[NTLUG:Discuss] Linux Distro

[Terry Hancock]

On Thursday 13 March 2003 02:15 pm, kbrannen at gte.net wrote:
> Yes, most of us "old timers" :-) probably do live in the CLI; I do.  Others 
> have posted valid reasons why, I'll add one more:  I can type so much 
faster 
> than I can reach over and grab the mouse to point & click; but that's just 
me.

A lot of people are religious about CLI or GUI. Personally I think that it 
depends on the regime in which they are used. If you do the same things a 
lot, and there are clearly defined linguistic metaphors for it, the CLI is 
more efficient, but if the options are limited (especially with complex 
constraints) and a visual or connection model fits the problem, GUI is more 
efficient.

I also don't think we have exhausted the scope of possible interface methods.

Several interface models which are currently only to be found in games have 
not been seriously applied to GUI environments:

1) Agent-assisted CLI. The agent reads what you write and what responses you 
get and offers context sensitive reactions and/or buttons.

2) Tool -- Workpiece == Verb -- Noun interface (implemented in a limited way 
by "drag and drop" interfaces --> drag document to printer icon to print.)
This is a popular model in drawing programs, for example -- you pick up the 
"paintbrush" and act on the "canvas" you see one behavior.  You pick up a 
"pencil", act on the "canvas" and see a different behavior.  An "edit" tool 
could open a target file icon using the "preferred form for modification".  A 
"view" icon would open it in the "preferred form for viewing".  And so on.

Commercial vendors won't take chances on ideas like this, but open-source 
developers are not so limited.  Maybe we should quit playing 
follow-the-leader and start trailblazing.  Until we do, there will be no 
"killer-app" for getting people to switch en masse.

> It seems you're asking about GUI apps.  Always ask; the worst you should 
get 
> is deafening silence because we're clueless about your problem too.

Bear in mind that he responded with his tirade when he not only didn't get an 
answer, but got abused for asking the question.  So silence is *not* the 
worst that can happen. 

Cheers,
Terry

--
Terry Hancock ( hancock at anansispaceworks.com )
Anansi Spaceworks  http://www.anansispaceworks.com