Originally posted by zeeblebot...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Windows_and_Linux#Stability
For an operating system to be subjectively “stable”, numerous components must operate synchronously. Not all of these components are under the control of operating system vendor; while Linux and Windows kernels may be stable, poorly written applications and drivers can hamstring both ...[text shortened]... ng system is structured to thwart the consequences of bad behavior of third party installations.
Much of the reputation Windows has for instability can be traced to Windows 95, 98, and ME, which were notorious for displaying the blue screen of death (BSOD) upon crashing. Two weaknesses with these particular Windows versions increased the likelihood such a crash would occur:
* Full 16-bit compatibility. When memory management of the DOS subsystem failed, it would often prompt a BSOD. NT based Windows versions have no true 16-bit support; they contain legacy, 16-bit programs within an emulated sandbox that denies direct hardware access. The 64-bit versions even lack 16-bit support entirely.
* Direct hardware access. Unlike Windows NT, Windows 9x had no hardware abstraction layer. A program or driver that attempted to access protected memory, or interfaced poorly with the hardware, could cause a BSOD.
These are not the exclusive causes of instability, but their correction in the Windows NT codebase has dramatically improved the stability of all subsequent Windows variants.
"their correction in the Windows NT codebase has dramatically improved the stability of all subsequent Windows variants" ...
BUT, doubtful that the rig had a homogenous Vista or Win 7 environment. the labs i've worked in have all used mixes of DOS, Win 2000, and XP for lab machines, XP for user stations, SunOS/Solaris Unix for engineering stations.
it's taken many years for MS to get to the current "dramatically improved" level. it's not like they couldn't have done it sooner. maybe your impressions are different, but i don't remember any magical breakthrough in software development that prevented MS from reaching Linux-like stability and uptimes much sooner.
Agreed, Crowley. In fact, I am willing to bet that a BSOD can be caused by 3rd party software. The problem could have easily been corrupted 3rd party software, and since there is no mention of MS breaking down with ANY other software in operation (and I believe I can safely assume there were several programs in operation at the time) MS is not to blame here. I have only seen 1 person blame MS for this error. Nobody else.
Originally posted by zeeblebotWindows is designed AT IT'S CORE to be compatible with as much hardware and software as possible without driver wrangling.
yeah, 3rd party hw/sw CAN, IS, and HAS BEEN a cause of BSOD, that does not relieve Windows of its part in the equation.
Plus, in order to run the MILLIONS of software systems, programs, games etc. some stability has to be given up.
Is this so difficult to understand?
Originally posted by zeeblebotWhere does it say they were using Windows?
...
Much of the reputation Windows has for instability can be traced to Windows 95, 98, and ME, which were notorious for displaying the blue screen of death (BSOD) upon crashing. Two weaknesses with these particular Windows versions increased the likelihood such a crash would occur:
* Full 16-bit compatibility. When memory management of the DOS s ...[text shortened]... Windows NT codebase has dramatically improved the stability of all subsequent Windows variants.
Other OS also suffer BSOD
Originally posted by zeeblebotExactly.
well, hey then, better not run it on mission critical systems such as missile cruisers or oil rigs!
MS never designed it to run in these types of applications. It's a consumer product designed so kids can run crappy games and my grandmother can send emails.
Originally posted by CrowleyWait, I thought that was the iPad.
Exactly.
MS never designed it to run in these types of applications. It's a consumer product designed so kids can run crappy games and my grandmother can send emails.
(by the way, I bought an iPad for my father and I have to admit I'm now in love with it... The interface is just that awesome to use and the larger screen makes all the difference from an iPhone)
Originally posted by adramforallfrom the 2nd OP: "computers that were supposed to monitor the rig would lock up showing a "blue screen of death," "
Where does it say they were using Windows?
Other OS also suffer BSOD
BSOD is generally a Windows signature. most other OS's use a different color. there may be some others that use blue but they're probably way obsolete and not likely to be used now. OS/2 used black.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_screen_of_death