Windows 8 Discussion

[RebBugler]

http://mollyrocket.com/casey/stream_0004.html

Actually I am very concerned regarding the closing up of a once open PC system (see above link for more detail). I think the introduction of Windows 8 is a very ominous sign for those who want an open PC system and the innovation that it brings. This very well could lead to the elimination of small independent developers and for games like SoW in the future.

Perhaps the time for Linux as a wide spread OS may truly be coming. The only way I could see that working would be for developers to come together and finance some type of common open Linux OS, but that seems unlikely. Perhaps Google could create and establish an open OS computer system, like they have for smartphones and tablets?

Regards,

Wow, what an eye opener that article is. I now know why MS toppled Mac as the mainstream OS, their integration of the GUI (Xerox's graphical inter phase developed further by Apple) over DOS, thus keeping the business side interests intact with DOS, and attracting the personal computer generation with the GUI. And up until Win 7, this was maintained, although DOS died years ago, as the GUI eventually assumed both roles. Now, with Win 8, if history repeats itself, they're on the road to kill the GUI, in favor of the new ARM architecture, which supports the tablet and device market. So, if I'm reading this right, their goal is on track to eliminate the PC as we know it now in favor of the device market. They have their XBox, who needs PCs for gaming? This is why Win8 is promoed right now as so cheap...it's a takeover move folks.

OK, I may be wrong, but that's what I'm reading into this...call me an alarmist if you will. Regardless, I'm convinced that Win 8 could turn out very ugly for publishers and consumers alike, and I'm anti MS now more than ever. Still, I need to pick up Win 7, cause I need more RAM. And Win 7 runs SOW just fine I hear.

[FLGibsonJr]

Flanyboy,

The Android platform would have to improve quite a bit in order to become a full fledged desktop operating system, but I would agree that Google would be the most likely to undertake such an endeavor, especially if MS maintains this position of a closed platform. The good side of it is as you mentioned Android's open platform is overtaking Apple's closed platform, I think if you look at the most recent sales, they are showing percentages in the 80% range.

I know that Newell has called 8 a catastrophe for the PC, and they are actively involved with Linux development. Also, Persson is refusing to have Minecraft certified for 8.

It will be interesting to see how this develops.

Regards,

[FLGibsonJr]

RebBugler,

I don't think you are being an alarmist at all, you basically summarized what is likely to happen. On the other hand historically it seems like the open platform wins out over closed platforms in the long run, let's hope history repeats itself. ARM architecture and how that is driving software is the next concern.

Regards,

[Flanyboy]

RebBugler,

I don't think you are being an alarmist at all, you basically summarized what is likely to happen. On the other hand historically it seems like the open platform wins out over closed platforms in the long run, let's hope history repeats itself. ARM architecture and how that is driving software is the next concern.

Regards,

The encouraging thing is supposedly Intel is working on an answer to the ARM architecture that has both the benefits that ARM has in terms of power usage (which is ARM's biggest advantage) and also a more conventional desktop architecture so it doesn't sacrifice the performance side of things. I wish I could find the link on it.