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Macintosh…Help me understand why
ZDnet ^ | May 27th | Christopher Dawson

Posted on 05/28/2007 7:40:29 PM PDT by Halfmanhalfamazing

I can feel them…the flames…they’re coming. But I have to ask this question again (yes, I’ve asked one very much like it before) in light of recent events. The recent events, of course, involve the release of a particular Linux distribution with a funny African sort of name and, maybe more significantly, the first tier-one vendor’s adoption of said funny-sounding distro as an OS choice. Macintosh, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly focused on consumer appliances (oh yeah, AppleTV, that has applications in the classroom), notebooks (even their “budget” Macbooks are running Core 2 Duos), and high-end workstations (rumors are flying about the demise of the Mac Mini and the 17″ iMac). While I’ll be the first to admit that OS X is a truly elegant operating system and that both Mac hardware and software are full of useful little features and innovations, so is Kubuntu. And Xubuntu. Sorry, not loving Gnome so much lately, so I’m leaving the actual funny-African-named distro off the list, but I can’t say enough good stuff about Edubuntu. Several readers have mentioned recent innovations in Mandriva that they believe makes it even better than the ‘buntus; I’ve had great experiences with Fedora Core and OpenSUSE. I know a bunch of former Mac owners who think Yellow Dog Linux is about the best thing since sliced bread. So with all of these innovations and really refined interfaces, with so many great alternatives to Windows, why would I stretch my budget for a really pretty case? Why would I buy a really expensive laptop with JUST ONE MOUSE BUTTON??!!!

(Excerpt) Read more at education.zdnet.com ...


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: apple; linux; mac; multibuttonsince90s; os10
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To: tubebender
I’m using a 3 button Logitech mouse with a scroll wheel on my iMac.
I am too. When I finally upgraded from my old iMAC ruby to the amazing intel duo core that I have now, the only thing I didn't like was the mighty mouse. I'm pretty coordinated with my hands but i couldn't deal with it and the scroll ball didn't work very well.
21 posted on 05/29/2007 12:10:15 AM PDT by freedom moose (has de cultivar el que sembres)
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To: Spktyr
1. Programmers on Mac OS must assume that the user has only one button and may not have two, so this forces them to put commands in the menu bar at the top of the screen - not bury them ten levels deep in context menus and make them otherwise inaccessable.

The actual guidelne states "Always ensure that contextual menu items are also available as menu commands. A contextual menu is hidden by default and a user might not know it exists, so it should never be the only way to access a command. In particular, you should not use a contextual menu as the only way to access an advanced or power-user feature."

Users of an older single-button mouse can simulate a right-click by holding down the 'control' key on the keyboard while clicking the mouse.

Apple's design guidelines for contextual menus are available at this link - Apple Human Interface Guidelines

22 posted on 05/29/2007 1:21:14 AM PDT by HAL9000 (Get a Mac - The Ultimate FReeping Machine)
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To: Halfmanhalfamazing
For those guys who clammored for macOS for all computers for the longest time, Linux delivers. Apple seems fine being a niche. So let them have it.

Linux seems fine in it's niche too - as an operating system for servers. It's not ready for widespread desktop usage.

23 posted on 05/29/2007 1:27:15 AM PDT by HAL9000 (Get a Mac - The Ultimate FReeping Machine)
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To: Spktyr

I have to use a PC at work. Since I have always owned an Apple/Mac, the ‘right click’ has never been an issue. I learned that was the only way to enter certain ‘new’ info on the system at work.


24 posted on 05/29/2007 4:59:36 AM PDT by mathluv (Never Forget!)
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To: Swordmaker
I know what FUD stands for. I just think it's funny how quickly anyone with a dissenting opinion on Macs will get attacked by the fanboys (not just on FR; anywhere on the Internet). They can't just have a different opinion, or even be mistaken - they must be lying if they're not sufficiently worshipful toward the Mac.
25 posted on 05/29/2007 5:01:41 AM PDT by Turbopilot (iumop ap!sdn w,I 'aw dlaH)
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To: Halfmanhalfamazing

My only problem with Apple is their habit of abandoning low-end customers every few years. Every company needs an entry level computer. But Steve thinks that reduces the desirability of the Apple brand, which is basically a luxury brand.


26 posted on 05/29/2007 8:31:55 AM PDT by DesScorp
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Comment #27 Removed by Moderator

To: Turbopilot

“anything less than a glowing review for Macs” [http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1841200/posts?page=18#18]

doesn’t equate to

“a dissenting opinion” [http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1841200/posts?page=25#25]

But thanks for stopping by the topic to dump on everyone who likes Macs.

“anything less than a glowing review for Macs is considered ‘FUD’ and results in flames and negative comments for the original poster.”

“I just think it’s funny how quickly anyone with a dissenting opinion on Macs will get attacked by the fanboys (not just on FR; anywhere on the Internet).”


28 posted on 05/29/2007 11:02:56 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (Time heals all wounds, particularly when they're not yours. Profile updated May 26, 2007.)
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To: Turbopilot
I got criticized once for posting that Macs did a given task somewhat better than PCs; my compliment wasn't complimentary enough.

Anything less than bowing and worshipping an iMac is blasphemy.

The MacMullahs will soon straighten you out, infidel.
29 posted on 05/29/2007 11:27:26 AM PDT by George W. Bush
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To: SunkenCiv
everyone who likes Macs"

doesn't equate to

"fanboys" who attack "anyone with a dissenting opinion"

Unless, of course, you're claiming that everyone who likes Macs does indeed act like that. It can seem like that sometimes.

And in this case, "anything less than a glowing review" is especially appropriate - the author's "dissenting opinion" was that he praised Macs and OSX, but was flamed on his site and accused of mendacity here merely for suggesting that for his specific needs, another platform was more cost-effective. Considering that the author (being in education) is spending our tax dollars, one would think that on a conservative site he would be praised for finding ways to spend less of it. But it appears that Mac fanboyism takes precedence over even conservatism.

30 posted on 05/29/2007 11:43:03 AM PDT by Turbopilot (iumop ap!sdn w,I 'aw dlaH)
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To: George W. Bush
Anything less than bowing and worshipping an iMac is blasphemy.

The MacMullahs will soon straighten you out, infidel.

LOL! That's about right. PC-dhimmitude is not tolerated.

31 posted on 05/29/2007 11:45:30 AM PDT by Turbopilot (iumop ap!sdn w,I 'aw dlaH)
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To: martin_fierro

ROFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!


32 posted on 05/29/2007 8:57:16 PM PDT by Halfmanhalfamazing (How ironic is it that me, a linux user, swears by microsoft keyboards and mice?)
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To: HAL9000

You better call Dell and tell them that.


33 posted on 05/29/2007 8:59:51 PM PDT by Halfmanhalfamazing (How ironic is it that me, a linux user, swears by microsoft keyboards and mice?)
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To: Turbopilot

You just described a liberal.

(take out any references to apple or mac)

^^^^^^^^I know what FUD stands for. I just think it’s funny how quickly anyone with a dissenting opinion on _____ will get attacked by the fanboys (not just on FR; anywhere on the Internet). They can’t just have a different opinion, or even be mistaken - they must be lying if they’re not sufficiently worshipful toward the ____.^^^^^^^^^^^

That’s a liberal!

lol Go ahead and insert global warming, it fits perfectly.


34 posted on 05/29/2007 9:01:37 PM PDT by Halfmanhalfamazing (How ironic is it that me, a linux user, swears by microsoft keyboards and mice?)
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To: George W. Bush
^^^^^^^^^The MacMullahs will soon straighten you out, infidel.^^^^^^^^^

You better look out for the iJihad

Now powered by BSD Unix!

35 posted on 05/29/2007 9:05:01 PM PDT by Halfmanhalfamazing (How ironic is it that me, a linux user, swears by microsoft keyboards and mice?)
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To: Halfmanhalfamazing

< |;)~


36 posted on 05/29/2007 9:05:27 PM PDT by martin_fierro (< |:)~)
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To: Halfmanhalfamazing
You better call Dell and tell them that.

I've already proposed that Dell should develop DellOS on top of Linux. But they would have to substantially increase their R&D budget and hire hundreds of software engineers. If they start now, it could be ready for sale in 4Q 2010.

37 posted on 05/29/2007 9:33:06 PM PDT by HAL9000 (Get a Mac - The Ultimate FReeping Machine)
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To: tubebender
What do you call a singing fish? An iCod.

Of course … it sings in the key of A(pple).

38 posted on 05/29/2007 9:46:46 PM PDT by ShorelineMike (Constituo, ergo sum.)
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To: HAL9000

*COUGH* please.

Linux based GUIs don’t need as much work as you claim. 2010? Pfft........

In alot of ways, Linux is ahead of windows in ease of use. Just look at the installation of software packages, it’s arguably ahead of macs too. Synaptec(and others like it) is sweet like that.


39 posted on 05/30/2007 7:27:34 AM PDT by Halfmanhalfamazing (How ironic is it that me, a linux user, swears by microsoft keyboards and mice?)
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To: miliantnutcase
I’ll stick with XP pro the greatest OS I have ever had.

Honey, you have had one hell of a sheltered life. I so pity you.

40 posted on 05/30/2007 6:34:11 PM PDT by MrsEmmaPeel
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