A different Windows, Mac debate: Which has the stronger community? |
Connect with TechFlash on our Facebook page for all the latest technology news headlines and commentary, plus information and access to special events, photos from events, promotions and more.
Today On Techflash
- Can Microsoft overcome the smartphone app gap?
- Hey recruiters: Here's an R&D lab run by, and for, students
- Apps that waste your time (in a good way): Execs' addictions
- WTIA announces Industry Achievement Award finalists
- Analyst sees 7-inch iPad in Apple future
- Check out this app: Executives list the ones they use most
Mass High Tech
- Microsoft Build: Windows 8 preview a hit, but are investors unhappy?
- Build an app in a day at Mobile App Hackathon
- Beefed-up Skype for Windows; Indie author joins Amazon's 'Kindle Million Club'
- Only solution to Xbox 360 update error is new console
- Ballmer: Windows Phone update 'Mango' has over 500 new features
A different Windows, Mac debate: Which has the stronger community?
Mac and Windows loyalists are known to debate endlessly the technological merits of the two platforms. That's always fun, but judging from the reader response, our post this week on Apple and Steve Jobs bowing out of Macworld Expo has raised a different and more interesting question: Which has the stronger sense of community?
The issue came up in the post when we asked Seattle journalist Glenn Fleishman about Macworld Expo's meaning.
"It's a real source of community," Fleishman said. "There's no such community in the Windows world. There are people who use Windows and there are communities of interest in the Windows world. Linux may be a little more similar to Mac in that sense, even though it's more of a technical nature. But you don't have the same feeling of affinity."
In the comments, reader Graham Watson took issue with that statement, saying the tens of thousands of people who attend Microsoft events such as TechEd, Mix and the Professional Developers Conference would disagree. He added that the millions of members of Microsoft related technical groups worldwide would also have a problem with that statement."
Of course, sheer numbers don't make a community strong. But there's no question that Windows fans have their own special sense of collegiality -- particularly when you get away from the corporate events and go to grassroots gatherings such as Microsoft's MVP Summit and Mix. Remember the reception Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer got from the crowd there this year?
I also regularly attend Apple events such as Macworld and the Worldwide Developer Conference, and I can attest to the electric feeling in the room when Mac enthusiasts get together. Maybe it's a function of people in the minority finding like-minded souls. And maybe that feeling has been diluted as the iPod and iPhone have taken Apple more into the mainstream in recent years.
In any event, it's an interesting question to ponder. Feel free to offer your thoughts in the comments below.
If you are commenting using a Facebook account, your profile information may be displayed with your comment depending on your privacy settings. By leaving the 'Post to Facebook' box selected, your comment will be published to your Facebook profile in addition to the space below.
TechFlash Team
Recent Sponsor Posts
Who's creating today's energy efficient buildings? Find out at the BetterBricks Awards, Feb. 16
BetterBricks Awards salute the individuals leading the way for high performance commercial buildings with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Join us as we recognize these standout green building professionals.
Award categories include: Advocate; Architect/Designer; Facility Manager/Operator; and Owner/Developer.
Keynote Speaker: Kevin Kampschroer, Director of U.S. GSA's Office of Federal High Performance Buildings. Kevin leads the U.S. General Services Administration's efforts in building sustainability and accelerating industry adoption of sustainable principles across all aspects of a building's life.
Register here by February 10!
If you are interested in buying a table, email Monica Alquist or call her at 206-876-5404.
The Triple Door Presents: The Atomic Bombshells "J'ADORE!: A Burlesque Valentine"
Seattle's reigning Burlesque super-troupe delivers a gorgeous and glittering VALENTINE featuring some of the Bombshells' most exhilarating acts to date. J'Adore! promises to celebrate l'amour with good humor, style, and a healthy dose of dazzle! Bring a friend, a lover, a family member, or a secret crush, and celebrate with the Valentine's Burlesque spectacular that will leave you shouting: "J'ADORE......The Atomic Bombshells!" The incomparable Jasper McCann emcees with high style and charm.
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
The Triple Door Presents: Bob Mould – See A Little Light: An Evening of Reading and Music
"Bob Mould. Those two words are synonymous with integrity. From Husker Du in the last century to right at this moment, Bob is the real deal, writing and playing music for music's sake. He's a great songwriter and performer. I have been a fan of Bob's for thirty years now with no end in sight." -Henry Rollins
Please visit www.thetripledoor.net for a full schedule of future performances.
Why Choose BDO for your SOC (previously SAS 70) Reports?
BDO’s experience in providing attestation services (SAS 70/SSAE 16, AT 101, AT 201, AT 601, etc.) to a broad range of industries, and our team of skilled professionals distinctly qualifies us to serve as your company’s Service Auditor. By leveraging the BDO global network of control specialists, we are poised to provide global services in more than 1,000 offices and across 119 countries. Many organizations find that investing in reports on controls may result in benefits, including:
• Increased client confidence
• Improved competitive advantage
• Minimization of frequent audits
• Streamlined business processes and controls
• Enhanced risk management
For detailed information contact Paul Martini at pmartini@bdo.com.
