The Welker Family » Microsoft

Trusting metrics from software producers

Glenn Welker — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:16:03 +0000

Lifehacker has an article pointing out a new browser comparison chart that is decidedly bent towards IE8. This isn’t surprising considering that Microsoft released the comparison chart.

I previously posted on a comparison chart for CRM software for MRH Technology Group and their software Tour de Force. While I poked fun at the fact that they didn’t list any of their competitors, they might have had the right idea. By listing their competitors, they either would have needed to only list categories that they thought they could easily come out on top, or find ways to manipulate results to suggest that they product was still superior even if other products came out on top in other categories.

The browser comparison from IE 8 is laughable and if you notice, Microsoft has taken notice and changed the chart since Lifehacker reported on it. The one I found most laughable, was the developer tools category. Now I realize most people don’t develop web applications, but those that do rely heavily on Firebug. Internet Explorer has the IE developer toolbar which is pathetic in comparison.

Have a look at their chart, but take the results with a grain of salt… I guess that applies to any manufacturer that creates their own comparison chart.

Feed your inner geek, Windows 7 beta

Glenn Welker — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:20:46 +0000

Microsoft after a rough limited beta release has extended a free public beta of Windows 7 through January 24th.

You can download your copy here

Bill Gates retires

Glenn Welker — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:53:08 +0000

Yesterday, after 33 years, Bill Gate’s retired from Microsoft. Bill at the ripe old age of 52 is still going to be actively involved with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation is the richest philanthropy organization in the world.

So what do you think? Is it time for some new guns to take control? Are we going to miss his advancements?

Google vs Microsoft. Space images at your fingertips

Glenn Welker — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:00:33 +0000

Google, has had for some time now a feature in Google Earth which allows you to view space by simply flipping the camera. From your view menu you can select “switch to sky” and your perspective switches to the heavens above. From there you can simply type in names of any constellation, star, moon, etc. and your perspective will change to show you those items. It also has some nice features, such as current sky events, and many education links to get you off to a quick start.

Google Sky

New to this game possibly is Microsoft. Always one to stick their noses in numerous areas comes Microsoft Worldwide Telescope. At first glance the application seems polished and well integrated. I found the application to be a little sluggish in loading some of the imagery but that is where this application truly shines. It has an extensive collection of imagery from numerous sources. The downside from my perspective was that the application is so extensive. It was a little hard for me to know where to go. I could break down and view demos or for that matter read the manual, but I didn’t.

WorldWide Telescope

Both applications allow you to view the sky or earth. I found Google’s application to be slightly less complicated to use and more interactive on my system. The Microsoft tool certainly seems more feature rich. One note is the Microsoft application is still in beta and I have noticed some quirks. One quirk was that it has a tendency to control your cursor even if the application isn’t currently the foremost window. At any rate, two great tools to enjoy our wondrous Universe.