10 flawed products that are really bad
Summary: Certain well-known software and hardware products simply aren't very good — in fact some are barely usable, says Jack Wallen.
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Multitouch screen technology is relatively new and functions reasonably well on tablets, but moving it to the desktop doesn't work. We are accustomed to standard monitors, which use a mouse and keyboard. Although this technology is not ideal for the human wrist, shoulders, and back, it's far better than reaching out to a monitor to use multitouch. What we need is a desk with a built-in multitouch display on a horizontal surface. This position would be far more natural and ergonomic than any other and would really help make multitouch feasible and desirable. But for now, multitouch on the desktop is nothing more than a gimmick.
More candidates?
None of the failings of these technologies will bring the world to a halt. But each one can put a brake on productivity or even stop work altogether. Are there other technologies that you think are in need of urgent repair?
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Talkback
Windows Live Mail comes to the top of my head
So many show stopping bugs but little support
Way too complicated to replace outlook express, way to limited to replace outlook.
It is a good thing Thunderbird is still around.
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
The most recent one I can remember( there have been many)
Usually reinstalling Chrome fixes that one or setting your default mail client fixes this in outlook express or MS Office Outlook. Not usually the case for Windows Live Mail. I spent hours on the problem with no avail. Other times over the years I've had clients lose all their contacts because windows live mail doesn't store the contacts in a folder like it does the .eml files for messages, it keeps them in an inaccessible database file. Not a normal format either like a .wab or .pst file. Often I have seen clients with several messages that are blank and I've never figured out why. You get an error message when you click on them about something not being found. It doesn't seem to happen in other email programs.
@VintageComputerGuy
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
Well, it can't quote is its biggest drawback. It can be really tough to tell what is the response and what is the new writing. You can't even tell whether there are one or 19 responses since it doesn't differentiate between quotes.
And that's just the beginning.
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
All you need to do is open Windows Live Mail and if it finds Outlook Express it migrates. It couldn't be simpler.
Thunderbird is nice but it's no replacement for WLM 2011. I've used both extensively. It pales by comparison. Outlook 2010 beats both of them.
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
Why do people so often assume touch-screen monitors are intended to be used instead of mice and keyboards? You're not supposed to use them 100% of the time.
Thunderbird is much more Senior friendly
It works better as an outlook express replacement than WLM
75% of my clients are seniors
I especially like the "Theme and Font Size Changer" addon for those who's eyes don't work as well as before.
As for my business clients, without a doubt MS Office Outlook (I always have to use the full name because my clients get confused with the Express variety)
Now you understand where I am coming from
I agree - IE9 does not belong on this list.
Outlook does not belong on the list. Who can live without it?
Notice that the author...
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
Also you have obviously not used WLM for anythinig but the simplest of tasks, says this home user. WLM is pathetic compared to any other mail client out there. If you're much into emailing and nesgroups, you're in for a big surprise.
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
Meanwhile, Thunderbird has support for basically all the most common HTML elements and CSS properties.
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
However, Microsoft Security Essentials is a FANTASTIC product for gratis OR for fully paid! After seeing how unobtrusive MSE is, and what little resources it used, I've switched and recommended all consumers do the same.
The following words from the author...well...
"Most consumer-grade antivirus does more harm than good. One of the exceptions I've found to that rule is Microsoft Security Essentials. Apart from that, your best bet is to either use OS X or Linux or unplug the PC from the network.
-=-=-=NO TRUER WORDS HAVE EVER BEEN SPOKEN!!!!!=-=-=-
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
ABSOLUTELY ON ALL POINTS
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
I agree with those who say Windows Live Mail 2011 is flawed. I'm just a home user and I get blank email in my archives, quotes that can't be read in emails I send and a lack of keyboard commands. There are others which don't come to mind at the moment. You get used to working with an inferior product eventually but you never forget it's a dog. I never had problems with Outlook Express. I did try Mozilla's email program and didn't like it either. I can never understand why companies take a good product and break it. The "new, improved" version should be an option, not used to replace something that people were happy with.
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
Not seeing your point.....
Predictive text: problem is no one really (other than RIM) has a good one out there for use on iOS and Android.
Desktop multitouch form factor - looking at a gaming version (brand tbd) and am liking what I see so far....
Other than these, I have to agree with you though some I have never tried and others drop and punt.
RE: 10 flawed products that are really bad
I also use Flash, IE9, Outlook and Live Mail and don't have any problems with them at all.