Oh, How We Love Windows
I have never really been a fan of Windows. I have always found that, as a user interface to launch user interfaces, it pales when compared to Mac OS. There are videos around of Windows even crashing whilst being demonstrated to technical professionals. Nice one Microsoft.
Anyway, I was on a machine running windows (no, not one of the new macs!!) yesterday, and was amazed by the Desktop clutter this person had accumulated. I am probably considered a Desktop Minimalist, because an untidy desktop just detracts from the lovely photo you spent ages finding on the internet that you’re using for a background.
And this, I can only assume, is why Microsoft invented the Desktop Cleanup Wizard. Great, something that will unclutter my Desktop every 60 days! But, in it’s great glory, where do you think the Wizard puts the icons it cleaned up? In a folder right back on the Desktop!!! Imagine the developer meetings:
Designer 1: I think people are sick of having messy Desktops.
Designer 2: You’re right! I don’t use half the icons on my Desktop.
Designer 1: Yeah! Well why don’t we build in a handy feature to clean it up every 60 days?
Designer 2: Brilliant idea, but where are we going to put the links? We can’t just delete them…
Designer 1: How about we put them in a folder …ummm… on the Desktop! So people know where they are?
Designer 2: Umm, isn’t there a more logical place, like My Computer, considering we’re taking things off the Desktop?
Project Manager: No, I think people will like Designer 1’s idea, let’s run with it.
There are many other “features” in Windows that I don’t like, but maybe I’ll save them until next time. I have to go and tidy my room by putting everything in one box in the corner.
August 27th, 2006 at 4:14 pm
I hate it when the icons destroy the pretty pretty picture that is your background…. ! Clean-up wizard is useful for lazy-ones like me though, makes it really SO much easier to sort through the junk…
I’m sure if i’d grown up on Macs I’d love them as much as you do, apple-nerd.
August 27th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
or like the blue screen thing that happens whenever anything is just a little bit too hard basket
or the shortcut thing they put right next to the start bar, originally introduced as a shortcut to the programs folder for windows 95 i believe.
or like the brains trust at windows “accidently” releasing the entire source code of xp to the internet 3 days after it was released, consequently resulting in a virus for just about everything you can do in windows.
or vista’s new features, like “fast find” which is identical to “Spotlight” on OSX 10.5 and above.
or the way it’s able to connect to just about any device after downloading and automatically installing the incorrect drivers and then running the device which leads to a blue screen
actually, i think the first thing windows did when they sat down to sort out some code for a OS was buy a copy of OSX and a crappy photocopier and of course, write that blue screen message…
August 27th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
oh and i like to dub it Windoez… for idoits
August 29th, 2006 at 12:19 am
So Will, here I am, adding a comment at last.
I’m undecided on how much I like Windows, I don’t mind it at all and find it easy to use, but I’ll leave that discussion for another time.
With regards to desktop icons, back in Year 9 I developed a liking for them, so much so this developed. Click here. Anytime I didn’t need an icon anymore I’d just print the screen to save it, and add more icons around it. As you can see looking at the various My Computer icons it’s gone through a few versions of Windows.
I haven’t used this as a background for a while, but I might start adding to it again now.
August 29th, 2006 at 3:19 pm
Oh man… thank you for making me laugh today. I hate a messy desktop more than just about anyone so I feel your pain, but I go about things the hard way and get rid of all the icons myself (except the recycling bin… I like that one). Anyway, I am apparently still loyal to PCs because I bought one today… and thats ONLY because I spent all my money coming over to see you guys and can’t afford a Mac right now.
If you want a good laugh in return, please read about the buffalo (pl) I came across today.
September 2nd, 2006 at 12:18 pm
Sacha, that buffalo story is a cracker! You crazy Canadians.
You make it sound like you came over with the express intention of seeing us, hmmm. Damn cheeky travellers!
September 2nd, 2006 at 1:44 pm
Yes, we are a rather cheeky bunch… but that’s why you love us so much, no?
September 4th, 2006 at 1:49 pm
Most definitely. But apparently now the Italians have to put up with you as well!
September 9th, 2006 at 12:11 am
I know… aren’t they a lucky bunch?
Today I got my foot caught in some garbage and just about took a massive dive straight into the cobblestones while screaming ‘fuck!’ at the top of my lungs. it was not, perhaps, my most shining moment, but its been a very long, frustrating sort of day…
Also, can you help me fix a problem? I think my phone is completely f’ed… so here’s what I am going to do. I am going to text message you right NOW (3:40, Rome time) and I want you to let me know if/when you got this message and if you sent a message back. Because either I am not getting other people’s messages, or they are not getting mine in the first place or there is a MASSIVE delay on everything. Things move slower here, you know…
September 11th, 2006 at 1:39 pm
Hah! Sorry, I didn’t get your message, you mustn’t have international messaging enabled on your phone. And good luck trying to sort that out with the locals!
Nice one on the garbage-trip, classy!
September 12th, 2006 at 10:19 pm
yeah, like I said, it wasn’t one of my shining moments but I’ve gotten over it in the meantime.
as for international text messaging. I think that its a hit or miss type of thing. yesterday I successfully sent about 15 text messages… mabe its just a monday thing. oy, thats annoying.