What can Apple learn from Microsoft that will improve Mac OS X? I have a list. A Top 5 list of bad things about Tiger. Is there anything really that good about Microsoft’s upcoming Vista? Again, I have a list. Let the flames begin.
Obviously, I have more experience with Mac OS X than Vista, which won’t ship for months, if then. I’ve used Vista. It looks a lot like OS X. Putting that experience differential to use, I came up with a list of items that bug me about OS X Tiger. After looking at the latest version of Vista, there’s still plenty of work for Microsoft’s developers, but there’s much to like. First, OS X.
Spinning Beach Ball
It’s there, it’s nasty, sometimes it takes forever to go away when an application hangs for awhile. There’s literally got to be something wrong somewhere.
If it doesn’t respond quickly, dump the beach ball and give me something else to look at. I’m running a PowerMac G5 with loads of RAM.
Sidebar Items Brain Dead
I use the sidebar, I like the sidebar, it’s handy, so why can’t I rename those items to something else?
More Background Actions
OS X needs to perform more actions in the background instead of letting you watch dumb things happen. Empy a lot of items in the trash and what happens? Copy a lot of files from here to there?
You get to watch, and wait. Then watch and wait at the same time. Why? Just do it in the background.
Dashboard Blues
Widgets are cool. How many are there? At least a couple of thousand. I use half a dozen that are worthwhile, but have to go to the Dashboard each time.
How about letting Widgets pop up one at a time, just like, um, oh, I don’t know—maybe those Desk Accessories of a couple decades ago.
Application Interruptus
Honestly, I don’t know whose fault this is, but I have some applications which interrupt what I’m doing and pop up to the front. That’s annoying.
Sometimes it’s annoying, sometimes it’s scary, as if something broke. It shouldn’t happen. How about an OS X-wide Attention Alert instead of interruptus communicatius.
There’s more, but I wanted to limit this to half OS X and half Windows Vista? What, Kate? There’s something good about Windows Vista?
Vista The Drag Queen
OS X has little scroll notifiers in iPhoto, iTunes, et al. Vista has a few neat ones, too. Drag a bunch of items around the desktop and Vista tells you how many you have.
Smart Birds Chase Breadcrumbs
I’m not a Ribbon fan, but the Breadcrumb Bar in Windows Explorer is pretty neat. It saves space and makes it easy to figure out where you are.
Start Search
I hate the Start Menu. Vista has search incorporated in Start, so it kinda sorta functions like Spotlight in the Finder. Steal, and steal alike, I say. It’s good.
Scrolling For Dollars
Where is it, OS X? I hate scrollbars at the bottom of a window; Finder, Safari, any large object in a window. Vista is on the right track with auto-scroll.
Looks Like Aqua To Me
Just about the time Windows rolls out Aero and everyone says it looks like OS X’s Aqua, OS X Leopard will change spots and neither Aqua or Aero will be cool anymore.
I still like Aero’s familiar look. Familiar because it kinda sorta looks like OS X Tiger.
There’s my list. Feel free to bash a bit, or add to the list.
Interesting article. I agree especially with the spinning beach ball and the dashboard. Why in the world can’t you drag widgets onto the desktop? Yahoo’s widget thingy lets you do this. I use it to keep a calendar on my desktop. The spinning beach ball has always been stupid. Its 2006 Apple. Find a better way to handle a hanging app. Vista is an interesting OS. I have it on my IBM laptop (the current RC 1 version. Its interesting because, like you, it reminds me of OS X. I agree with the list you have of good Vista features. Still, its Windows and it can be maddening at times.
Interesting article. I agree especially with the spinning beach ball and the dashboard. Why in the world can’t you drag widgets onto the desktop? Yahoo’s widget thingy lets you do this. I use it to keep a calendar on my desktop. The spinning beach ball has always been stupid. Its 2006 Apple. Find a better way to handle a hanging app. Vista is an interesting OS. I have it on my IBM laptop (the current RC 1 version. Its interesting because, like you, it reminds me of OS X. I agree with the list you have of good Vista features. Still, its Windows and it can be maddening at times.
Dashboard > widget list thing at the bottom > click and keep clicked on a widget > close dashboard
There, have your widget on the desktop (until you open the dashboard again, that’s when the widget will get back)
The spinning beach ball (that btw i like, and it’s a lot better than the hourglass in windows) appears when the hardware is getting stressed. Do less things togheter, or get a newer Mac… that’s on your side. On Apple’s side they need to solve some threading issues in the kernel, and then with those dual core hyper threaded toys os x will take off :D
Right on target. Dashboard really, really, truly needs to be able to do this: click on the Dashboard in the Dock and up pops a list of running Widgets. Then, select a Widget and it appears over the top of all applications, without having to go into modal mode and display every freakin’ Widget on your Mac’s planet.
What’s it say about Vista when the #1 thing you like about it is that it looks like Mac OS X?
Good article (post) Kate, Thanks! Given the good and not so good (pros and cons) of both Operating Systems, Companies and track records. I will remain with Apple and OS X . Don’t get me wrong, I have an open mind, just a bit (lot) more confidence in Cupertino than Redmond. Yes, Apple computer hardware is, without question, a bit more pricey than comparable PC’s, and well worth every extra cent in my opinion . Just for the peace of mind in knowing, more often than not, my Mac hardware and software is simply going to work. On those rare occasions when something doesn’t, isolating the issue and getting it resolved is usually quick, painless and stress free .
What can Apple learn from Microsoft that will improve Mac OS X? I have a list. A Top 5 list of bad things about Tiger. Is there anything really that good about Microsoft’s upcoming Vista? Again, I have a list. Let the flames begin.
Obviously, I have more experience with Mac OS X than Vista, which won’t ship for months, if then. I’ve used Vista. It looks a lot like OS X. Putting that experience differential to use, I came up with a list of items that bug me about OS X Tiger. After looking at the latest version of Vista, there’s still plenty of work for Microsoft’s developers, but there’s much to like. First, OS X.
Spinning Beach Ball
It’s there, it’s nasty, sometimes it takes forever to go away when an application hangs for awhile. There’s literally got to be something wrong somewhere.
If it doesn’t respond quickly, dump the beach ball and give me something else to look at. I’m running a PowerMac G5 with loads of RAM.
OK, so tell me how Apple can learn from Microsoft on this one? Applications get hung up on Windows too, and it seams to effect the entire system when it does. I admittedly have no experience with Vista, but are you saying Windows Vista gives you something better to look at then a kaleidoscope of colors spinning when an app hangs up? Did they improve on the black and white hourglass? And it’s not like you can’t go to another application and do something else, or just force quit the app that’s hung up.
Kate MacKenzie - 04 October 2006 04:50 AM
Sidebar Items Brain Dead
I use the sidebar, I like the sidebar, it’s handy, so why can’t I rename those items to something else?
I use the sidebar too, and the menu bar. You can add applications, folders, files, whatever. You can also rename them, add, or remove any of the existing ones. I’m not sure what you want to rename, but you CAN rename sidebar items.
Kate MacKenzie - 04 October 2006 04:50 AM
More Background Actions
OS X needs to perform more actions in the background instead of letting you watch dumb things happen. Empty a lot of items in the trash and what happens? Copy a lot of files from here to there?
You get to watch, and wait. Then watch and wait at the same time. Why? Just do it in the background.
What is this you would like to be more in the background? I see you give an example of the finder showing you the progress of your files emptying into the trash, or copying files. You want this to be in the background? That seams weird. Are you saying that Windows Vista has this in the background? Tell me again how Apple can learn from Microsoft on this one. If it didn’t show you the progress, you wouldn’t have any way to cancel it if it was a mistake. Plus, I like to know what’s going on with my machine. What if I want to know when my files are done copying? It’s also not true that you have to watch and wait on anything. You can do other things, this isn’t OS 9 or Windows 3.1. You can do 10 things at once if you wanted to on your G5. I do it all the time on my G4. Why are you waiting and watching? Go check your email while you’re copying your files. You’d also have to watch and wait in Windows too, so… tell me again? :D
Kate MacKenzie - 04 October 2006 04:50 AM
Dashboard Blues
Widgets are cool. How many are there? At least a couple of thousand. I use half a dozen that are worthwhile, but have to go to the Dashboard each time.
How about letting Widgets pop up one at a time, just like, um, oh, I don’t know—maybe those Desk Accessories of a couple decades ago.
What’s so hard about going to the dashboard each time? You hit a key command, or click on the icon. It’s so that it doesn’t clutter your desktop. If you want one to be on your desktop, there are ways, and I have two of them running all the time on my desktop, google it if you need help. I’m not sure what you mean by “one at a time” how would you get to the “one” you wanted, flip through the 10 you have active? Or have little small icons popup, and then click on the one you want? That’s a lot more easier then hitting one function key.
Kate MacKenzie - 04 October 2006 04:50 AM
Smart Birds Chase Breadcrumbs
I’m not a Ribbon fan, but the Breadcrumb Bar in Windows Explorer is pretty neat. It saves space and makes it easy to figure out where you are.
If you need to know where you are in OS X, command click the title in the title bar, not only will you be able to see where you are, you can easily go to one of the previous locations listed by clicking on them.
Kate MacKenzie - 04 October 2006 04:50 AM
Start Search
I hate the Start Menu. Vista has search incorporated in Start, so it kinda sorta functions like Spotlight in the Finder. Steal, and steal alike, I say. It’s good.
Looks Like Aqua To Me
Just about the time Windows rolls out Aero and everyone says it looks like OS X’s Aqua, OS X Leopard will change spots and neither Aqua or Aero will be cool anymore.
OK, and these are a couple of “good things” about Windows Vista.
Yes, I agree, they’re good because Apple already has them, and has had them for a long time now. Windows Vista is just too late.
You should have put some other things on that list that was good about Windows Vista: flip 3D (kinda like exposé, but u can’t even see everything!), gadgets (don’t get me started, widgets), live thumbnails in your taskbar (the dock has done that for years), windows photo gallery (iPhoto)... just to name a few.
I will give you that there are a couple of other things on your Windows list that I know nothing about, and I can’t wait to see them in Windows Vista (half-sarcasm), but I just had to respond here, because some of things you say I just don’t get, or are just wrong.
I haven’t touched Windows much in the past few years, so I can’t comment on that, but I like the Mac list with one exception. That is the progress meter for transferring/copying files etc. I think that’s an important piece of visual info. If something doesn’t happen instantaneously, we need some sort of indication so we know don’t get angry when (for example) our copied files aren’t in the folder (yet) where we copied them to. Since that sort of thing is usually in the Finder, it’s usually to the back and out of my way.
Good article (post) Kate, Thanks! Given the good and not so good (pros and cons) of both Operating Systems, Companies and track records. I will remain with Apple and OS X . Don’t get me wrong, I have an open mind, just a bit (lot) more confidence in Cupertino than Redmond. Yes, Apple computer hardware is, without question, a bit more pricey than comparable PC’s, and well worth every extra cent in my opinion . Just for the peace of mind in knowing, more often than not, my Mac hardware and software is simply going to work. On those rare occasions when something doesn’t, isolating the issue and getting it resolved is usually quick, painless and stress free .
How are they more pricey? That one is no longer a statement worth spreading.
You have to compare Apples (no pun intended) to oranges.
A Mac Mini is 600 bucks. That’s as cheap as any PC of that caliber. A 17” widescreen monitor all-in-one dual core computer that has bluetooth, a dvd-rom, a cd burner, 802.11g for 1,000 bbucks? Show me a cheaper PC of that caliber.
You should have put some other things on that list that was good about Windows Vista: flip 3D (kinda like exposé, but u can’t even see everything!), gadgets (don’t get me started, widgets), live thumbnails in your taskbar (the dock has done that for years), windows photo gallery (iPhoto)... just to name a few.
I will give you that there are a couple of other things on your Windows list that I know nothing about, and I can’t wait to see them in Windows Vista (half-sarcasm), but I just had to respond here, because some of things you say I just don’t get, or are just wrong.
The problem I had with compiling such a list was keeping it to five each, so I chose a few on each side that were more commonly considered. We try to keep articles and forums topics to concise, though I’ll admit that’s a big challenge—especially when dealing with opinions and comparisons.
BTW, it wasn’t a comparison of features between OS X and Vista. It was 5 bad and 5 good. Even that’s a stretch because one of the Vista “good” features was that it looked like OS X.
Vista has a couple of neat things going for it. OS X has plenty, but there are some GUI inconsistencies (brushed aluminum or platinum plastic—which is it, Apple?), and other items that could be improved.
That’s what the Apple Tax, uh, um, Leopard is for.
You should have put some other things on that list that was good about Windows Vista: flip 3D (kinda like exposé, but u can’t even see everything!), gadgets (don’t get me started, widgets), live thumbnails in your taskbar (the dock has done that for years), windows photo gallery (iPhoto)... just to name a few.
I will give you that there are a couple of other things on your Windows list that I know nothing about, and I can’t wait to see them in Windows Vista (half-sarcasm), but I just had to respond here, because some of things you say I just don’t get, or are just wrong.
There’s nothing on the list that’s “wrong.”
The problem I had with compiling such a list was keeping it to five each, so I chose a few on each side that were more commonly considered. We try to keep articles and forums topics to concise, though I’ll admit that’s a big challenge—especially when dealing with opinions and comparisons.
BTW, it wasn’t a comparison of features between OS X and Vista. It was 5 bad and 5 good. Even that’s a stretch because one of the Vista “good” features was that it looked like OS X.
Vista has a couple of neat things going for it. OS X has plenty, but there are some GUI inconsistencies (brushed aluminum or platinum plastic—which is it, Apple?), and other items that could be improved.
That’s what the Apple Tax, uh, um, Leopard is for.
Of course some things are wrong. Like you said you can’t rename your sidebar items. I’m saying you can, that’s is wrong on the list.
I knew it wasn’t a comparison. I’m not sure why you thought I thought it was. I did make some comparisons of my own, but it’s because that some of the things you put on the 5 bad things about OS X, is ALSO bad with Windows.
Or you said Apple could learn from Microsoft because of it. In order for that to happen, Windows would have to have a better solution. I didn’t see what was BETTER about Windows, in order for Apple to learn from it.
More Background Actions
OS X needs to perform more actions in the background instead of letting you watch dumb things happen. Empy a lot of items in the trash and what happens? Copy a lot of files from here to there?
You get to watch, and wait. Then watch and wait at the same time. Why? Just do it in the background.
You do realize you can simply click in another window. You don’t have to wait while it’s copying or deleting files - it DOES happen in the background. You can also switch to another application. In fact it works EXACTLY the same way as it does in Windows - the copy or delete window comes up, but it still lets you switch to other windows.
I’ve been trying Windows Vista on my MacBook Pro using Parallels Desktop. I find that it feels annoyingly ‘dumbed down’. I sometimes need to use Windows for work, so I use Windows XP in Parallels to run outlook, visual studio, and access. It’s functional. I can’t see using Vista the same way - with all of the eye candy and hand-holding it just gets in the way of trying to do any work with it.
You do realize you can simply click in another window. You don’t have to wait while it’s copying or deleting files - it DOES happen in the background. You can also switch to another application. In fact it works EXACTLY the same way as it does in Windows - the copy or delete window comes up, but it still lets you switch to other windows.
No, not quite. If I’m in Safari and get hit with a spinning beach ball, then I’m effectively locked out of Safari. I think that’s what Kate meant. It’s no fun having to stop what you’re doing and wait for OS X to “catch up.” Sure, you could switch to another application, but will OS X notify you when the air is out of the beach ball? Nope.
I could also get on my motorcycle and take a ride down the highway whenever I get hit with a beach ball in the Finder, but that’s not the idea. The idea is that OS X should eliminate the beach ball entirely, not force you to move to another app while waiting.
I’ve been trying Windows Vista on my MacBook Pro using Parallels Desktop. I find that it feels annoyingly ‘dumbed down’. I sometimes need to use Windows for work, so I use Windows XP in Parallels to run outlook, visual studio, and access. It’s functional. I can’t see using Vista the same way - with all of the eye candy and hand-holding it just gets in the way of trying to do any work with it.
I hear that. Plus, from what I’ve seen of the Vista machine set up here in the office, there are three times the clicks to get things done; simple things—as compared to OS X
Yeah I’m not sure about the renaming sidebar items. I can right click and rename to whatever. I can also put any widget right on the desktop with ease. Maybe something is not working in the OS for her? I dunno.
One thing that I’ve used and really enjoyed while using Windows XP Pro (don’t know if this feature is system wide or only in Internet Explorer) is the smooth scrolling. The font rendering is not nearly as nice and clear as OSX’s safari, but it’s nice to be able to set a very slow automatic scroll speed. And Windows does it very nice. It’s so smooth and forces you to pace your reading. I wouldn’t mind if Apple copied that feature!
One bad thing about OSX? Easy. The copy process is not elegant if you have a ton of files to move/copy in a ton of other locations. There are hundreds of ways to move/copy files around, but typically, they involve hunting for various directories and lots of clicking, moving, removing, etc. For the quick and dirty install, I usually open my Updates folder and then have another Finder window open so I can install and move files all over the place. In addition, I use the destop for quick and dirty aliases that are temporary.
Still, it’s a lot of clicking. I’m not sure how this could be ehanced. Maybe a ‘scrolling shelf’ layer in Finder windows for you to insert destination folders quickly..a layer different than the current one where we can put our more permanent aliases and apps. This layer could be set so items would automatically flow off and disappear as you added new items exceeding a set #.
I’ve just set up 3 Macs for family members and have clicked more times in the last 3 or 4 days than I can count. Small jobs are adequately covered in the OS..it’s the big tasks that need some other paradigm.
One bad thing about OSX? Easy. The copy process is not elegant if you have a ton of files to move/copy in a ton of other locations. There are hundreds of ways to move/copy files around, but typically, they involve hunting for various directories and lots of clicking, moving, removing, etc. For the quick and dirty install, I usually open my Updates folder and then have another Finder window open so I can install and move files all over the place. In addition, I use the destop for quick and dirty aliases that are temporary.
Still, it’s a lot of clicking. I’m not sure how this could be ehanced. Maybe a ‘scrolling shelf’ layer in Finder windows for you to insert destination folders quickly..a layer different than the current one where we can put our more permanent aliases and apps. This layer could be set so items would automatically flow off and disappear as you added new items exceeding a set #
One thing I learned from Tera a few years ago was Column View. She told me to open two Finder windows, side by side, one spanning the left half of the screen, the other spanning the right half of the screen. Then, all file and housekeeping functions are left in Column view. No more open Finder windows, no more open folders. Everything stays in Column view.
Once you get used to it, not bouncing between a dozen open windows and folders, organization, copying, moving, all makes much more sense and is much faster. Much. It just takes a bit of getting used to.
I stand corrected on the right click to rename Sidebar items. Works great in Tiger. Scratch that one off the list.
To make up for it, here’s a little tip about using the Sidebar to connect to other Macs in your home or office. Use “Connect to” to connect to another Mac. On the other Mac, navigate to a folder where you’d like to copy files, say, the Desktop. Then, drag that Desktop to your Sidebar (now you can changed the name with a right click, select menu).
To copy files to the other Mac all you have to do is drag the file or files to the folder in the Sidebar. The Mac logs in, copies the file to the other Mac.
Vindicated? Or should I come up with a replacement bad thing about OS X? I’ll ignore the inconsistent GUI problems as Tera’s beaten that to death a few times (brushed aluminum, plastic, or platinum, or plastic platinum?).
How about an uninstaller for OS X. There’s a few commercial applications that do the trick, but OS X should take care of removing what’s been installed.
See? It’s easy.
The point is not to poke and tear away at Apple. We love those guys. A critical eye from time to time can point out glaring inconsistencies and problems which help to make a better product.
. Don’t get me wrong, I have an open mind, just a bit (lot) more confidence in Cupertino than Redmond. Yes, Apple computer hardware is, without question, a bit more pricey than comparable PC’s, and well worth every extra cent in my opinion 
.
