On Fri, 6 Oct 2000 21:33:20 CDT Nick Dalzell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
<snipped anecdotal stories about how Minimum Requirements are often wrong>
> Maybe the system requirements
> should list the REAL minimums??? Anybody have any idea why they are
> "confusing" people with old machines???
I have had similar experiences with various kinds of software in finding
the listed "Minimum system requirements" wrong. A machine just meeting
the minimum system requirements for Windows 95 will allow you to just
barely run the operating system, but very sluggishly, and with with very
frequent crashes. If MicroSoft had instead informed the consumer of
"recommended minimum system requirements" instead of the just the bare
minimum, then they would not have been able to sell as many copies of their
operating system to ignorant consumers who really believed that they could
run the new operating system satisfactorily on a 386 with just 8 megabytes
of RAM. The expert marketing analysts at MicroSoft have determined that
they can make a lot more money by "confusing" their customers rather than
by telling them the truth.
I have found that some software, especially DOS software, will run
perfectly satisfactorily for me on an 8088 when a 386 is listed as a
minimum system requirement. My standard for "satisfactory" performance
might not be the same as for the average consumer. If a program designed
for a 386 will run on my 8088 reliably and without crashing, however very
slowly, then I consider such performance as "satisfactory". If an 8088
were listed as a minimum system requirement, most consumers running the
software on their 8088s would complain about the speed and they would
return their software for a refund. Reputable software companies care
about what their customers think of them and they will cheerfully return
their money. MicroSoft doesn't care if your copy of Windows 95 doesn't
run fast enough on your old 386. They won't give you a refund, but they
would be most happy to suggest that you solve your problem simply by
buying a new Pentium. They will even offer you a special upgrade price
for Windows 2000!
BTW, my ISP says that their minimum system requirements for using their
internet sevice is a 486, Windows 95, and 16 megabytes of RAM.
The only people who become confused are those who are afraid to see what
they can do with an old machine. The MicroSoft marketing analysts have
determined that to ensure maximum profits, the confused should be
exploited to the full extent of their stupidity.
All the best,
Sam Heywood
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