Media Share 9/MEDIASHARE_09.ISO/private/mpc93mar.zip/OS2WARS.DAT

Text File | 1993-02-14 | 6KB | 102 lines

                            OS WARS continued...
                     Windows and DOS and OS/2, Oh My!

        By: Anita Prather, APCUG Member

     After listening to and reading the latest round of Microsoft and
     Windows bashing (by Apple Computer, no less and IBM, as usual), I
     decided it was time that someone put all this operating system stuff
     in perspective.

     As a trainer and developer of material for multiple platforms (DOS,
     Windows, Macintosh), I have found that each OS serves the needs of
     very different users.  I sometimes find I'm more productive in my DOS
     word processor than in either Windows, OS/2 or the Macintosh.  Other
     times, I can't imagine how I ever created a table in a DOS package or
     even placed a graphic.

     But, GUIs aren't for everyone.  I can key through most functions in
     Windows word processors faster than you can say "pull-down menus."
     And, Windows programs usually can do more complex functions than their
     DOS counterparts - even those with a Windows look and feel.

     Realistically, any company who abandons their DOS market will be in
     for a rude awakening.  There are DOS die-hards that would rather be
     dead than mouse-bound.  I can't blame them.  My carpal tunnel syndrome
     symptoms surfaced after a few months of heavy mouse use, but 10 years
     of keyboard punching failed to cause any problems.

     DOS programs are great for production word processing, most
     spreadsheets and databases and they don't require powerful hardware.
     Harvard Graphics 3.0 is still one of the most popular graphics
     packages and WordPerfect Presentations for DOS looks, feels and acts
     like a Windows package.  Despite the tales to the contrary, most
     companies I know are still concerned about money.  Some Windows (or
     OS/2) apps have been introduced, but most companies haven't gone hog
     wild over spending a lot of money to invest in Software.

     Before I'm accused of Windows bashing,  I started using Windows 2.0
     when it was an ungodly slow package whose only useful purpose was a
     calculator and Reversi.  Now, the number of Windows applications are
     growing daily and the possibilities of Windows multimedia are
     enormous.  In fact, many companies have developed interactive
     multimedia training for Windows and include it in their software (such
     as Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows on CD-ROM).  The training possibilites of
     multimedia are endless and are a welcome innovation.

     Also, Windows has taken word processing to such a level that it's hard
     to tell where word processing ends and desktop publishing begins.
     Multitasking and task swapping are becoming the norm and I sometimes
     wonder how I was productive before these advances.  As a training
     developer, I have noticed shorter training times and higher
     productivity from Windows-trained users.  If they could just get past
     using that darn mouse...

     As for OS/2, the jury is still out.  IBM has a few things to work out
     before it truly becomes a viable operating system for the average
     business user.  I can't fathom using 15 MB of space on a hard drive
     for an OS, plus I've managed to crash through two OS/2 2.0 installs so
     far.  (I guess I'm not as talented as John Dvorak's teenaged son.)
     But, if you need true multithreading, 32-bit processing a "better DOS
     than DOS" and a "better Windows than Windows," OS/2 will probably be
     worth it.

     IBM is currently shipping some models in the Value Point series with
     OS/2 so you will be "encouraged" to use it.  I know that many
     customers are requesting OS/2 be removed and replaced with DOS or they
     are keeping their DOS and Windows apps and rarely using OS/2.  Another
     example of a good thing (cheaper IBM-quality computers) with an
     unnecessary addition (OS/2).  Develop some more OS/2 apps, then we'll
     talk.

     Finally, DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE!  When you support users from power
     gurus to truly wandering novices, you have to be aware of the needs
     and training levels of everyone.  The most worthwhile thing we as PC
     "advisors" can do is to present all the facts and find out which OS
     meets our company's needs and abilities.

     Next, we have to develop effective ways to train them on their new
     technology.  No matter how slick and easy to use Windows and OS/2
     claim to be, no one will be truly productive without some type of
     software and system training.

     I hope that software and hardware manufacturers will eventually stop
     trying to convince us that "ours is better than theirs" and realize
     there are as many needs in business computing as there are lines in my
     WIN.INI file.  Don't tell us what we want.  Give us what we ask for.
     We're smart enough to know better, and besides, we're paying enough
     for it.

  ************************************************************************

     Anita Prather is a Office Automation Specialist for a major temporary
     services company.  She develops testing, training and support
     materials for DOS, Windows and Macintosh applications.

     She has been using PCs since 1984 (thank God, they got rid of floppy
     boot computers) and has been a computer consultant/trainer since 1987.
     She still has a 286 PC at home (for games mostly), and feels the
     interest from the national debt would just about be enough to build
     her dream computer.