Yesterday I wrote about replacing the
graphical user interface with something more universally intuitive.
Several ideas have since occurred to me about GUIs and their potential
replacements.
For the record, I am not a Unix lover. I appreciate its power and
speed, but I still get a headache thinking about how it actually works,
and how its components (such as X-Windows) have superseded superior
technologies such as NeWS.
I use Mac OS X as my everyday OS, alongside SGI IRIX and Yellow Dog
Linux, so, love it or hate it, I've had to learn a lot about Unix. Mac
OS X has addressed a lot of my grudges against Unix, especially by
dispensing with the X-Window system, which is the computer equivalent
of emptying a truck load of molasses into your car's engine. I still
prefer SGI's hardware, but for everyday use, the interface is the
computer, and though IRIX is clean and has good plug and play, it still
requires knowledge of the command shell.
The big thing that Mac OS X gets right - that most other Unicies get
wrong - is configurability. All computers should have three basic
levels of configurability. Firstly, very little for the neophyte. This
would be akin to the Classic Mac OS, which allows little more than
minor cosmetic changes.
It occurs to me that if we are to see new interfaces developed for
pervasive computing, that we'll see this sort of permanent, "nonuser
serviceable" interface. However, many of us want to delve deeper, and
this is where the other two levels come in. Mac OS X allows us to
do so by the use of "Advanced" tabs.
Most of us are satisfied with this, but for real tinkering you can
call up a console. Now, I'm not saying that the command line is the
best way to do this, but at least you can really take control. Of
course, there's no reason why this kind of configurability couldn't be
offered in other forms.
Traditional Unix-based OSes and pervasive computing interfaces stand
at opposite ends of the spectrum. Unix offers ultimate configurability,
new interfaces will offer ease of use. As a user, I don't want to be
locked out from the system - that's why I don't own an information
appliance. On the other hand, if I didn't have to learn how to use
Unix, I wouldn't have. I shouldn't have to choose.
So Steve, if your listening, as far as the GUI goes, you got it
right with Mac OS X. Make sure you get it right with the next big
thing....
Share your perspective on the Mac by emailing with "My Turn" as your subject.
