>Operating system released recently? Its 2001, Windows 2000 came out in 1999!!

Lloyd;

My original sentance:

"Working with tools not supported and on operating systems released recently can have serious problems".


Yes – that is the point. Recently is subjective however Microsoft has not supported FoxPro 2.6 for several years. I am aware of the release date of Windows 2000. Trying to use obsolete tools is something I would not expect to be successful. Using them with an operating system that did not exist until after Microsoft dropped support is not a guarantee of success. If someone says “Having a problem with FoxPro 2.6 and Windows XP”, I would not be surprised. Windows 2000 is no different in that regard.

Users will update hardware, operating systems and some software. Custom software created by developers is another story. If we were talking about People Soft or SAP (etc.) we would be talking about another mentality. Some people think a DOS system created in 1985 should work as well today as it did when it was first delivered. I agree with that concept but only if the hardware and operating system allow this to be successful. I have a very good friend who has such a system and runs his business with it. He and his wife own the largest music literature store in Northern California. They do not use the latest version of hardware of software. That is their choice.

Excuse the analogy, but if you built a car and a customer put grossly oversized tires on it and they did not fit, who has made a mistake? Was the car intended to accept any and all changes a customer might make? Should specific technical issues be addressed before contemplating any changes? Who is the responsible party? Was the original vehicle delivered as promised?

Relate this example to software we create for clients and companies that we work for. Before delivering an application to a client I define in writing all details of the hardware, network, operating system and other specific details important to the success of a project. The client and I sign this document along with others (needs analysis, etc.) and we proceed.

You cannot be responsible if your client changes components of their infrastructure without involving you. You can spend a great deal of time and energy trying to jump through hoops and bandage your system to meet your clients needs. That is a very painful approach and one I would not recommend if you have a choice.

I hope you understand my point.
1. There is an “ideal” combination of hardware/operating system/ssoftware that exists.
2. Change one of these elements and you could easily render the rest inoperative.
3. Not all versions of hardware/operating systems/software are compatible.
4. Plug and play (changing any item above) does not guarantee success.

Now the average salesman will tell you anything to make a sale. I find it beneficial to do my homework before I commit myself.

Good luck and I hope you are able to resolve your problem. By the way my fathers name is also Lloyd.

Tom