[CLUE-Tech] Re:/cli/suks

[ian]

This is true.  However what says that computers have to be "intuitive"?

Who defines what "intuitive" is?  

We as a society require that people who are going to learn how to drive take a
class which can last 6 weeks.  We make people who are learning to fly study for
several years.  However people involved in those fields generally think of 
their interfaces as "intuitive" once you get to know them.  

Computers are not simple.  They are arguably one of the most complex tools put
in front of the common man in history.  However we view them as somethign that
should do things when we think it.  We are afraid to accept the fact that like
learning a new language, powerful computing could take years to learn and be able
to use. 

Now.. I do feel there is a level of making the User Interface as consistent as
possible.  That, in my mind, is a more useful exercise by the Linux GUI guys to
make Linux more effective for the home user.  

I think the CLI is rather intuitive.  I think that the Linux GUI interface is
extremely un-intuitive to date.  Every application has its own interface and 
nothing is alike.  To cover that I've been working with the bash shell for
close to 14 months.  To me I've learned that and it is intuitive.

Intuitive and effective are two completely different concepts and understanding
to the GUI issue.  If we want the Linux GUI to be "intuitive" we will make it
as Windows looking as humanly possible.  Then new users only have to learn one
interface approach to use either unix/linux or windows.  If we want them to be
effective we will look at putting that recursive button on file dialogs and 
look at better ways to make program menus.  We will examine a "standard" 
to how menus should be structured and require all apps to abide by them.
(NOTE:  This does NOT infer that there is only one standard.  This is linux
and flexibility and configurability are its curse and salvation.  What it
means is I can configure that standard how I want but all apps are consistent.)
 
Thank you for your time, and these are just my thoughts on the matter.
*steps off soap box and deposits $0.25 into the Linux Advocacy Fund*

ian


On Fri, Mar 23, 2001 at 03:09:06AM -1000, Cyberclops wrote:
> Obviously it has its place, but I don't see it as the most desirable
> interface for a home personal computer.  I was pointing up the fact that
> it's prone to the possibility of error due to mistyping, not to mention
> the fact that it usually requires an extensive reference book which in
> turn requires the user to be familiar with cryptic syntax.  I would like
> to see the recursive switch added to the permissions dialog box on
> graphical file managers in Linux.  How to make Linux user friendly on a
> home computer requires a great deal of thought and discussion.  There is
> a huge difference in administering a server array that has no GUI
> installed and a home PC that is being operated by users who could care
> less about recompiling their kernel.  While the CLI may be powerful,
> it's not intuitive.
> 
> 
> "Jeffery C. Cann" wrote:
> > 
> > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> > Hash: SHA1
> > 
> > On Thursday 22 March 2001 10:16, Cyberclops wrote:
> > > This is one of the reasons why the /cli/suks/imo
> > 
> > Hi,
> > 
> > You must never have had to make the same edit change in 3000 documents.  Try
> > to do that without a CLI and you'll get carpal tunnel from using your mouse
> > for the next 30 hours.  With a simple for loop and the CLI: I can do it with
> > one line of code:
> > 
> > $ for file in `ls /dev/src/*`
> > > do
> > >       sed -e "s/foo/bar/; ... "
> > >done
> > 
> 
> 
> > Using PERL, I can do the same thing with one command:
> > 
> > $  perl -pi -e "s/foo/bar/;" /dev/src/*
> > 
> > Possibly you are not aware of the potential and power of the CLI and that is
> > why you do not like it.  You may also want to try another type of shell.
> > 
> > My 0.02
> > Jeff
> > 
> > -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
> > Version: GnuPG v1.0.4 (GNU/Linux)
> > Comment: For info see http://www.gnupg.org
> > 
> > iEYEARECAAYFAjq6tK8ACgkQw3/GBQk72kCAnwCeMOh5qNNg/FejydhgJllTuf1z
> > QDoAn1oj2Y6Lriiz79GJ/onKV9y38jMH
> > =1cUL
> > -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----
> > _______________________________________________
> > CLUE-Tech mailing list
> > CLUE-Tech at clue.denver.co.us
> > http://clue.denver.co.us/mailman/listinfo/clue-tech
> _______________________________________________
> CLUE-Tech mailing list
> CLUE-Tech at clue.denver.co.us
> http://clue.denver.co.us/mailman/listinfo/clue-tech