Kelsey Bjarnason wrote:
> [snips]
>
> On Tue, 18 Jul 2006 12:23:10 -0500, Erik Funkenbusch wrote:
>
>> Consider that it costs more to fuel a car for it's lifetime than the cost
>> of the car (even if you include interest paid via loans). Why would it
>> seem strange that the software for a PC might exceed the cost of the PC?
>
> Software, unlike gas, isn't a consumable. It's not like "Pay $10, use it
> for a week", it's a one-time fee, for a product which can in principle
> last forever.
>
> Except it doesn't.
>
> Buy the wrong version and when the bits that do wear
> out - the mobo for example - die, you'll have to replace it, even though
> it should last forever.
>
> Wait a couple years and even if it's doing everything you want, it will go
> out of support, you won't get fixes, patches, etc, for it, so you'll have
> to buy a new copy - even though it should last forever.
>
> Want to expand its capabilities, you can't, so you'll need to replace it.
>
> Upgrade the hardware, chances are your vendor doesn't provide new drivers
> for the old OS, so you'll need to replace it.
>
> If the OS actually outlived the PC, if it made _sense_ for it to cost more
> - say by being a very powerful but limited-run product - or in some other
> way justified the cost, it might make sense, but as it is, it doesn't.
Software for a PC is more like aftermarket gear for the car... window tint
film, bolt-on spoilers, sports tyres, boot-mounted CD jukebox, that kinda
thing. The only analog for gasoline to run the car is the electricity to
run the PC.
--
When all else fails...
Use a hammer.
http://www.dotware.co.uk
Some people are like Slinkies;
They serve no particular purpose,
But they bring a smile to your face
When you push them down the stairs.
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