage?

Apple-1 goes for $213K in Christie's auction - Computerworld

So, you're saying, since we were talking about software, I should have kept my cassette tape of Apple BASIC?

Someday buddy ... someday....

Kinda like a No. 2 Air Pilot. It has never failed to perform.

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Jim

I need to download my windows 8 ISO so I can test drive it on my virtual machine. So far the limited amount of time I have used it did not end with me liking it.

I was able to transfer pics, the main point.

Most of the Word stuff can be read if you ignore the spaces.

Will need to buy office to open other items.

What a pain!

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83 SD

84 CD

Mostly they do, except the part where most can’t figure out how to use them. But the thing is, people long ago bought into the idea that their computer needs consistent refreshment by way of these typically pointless updates.

On the other hand, I do probably 30 or so service calls a year that are the result of these updates, which create problems where none existed before. In the end, the updates are a works program for IT folk.

^^^

There are unnecessary updates, but there are also legitimate bugfixes and new features. The problem is that the quality of MS software, while improved, is often somewhat substandard.

I think MS is taking points from Apple on the "lockdown" store thing. They don't want ****tily coded applications ruining the user experience. And there is some merit to that. If someone launch a ****ty application and it crashes or locks up the thing, most people are going to blame Windows, rather than the program, for the simple fact that they don't know the difference. By enforcing a standard MS is trying minimize that scenario.

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Cruise Control not working? Send me PM or email (jamesdean59@gmail.com). I might be able to help out.
Check here for compatibility, diagnostics, and availability!

(4/11/2020: Hi Everyone! I am still taking orders and replying to emails/PMs/etc, I appreciate your patience in these crazy times. Stay safe and healthy!)


82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
89 560SEL 118k
90 300SE 262k RIP 5/25/2010
90 560SEL 154k
91 300D 2.5 Turbo. 241k
93 190E 3.0 235k
93 300E 195k

Fortunately, with Micro$hitware being the quality that it is, cracks to get around this restriction are easy to obtain. It's funny that Android (as a more open and customizable system) is eating iOS's lunch.