day 58

the perpetuation of complexity 5: controlling software bloat by Vimal Goel

Yesterday, we showed that the Apple Newton offers an alternative to bloated, feature-laden software. The goal when creating software for appliances like the Apple Newton isn't to limit your choices. The goal is to avoid burdening you with unneeded, rarely-used features. There is no inherent limitation to putting the Newton's operating system on a desktop machine. If we did so, we could truly celebrate the victory of usability over complexity. If the $500 Network Computer is going to take off, it has to enable ordinary folks to do their mundane computing and communication chores easily, efficiently, and, I hope, elegantly. The toaster as a model for the perfect PC holds great promise. I don't recall ever reading a manual to use a toaster.

the perpetuation of complexity 1 2 3 4 Daily Dose Index