> Actually I was mostly just trying to criticize his > remarks about how Mr. > Gates is taking away the ability of future > entrepreneurs to do what Mr. > Gates himself did (Qbasic shipped windows with up > till win98SE),
For once I actually agree with the Fool here (I say, as thunderclouds gather...). I don't see how Gates can suppress the interest, knowledge or entrepreneurship of modern enthusiasts, since he cannot control either the internet nor college enrollment in Information Sciences. Anyone who is an enthusiast or has the drive to get into programming will already know how to use the internet and know how to find out this information. I think what we have here is the idea that the home computer has long gone from being a curiosity for hobbyists or enthusiasts and has become a tool for businesses and households, which would render qbasic superfluous. Most people will not have the aptitude, skill, or know-how to program, especially for high-powered business applications. Certainly people can still use computers for hobbies, just in the same way people can still make a hobby out of their cars, FREX. But when you buy a car you don't automattically get a manual on how to repair every aspect on it (usually its just general maintenance stuff). Recall when the car was introduced it was intended for enthusiasts and hobbyists with an interest in mechanics and combustion engines. There were no repair garages, and any improvements would be done by the user himself. Cars moved beyond that point within around 20 years or so, and it may be computers are reaching that point now... Anyway, some musings on the topic... Damon. ===== ------------------------------------------------------------ Damon Agretto [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum." http://www.geocities.com/garrand.geo/index.html Now Building: ------------------------------------------------------------ __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - 100MB free storage! http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
