Is Desktop Software Dying? - Comments Page 1

I don't think desktop software is dead. For serious work, it still takes a serious computer.

This is a really sad trend (just like smart cars--should be called dumb cars). Most of the items mentioned in this article I have no use for and just as well for I still have a flip phone that still works great. And, I have no intention of ever "downgrading" to a so-called smart phone. So, to all the companies that are making their products/services available only via a mobile device, I only have two words--> "Screw You" (I have no need for your crap anyway).

One thing with apps on a cell phone, when you install you usually have to permit access to all kinds of information in the phone that obviously has nothing to do with the app. (But, who reads those things?)

Desktops are nowhere as easily set up to identify you. (Every cell phone has a telephone number.) Today the real driving force is to collect as much information about you and then be able to sell it off.

For business use, the desktop still remains the essential tool. I use plenty of mobile apps, but they are for leisure and personal uses. But for serious word processing, spread sheet development, data management, mobile is inferior.

The only time I encounter a problem is due to the fact that I use some social media apps for marketing my business. I would prefer to have snapchat on my desktop so I could more easily use it to promote my services. Fortunately, Facebook and Twitter have pretty good desktop apps.

I hope the software Jocks re-think the Desktop Business.
I do ALL of my work at home on my desktop

It's a type of class warfare. Do everything on mobile or be left out. Just was notified my credit union can now take deposits by 'phone - IF you have a smart 'phone to make copy of check. My flip 'phone is just too dumb. My income is also. Being elderly and infirm, one of us with no techie smarts, it's best to have a land line for emergencies but I have a limited cell plan so I can call for road service if ever needed.

And have you noticed that most of the contests and promotions now require a "smart" 'phone?

I have worked for 2 software development companies who began in 1985. One for selling products like coffee, beer, soda, snacks, etc. and the other to manage the manufacture of drilling equipment, food products, satellites, tire products, clothing, etc.

The growth market for IT is in the mobile space where data analysis is limited. However, when a company has 30,000 parts that get combined in x? ways for finished widgets, tablets and smart-phones are limited at best.

IBM mid-range computers and various network O/S are still necessary to count the widgets sold by small, 6 employee operations up to Ford and GM.

Serious users should maybe investigate Linux. Seems to be still offering many great packages, and mostly free.

On the bright side I'm saving money by not purchasing the software upgrades and new versions that used to be offered almost daily through email.

I'm the oldest on my job. The young pups range from 18 to 30 years young. They all use tablets. Don't even own a pc. We use lap tops for our jobs. Home use is tablets or smart phone only. Times they are a changing (could make a song out of that).

I enjoy your column and read it regularly even though I use Linux most of the time. I have a Windows 10 laptop and use your helpful tips. I certainly agree with Hotdawg and his suggestion that serious users investigate Linux. I use Linux Mint Mate most of the time but enjoy trying the Many other distributions, most of them Free and good alternatives to Windows.

Heard about the gal who got a new smart phone and after about two weeks, she learned that, in addition to all the "stuff" she was doing on the phone, she found out she could also make a phone call on it.

I totally agree with you. My first computer WINDOWS XP, then 8, 8/1.all I had to do to open software was click on it and it opened. I then upgraded to WINDOWS 10.Noow when I want to open software, I am badgered to open and try this program, why cant program writers leave well alone still love your page though

Follow the money.

When these phone addicts get their identity stolen a few times, they might return to a hard-wired desktop. Hackers look to the future, and that appears to be wireless. That by definition, makes wired connections safer.

This is a little depressing since I'm desktop dependent, and prefer it that way, but feel like I'm going to be falling behind now on choices and options. I dread even having to switch at some point to Win10. But it's good to know where things are heading so I plan to add more technology to my life, if I absolutely have to. I've been reading your articles for a while now and just wanted to let you know how useful they are, this one included, and say thanks.

Anthony, thank you for your insight and keen grasp of the situation. I couldn't have said it better. I am starting to embrace the consequences of old age, more and more each day.

I use a flip phone. I purchase 1000 minutes and 365 days once a year and at year's end have over half the minuets remaining. I do not have accounts for Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc... I use a mobile phone for emergencies and most make calls when away from my computer or landline. It is not a good practice to force users to purchase or use products they have no interest in.

After 2 years of having a "smart" phone that I used for nothing more than making phone calls, I dumped it earlier this month and went back to a simple flip phone. I hated that complicated POS which I had zero use for, and am much happier with a simple to use flip phone. Verizon told me a lot of people are going back to flips, so maybe the software "geniuses" might want to take note? But I doubt it will happen.

Well I hope this present trend does not continue but watching things over time has shown movements away from a certain "platform" and then the later discovery of the wonderful old way,only to become new again.