The Great Microsoft Debate: When Did They Reach Their Peak?
In a thrilling contest, the readers have crowned the winner of the Microsoft Christmas Sweater, but the real debate rages on: when did Microsoft truly reach its pinnacle?
We delved into the archives of The Register to uncover the thoughts of its closest followers on this controversial topic. The prize? One of Microsoft's highly sought-after Ugly Christmas Sweaters, the Artifact Sweater, a doubly exclusive item that has already sold out in their store.
Among the responses, a comment from user Korev stood out: "I'm actually afraid to comment in case I win." This sparked a lively discussion, with Admiral Grace Hopper offering a thought-provoking perspective: "Windows NT 3.51 was the last serious OS Microsoft produced before the GDI moved into the kernel. Everything since has had a comedic element, intentional or not."
But here's where it gets controversial... Many would argue that Microsoft's peak came during its ill-fated foray into mobile devices with Windows Phone, or perhaps with various operating system milestones (or millstones, as some might say). Davemcwish believes it was Windows 95, citing the launch event where Gates, Balmer, and others tried to be cool, dancing to the Rolling Stones before the eager masses lined up to buy the new OS.
Ah, the infamous Microsoft dances! While not necessarily a peak, they certainly provide a cringe-worthy moment that could cause permanent spinal damage!
And this is the part most people miss... Some believe Microsoft hasn't reached its peak yet. Dr. G. Freeman commented, "Peak would mean a maximum, and Microsoft still has a way to go before becoming totally annoying, unusable, and a complete waste of space."
Among the specific mentions, STOP_FORTH suggested a more modest peak with "Windows Task Manager on XP SP2." We reached out to the original author of Task Manager, Dave Plummer, who, while reluctant to name a peak, said, "I'm fond of the NT4 SUR release, and I consider XP a high watermark, but I wouldn't call it their peak."
For a while, Ravester's comment, "Peak Microsoft was when Gandalf's hair was still brown and his beard mere stubble," led the pack, but the ultimate winner is Wolfetone.
Wolfetone wrote, "Micro$oft peaked when they released Clippy. And I would quite like the jumper, and I promise to wear it the day my wife goes into labor for our second child, due on December 23rd."
Wolfetone takes the crown, not just for the Clippy suggestion but for the promise to wear the sweater during such a momentous occasion. The idea that a newborn's first glimpse of the world would be a knitwear disaster adorned with Microsoft's greatest hits was enough to melt even the coldest, grinchiest hearts.
And let's be honest, given Microsoft's prevalence in the education system, wearing the sweater to a birth is the ultimate embodiment of "get 'em while they're young."
Congratulations, Wolfetone! Check your email for the prize. ®
What do you think? When was Microsoft's peak? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's continue this friendly debate!
