Oh and as for your signature, MS Office is a standard - found in the majority of offices with computers. MS Office is proprietary. Hence at one time, it was a proprietary standard. As far as I know, the latest versions of it's file formats still are closely regarded secrets lest Libre/FOSS software be "openly" competitive as standards should facilitate. But they aren't as competitive, as they have a proprietary "format standard" to deal with.
In what way did the original poster prove your point? I suppose the "Microsoft Tax" is fantasy.
Anytime it is impossible to get an alternative of something, obviously many like their current option. No one said it was a fantasy, and I didn't say it is how they tried to keep their lock, just that is how they go it. Capisce?
It is not a matter whether people liked or disliked Microsoft Windows it is basically all they get when they purchase a new PC..../snip/ That does not necessarily mean they like it or hate it for that matter since they normally can't or won't compare against other OS's.
It certainly matters! If they hate it, they won't use it. They will find another way, another job, install Linux and KDE, something. You don't have to like everything about something to like it enough to use it. When you say, "Well it is dominant! I have no choice!", and then you use it, you also say that you like the dominance and what it brings to the table, or you would refuse to use it. Remember, we always have a choice once our parents stop literally holding our hands, and we vote with every public action we take.
As for DOS you have to be kidding.
Do you know where Windows came from? It originally ran on... wait for it... DOS!
And get this, people didn't delete it! They ran this newfangled program called Windows because they actually... wait again for it... liked it!
In my career, including consulting with a variety of companies with their own IT people, I've known maybe one or two that seem to be trying to hide things to create "job security".
...
Above you said you never come across one. Maybe you're now being honest, or I helped you think outside of the box. But they undoubtedly make things harder, and almost always unwittingly. No matter if they're a mechanic, executive, secretary, pool boy or whomever; eventually, they lose in the long run. It pays dividends to be ethical.
... sometimes the IT guy picks the path that seems less scary. That's more or less what I mean by "the path of least resistance".
Isn't that everyone? From a Christian who has faith that GOD will support and back them up in righteous causes, to the victim that finally or never stands up to abuse, to the asshole that curses you out so that you complain and post a bad review online because he knows it will drive search engine traffic, all do what is "less scary" and deemed easiest.
And that is why wisdom is more precious than rubies. It outperforms intelligence any day, if only because you can be smart and stupid at the same damned time, often because your wit is known to you and leads to undeserved confidence.
There's a problem with this idea of intuitive. "using or based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning; instinctive."
I'm curious about how a computer is supposed to be intuitive.
With a certain level of knowledge, one is able to proceed. Why do you think the "Start Menu" was labeled as such?
I fear we've run head-long into this case where we expect our tools to do the work for us rather than allowing us to work more efficiently.
Isn't that what any tech does, the brunt of the "work" for us? You could cut grass by hand or even yank it up, or you could use a sickle. I too am troubled when we try to completely remove the human operator however in many things, from driving to farming. Efficiency is subjective to your measurements. One man may be able to reap and sow an entire farm, but is it making people healthier?
I'm seeing 'simplified' interfaces slapped onto complex machines that end up overlooking the details. I'm seeing this idea that the tool needs to to the job, that the user need not understand how the job is done. That is not a good thing.
Some details should be overlooked and just get in the way, sometimes they need to be hidden from view, but readily accessible. Perhaps the concept is more important than actually knowing how to do the job from scratch, depending on the application. It bothers me that so many people have a driver's license, and yet don't have a clue there are many small explosions that happen rapidly, or any other number of parts. That doesn't mean I think they should be able to rebuild an engine.
Computers don't have the potential to change the world, they already have. Unfortunately, as a direct result of how deeply they've changed the world, we no longer feel it necessary to actually learn what we're doing.
We just want the computer to do it for us.
And computers continue to change the world. I don't blame computers for us (and certainly not a direct result) feeling it necessary to understand what we're doing. That blame lies more with our education system. Don't forget, computer's do what they're told/programmed to do.
As far as education, we don't learn concepts as much as we often are taught to memorize steps to complete an action. A monkey can do that, that doesn't mean he can fully appreciate what he's done, and use creativity when needed to adapt to a different situation utilizing said experience and knowledge.
That certainly helped tip the balance, but if no one liked it for whatever reason, they wouldn't use it. Can't we be honest about this? When we do, then we can finally say, "Ok, how do we beat them at their own game?"
As a Gnome user, I wish it was a little more like KDE, and so I reckon I'll add my two cents. In the case that I'm heard, they've then possibly picked up another user(s). Since you're paying attention, I'd hope you'd make an intelligent point where appropriate and help them out. But you're right, it's quite likely you need to sit just where you are at. You'll know.
Never have, never will. Having said that, I'd like to add, we have to smart and use our talents, not be stupid and trudge along. Hacker and engineers adapt, which requires study.
Microsoft DOES do some things right. Much of they they do is just cheap decisions, that further their monopolistic goals. If all we do is hate, and don't appreciate our enemies, then we are doomed to be at their mercy. Maybe FOSS/Libre needs a marketing department?
I actually loath much of what MS stands for. I am a hardcore FOSS/Libre advocate, and use Trisquel as my OS. I'm just sick and tired of the stupidity and being limited because of such. Does this answer your question Zontar?
No. Just no. That is flat out incorrect. Windows got a lock on the desktop because you bought it with every computer whether you used it or not, and joe blow secretary or the old-school executive did not *PREFER* it to other options, s/he did not typically understand there was any alternative. And because MS has always been willing to use their position today to acquire or destroy any company that might get in their way tomorrow, of course.
Look, I don't like Microsoft's tactics, but people liked Windows for whatever reason, or they wouldn't have used it, whether there was a viable alternative or not. Many end users do not like the flawed details of many *nix alternatives.
Arent you glad that the system *allows* you to do this manually, instead of insisting on hiding all the details and just giving you an unchangeable 'view' that enables only the most commonly used options rather than confuse you?
I haven't used KDE in forever. Taking your word for it, if it is customizable easily, that is a plus. Having a standard ("unchangeable view" you might say) is also a plus. Balance is the key. Unless of course, all you want is geeks and nerds who want to be able to say, "I don't only use the terminal!"
In short, make it easy, while allowing those experienced to dig further in, or you limit your user-base, adoption, and overall contribution to everything (including KDE) in FOSS/Libre land
Why not get real smart, and use both, when most appropriate? (Not sure exactly what you are referring to..) Icons can be great, if you have any idea what they represent. Hierarchies are great, if they are organized and labeled well.
I remember the first time I checked out Compiz again. It didn't have too many effects the first time, so the menu wasn't that bad, but the second go round, man was there a lot of stuff to wade through. You had the basic top menu of icons, and then you clicked through and you had a sea of everything. Was really hard to find what you were looking for, even though it was categorized, just due to the size and amount of scrolling to get to something. I always felt that could have been done much better. It wasn't a priority obviously, and I think that was a shame and hampered it.
MSWind became dominant because the people who made the purchasing decisions trusted IBM. Not because people who used the computers liked it. Most of them didn't. Now most of them do, because they've become habituated, and the thought of putting in that much effort again terrifies them.
Sure they liked it, I remember using Windows on DOS, and thought, this is cool! (I was too young and stupid to realize it was not cool to be that lazy...) People like their habits... if they didn't, they would quit, like you did Apple. We generally don't do anything that we absolutely don't like. I might not "like" my vegetables, but I like eating them if it means I get to go outside and play.
Perhaps it is rooted in system admin's job security fears?
I see this kind of idea floated in various situations, and it always seems bizarre to me. As someone who has worked in quite a few IT roles in quite a few different companies, I don't think I've ever run into a sysadmin who was making things more difficult for the sake of job security.
I knew one, he didn't have enough to do obviously. He preferred to be lazy and spend his resources coming up with excuses on why things couldn't be done, instead of learning something new. That is what he was best at, and why after I left he was finally replaced for his ineptness. As the sole IT person on site, he would often change things, only to change them back. But he was needed "a lot" by the "pretty ladies" when those changes were made. There was a lot of things wrong with him.
I once tried to show him that having the favorites toolbar in I.E. with a folder for every client and links to all their important information, such as policy and procedures, memo's etc would limit calls to supervisors and others, making things work more smoothly, including for him. Anytime an agent in the out-sourcing call center would have to reach out, there was that more likely of a technical issue popping up. Sometimes it was just jealousy that he didn't come up with it, I think. He'd try to BS me, but I knew better, and he'd have "an emergency" he'd need to attend to come up.
So either way it's work, and it'll require someone with expertise. And no matter what, it's not going to quite work properly. We're usually just looking for the path of least resistance.
People will need to rip these out and bypass them like seat belt alarms. But then that will be illegal of course. So, have them only transmit when in range of the cop (who will see you anyway). But then they will put a "cop receiver" on every corner. I just don't see how this will not been seen as violating expectation of privacy with any honest judges. Oh wait...
While I like the way you think, I have to agree that it would probably better serve as a chemical weapon. Although, I suppose one could try to engineer it to grow "faster" and in more environments, but as it is a plant, it just grows too slow and under too-specific conditions to do much more real damage than it already does. It'd mostly serve as a distraction and harasser, which isn't to say it wouldn't have value. It does have many more disadvantages though, like that many are not allergic to it.
We must learn from the enemy, but we must not become the enemy. What about instead, "honest" websites start collecting what information they can do so legally, and then asking people if they can do what they wish with it, including forwarding it to their mothers. Maybe even ask for their Google/facebook account login (sneakily as the unethical do, teaching them in the process how this happens), and then asking, "Is so and so your mother/wife and would you like to forward this to them?"
We must get creative. The "media" aren't going to spin this into the public's favor, too much money involved.
In the US it will be a conditional issue and corporate lawyers/lobbyists will win. People won't speak in public for fear for the adverts they might trigger.
I doubt they will "win" like you suppose, They are to smart for that. Perhaps they should, and people may start to push back...
"Simplified" doesn't mean user friendly and feature rich, bringing end users successfully with the features that KDE provides, you trolling coward. It's the selfish gits like you that expect others to go out and sift through 800 versions, but not you, is what is wrong with modern computing.
And you don't know what caters to me. But I would like to use and support something that is easy for everyone.
Ummm...you do realize the parts you quoted out of context are really the exceptions to the law that state where recording is legal? Reading the entire section it only states it's illegal to record activities "which occur in any private place and out of public view". It doesn't say a single word about recording on another persons property. In other words what you linked to actually shows you're wrong. At least with regards to GA law. Please try again.
Obvious troll is obvious. Or obviously stupid. Either way, doesn't matter. Other people's property is private property... it doesn't "only" state it is illegal to record in a private place. Your place, your consent.
I've never seen video camera footage that did NOT film others peoples property.
Must have had consent. Or you've never seen closed circuit television of a robbery in a convenience store on a T.V. show.
And I'm saying you obviously do have it on you and do smell like it. That is the smell of someone who is so used to the stink they don't realize they are wrong when they are wrong and someone points it out, and they constantly tell others they are wrong, instead of asking why they might not have a complete understanding.
Maybe, or more likely just more familiar with similar patterns. First impressions count for a lot too, and if you were gun-ho about it the first time you tried it, you'll likely have a better overall experience than someone who is merely interested in trying something else, and just not as excited and committed as perhaps you were.
Exactly, UI's should be as intuitive as possible. RTFM should be kept to rare occurrences, like those completely inexperienced to a computer, or those that need to work under the hood. But even then, it should be kept as intuitive as possible, that is the key to any good design.
You can also add, "So you don't like it, go back to wherever you came from and live ours alone." This happens with almost anything Linux related.
What an ignorant statement. I mean sure, I get it, no one likes to have to change. But for the greater good, we should make a few sacrifices. I guess they're scared of what would happen if everyone started to use Linux, the same issues would pop-up that do on Windows, like the dumbing down. Here is the thing, you can fork it on Linux, unlike Windows.
Perhaps it is rooted in system admin's job security fears? If everyone used Linux, there would no doubt be less demand for cleaning up PCs, etc. This means they are a part of the vampiric system as well, and maybe the community doesn't need YOU.
"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom — go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!" -- Samuel Adams
Windows got a lock on the desktop because it was next to f***ing impossible not to buy it every time you bought a PC, and the only alternatives were Dos or throwing out all your computers and software to switch to Macs.
Thank you for proving my point, people obviously liked it, for whatever reason, over alternatives like Dos and Mac.
Slashdot Mirror
Oh and as for your signature, MS Office is a standard - found in the majority of offices with computers. MS Office is proprietary. Hence at one time, it was a proprietary standard. As far as I know, the latest versions of it's file formats still are closely regarded secrets lest Libre/FOSS software be "openly" competitive as standards should facilitate. But they aren't as competitive, as they have a proprietary "format standard" to deal with.
In what way did the original poster prove your point? I suppose the "Microsoft Tax" is fantasy.
Anytime it is impossible to get an alternative of something, obviously many like their current option. No one said it was a fantasy, and I didn't say it is how they tried to keep their lock, just that is how they go it. Capisce?
It is not a matter whether people liked or disliked Microsoft Windows it is basically all they get when they purchase a new PC. .../snip/ That does not necessarily mean they like it or hate it for that matter since they normally can't or won't compare against other OS's.
It certainly matters! If they hate it, they won't use it. They will find another way, another job, install Linux and KDE, something. You don't have to like everything about something to like it enough to use it. When you say, "Well it is dominant! I have no choice!", and then you use it, you also say that you like the dominance and what it brings to the table, or you would refuse to use it. Remember, we always have a choice once our parents stop literally holding our hands, and we vote with every public action we take.
As for DOS you have to be kidding.
Do you know where Windows came from? It originally ran on ... wait for it... DOS!
And get this, people didn't delete it! They ran this newfangled program called Windows because they actually ... wait again for it... liked it!
...
In my career, including consulting with a variety of companies with their own IT people, I've known maybe one or two that seem to be trying to hide things to create "job security".
...
Above you said you never come across one. Maybe you're now being honest, or I helped you think outside of the box. But they undoubtedly make things harder, and almost always unwittingly. No matter if they're a mechanic, executive, secretary, pool boy or whomever; eventually, they lose in the long run. It pays dividends to be ethical.
... sometimes the IT guy picks the path that seems less scary. That's more or less what I mean by "the path of least resistance".
Isn't that everyone? From a Christian who has faith that GOD will support and back them up in righteous causes, to the victim that finally or never stands up to abuse, to the asshole that curses you out so that you complain and post a bad review online because he knows it will drive search engine traffic, all do what is "less scary" and deemed easiest.
And that is why wisdom is more precious than rubies. It outperforms intelligence any day, if only because you can be smart and stupid at the same damned time, often because your wit is known to you and leads to undeserved confidence.
There's a problem with this idea of intuitive. "using or based on what one feels to be true even without conscious reasoning; instinctive."
I'm curious about how a computer is supposed to be intuitive.
With a certain level of knowledge, one is able to proceed. Why do you think the "Start Menu" was labeled as such?
I fear we've run head-long into this case where we expect our tools to do the work for us rather than allowing us to work more efficiently.
Isn't that what any tech does, the brunt of the "work" for us? You could cut grass by hand or even yank it up, or you could use a sickle. I too am troubled when we try to completely remove the human operator however in many things, from driving to farming. Efficiency is subjective to your measurements. One man may be able to reap and sow an entire farm, but is it making people healthier?
I'm seeing 'simplified' interfaces slapped onto complex machines that end up overlooking the details. I'm seeing this idea that the tool needs to to the job, that the user need not understand how the job is done. That is not a good thing.
Some details should be overlooked and just get in the way, sometimes they need to be hidden from view, but readily accessible. Perhaps the concept is more important than actually knowing how to do the job from scratch, depending on the application. It bothers me that so many people have a driver's license, and yet don't have a clue there are many small explosions that happen rapidly, or any other number of parts. That doesn't mean I think they should be able to rebuild an engine.
Computers don't have the potential to change the world, they already have. Unfortunately, as a direct result of how deeply they've changed the world, we no longer feel it necessary to actually learn what we're doing.
We just want the computer to do it for us.
And computers continue to change the world. I don't blame computers for us (and certainly not a direct result) feeling it necessary to understand what we're doing. That blame lies more with our education system. Don't forget, computer's do what they're told/programmed to do.
As far as education, we don't learn concepts as much as we often are taught to memorize steps to complete an action. A monkey can do that, that doesn't mean he can fully appreciate what he's done, and use creativity when needed to adapt to a different situation utilizing said experience and knowledge.
That certainly helped tip the balance, but if no one liked it for whatever reason, they wouldn't use it. Can't we be honest about this? When we do, then we can finally say, "Ok, how do we beat them at their own game?"
As a Gnome user, I wish it was a little more like KDE, and so I reckon I'll add my two cents. In the case that I'm heard, they've then possibly picked up another user(s). Since you're paying attention, I'd hope you'd make an intelligent point where appropriate and help them out. But you're right, it's quite likely you need to sit just where you are at. You'll know.
Never have, never will. Having said that, I'd like to add, we have to smart and use our talents, not be stupid and trudge along. Hacker and engineers adapt, which requires study.
Microsoft DOES do some things right. Much of they they do is just cheap decisions, that further their monopolistic goals. If all we do is hate, and don't appreciate our enemies, then we are doomed to be at their mercy. Maybe FOSS/Libre needs a marketing department?
I actually loath much of what MS stands for. I am a hardcore FOSS/Libre advocate, and use Trisquel as my OS. I'm just sick and tired of the stupidity and being limited because of such. Does this answer your question Zontar?
No. Just no. That is flat out incorrect. Windows got a lock on the desktop because you bought it with every computer whether you used it or not, and joe blow secretary or the old-school executive did not *PREFER* it to other options, s/he did not typically understand there was any alternative. And because MS has always been willing to use their position today to acquire or destroy any company that might get in their way tomorrow, of course.
Look, I don't like Microsoft's tactics, but people liked Windows for whatever reason, or they wouldn't have used it, whether there was a viable alternative or not. Many end users do not like the flawed details of many *nix alternatives.
Arent you glad that the system *allows* you to do this manually, instead of insisting on hiding all the details and just giving you an unchangeable 'view' that enables only the most commonly used options rather than confuse you?
I haven't used KDE in forever. Taking your word for it, if it is customizable easily, that is a plus. Having a standard ("unchangeable view" you might say) is also a plus. Balance is the key. Unless of course, all you want is geeks and nerds who want to be able to say, "I don't only use the terminal!"
In short, make it easy, while allowing those experienced to dig further in, or you limit your user-base, adoption, and overall contribution to everything (including KDE) in FOSS/Libre land
Of course they can't seem to get anything done, because the IT guy has their computer down.
Why not get real smart, and use both, when most appropriate? (Not sure exactly what you are referring to..) Icons can be great, if you have any idea what they represent. Hierarchies are great, if they are organized and labeled well.
I remember the first time I checked out Compiz again. It didn't have too many effects the first time, so the menu wasn't that bad, but the second go round, man was there a lot of stuff to wade through. You had the basic top menu of icons, and then you clicked through and you had a sea of everything. Was really hard to find what you were looking for, even though it was categorized, just due to the size and amount of scrolling to get to something. I always felt that could have been done much better. It wasn't a priority obviously, and I think that was a shame and hampered it.
MSWind became dominant because the people who made the purchasing decisions trusted IBM. Not because people who used the computers liked it. Most of them didn't. Now most of them do, because they've become habituated, and the thought of putting in that much effort again terrifies them.
Sure they liked it, I remember using Windows on DOS, and thought, this is cool! (I was too young and stupid to realize it was not cool to be that lazy...) People like their habits... if they didn't, they would quit, like you did Apple. We generally don't do anything that we absolutely don't like. I might not "like" my vegetables, but I like eating them if it means I get to go outside and play.
That is what this article is speaking on, to an extent.
Perhaps it is rooted in system admin's job security fears?
I see this kind of idea floated in various situations, and it always seems bizarre to me. As someone who has worked in quite a few IT roles in quite a few different companies, I don't think I've ever run into a sysadmin who was making things more difficult for the sake of job security.
I knew one, he didn't have enough to do obviously. He preferred to be lazy and spend his resources coming up with excuses on why things couldn't be done, instead of learning something new. That is what he was best at, and why after I left he was finally replaced for his ineptness. As the sole IT person on site, he would often change things, only to change them back. But he was needed "a lot" by the "pretty ladies" when those changes were made. There was a lot of things wrong with him.
I once tried to show him that having the favorites toolbar in I.E. with a folder for every client and links to all their important information, such as policy and procedures, memo's etc would limit calls to supervisors and others, making things work more smoothly, including for him. Anytime an agent in the out-sourcing call center would have to reach out, there was that more likely of a technical issue popping up. Sometimes it was just jealousy that he didn't come up with it, I think. He'd try to BS me, but I knew better, and he'd have "an emergency" he'd need to attend to come up.
So either way it's work, and it'll require someone with expertise. And no matter what, it's not going to quite work properly. We're usually just looking for the path of least resistance.
Least resistance to what? THAT is the question.
People will need to rip these out and bypass them like seat belt alarms. But then that will be illegal of course. So, have them only transmit when in range of the cop (who will see you anyway). But then they will put a "cop receiver" on every corner. I just don't see how this will not been seen as violating expectation of privacy with any honest judges. Oh wait...
While I like the way you think, I have to agree that it would probably better serve as a chemical weapon. Although, I suppose one could try to engineer it to grow "faster" and in more environments, but as it is a plant, it just grows too slow and under too-specific conditions to do much more real damage than it already does. It'd mostly serve as a distraction and harasser, which isn't to say it wouldn't have value. It does have many more disadvantages though, like that many are not allergic to it.
We must learn from the enemy, but we must not become the enemy. What about instead, "honest" websites start collecting what information they can do so legally, and then asking people if they can do what they wish with it, including forwarding it to their mothers. Maybe even ask for their Google/facebook account login (sneakily as the unethical do, teaching them in the process how this happens), and then asking, "Is so and so your mother/wife and would you like to forward this to them?"
We must get creative. The "media" aren't going to spin this into the public's favor, too much money involved.
Street view stays on the roads... generally. Drones can go to the second story where someone's open window is *while they're naked.
Oops..
What the hell kind of system rips your clothes off when the window opens?
Well funded, blackhat pornographers?
In the US it will be a conditional issue and corporate lawyers/lobbyists will win. People won't speak in public for fear for the adverts they might trigger.
I doubt they will "win" like you suppose, They are to smart for that. Perhaps they should, and people may start to push back...
"Simplified" doesn't mean user friendly and feature rich, bringing end users successfully with the features that KDE provides, you trolling coward. It's the selfish gits like you that expect others to go out and sift through 800 versions, but not you, is what is wrong with modern computing.
And you don't know what caters to me. But I would like to use and support something that is easy for everyone.
Ummm...you do realize the parts you quoted out of context are really the exceptions to the law that state where recording is legal? Reading the entire section it only states it's illegal to record activities "which occur in any private place and out of public view". It doesn't say a single word about recording on another persons property. In other words what you linked to actually shows you're wrong. At least with regards to GA law. Please try again.
Obvious troll is obvious. Or obviously stupid. Either way, doesn't matter. Other people's property is private property... it doesn't "only" state it is illegal to record in a private place. Your place, your consent.
I've never seen video camera footage that did NOT film others peoples property.
Must have had consent. Or you've never seen closed circuit television of a robbery in a convenience store on a T.V. show.
And I'm saying you obviously do have it on you and do smell like it. That is the smell of someone who is so used to the stink they don't realize they are wrong when they are wrong and someone points it out, and they constantly tell others they are wrong, instead of asking why they might not have a complete understanding.
Maybe, or more likely just more familiar with similar patterns. First impressions count for a lot too, and if you were gun-ho about it the first time you tried it, you'll likely have a better overall experience than someone who is merely interested in trying something else, and just not as excited and committed as perhaps you were.
Exactly, UI's should be as intuitive as possible. RTFM should be kept to rare occurrences, like those completely inexperienced to a computer, or those that need to work under the hood. But even then, it should be kept as intuitive as possible, that is the key to any good design.
You can also add, "So you don't like it, go back to wherever you came from and live ours alone." This happens with almost anything Linux related.
What an ignorant statement. I mean sure, I get it, no one likes to have to change. But for the greater good, we should make a few sacrifices. I guess they're scared of what would happen if everyone started to use Linux, the same issues would pop-up that do on Windows, like the dumbing down. Here is the thing, you can fork it on Linux, unlike Windows.
Perhaps it is rooted in system admin's job security fears? If everyone used Linux, there would no doubt be less demand for cleaning up PCs, etc. This means they are a part of the vampiric system as well, and maybe the community doesn't need YOU.
"If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom — go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!" -- Samuel Adams
Windows got a lock on the desktop because it was next to f***ing impossible not to buy it every time you bought a PC, and the only alternatives were Dos or throwing out all your computers and software to switch to Macs.
Thank you for proving my point, people obviously liked it, for whatever reason, over alternatives like Dos and Mac.
Who said I was happy with Gnome? I would rather use KDE, just too complicated. See this video for examples.