gjwelych@SUNRISE.ACS.SYR.EDU ("Welych, Gregory J.") (12/24/87)
I just sat here reading my Info-Atari16 mail and read about 20 replies,
and counter-replies. All on the subject of multi-tasking.
I think that the issue is NOT joe-average-user being too dumb to use
a multi-tasking environment, but that they don't have a NEED to as of yet.
To whom ever said that Joe-Average-user is NEVER going to need multi-tasking,
have you ever look at the future prospects??? Maybe they don't need or
want to use it now ( or even know HOW to), in the future, it may be
NEEDED by ANY user of a computer. I think the MAIN reason multi-tasking
personal computers are not extremely popular, is due to the LACK of
them on the market. Yes, I know there are some on the market now, but
five years ago, name one! ( note I said personal computer and not mini's or
super micros) This lack of public use (and abuse) of multi-tasking is
why joe-average-user doesn't feel a NEED for it.
As a side note, only the recent emergence of high-resolution graphic
displays have made using a multi-tasking operating system easy enough
for non-hacker types. Currently, I rarely use the multi-tasking abilities
of the VAX I'm using now. The reason is NOT that I have no need or ability
to use it, but that it is VERY difficult to use easily. And due to the lack
of EASE-OF-USE, I haven't tried to use it to it's fullest extent where
I currently sit saying, "It sure would be nice to be doing such-and-such
while I'm doing so-and-so!". If the VAX had a nice, inexpensive, easily
gotten, and logical graphic interface, I know I would be using the
multi-tasking to the hilt!
I see a day when EVERY computer had better have a multi-tasking operating
system. The express need will stem from the, as of yet, unexplored uses
of computers in normal human existence.
I doubt many people feel the way I do, but at least to me, these are the
reasons I will NEVER get another computer with-out a multi-tasking,
graphic environment.
Please note: The above is NOT a flame to anyone, about anything, or even
just for the fun of it. It is just the expression of my
thoughts on the subject.
Just a thought,
Greg Welych.
PS: Please, people, let's not start ANOTHER "My computer is better than yours"
war. I have had enough of them.
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