Kbd UIs (was Re: ID computer

From: John Allain <allain_at_panix.com>
Date: Wed May 23 13:46:53 2001

I am all for genius first, an indescribable quality where simplicity allows
for all the functionality that came before it with none of the confusion.
Since genius insight can't be scheduled for (EG 'in 2003 we will have
voice interfacing finally productized') and is currently thwarted by the
MS monopoly, here's my take on a few other things.

Mouse: shouldn't be necessary, except for draw programs. My walk
 around computer is an old laptop running w3.11 with the mouse detached.
 Can do everything I want with it using tab sequences.
 w95+ disallows lots of this simplicity by moving some commands from
 menus to toolbars, Yuk.
 Using a mouse while word processing will make more sense when I
 grow a third hand. Right now its Lift over, lift back, etc.

Unix: the power of the commandline and sumpeme interoperability.
 Could someone show me how to automate Excel and Word together
 in one bat file? Oh that's right, I have to buy VB. And keep upgrading
it.
 I should add a paragraph here about all the good Unix experiences.

Robustness: How many situations in w95 where
 <Esc>ape doesn't.
 How many times is it Close versus Quit?
 Where <Cut> and <Copy> accelerators are forgotten?
 Where is that 'Word' subcommand anyway, was it organized by committee?
 (Never mind all the hangs).

John A.
Received on Wed May 23 2001 - 13:46:53 BST