One thing you can say about all of what I have been reading about Mac OS X and how it relates to Unix, Linux, Open Source and the rest is that it will certainly act as a prod to get the open source folks to move a little faster and innovate a little more. I've found out enough about Linux to get excited about the general concepts of an open source OS and applications but having actually seen what you have to go through simply to use such software, my excitement is somewhat dampened. I sure hope Eazel and the rest of them take a clue from Mac OS X and put together a true alternative (this includes replacing X Windows with something better).
The deterioration of the the interface should present an opportunity for Linux designers. It would seem the challenge would be to create a default GUI that is easy to use by novices, yet with the option of added controls for users with bigger needs. I saw this sort of switchability in the old Word Star program all the way back in the days of CPM on an old Osborne computer and I'm sure a GUI could have this sort of "back door" for experienced people to add what they need.
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One thing you can say about all of what I have been reading about Mac OS X and how it relates to Unix, Linux, Open Source and the rest is that it will certainly act as a prod to get the open source folks to move a little faster and innovate a little more. I've found out enough about Linux to get excited about the general concepts of an open source OS and applications but having actually seen what you have to go through simply to use such software, my excitement is somewhat dampened. I sure hope Eazel and the rest of them take a clue from Mac OS X and put together a true alternative (this includes replacing X Windows with something better).
The deterioration of the the interface should present an opportunity for Linux designers. It would seem the challenge would be to create a default GUI that is easy to use by novices, yet with the option of added controls for users with bigger needs. I saw this sort of switchability in the old Word Star program all the way back in the days of CPM on an old Osborne computer and I'm sure a GUI could have this sort of "back door" for experienced people to add what they need.