John Levon wrote:
On Wed, Sep 13, 2006 at 03:37:30PM +0200, Helge Hafting wrote:
John Levon wrote:
On Tue, Sep 12, 2006 at 10:11:31PM +0200, Helge Hafting wrote:
It isn't a model - it is how this computer stuff actually happen on a
low level.
Precisely the problem.
Well, the "keep it simple" principle applies - users
actually understand the filesystem, so there is no need
to hide it.
I'm afraid this isn't actually true, as studies have shown time and time
again. It's something that people have to learn, and it's hard and
completely unnecessary.
Sure - users are not born with knowledge of the file system.
They have to learn it - or learn something. Now, all these computers
come with file systems, understanding the basics _is_ necessary
to use the thing efficiently, so I still can't see the problem
with filesystem interaction in the lyx gui.
We require that the user can read and write too. Some minimum
skill set is required. We can of course debate how much a
user ought to know. Schoolchildren learn simple word
processing and web usage these days - I really think the user
who don't understand some filesystem basics is going away.
Also, I worry that an "alternative" to the filesystem easily will
get cumbersome and awkward and limiting for the large masses
who do understand the filesystem.
I know that many users don't understand "file extensions", but
that may be hidden. And many don't utilize directories very well.
But that's just means they are bad at keeping an archive.
And they sure don't get the limitations of filenames -
* why is spaces a problem?
* why is a "/" a problem?
* why is non-ascii sometimes a problem? The company name _is_ non-ascii!
* why can't I have a "bold" word or exponent in my filename . . .
But still - they do understand that this letter to mom have this name,
that report have that name, and so on. This is what you need to use
"save".
It'll be interesting to see what is supposed to be better.
Dumbing down for the dummies sure isn't the way to go,
but if there is a way that doesn't also introduce artifical limitations
then fine.
Helge Hafting
