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RickJ · Oct 10, 2007, 10:55 AM

Wow, again I find another cool thing now owned by Google.

I was looking for an anonymous phone number to use for internet stuff and found GrandCentral.com recommended by a few sites... and I see they've been acquired by Google.

This leads me to something I wonder about.

Everyone seems to love Google (as I do) just like they loved Microsoft 15 years ago.

When, I wonder, will Google be in the same boat that Microsoft is in now: Despised by a so many.

Curlyben · Oct 10, 2007, 11:07 AM

With Google you have a REAL choice whether you use their services or not, unfortunately this isn't really true with Micro$oft.

RickJ · Oct 10, 2007, 11:55 AM

Wasn't that also true about Microsoft, though, 15-20 years ago?

Curlyben · Oct 10, 2007, 01:07 PM

Bear in mind M$ only really started their "world domination" with Windows 95.
Now the general consumer is more savvy about what services they will and won't use.
Also Google's services require a net connection, preferably a fast one.
Now once Google makes the jump from online to desktop then M$ will be in for a fight.

RickJ · Oct 10, 2007, 01:19 PM

... so sort of my point. I can't help but think that the love affair with Google will last only until they're the best of it all.

Curlyben · Oct 10, 2007, 01:28 PM

Or they start dictating exactly how we can use their products.
Have you seen the latest EULA from M$ for Vista.
Basically your stuffed ;)

albear · Oct 10, 2007, 01:29 PM

Yea everybody hates vista blah blah but the microsft people are still great

Clough · Oct 10, 2007, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by Curlyben

Now once Google makes the jump from online to desktop then M$ will be in for a fight.

Do you think that there is a possibility of Google actually expanding from online to desktop? I mean, are there any signs of that happening now?

BTW - I love your use of the dollar sign in Micro$oft! It made me laugh! :p

Curlyben · Oct 10, 2007, 01:33 PM

Albear, you missed my point completely.

Clough, apart from some of the Google pack (Google Pack) all of their products are on line.
There has been some rumours that they are working on a desktop operating system using Linux, but so far it's been strongly denied.

albear · Oct 10, 2007, 01:34 PM

Possibly but there is 1 redeming factor that saves Microsoft every time in my book

CaptainRich · Oct 10, 2007, 01:38 PM

In my opinion, for an operating system, MS built the better mousetrap. Maybe because it's the more common and the only one I've used in the past 15-20 years (does anyone remember the Commodore64 ?)

I'm still on XP... so what's wrong w/ Vista?

Curlyben · Oct 10, 2007, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by albear

quite possibly but there is 1 redeming factor that saves microsoft every time in my book

Which is?

The latest M$ EULA basically says they have complete control on what YOU can run on YOUR computer.
If Vista's inbuilt snoop function doesn't like the software you are trying to install it WILL block it completely.
That and the incessant privilege nag screens gets rather tiresome.

albear · Oct 10, 2007, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by Curlyben

Which is ??

THE X BOX (360)

Clough · Oct 10, 2007, 02:00 PM

Originally Posted by CaptainRich

(does anyone remember the Commodore64 ?)

I do. And, I own a working Commodore 128 that I think has all, or just about all the bells and whistles that you could have with it.

CaptainRich · Oct 10, 2007, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by Clough

I do. And, I own a working Commodore 128 that I think has all, or just about all the bells and whistles that you could have with it.

Is it still working??

jillianleab · Oct 10, 2007, 04:39 PM

I had to do a huge case study on Google; I suspect they will move into the typical fields in the future. I could see an operating system, possibly hardware, a web browser, and they're already working on Google Payment Corp, which is sort of like PayPal but not. They have a great advertising model, and as long as they retain the "Hey-we're-having-fun-we're-all-working-on-a-college-campus" attitude, I think they'll do fine. I suspect they'll give Microsoft a run for their money just because of their brand recognition. MS has LOTS more money though...

jillianleab · Oct 10, 2007, 04:41 PM

Oh, and I don't mind Vista too much; I turned off my "allow/don't allow" for almost everything I access on a regular basis, and their sneak attacks to see who has pirated software... well, I've said too much already! :)

I really like the side toolbar where I can put a calender, the weather for my area (and other areas) as well as things like exchange rates.

Clough · Oct 10, 2007, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clough
I do. And, I own a working Commodore 128 that I think has all, or just about all the bells and whistles that you could have with it.

Originally Posted by CaptainRich

Is it still working??

It was the last time I checked. But then, that was a long time ago. I also have a ton of those big floppies with progams for it and also a printer that also worked the last time I checked. But, then again, that was a long time ago.

CaptainRich · Oct 10, 2007, 05:39 PM

BIIIG floppies! As I recall! That was a slow clunky system! The graphics were good, because there was nothing else to slow it down!! Hehehe I used to type in stuf (games and programs from Compute! Magazine) but with early machine language, nothing was smooth... dang the time lost...

RickJ · Oct 11, 2007, 03:59 AM

Originally Posted by Clough

I do. And, I own a working Commodore 128 that I think has all, or just about all the bells and whistles that you could have with it.

I have two Atari ST computers. I'll never forget that one year I got a HUGE 40MB external hard drive for it for Christmas :p