Uncategorized « Better

Ever take a look at the default sounds applied to your applications in Windows?
Did you know you can adjust them? (Who cares?)

Anyway, there is a specific sound called "Windows XP Critical Stop.wav" which is inappropriately applied to some not-very-critical situations. It's a very grave sounding piano note; it's particularly loud, especially compared to Outlook's "New message" sound which is more like a twinkle.
("Windows XP Notify.wav" for the curious).

I used a file upload field in a form on the web and chose a file from my desktop to upload. Everything went well, but for some reason, the file is locked up because the system thinks its still in use. "It is being used by another program or person." It's not, it's just somehow connected to the browser. (The solution, btw, is to restart the browser.)
And then, the Critical Stop sound. ("I hate that Bob Barker.")

These kinds of messages have never been useful, but we as users have gotten used to getting nonsense back from a computer, and specifically, Windows. Every time a new version of Windows comes out, it ends up being another kluge built on top of an awkward core operating system that isn't meeting today's standards. Consistently we are seeing devices that are becoming intuitive and why shouldn't they be. Most people don't read prompts, even important one, because we're used to seeing ridiculous string of words that don't help. So, instead we look at the buttons underneath the text for the quickest answer.

You don't need this, people.

Demand more, the technology already exists, we just have to make them try harder and not blindly accept the half-assed functionality they give us because they didn't want to put the time in. Lazy companies should be penalized in the form of abandonment. Now more than ever, you know you don't have to rely on one single platform, you can do all of your computing on browser-based web apps (even Photoshop!). No more installing programs that eat processor power and memory and then sneak toolbars and other junk on your computer. (They do this legally by telling you it's your fault for not specifically selecting a custom install and un-selecting the extra garbage, taking advantage of the fact that you won't read it.)

The point is if you don't want to be bound to outdated methodologies of companies that locked down their userbase along time ago and have no reason to really innovate, then you don't have to.

Point is, buy a Mac.

Posted via email from better.blog

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