day 57

the perpetuation of complexity 4: the alternatives to bloatware by Vimal Goel

Yesterday, we showed that individual buyers are more likely to reject bloated software. Apple's MessagePad (the Newton) is an example of a technology that shows a lot of promise in helping to keep software from ballooning to unreasonable size: Built-in applications provide a consistent user-interface There is just enough fire-power to get the job done The applications are small, around 100-200K in size The applications are generally very straightforward to use. The operating system is compact, and still provides reusable routines and components with defined methods and behavior The value of the Newton lies in the opportunity for a developer to both share in what is already there, and to add sharable value. The Newton allows a vendor to sell you tiny components that integrate well together. You only install the features you want and need.

the perpetuation of complexity 1 2 3 Daily Dose Index