The Logic Off Topic list

Murray,

Your point is well taken.  But remember, Apple's marketing line years ago
was that the Mac was a 'computer for the rest of us'.  Most people aren't
programmers, so when they see a command line, they freak out.

Apple's success with the Mac has been built largely on keeping the user away
from the under-the-hood stuff.  This can be seen both ways.  If the software
is good, the user never needs to go near low-level stuff.  If the software
is bad, low-level access is a plus.  Mac software for the most part, has
been outstanding.  The need for low level access is a mute point for all but
programmers.

My frustrations with Windows bouncing back to DOS was more for the folks
that were helpless with the DOS command line.  Programmers and savvy
computer folk were ok, but the average person is left scratching his head
with the DOS command line.

All this points to the average user's experience with the machine.  Most
people don't want a machine with more than one 'personality'.  DOS command
line prompts are fairly hostile for newbies and the masses in general (it's
the reason Microsoft did 'Windows').

I've been in both worlds and prefer a platform that yields an experience
that doesn't require low-level tinkering.


Stephen Laianca

- Just up the road from the Bada Bing -
  Fugedaboudit! ...

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