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Kitchens Sync
Snow Leopard and Windows 7 Put the Focus on Optimization, Not Feature Bloat
- 2009.03.09 - Tip Jar
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One event that everyone in the Mac community is anticipating this year is the release of Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard".
I am just as excited as everyone else, but perhaps not for the most obvious reasons. Though the smaller size and code optimizations are certainly attractive, I am more intrigued by the new precedent set by both Apple and Microsoft in operating system design. Both Snow Leopard and Windows 7 are taking the intense concentration away from having tons of new features introduced with each new OS version.
A Better OS
While there are some advances, the major focus for each new version centers on code optimization and other architectural improvements. Snow Leopard will introduce the ability to run fully in 64-bit mode, as well as other technological enhancements, while Windows 7 will attempt to fix issues that have unfortunately hampered Vista's dominance as successor to XP.
This attitudinal shift in the development of both companies' major operating systems signals that the computer industry as a whole might be shifting from an emphasis on new gadgets and gizmos used to market the OS to technological advances for the sake of a better and brighter future.
This is most definitely a step in the right direction. By demonstrating that they have a commitment to excellence and quality, both Microsoft and Apple are laying the foundation for more cooperation. Someday, perhaps even in the near future, we may witness these two putting aside their bitter rivalry and ongoing fight for platform dominance in favor of a synergistic cooperation for the benefit of all.
Utopian Dreams
If these words sound utopian and futuristic, that is because they are utopian and futuristic.
In order for computing technology as a whole to meet its full potential, the attitudes of everyone involved in the industry - from journalists to engineers to the CEOs of the corporate giants - must change to reflect a spirit of cooperation and focus on the fulfillment of technological promise, not the bottom line.
Rather than having the greatest minds of our generation pitted against each other through inter-corporate competition, why can't we allow them to work together, creating a win-win situation for everyone?
One of my greatest wishes is for technology to continue developing to the point that space elevators, microscopic robots, and sentient computers, concepts once firmly planted in the realm of science fiction, will become commonplace. Perhaps this will happen in my lifetime; technology certainly seems to have come far in the last century.
For now, the best we can hope for is a continuing trend of
technological advancement from not only Apple and Microsoft, but also
from the entire industry.
If you find Kevin's articles helpful, please consider making a donation to his tip jar.
Recent Columns by Kev Kitchens
- Mac OS X Server Shortcomings in the Enterprise, 08.17. For large organizations, the maximum number of servers, replication issues, limited database size, domain integration and high costs can keep Apple out.
- Apple Comes Through, Resolving Overheating iMac Problem, 06.10. After frustration with the local Apple Store, customer service came through by authorizing a repair - and then a replacement when the problem persisted.
- Apple Store Headaches over Fixing an Overheating iMac under Warranty, 04.08. The fan never seemed to run on this 8-month-old iMac, but it was getting hot and flaky. The problem was mixed messages from the staff of the local Apple Store.
- Snow Leopard and Windows 7 Put the Focus on Optimization, Not Feature Bloat, 03.09. "While there are some advances, the major focus for each new version centers on code optimization and other architectural improvements."
- More in the Kitchens Sync index.
Links for the Day
- Mac of the Day: Power Mac G5 Quad, Oct. 2005 - With two 2.5 GHz dual-core G5 CPUs, the G5 Quad was the most powerful PowerPC Mac ever and introduced PCI Express.
- Group of the Day: Mac Network deals with all aspects of Mac networking.
- November 20 in LEM history: 85: Windows 1.0 - 00: Mac dreams - 01: Stop the upgrade insanity - Good people, good software, good business - The digital lifestyle: Text - 06: To AppleCare or not? - One year with my 'free' Mac mini - 07: Why you want to avoid integrated graphics - Problem with Leopard on a MDD
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Recent Content on Low End Mac
- Apple's Tablet an End Run Beyond Netbooks, Frank Fox, Stop the Noiz, 11.20. Whatever Apple has planned will leverage existing technologies while going beyond what its competitors can offer.
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- More links in our archive.
Recent Deals
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- Best iBook G4 Deals, 11.16. Used 12" 1.07 GHz Combo, $210; 1.33 GHz, $298; 14" 1.33 GHz, $398; 1.42 GHz, $479; SuperDrive, $498.
- Best iPod shuffle Deals, 11.16. Used 1 GB, $35; 4 GB, $65; refurb 1 GB, $39; 2 GB, $59; new 2 GB, $55, 4 GB, $75. New and refurb prices include shipping.
- More deals in our archive.
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