Tech Columnist Finally Ditches WinXP

Oh thanks for reminding me. I almost forgot the part about how we get enraged about someone having a vagina. :D Can't let overlook that unreasonable gender incursion into sacred penis-waving territory of "manly" nerd stuff.
Yes, I was foaming at the mouth as I typed that away furiously, shortening the life of my keyboard by a few months at least. Orrrrr..... I merely pointed out a commical stereotype that time and time again proves true. Women IT bloggers are generally clueless as hell! ;)
 
Keeping up to speed on technology is kind of her job isn't it?
Yup, and that's my point. They get the job because they are women, there is no other rational explanation. There aren't many techy females to begin with, and even fewer of those that become journalists, but for whatever reason there's a feeling their "feminine perspective" is in any way important, rather than just evaluation tech for tech by an expert super-user that knows a myriad of systems inside and out.

Otherwise you end up with "journalism" like this... in 2014:
"What I like about 7 is that the OS feels zippy (partly due to my shiny new hardware powering it); the search function is so much more capable; and it quickly wakes from sleep, a process that felt interminable on XP. I'm also kind of in love with the translucent Aero interface showing the background behind the windows. I'm a sucker for subtly flashy features."

Oooh, its zippy and has translucentness... so flashy, I love it! :rolleyes:
 
This article does show illustrate the unique nature of Windows. While a pretty pointless article, no one would ever write about upgrading from a 13 year version of an OS to a 5 year version of an OS unless that OS is called Windows.

I think that's actually pretty common for unixes.
 
Yes, I was foaming at the mouth as I typed that away furiously, shortening the life of my keyboard by a few months at least. Orrrrr..... I merely pointed out a commical stereotype that time and time again proves true. Women IT bloggers are generally clueless as hell! ;)

It's not necessarily true at all, even in this case. Not everyone in the tech industry needs to keep up with what Microsoft is doing. There are a lot of sites *cough[H]ardOCPcough* that spend time with Windows PCs and PC hardware almost exclusively. Other tech sites can and do focus on other stuff and sites like CNet might not be as technical, but they do help people who learn more or even transition into reading much more technical stuff later. It's kinda easy to forget that people aren't born understanding the jigglewatts and hyperactivevisors in great detail and those people might be exploring techie stuff at a place like CNet.

Yup, and that's my point. They get the job because they are women, there is no other rational explanation. There aren't many techy females to begin with, and even fewer of those that become journalists, but for whatever reason there's a feeling their "feminine perspective" is in any way important, rather than just evaluation tech for tech by an expert super-user that knows a myriad of systems inside and out.

Otherwise you end up with "journalism" like this... in 2014:
"What I like about 7 is that the OS feels zippy (partly due to my shiny new hardware powering it); the search function is so much more capable; and it quickly wakes from sleep, a process that felt interminable on XP. I'm also kind of in love with the translucent Aero interface showing the background behind the windows. I'm a sucker for subtly flashy features."

Oooh, its zippy and has translucentness... so flashy, I love it! :rolleyes:

There's a gap between how you're thinking and how a woman thinks you know. This kinda of writing style does actually appeal to and matter to other audiences. Not everyone thinks the same way you do. In fact, since men tend to live shorter lives and take more risks despite the fact that women carry and to give birth to children which is really stressful on a body. Add to the fact that they just generally die sooner due to their missing a lot of genetic material in the second X that can compensate for defective genes somewhat, they're actually the minority gender on the planet and less people think in the same terms you do.
 
http://www.amandakooser.com/about.html
Amanda graduated from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville with a BA in English with a emphasis on creative writing. She spent a decade on staff with Entrepreneur Magazine and now freelances articles for a wide selection of physical and online publications and private clients.
This is the problem that people like me have with "tech journalists" that happen to have vaginas. They are failed creative writers that don't bother to learn the industry they jump into. And don't get me started on video games coverage.
 
Not everyone in the tech industry needs to keep up with what Microsoft is doing.

Absolutely true. And she might very well have a good perspective that non-technical people moving from XP to 7 would have. It's just that if you are supposedly a tech journalist for a major tech blog, you do command some authority which isn't necessarily warranted in a case like this though anyone with sense would realize she can't know much about Windows.
 
if that article is tl&dr for anyone, the jist of it is:

"I'm a technology journalist who failed to maintain *my own* computer at even the most basic of levels; leaving all of my private activities and personal information, let alone company information that doesn't belong to me, vulnerable to theft or destruction... out of sheer ignorance... for years! Celebrate me!"


intelligent people work in IT; obviously less intelligent people write about IT.
 
From her 2020 follow-up byline:

"Bye 7, hello Windows Magnolia: Yeah, the change made me nervous"
 
I always new Cnet was garbage but this just puts the icing on the cake. Now we know why all their tech articles are so inaccurate the people writing them are 15 years behind the curve and knowledge level of even basic forum trolls.
 
It's not necessarily true at all, even in this case. Not everyone in the tech industry needs to keep up with what Microsoft is doing.
Microwho? Good point, I mean their software is virtually unheard of. Whats next, an HDTV journalist that hasn't used a flatscreen before? xD Don't get me wrong, but I have a much higher standard for someone whose JOB is to be tech savy, and at least know about all the mainstream stuff, and I certainly don't think a regular neckbeard guy would have gotten her job without the V-power.

And the real problem with lower standards for female tech journalists is that it can REALLY lower expectations, and hurt the few that actually are qualified and know what they are talking about. Not all old asian ladies are bad drivers, but you know what they say about stereotypes... they aren't true for everyone, just the majority! :p
 
Microwho? Good point, I mean their software is virtually unheard of. Whats next, an HDTV journalist that hasn't used a flatscreen before? xD Don't get me wrong, but I have a much higher standard for someone whose JOB is to be tech savy, and at least know about all the mainstream stuff, and I certainly don't think a regular neckbeard guy would have gotten her job without the V-power.

I think if you're writing about a certain technology on a major tech site, you'd have more credibility on your views of that technology if the current version you're familiar with is over a decade old. She proclaims that she uses an Android phone, an iPad and a MacBook. But her Windows desktop is based on an OS that's older than all of the OSes on her other devices? That's just lame.

And the real problem with lower standards for female tech journalists is that it can REALLY lower expectations, and hurt the few that actually are qualified and know what they are talking about. Not all old asian ladies are bad drivers, but you know what they say about stereotypes... they aren't true for everyone, just the majority! :p

Not really sure why the issue of gender became so prominent in this thread. It's not like she's saying anything that's not been said by many males in this forum. "Why upgrade if it still gets the job done, XP is fine, Microsoft is just forcing people to upgrade. Windows 7 is nice but 8 sucks, everyone can be more productive on XP than 8." This is said every single day by tons of males when this discussion comes up. So again, it's got ZERO to do with gender.
 
I could not help but laugh through a lot of that article. :D She may write other good stuff but this was not one of them. Oh, and I here Vista was a twit. :D
 
Oh, and I here Vista was a twit. :D

It's hard to take anything she said seriously on an article about Windows that ends on that note. Perhaps even worse though as this:

I had already decided that Windows 8 would be too much to deal with, considering the glitch history and weirdness of Metro. I chose Windows 7 instead.

She does realize that Windows 7 is still being updated to correct issues? And when kids can navigate a UI for free and you get paid to write about this stuff?
 
its shiny black case and complete lack of cat hair sucked into the fan.

:( If he needs a new case so he doesn't have to clean the cat hair, he's a slob.
 
It's not necessarily true at all, even in this case. Not everyone in the tech industry needs to keep up with what Microsoft is doing. There are a lot of sites *cough[H]ardOCPcough* that spend time with Windows PCs and PC hardware almost exclusively. Other tech sites can and do focus on other stuff and sites like CNet might not be as technical, but they do help people who learn more or even transition into reading much more technical stuff later. It's kinda easy to forget that people aren't born understanding the jigglewatts and hyperactivevisors in great detail and those people might be exploring techie stuff at a place like CNet.



There's a gap between how you're thinking and how a woman thinks you know. This kinda of writing style does actually appeal to and matter to other audiences. Not everyone thinks the same way you do. In fact, since men tend to live shorter lives and take more risks despite the fact that women carry and to give birth to children which is really stressful on a body. Add to the fact that they just generally die sooner due to their missing a lot of genetic material in the second X that can compensate for defective genes somewhat, they're actually the minority gender on the planet and less people think in the same terms you do.

Did your gal pal at cnet promise you extra snuggles (or facebook likes) for writing that?
 
Microwho? Good point, I mean their software is virtually unheard of. Whats next, an HDTV journalist that hasn't used a flatscreen before? xD Don't get me wrong, but I have a much higher standard for someone whose JOB is to be tech savy, and at least know about all the mainstream stuff, and I certainly don't think a regular neckbeard guy would have gotten her job without the V-power.

And the real problem with lower standards for female tech journalists is that it can REALLY lower expectations, and hurt the few that actually are qualified and know what they are talking about. Not all old asian ladies are bad drivers, but you know what they say about stereotypes... they aren't true for everyone, just the majority! :p

That whoosh sound was the point that you just missed.

I'm saying not _everyone_ who talks tech cares about Windows computers. They could, I dunno, review phones or talk Apple products. None of that requires more than a kinda glossed over understanding of Windows. Besides that, just because her home computer is running XP doesn't mean she's not worked with or used another version outside of home.

Why not check out some of the other stuff she's written for Cnet before assuming she has to use a certain version of an operating system in her home or assuming a level of expertise or technical experience is insufficient for her job?

:( If he needs a new case so he doesn't have to clean the cat hair, he's a slob.

Wrong gender pronouns detected!

Did your gal pal at cnet promise you extra snuggles (or facebook likes) for writing that?

Maaaaybe...maybe not. A CreepyUncleGoogle never kisses and tells. :p
 
I actually read TFA and most of you are overlooking the fact that to her, a computer is a tool, not something to idolize. Her job is to write columns about technology. That doesn't require her to have the latest tech anymore than a NASCAR reporter has to drive the latest race car to and from work. In fact, she doesn't want the latest tech, as new stuff tends to have interesting problems. Just what you don't want if you are on a deadline. She mentions this in TFA. She knew that XP was dated as was her old PC. But they got the job done, mostly trouble free for a decade or so. So instead of making fun of her, you might give her a round of applause for not contributing to the piles of electronic waste.

(Disclaimer - I have no idea if I have ever read one of her columns other then TFA)
 
Did they have a lot of Web-based apps that would break under IE9-IE11, and they don't want to spend the money to recode them?

i was SO happy when the company I work for made IE10+ or Chome the only supported browsers....Was so happy to not have to give a shit about making sure things worked in IE8 AND better browsers at the same time.
 
I wish articles like this were a joke, but they really aren't.

Recently working with a Fortune 500 company, that is company-wide still using IE8.

One of their Directors had been upgraded to IE9 accidentally, and FLIPPED OUT - couldn't figure out how do use anything, got so confused, they rolled everyone back to IE8 and it's now a company-wide policy that everything has to work on IE8, because that's all they'll use.

The mind reals!

This is far more common than I think even a lot of people in IT don't realize. They all think their company is nuts. Nope. Damn near all companies are that reckless, ignorant, and lackadaisical when it comes to keeping software up-to-date.
 
A lot of it has to do with our social work structure.

If you run IT in any company, go walk into your bosses office and tell him the truth.

"Boss, we are still running IE8 company-wide on Windows XP. Honestly, that is reckless, ignorant, and lackadaisical. We must change this immediately or we run the risk of compatibility crisis and the risk of our data being compromised is totally unacceptable."

How long do you think you'll be employed?
 
Apparently it worked fine for him so why change.

I agree. That's why I got XP on my laptop and Vista on my desktop and the same reason I'm still using a build from 2008. They all still work and are enough for me. Yeah, it would be nice to have newer things but there's no concrete justification in my eyes to put that kind of money down.
 
A lot of it has to do with our social work structure.

go walk into your bosses office and tell him the truth.

How long do you think you'll be employed?

Trimmed out the fat. The point is quite simple. Executives and managers are usually either psychopaths or afraid of their psychopath colleagues. "Open-door policies" are a joke.
 
A lot of it has to do with our social work structure.

If you run IT in any company, go walk into your bosses office and tell him the truth.

"Boss, we are still running IE8 company-wide on Windows XP. Honestly, that is reckless, ignorant, and lackadaisical. We must change this immediately or we run the risk of compatibility crisis and the risk of our data being compromised is totally unacceptable."

How long do you think you'll be employed?

Although, ironically enough, this was precisely my job during my college internship with a small, 3-location bank servicing a mostly rural, low-income area. I gave them my findings, and they couldn't sign purchase orders fast enough. Nobody had time for bullshit. It was fucking heaven. I'd have taken the job they offered me if it didn't require living in Bumblefuck.

Now I'm in the big city where people are cultured, sophisticated, passive-aggressive, psychotic, and have driven me to the brink of quitting the professional world.

I'm moving to Amsterdam and overdosing on shrooms.
 
She does realize that Windows 7 is still being updated to correct issues? And when kids can navigate a UI for free and you get paid to write about this stuff?

Nope, and I doubt she even realizes that Windows 7 is almost 5 years old now.. Ooooh new and shiny!
 
What about graduating with a degree focused in writing, and spending over a decade writing professionally is failed?

Frankly, I'd probably find the writings of someone who has a sincere passion for and is up-to-date on cutting edge and emerging technologies much more interesting, even if the actual presentation wasn't as eloquently structured.
 
I wish articles like this were a joke, but they really aren't.

Recently working with a Fortune 500 company, that is company-wide still using IE8.

One of their Directors had been upgraded to IE9 accidentally, and FLIPPED OUT - couldn't figure out how do use anything, got so confused, they rolled everyone back to IE8 and it's now a company-wide policy that everything has to work on IE8, because that's all they'll use.

The mind reals!

Because IE9 adds an extra step in deploying windows 7. In a corporate enterprise, that a major effort of compatibility testing and redesign of applications to work with the newer browser version.

Long story short: You just can't make any kind of valid comparisons between productivity computing vs. home user gam/enthusiast computing.
 
CLICK MY LINK!!!

That's all this was. snore...

"Tech Columnist" doesn't mean PC Columnist. Look at what she's written about--it's just the crap left over when everything else tech-relevant has been discussed. Edward snowden action figure doll. :/
 
we have people like that in our company -- the company I work for isn't IT based, but I work in the IT department on the corporate side of things.

It's fairly obvious to anyone with a brain which managers are there so the company can check off a box on it's "diversity" bullshit flag.

If you are a woman, black, or disabled in some way, they will hire you (and keep you) despite you being dumb as a brick with no education.

I'm the only one in my department with an actual college degree (B.S. Econ - A&M class of 04) and I get paid 1/2 of what some idiot woman with a high school degree gets paid who's there because of the color of her skin and gender.

P.S. -- never shop at walgreens
 
CLICK MY LINK!!!

That's all this was. snore...

"Tech Columnist" doesn't mean PC Columnist. Look at what she's written about--it's just the crap left over when everything else tech-relevant has been discussed. Edward snowden action figure doll. :/

This x100.

I seriously could have written that "article" in 3-4 sentences. Holy fluff batman.......
 
Kind of surprising how many businesses are waiting so late.

So far I've taken calls from various family members advising me of the change, and various complaints, mostly that they think the new computer is shitty because it's so much smaller than their 2004 computer or they think they need a new computer because they have no clue what they are running.
 
Just pointing something out. If your running a lot of legacy hardware (especially a company who's hardware costs 5 or 6 figures to upgrade) Windows XP may be a good choice. I still maintain an XP machine for running several pieces of hardware and software that never upgraded any further. Though I do not use it for general day-to-day purposes and it has no internet connection.

There are good reasons to run older OSes, though I do agree using it as your primary OS is just begging for trouble.
 
Just pointing something out. If your running a lot of legacy hardware (especially a company who's hardware costs 5 or 6 figures to upgrade) Windows XP may be a good choice. I still maintain an XP machine for running several pieces of hardware and software that never upgraded any further. Though I do not use it for general day-to-day purposes and it has no internet connection.

There are good reasons to run older OSes, though I do agree using it as your primary OS is just begging for trouble.

I still have a windows 98 machine for this reason lol
 
we have people like that in our company -- the company I work for isn't IT based, but I work in the IT department on the corporate side of things.

It's fairly obvious to anyone with a brain which managers are there so the company can check off a box on it's "diversity" bullshit flag.

If you are a woman, black, or disabled in some way, they will hire you (and keep you) despite you being dumb as a brick with no education.

I'm the only one in my department with an actual college degree (B.S. Econ - A&M class of 04) and I get paid 1/2 of what some idiot woman with a high school degree gets paid who's there because of the color of her skin and gender.

P.S. -- never shop at walgreens

Just a thought, a lot of people who are employees don't really have a good outside perspective of what kind of impression they leave on other people. Men can be aggressive or just crude at the wrong time and that tends to keep them from getting anywhere in life at times, but when they tell their guy friends about it, in their minds they become a victim of a system that favors women (which it doesn't as supported by income stats). If you feel this way about someone, it might be a good idea to reflect on yourself and try to approach your situation without feeling as though there might be injustice.
 
I see the OS NAZIS are out in force.

We need to find you guys a Fuhrer!

Who the hell should care what OS others are using, as long as you're not forced to use something you're comfortable with??

In case you guys bothered to look up, she never wrote anything OS oriented.
In fact, her blogs - opinions!!!! - were more aimed the mainstream user - the tablet and smartphone crowd - rather than nerds.

But I can imagine how you 'daysies' feel. :D
 
Frankly, I'd probably find the writings of someone who has a sincere passion for and is up-to-date on cutting edge and emerging technologies much more interesting, even if the actual presentation wasn't as eloquently structured.

But nerds are hard to please! :D
 
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