Mailbag: Why IE, Vista and Windows 7, More

IE can be installed silently and pushed to remote workstations. Firefox requires a GUI install (try doing that on 1,000 workstations). Firefox does have an "undocumented" silent install switch, but using it results in Firefox taking over as the default browser. For some this might be OK, but not for us.

IE also has integrated Windows authentication, configuration via Group Policy and better security (see "Firefox tops list of 12 most vulnerable apps").
-Vern

I guess I am a IE bigot, but the biggest things that matter to me is that it's generally the standard for Web-browsing and most of the time, when a browser recommendation is made by a Web site, IE is at the top of the list -- or is the only one on the list.

As for the paranoiacs that have to run Firefox to "be protected from the bad men," you can lock IE down if that is your desire. Or you can stay away from the "Hackers 'R-Us.net" and the "DownloadPiratedStuffHere.com" sites.
-Dan

I use IE 8 because sometimes I want my browser to pop up before I have to get to bed. That's the bast advantage of having the thing tied to the OS. Firefox is still a slow pig to start. That being said, Firefox is my default browser because it's just smarter and it's quicker once loaded. I still depise it's bookmark management, or lack thereof. IE's URL management is dead simple.
-Dan

IE is compatible with more sites and manages downloads easier. Easy to manage, easy to support -- those are the main reasons for staying with. Oh, and it's secure (if managed properly, and having a few plug-ins helps).
-John

I use IE 7 (and 8 beta). Primary reason is that in my support role, I am often accessing Microsoft sites and, unless one uses the appropriate plug-ins, I find it awkward to stream Microsoft videos in Firefox. Thus, it is just simpler to stay with IE!
-Peter

Marc shares his thoughts on how Windows 7 will stack up against Vista, while Bruce wonders how the new OS will affect Microsoft's bottom line:

Just as XP was (in 2001) really little more than an extension of Windows 2000, Windows 7 is an extension of Vista. Vista is (and hence Windows 7 will be) sluggish with 1GB of RAM or less, but RAM is very inexpensive these days; for an extra $25 to $30, any PC can have 2GB -- plenty of RAM for all but the most hardcore gamer. Buy 4GB of RAM for only a few dollars more and hit the 32-bit ceiling. I expect Windows 7 to be the last 32-bit OS Microsoft offers.

Finally, Windows 7 will, by definition, clean up the inefficient code which plagued Vista RTM and, to a lesser extent, Vista SP1. Vista SP2 will be only marginally slower than Windows 7 RTM.
-Marc

I haven't played with Windows 7 because I don't have a machine to put it on, but to me Vista was just officially given the kiss of death by the potential announcement of possible free upgrades to Win 7. This is NOT good for Microsoft's books. Microsoft is big and has a lot of products, but this is going to hit its wallet -- the question is how hard. A person may say, "Well, now Vista sales will go up." Yes, they will, but that means for every sale of Vista, there won't be a sale for Windows 7.

And some issues like devices not working may get worse. I'm thinking about the medical market; since Windows 7 isn't out yet, this probably further delays medical devices being certified, reason being I can't see the FDA approving them for Vista and then giving them wink-nod-of-the-head approval for Windows 7. So why put a device on an OS that isn't going to be around much longer? That also means that XP will probably be extended AGAIN until Win 7 is out the door. Memo to Microsoft: Actively work with the medical industry to get its devices on your new OS so that it has its approvals when you start shipping. If doctors use it and trust it, then you have something.
-Bruce

Last week, Doug asked readers to name their most and least favorite high-tech execs. Here are a few of your votes:

Least favorite high-tech exec: Larry Ellison. He's the anti-Steve Jobs.
-Anonymous

Top exec: Mark Templeton at Citrix Systems.
-Marc

And when it comes to how software pirates are punished, Francis echoes the sentiment most of you expressed last week:

Let's face the truth. This menial sentence (and only 11 persons convicted) is a slap on the wrist at best. I don't want to hear crap about how harsh Chinese prisons are. When China is one of the top three countries for hackers, spam, spyware, malware, etc., what does it matter about software piracy?

China is simply doing this as a way to show that they are part of the world community. Bullsh*t. China is not part of the world community and never will be unless we give in to their way. International law means nothing to them. They don't give a damn about any of this or they would take a harder stance on all computer crimes. These 11 persons, although it is said they are going to prison, are probably going to end up in a luxury hotel provided by the government for doing a great job.
-Francis

More reader letters coming your way on Wednesday! In the meantime, tell us what you think by leaving a comment below or sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on January 12, 2009