What OS X Could Learn From Windows
Okay.
Hard hat? Check.
Flak jacket? Check.
Flame proof vest? Check.
White flag? Check.
Deep breath? Check.
Windows has some features OS X could do with.
There, I said it. Nice and quick and up front. No beating around the bush. So what now? Duck!!!
Is it safe to come out yet? I’ve been burnt before daring to suggest this. But here I am again, sucker for punishment.
1) Compatible control keys. Switching between Mac and Windows this drives me nuts. I have to consciously think “command-C or control-C?” It shouldn’t have to be that way. And if you’re running RDC or VPC and copying and pasting between OS X and Windows!! Sheesh!
The problem isn’t the labeling, it’s the location of the keys used. I had to use a Windows PC today and I kept pressing Alt-C to copy. This is why it’s a problem. If it was simply a matter of labeling, no worries, mate. Apple - and the zealotry - need to concede that this battle is lost.
Implementing this would rock many people’s boats, so if Apple did make this change it’d have some serious domino affect on other keystrokes and applications that use them, but maybe it could be done with the switch to Intel, just to ease the pain slightly.
2) Save button on toolbars. I don’t think any of the Apple software ever gives you the option to include a Save button. Print button yes, Save button no. A little test - raise your hand if you save your work more often than you print it? Ah, so I’m not alone. Good. You can put your hands down. Thank you.
3) A multi button mouse. And you thought I’d say two. Why stop at two? Especially with things like Exposé, Dashboard and Spotlight. They’re just crying out for single click activation from a mouse. Ok. So this isn’t a Windows feature per sé, but still is needed.
4) Only show relevant file types in open and save dialogs. For those who like seeing every file that’s every existed in their Documents folder, give them a checkbox to show all files. But personally, if I am opening a Pages file, I don’t want to see all my iMovie, Excel, iDVD etc files. And OS X already knows which are which because non-related ones are greyed out.
5) Sort folders to top of directory listings I know that we don’t go folder mining as much since we got Spotlight, so I won’t labor on about this one.
6) More context sensitive help. I notice since I first raised this two years ago, more of it has crept into OS X. So I guess at least I can’t be flamed for this one!
Now why is it that I can list all the features I want Leopard to have and as long as none of them are from Windows, its cool? But dare suggest OS X needs a feature already in Windows and the world comes down on you. We can admit that OS X is not perfect, but not that Windows is better in some ways.
But Apple have admitted it in the past. Here’s just a couple of things I’ve seen Windows do that Apple has added:
- Command-tab switching
- Existing files selectable in Save dialog
Last week I suggested changes to the iPod and more people than not, disagreed. And I reckon this week it’ll be a lot worse. But if I added to this list “Change to Intel CPU’s"… two months ago I would have been burned at the stake. Now it seems we all think that change is logical. So before you get the flame thrower out remember, we know Apple make changes, they borrow from Windows and borrow from their 3rd party developers.
Also, I know I’m going to get flamed for this being a “tired old argument that has been done to death”. Sorry if you feel that way. just pretend I didn’t say these features already existed in Windows and that they are new and revolutionary. If we stop asking, Apple may think we don’t want them anymore. Microsoft copied so much from Mac OS, why can’t Apple do a little copying back?
And if you can take the heat, what would you like to see Apple borrow from Windows?
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I do not agree with the keyboard cut-copy-paste shortcuts, IMHO the layout of cmd-x/c/v is much friendlier than ctrl-x/c/v.
Furthermore talking about toolbars: I do not need them for such basic tasks like saving, opening or printing at all - if they exist like that they are poorly ported to MacOS, it never needed such action buttons why are generally placed right below where the file menu with the same feature is placed anyway - moving the mouse to the toolbar is a timeconsuming process anyway, no need to save a millisecond in that regard.
Extrapolating your multi button mouse suggestion: why not a movable keyboard? Sadly humans are limited to ten fingers. There are good reasons only to use two mouse buttons in general.
I even do not agree to sort folders to top of listings. My mind works in association with project names and I do not want to rely on the technical underpinnings wether I find an object (file/folder) by its technical implementation - I sometimes simply do not know wether I have already created a project folder or if I have summed up the ideas in a file for now. It now gives me the same location in the file listing and I find it a pain on windows to locate my data.
These are the differences which make MacOS easier to use - giving them up would only help Win-Zealots to ‘adopt’ their behaviour to MacOS but it would degrade MacOS to a Win clone - no thanks!
And btw: I really wonder what the hardware switch to Intel CPUs or the USB (invention of Apple, now used on Win too) over ADB has to do with this topic, IMHO nothing by trolling.
First of all, I don’t agree. Even IF there were a non-pathetic argument for a one-button mouse over a two-button mouse, ergonomics isn’t one of them. For one thing, and this is subjective obviously, the Apple mouse is the worst designed mouse in the universe (in terms of functionality; it actually does LOOK great). More importantly, however, using a one-button mouse requires using the other hand for certain menus instead of simply using the same hand to click the right-button. That is, by definition, less ergonomic.
I couldn’t disagree more. The fact that you need to use two hands to cmd, ctrl, opt, and shift click (and remember, you need to do the same in Windows for some of those) is more than outweighed by being able to click with your whole palm. That gives the fingers on your dominant hand a much needed rest.
Second of all, all of these arguments are so obviously post-facto justifications that it renders them pretty much moot. It presumes, in other words, that Mac fanatics weighed the differences between the one and two button mice and decided through rational reasoning that the one button was better instead of just using what Apple gave them and finding ways to justify why it’s better.
What’s obvious is that you’re assuming based on your own preconceived notions. When I switched in ‘01, I thought I’d hate the one-button mouse. Much to my surprise, it felt significantly better. That’s the bottom line; you can continue to arrogantly call it “pathetic” all you want. Calling someone a fanatic because he has an opinion other than yours is close-minded, short-sighted, and immature.
And btw: I really wonder what the hardware switch to Intel CPUs or the USB (invention of Apple, now used on Win too) over ADB has to do with this topic
they are examples if Apple doing an about face. For USB I was specifically referring to how USB2 is the preferred interface. That upset a lot of Mac users who then found they had to fork out extra if they wanted a firewire cable. This was purely motivated by the fact all Windows PCs come with USB2 but not all with firewire.
The fact that you can actually remap your modifier keys in Tiger also indicates Apple are aware of the control/command key issue. How long before the traditional Mac users will be the ones needing that functionality…
oops - I meant preferred interface for the iPod.
That upset a lot of Mac users who then found they had to fork out extra if they wanted a firewire cable. This was purely motivated by the fact all Windows PCs come with USB2 but not all with firewire.
I don’t think it was “purely” motivated by that. I’d say at least part of the reasoning is that all new Macs also come equipped with USB2. If FireWire and USB2 were split among Mac/Windows lines, I suspect Apple would continue to include both cables.
Beeblebrox,
Arbitrarily sharing a folder requires more than just a “right click”. You have to know what security and permissions should assigned to the folder. Most people don’t have a clue as to how to correctly share a folder, which can leave their system to attack.
Apple’s take on file sharing completely avoids the problem, allowing users to share files by simply clicking on a check box in System Preferences. Permissions and security are preconfigured so you see your entire home folder but guests see only your public folder. There are no options to set and your system remains secure. If you really want to share an arbitrary folder, you can download a 3rd party utility or modify your Samba config file by hand, but it’s not available by default. This is intentional and not an oversight.
Mac OS is all about simplicity and reducing complexity. Windows is all about more features, more options, more buttons, more pop-up menus. More isn’t always better. This is a fundamental difference between Mac OS and Windows and one of the reasons why I switched.
Who’s solution is better? How many million zombie Windows systems out there delivering spam or attacking websites right now? How many Mac systems?
I am not a “switcher,” more of an “adapter.” I use PCs at home and work, but have been evaluating OSX at work. I found many of the suggestions in this article to be true; fortunately, most of them already can do done with third party software or hardware, or user preferences.
1) Compatible control keys. Yes. Even after finding out where the Ctrl equivalent on the Mac was, I couldn’t train myself to use my ring finger for keyboard shortcuts. Besides the muscle memory issue, many of the shortcuts--CMD-Q for instance--just feel awkward. Fortunately, I believe Tiger (which I do not have) allows you to remap keys, and for pre-Tiger users there are apps that remap keys.
2) Save button on toolbars. I’ve found a lot of Apple apps to have a, for lack of a better word, “foreign” UI to me. I often have to hunt around for an icon--like, yes, Save--that in a Windows app I’d usually easily find on the toolbar or with a simple right click (see below).
3) A multi button mouse. This would be a lot more of an issue if you couldn’t just plug in any 2-button mouse and have it work. The arguements against a 2-button mouse are just silly, let it go. It seems like a no brainer to me that a right click is easier (and more intuitive, but you may disagree there) than a combination of mouse AND keyboard, but YMMV.
4) Only show relevant file types in open and save dialogs. Agreed, just make it a user preference.
5) Sort folders to top of directory listings. This is reason enough alone why I use Pathfinder. I don’t know if it’s my Windows experience clouding my judgement or if it is just a really bad app (and many people seem to think so), but Finder sucks. Pathfinder is completely superior.
Good suggestions… keep an open mind, people!
Mac tip: The “save” button is on your keyboard. Press CMD + S.
By shipping with a one button mouse, Apple is forced to make the core functionality of MacOS extremely simple and easy to use. You don’t need to know what button to click to perform basic tasks, like creating new files or folder. Unless creating an application with advanced input needs, such as a 3D modeling tool, 3rd party developers must also keep this in mind when creating software. This results in applications that are more intuitive and easier to use. Software that can be run with a single button mouse is also well suited for…
- Young children
- People with disabilities
- The elderly
- People who just want to surf the web and read their email
However, If your a hot-key-contextual-menu junky like I am, you’re free to plug in a 7-button-scroll-wheel mouse and go crazy, but it’s NOT A REQUIREMENT.
If Apple started shipping with a two button mouse, people would stop thinking simplicity and start linking functionality to the second button. I’m not talking shortcuts, but important features. It’s human nature. Apple can publish UI standards till they are blue in the face, but standards are easy to ignore. On the other hand, the thousands of Mac systems that are shipped every day with a single button mouse can be very persuasive.
Scott,
Thank you for illustrating those points in a clear manner. It’s what I’ve been trying to point out all along, but apparently my comments aren’t being read with care.
Beeblebrox:
I never said anything about a blind grandmother using her feet to use the mouse. So stop being an ass by putting words into my (virtual) mouth.
I never said the two-button mouse was *better*, I said it was *easier*… and my SIGHTED, FULLY-HANDED average user mother would agree… and so would my 30-something fully capable average users friends. I use a multi-buttoned mouse, but I understand Apple’s decision to use the KISS rule in this instance.
As I already pointed out (and Scott as well), only allowing the average user to share only from the public folder was a CONSCIOUS SECURITY CHOICE by Apple. A power user doesn’t need to buy addition software to share from other places. They just have to know the “advanced” steps to get it done the other way. Apple chose security for the average user and that’s what I’ve been saying all along.
Trying to insult me does nothing to further your own debate points.
Don’t you think Apple has done about a million usability focus groups on this very subject?
No I don’t. I think Apple (read: Jobs) has decided that they are going to stick with the one-button mouse and that’s that.
So what about the 10 years where Steve Jobs wasn’t at Apple? In all that time do you think there wasn’t a single focus group about mice and usability? If so, then you are a fool who knows little about business.
How do I know? Because over the years Apple has developed two-button mouse prototypes… but, thus far, they’ve stayed with the one button. Anyone working in just about any industry knows that for those kinds of decisions usability focus groups are a very common tool.
The companies I’ve worked for even use focus groups for web site usability, and that wasn’t even their primary product or service. Focus groups happen ALL THE TIME over even the smallest business decisions. I’d bet everything I own that Apple has had usability testing on various mice incarnations.
And you would be foolish not to do the same.
Jeez, from some of your reactions, you’d think it’s against the law to use a mouse with more than one button.
If you want another button, but another damn mouse. It’s really that simple.
Like I said before, I keep thinking I would like a two-button mouse. I would use it. I really would. But every time I get close to buying one, I think of something else I’d rather spend $30-$50 on. The two-button mouse is just not that important. I get along just fine with one button. I am in no way hindered or hampered. I’m now an EXPERT at holding down ctrl as I click. It really works. REALLY! I mean, it partially interrupts my vegetative state to have to hold down a button to pull up a contextual menu, but perhaps this is not such abad thing…
And now...I swear, on Steve Jobs’ grave that this is the last time I *ever* comment on a mouse button debate.
Ok first to the idea of remapping the command/control keys. Not a good idea. Those switching are or atleast should expect some relearning to be involved with the switch. Remapping the keys would only serve to antagonize the very loyal current Mac Base.
To the point about a multiple button mouse. This is not a feature that is missing from the OS and that is what this article is about. The OS does support a multiple button mouse, Apple have simply chosen to ship a single button mouse. To AngryHamster’s comments as to wether a single or multiple button mouse is more ore less complex, for the most part that is subjective as eitehr can be learned equally easily. You state that you do tech support and the in your opinion less than have your user base currently uses the right mouse button. Assuming recent numbers are accurate as is your estimation. Estimations are that 400,000 windows users have switched to the Mac over the last 2 quarters. Assuming your estimation of less than half of your users using the right mouse button that would mean 200,000 right clicking users have switched to Macintosh in the last 2 quarters. A rather sizeable number, and while there are no numbers that I am aware of indicating those switching the other direction, I would venture a guess that the flow is greater towards the Mac rather than away from. Seems to me the lack of an included piece of hardware has not swayed users from the platform. Also, I will venture a guess (somewhat educated as I as well do support for a mixed environment) that well more than half of all Mac users are control clicking. Now to just breifly touch on my thought of which is more complex, let’s take a support call from a windows user and a mac user. In both cases we will tell the user to click on a particular item. How often from the other end when speaking to the windows user have you heard them ask “Left or right click?” How often have you heard the Mac user ask “Do you mean control click?” I’ll bet my next check against yours that you’ve heard the windows response far more often. Now tell me which is more confusiing? Bottom line if you feel more productive with a multiple button mouse get one and plug it in.
Save buttons in the toolbars. Well some might find this a nice feature and some may not, but as with the multiple button mouse topic, this is not an OS level item. It is not the Windows OS that provides the Save button but the application developers. You want them beat on them. I’m always up for having options.
Sorting folders to the top of a list. Can we take this one step further? I’d like to be able to sort an open or save dialog list in any order that I like, by name, date, kind.
More contextual help. YES! Any additional readily available help is a plus.
Whoa! Angry Hampster,
I really have no desire to see more windows people come to the Mac. With the influx of windows users come all of the viruses, spyware, and trojan horses. To complain about many of these features seems to me quite hypocritical. If I were to move to another country and learn a new language, I would hardly expect the masses to change the language to suit my needs. Who’s to say the windows way is the best way? Why not have pc manufacturers conform to the MAC standards. My concern is for you and why you need a free hand to surf the web!
There are a rediculous number of comments here, so I won’t bother to read them all, and instead provide my own opinions!
Do not change the keyboard shortcuts on a Mac by default. If a user wishes to do this, they can and are probably encouraged if it makes their computing life easier. What might be nice is more accessible information explaining how to do this.
A two-button mouse is NOT confusing. If you have an IQ above 0 and have some degree of motor skills that allows you to use a computer in the first place you can a) ask what the second button is for, b) ignore the seconf button, c) try it out for yourself and see, or d) panick and cry. I’d imagine very, very few people in this world would chose option d and that most would go for a or b. Even Mac users. I love my two-button mouse. First off, I eschew mouse clicks when I know I can acheive something with a key-stroke (we’ll ignore the milliseconds of time it saves me), but I also abhor using two hands to bring up a contextual menu. Why anyone should be forced into that is beyond me.
The other benefit of a multi-button mouse is being able to map different keys to the extra buttons. Maybe you want the right button to be option+click. A scroll wheel should also be standard on a Mac’s mouse. And, no, I don’t like paying extra money to have a better mouse. Macs already cost a lot as is.
Do not lump folders together. One of the nicest things about Open/Save dialogues in OS X (and older Mac OSes) is that file names are listed ALPHABETICALLY. Think about it - we organize damn near everything by the alphabet, why change it on a computer?
Do not make irrelevant files invisible. One, it’s good to see what’s there for the purpose of maybe putting two related files together, even if they are of different file types. You might want to use the same name as another file of a different type, and from what I’ve experienced, clicking on said file’s name will fill out the name entry text field in the Save dialogue for you. From the comments I have read, I whole heartedly agree, support and possibly demand the use of subfolders. Just as when designing a web site, organized, hierarchical structures of files will make your overall experience better. Plus, with Spotlight and plain ol’ Command+F, losing files is a bit hard to do - without just throwing them away, that is.
This, by the way, should be a preference, either in the Finder’s Preferences, an Open/Save Dialogue (as a checkbox), or in an application’s Preferences.
Speaking of preferences, Apple, in their goal to make things so “user friendly,” seems to like denying us more preferences. If they think it’s too much for most users, throw them into an Advanced tab/category. Right off the bat, people too timid to learn how to fully utilize their computer will ignore the Advanced Preferences. (And why spend $1000 or more on a computer you’re going to be afraid to use?)
Save button in the toolbar? Sure. Go ahead - if it makes someone’s life easier, that’s great. I won’t use it because I prefer Command+S. I don’t need to move the mouse, my left hand is already on the keyboard…
Multiple resize spots on windows? That’s be good. Mac OS X already has the cursors to represent that, so why not offer it?
Printing IS slow on a Mac. I have no idea how to fix this.
Contextual menus are mostly up to application developers. A lot of the OS-specific ones are pretty solid. Safari’s could use a couple more options, or maybe as an Advanced preference, the option to turn on larger contextual menus (ie, more content in the menus). Too many developers ignore the might of a good Dock Menu too. A full-featured Dock Menu can usually save time in ways similar to Exposé’s features. A great example is Adium’s Dock Menu. Adium also has pretty well designed contextual menus. Actually, everyone should learn from Adium!
That’s all for now.