Mailbag: Uh-Oh-XML
On the topic of Microsoft's OOXML file format, Angus has an interesting question:
How is OOXML a standard when even Microsoft's own Office suite does not
yet fully support it?
-Angus
In the wake of the WSUS glitch that Microsoft eventually fixed, Doug asked
readers whether they value a patch's stability more than its speed. Most of
you went with the former:
Stability, of course. Does it matter if a hacker brings down your server
or a Microsoft patch does it for them? If the data isn't available, it's useless.
-LouAnne
With patches, as with medical interventions, the primary guidance lies
in the injunction: "First, do no harm."
-Fred
I will take stability over speed.
-Mark
The stability is more important. Their newest version of Explorer has
now locked me and others from accessing a file we need to do our job. I am
the administrator for the file but don't have access to the file.
They sent a fix to the problem a year ago, but it still hasn't fixed
the problem. To access any file I need, I have go to Explorer to retrieve
any of the my documents. If I try "save as" or change the drive
in the program, all the files I have in that program freeze and I lose data.
Which also means I can't repair my Access database as it means I have be able
to select a drive.
-Ruth
Here are some of your responses to our recent question about what you'd like
to see in the pages of Redmond magazine:
Since my world is centered around Dynamics GP, I would like to see more
about the Dynamics product line and Great Plains in particular and the blending
of that world with the Microsoft stack.
-Ronald
I find the most useful types of articles are overviews of new Microsoft
products, where an article of two to 10 pages describes a new product, explains
what hardware and software is required, walks you through a basic installation,
and mentions common configuration mistakes.
The second most useful article to me are those describing methods of
automating common network management tasks, whether this be through scripting
or a Microsoft or third-party management product. Finally, I would really
like to see a series of articles on how to secure various Microsoft products
-- how to secure an IIS installation, how to secure a SQL installation, etc.
I realise space is limited, so I'm just talking about a two-page article with
bullet points and an overview, rather than an in-depth "War and Peace"-type
article."
-Mark
Finally, Brad minces some of our words:
In your newsletter you state: "Say what you will about the folks
in Redmond, I've never seen them all erratic and unpredictable. In fact, every
time I've seen the company act erratic, it was part of a greater plan."
OK, you've never seen Microsoft be erratic and unpredictable, but every
time it was part of a greater plan? If you've never seen them be erratic,
there is no "every time"!
-Brad
Tell us what you think! Leave a comment below or send an e-mail to [email protected].
Posted by Doug Barney on July 16, 2008