Real Statistics

If by "communications failures" you mean network problems, and if your results are typical for most networks, then th e argument that NCs are too network dependent may not be such a good one. Besides, as I said in the story, applications are becoming network-centric, so PCs are not immune to network problems, either. Another way to look at it is that NCs are not the cause of network dependency; rather, increased network-centricity is causing NCs.

Statistics aside, I think the biggest problem with today's PCs is persistent storage, especially the intermingling of system software, applications software, and user files on the same storage device. When you consider that users are not only allowed, but often required, to tinker with their system software-and that any program's installer can also modify the system software-it's a wonder PCs work at all. NCs, as stateless devices, avoid the problems associated with persistent storage. Over time, I think PCs will address this issue more directly.--Tom R. Halfhill, senior editor