I use Microsoft products everyday at work. We’re a .NET/MSSQL shop exclusively, so this is what I have to work with. It’s not a bad system. The Visual Studio IDE is a great programming environment - at the feature level. SQL Management Studio is a great product as well - also, at the feature level.
I’ll tell you where things start to break down. My last project encompassed wait times of ~2 minutes per compile. It was not a large project by any means. This is totally unacceptable - a level of torture when you’re recompiling repeatedly to track down a problem. This isn’t the only problem. The IDE is buggy. Very buggy. “I can’t believe I don’t see moths flying out of the box” buggy.
Load times are horrendous. Basic functions cease to do just that. The ability to delete anything - controls, text, all encompassing - is torn from my arsenal on a whim. The only cure for such headaches is to restart the application. The Web IDE suffers from slow, no, that’s not the word. Let me try again: The web IDE suffers from non-existent response times. Changing from control to control is literally nothing more than a visual cue. The underlying effect on the properties box is not there at times.
That machine is a P4 with 2.5G of memory, so I don’t think it’s a hardware issue.
I recently got a new laptop for work which I’ve begun using exclusively for development. After a few days, I began experiencing blue screens. This is frustrating to a level indescribable with the english language. For those who are unfamiliar with the infamous bsod, the errors are extremely cryptic - even to those of us considered “computer literate” - and they always require a restart of your computer.
Long story short (long being a few hours, short being a few words), the blue screens were caused by a conflict between Microsoft SQL Management Studio and my mouse drivers. My mouse, which happens to be Microsoft branded, was running on the newest release of the Intellipoint drivers, released by Microsoft.
Microsoft SMS was conflicting with Microsoft Intellipoint causing Microsoft Windows to crash. How am I supposed to respond to this?
The solution was to downgrade my Intellipoint software (I believe to 5.2) for anyone else out there that wasted a few hours researching this problem to no avail. The problem appears to be recognized, albeit unmanaged.
Today, a new issue reared its ugly head. A Windows Update was pushed out to our machines. Now, this is not entirely the responsibility of Microsoft. Our parent company screens these patches and decides when to push them out. While I’ve always thought it was silly of them to play firewall to Microsoft’s own updates, and it’s turned out to be ineffective anyway, I suppose it’s been proven somewhat necessary.
The patch updated the .NET 2.0 framework. The result was a handful of broken .NET 2.0 applications. I don’t know how this happened. The resolution involved installing the update on a development box, recompiling the applications, and redistributing them to all the necessary employees. Now, I won’t go into details on this except to say that it was a giant spear in my side. A dirty, rusty, spear in my now sore, bleeding, infected side. The damage hasn’t yet been totally contained, but it should be tomorrow, so it’s not the end of the world - this time.
What if one of those applications was mission critical? We have a plant full of people relying on our software that would have come to a screeching halt if the wrong apps had been affected. This is a big screwup, and it needs addressed.
The point. Sorry, that was a long rant, longer than I had expected at least.
Microsoft has hooked a ton of companies with their Visual Studio line of products, and for good reason. They are generally very reliable IDE’s that offer a very intuitive way of developing software. On the downside, we’re all dependent now. It would be extremely hard for us to switch to an alternative. Microsoft obviously recognizes this (though they’re feeling the heat), and that’s good. Capitalize extensively Mr. Gates. But, don’t take advantage. Don’t get comfortable.
Releasing buggy software is a sign of complacency. Your reign won’t last if you screw your customers. You have a huge amount of businesses eating out of the palm of your hand, renewing thousands and thousands of dollars in licensing year after year. And we do it gladly, as long as it works. There’s a strong, loyal following there. Keep it that way. Sure, you have control, but a group of pissed off prisoners cursing high switching costs will not keep a business moving.
If you’re lucky, some will never see the light that is Linux, but to assure the survival of your business, you have to give people a reason to continue paying for what could be free.
48 responses so far ↓
1 Vic // Jul 18, 2007 at 11:39 am
Well in the Microsoft world the Patch is already online before the new software is even released.
2 Investor Bloke // Aug 21, 2007 at 4:15 pm
I agree that Linux is the way forward, although I’m currently being forced to use windows so I can VPN into work.
I have tried both Mandrake and SUSE linus with the latter being an excellent product, I’d recommend it to everone as its an easy way to save lots of money and not contribute to the microsofts coffers.
Actually, given its profile, I’m surprised that google hasn’t thrown its weight behind a linux distro as they have to audience that could give linux the final push it needs.
3 Dutch Oven Recipes // Jan 24, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Two minutes for a compile! I wish. The environment I work in (large, complex embedded sytems) can take hours for a full compile and 15-20 minutes for a minor change. I would give almost anything to have a 2 minute compile.
4 Community Information // Feb 7, 2008 at 12:12 pm
#2 an excellent choice for a linux distro is Ubuntu.
5 Izrada Stranica // Apr 22, 2008 at 2:26 pm
I remember when I’ve patched Windows and something was wrong with my computer. After I’ve googled it and found out it is because patch, so I had to remove it.
6 zohai // May 22, 2008 at 1:52 am
I love linux and have been using Ubuntu for the past few months but then there’s just not enough exact software replacement for it to replace Win OS. And Linux UI is so bloated @.@ It’s eating up so much space compared to Windows. That’s why now I still stick to my XP and Vista.
7 Annabelle Mcgowan // Jun 26, 2008 at 12:23 am
completely relate .
8 Neuwagen // Jun 28, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Yeah. Hehe. Microsoft brings out stuff sometimes…hehe i allways wait a little before getting the new microsoft software..
9 Get Rich Stress Free // Jun 30, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I always love Microsoft software!!!
10 cheap lingerie online // Jul 4, 2008 at 3:01 am
I also love microsoft software.
11 Aaron Mayer // Jul 5, 2008 at 11:31 am
First class! I’d love to read more of your stories
12 Computer Repair Las Vegas // Jul 24, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Hrmm, I’m still of opinion its only a matter of time before microsoft craps out in some area. But maybe not, there are a ton of products out there that are by far not the best in their class.. Yet they sell more than the products that actually work much better.
13 nepali modelling // Jul 25, 2008 at 6:22 am
I would give almost anything to have a 2 minute compile.
14 A. Georgiev // Aug 11, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Hello, I never liked microsoft but I can`t leave without windows. Everytime when I update my windows XP and My computer goes crazy..bugs. And this is the reason that I patched it.
15 Crazy t-shirts // Aug 17, 2008 at 9:42 am
I haven’t had very many bad experiences with Microsoft stuff but in with the couple problems I have had I came to find out that there support services are close to worthless and they have so many departments it takes a long time to talk to the right person. -Nick
16 insaat sonrasi temizlik // Aug 19, 2008 at 4:20 am
thank you for sharing
17 Dresses // Aug 20, 2008 at 6:19 pm
It’s ridiculous to buy any microsoft product right when it comes out unless your filthy rich but still…. Now microsoft is a corporate giant but as far as big companies go they run a pretty solid ship and they have support for all they’re products, plus there return policy is better than most. As far as linux and these new browsers that become hot every month or so some of them are a breath of fresh air but there is nothing that’s gonna change the internet that doesn’t have Googles or Microsofts fingerprints all over it.
18 Gageet.com - Technology News and Reviews // Aug 31, 2008 at 12:23 pm
It happens. I recommend testing the software on one machine before in stalling it on your network or running mission critical apps with it.
19 kaspars // Sep 21, 2008 at 4:12 pm
yes I fully agree!
20 techdude // Sep 27, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Microsoft programmers got caught in recursive function.
Another example. Just recently I was trying to get some help on Windows Live Writer. Got to their online help page. Click on the Live Products link. New page open up with. I click on Windows Live Writer. Live Products page opens again. And so on and on…. Never got any help on WLW
21 Julie // Oct 19, 2008 at 10:29 am
I waiting until I can get my hands on an old machine then I can install Ubuntu and play around with Linux…
I think every computer user has pulled their hair out when using Microsoft’s products
22 Dbz // Oct 26, 2008 at 10:01 pm
I tottaly agree with you, best advice I can give is dont buy a microsoft product as it arrives on the market, Let everybody else iron out the bugs
23 Richard Carlsen // Dec 18, 2008 at 7:52 am
It’s ridiculous to buy any microsoft product right when it comes out unless your filthy rich but still…. Now microsoft is a corporate giant but as far as big companies go they run a pretty solid ship and they have support for all they’re products, plus there return policy is better than most.
24 Sleuthy // Dec 31, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Definitely do a good search online (forums, wikis, etc) and see the complaints people have for the product before you buy.
If someone has a comparable product that is not Microsoft I try to go with that first.
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26 Jewelry // Jan 30, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Now microsoft is a corporate giant but as far as big companies go they run a pretty solid ship and they have support for all they’re products, plus there return policy is better than most.
27 Tom // Mar 1, 2009 at 5:21 am
Thanks for all the informative information. Will be sure to check it up soon. Keep it up and look forward to your future posts.
28 Eco wash balls // Mar 2, 2009 at 9:35 am
Dissin Microsoft is the cool thing to do for a while now
I hate Linux though…
29 Valerie Bertinelli Diet // Apr 14, 2009 at 2:11 am
I really cant wait for windows 7!
30 Google Conquest // Apr 29, 2009 at 10:08 am
Excited!
31 Voice Mail Saying // May 20, 2009 at 6:44 pm
I have tried both Mandrake and SUSE linus with the latter being an excellent product, I’d recommend it to everone as its an easy way to save lots of money and not contribute to the microsofts coffers.
32 Home Tutor // Jun 5, 2009 at 6:15 am
nice post, I have bookmarked ur site, keep the good work
33 Film ?zle // Jun 6, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Good work . . .
34 IP PBX // Jul 4, 2009 at 6:47 am
Microsoft programmers got caught in recursive function.
35 Findurhost // Jul 8, 2009 at 12:12 pm
an excellent choice for a Linux distro is Ubuntu.
36 googlehomebusiness // Aug 3, 2009 at 11:19 am
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37 Uhm, Gee? // Sep 6, 2009 at 7:24 pm
This is mind boggling. Who would ever believe this could happen? Buggy, slow and bloated Microsoft products? Inconceivable!!
It hasn’t hurt them yet. I don’t see the masses getting off their virtual butts and doing something about it. I don’t expect that’ll change much anytime soon.
That being said. 2 minute compile times is long? Man you are so spoiled!!
38 Daily Tech News // Sep 21, 2009 at 4:00 am
I don’t really care if .net has any kinds of problems or not. I wouldn’t go saying the patch needs a patch or anything like that though. I think Microsoft has a fine line of products and there are bugs every now and then - but you are going to get that with anything.
39 Writer // Nov 9, 2009 at 9:16 am
I am confuse with your profession. I though at the first that you are online marketer now you speaks about web development.
You are total package…
40 dvd box set // Dec 2, 2009 at 5:54 am
I have been using a Microsoft product!
41 XBox LIVE // Dec 4, 2009 at 8:32 pm
Microsoft has a very buggy infrastructure.
42 PayPal Money // Dec 4, 2009 at 8:32 pm
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43 Wii Points // Dec 4, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Microsoft is doing better now, with marketing tactics and development similar to Apple. Look at Windows 7.
44 iPageRank // Jan 3, 2010 at 8:54 am
I really cant wait for windows 7!
45 Donna Parker // Feb 24, 2010 at 5:59 am
Microsoft is the best in building softwares
46 Donna Parker // Feb 24, 2010 at 6:14 am
Always my favorite Microsoft. everyone trust the products of Microsoft
47 susan rose // Feb 24, 2010 at 6:17 am
all products of Microsoft are cool
48 Web Designing Company // Feb 26, 2010 at 4:01 am
No doubt that Microsoft is No.1 company in this world. thanks!
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