🚀 go-pugleaf

I have to admit I haven't read all 5000+ posts on this subject, but I think 
everybody here is probably missing the point.  It doesn't matter if W'95 will 
support true multitasking, or whether it runs DOS programs with less hassles 
than OS/2, or any of that crap.

What matters is that in a short time after it's release, W'95 will come 
preloaded on the majority of new computers sold in the US.  I read somewhere 
that Compaq is already commited to this, in fact.  Plus it will sell like 
hotcakes regardless of whatever whining and bitching there is online.  You see, 
we here on the 'net represent an incredibly small percentage of the computer 
gamers and regular users in the real world.  The latest issue of CGW 
(or maybe is was PC Gamer - sorry, the magazines are at work) mentioned the 
results of some feedback study they did.  Only an incredibly small percentage 
of it's readers ever logged onto major commercial online services (Cserve, AOL, 
Genie, etc) and an even smaller number of people used the internet.  When all 
is said and done, we here are very small group of people arguing amongst 
ourselves, and computer makers know that.  The overwhelming majority of users 
out there get any info they have from Magazines (which for the most are lining 
up in favor of W'95), friends (who read those positive articles), and store 
clerks (who want to sell the dominant OS so they can sell more apps for that 
OS).

Once W'95 moves into it's position of dominance (where DOS/Win 3.1 are now), 
what makes you think Origin, LucasArts, Sierra, Microprose, or any other 
company is going to continue making titles for an OS system that only a small 
portion of zealots will be using?  Where's the money in that, versus the money 
required to develop for that minority platform?  Maybe if OS/2 continues to 
develop more followers, you might see OS/2 versions of really popular titles 
(as you see Mac versions occasionally of big PC games), but they'll be few and 
far between.  What IBM will have to do is bend over backwards, crippling its OS 
to insure compatibility with W'95 products - much as Microsoft is having to do 
now to insure compatibility with all previous DOS/Win 3.1 products.

Sierra has all but commited to Windows.  Origin is doing Ultima 9 as a Windows 
only product.  Wake up and smell the coffee, people!  It's only a matter of 
time!

-rich