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What does "Compatible" mean in computereese?

Anonymous
2010-03-05T17:29:04+00:00

In computer parlance does "compatible" mean that the user (me)

gets a certain percentage of feature  use from a program, like say 51% THEN it's compatible?

Does compatible mean you can make it so IF you download this, apply that, buy new hardware, take a course in Computer Science

THEN it's compatible?

When I buy a pound of hamburger meat the store doesn't tell me how to cook it,but it does tell me to cook it to a certain temperature. And when I get it home and open the package I find magots in the meat , when I return it to the store ,they ususally don't try and tell me that's more protein.

So what does "compatible" mean in computereese?

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-03-05T18:16:18+00:00

    Hi Sagatious,

    The term "compatibility" refers to whether a software publisher supports their software program or a hardware manufacturer supports their device on operating system. With advances in security and reliability in latest operating system, thousands of products have been updated for compatibility with the new operating system to provide a superior PC experience.

    To determine product compatibility status for the Compatibility Center, we look at whether:

    ·         The product has earned the "Compatible with Windows 7" logo which indicates it has met Microsoft testing requirements for compatibility with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7.

    ·         The software publisher or device manufacturer stated this products works with 32-bit and/or 64-bit Windows 7. Please note that these products have not undergone "Compatible with Windows 7" Logo Program compatibility tests. Also, visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

    ·         The software publisher or device manufacturer stated they plan to offer a compatible version for 32-bit and/or 64-bit Windows 7 by a specified date in the future. Microsoft provides this information as a service for your information only. Since compatibility dates can change, please check back for updates and also visit the manufacturer’s website for more information.

    Article which you may refer:

    Find Windows-compatible programs

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Find-Windows-compatible-programs

    Regards,

    Gulrez

    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

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  1. Anonymous
    2010-03-05T21:38:47+00:00

    Use your common sense dude.

    Any company/manufacturer that develops any program has got it's own testing team which will test the program on different platforms like Windows, Linux etc. I mean why should Microsoft test the products made by other manufacturers. They have got their own softwares to test and support.

    e.g. If you make a program, you won't give to Microsoft and Red Hat for testing. You will have to test yourself for the compatibility of the program on their operating systems.

    Always Microsoft !!!

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  2. Anonymous
    2010-03-05T20:26:04+00:00

    Thank you for that very corporate double speak answer that did answer my basic questions.

    How much of the program should work as advertised and how much work should I have to do to make it work?

    I am not talking about Microsoft I am questioning the amount of  possible "testing" required before a program or hardware can receive a "Compatible" rating by MS. Does MS do the testing? Or do they leave it up to the individual companies to "certify" that their products meet MS specifications?

    As in most of life the wink, wink, nudge,nudge, factor is probably alive in the computer industry. I just hoped some one could quantify it to help releive me of some of my naive trust.

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