[IxDA Discuss] The biggest usability problem with Windows

[bjminihan at nc.rr.com]

I shouldn't respond if I can't back up the claim, but a cursory search drew nothing to back me up.  Anywho...I do recall rumors awhile back that Microsoft was intensely interested in building an "instant startup" version of its OS.  If memory serves, the rumor had it the OS would reside almost entirely in flash memory, so would theoretically always be running, even when you turned your PC off (much like the pictures remain when you turn your camera off).  The fact that I can't find mention of this anywhere is probably due more to my lack of search skills than lack of info (search for "windows instant startup shutdown" to see the problem explained ad nauseum in 1.3MM links =]).  

The first is interesting, if not relevant...http://www.istartedsomething.com/20061122/windows-boot/

 - Bryan
http://www.bryanminihan.com

---- "Wilson wrote: 
> It seems that a part of human nature is to accept things as they are and
> adapt accordingly. This can be both a strength and a weakness. With
> regard to tools and products, we use what we have, most often accepting
> the shortcomings, until someone comes along and invents something better
> or makes an improvement. And then we examine the new product or
> improvement in awe, wondering why we didn't think of it, surprised at
> how obvious it is in hindsight. 
> 
>  
> 
> It is not easy to remove oneself from the everyday flow of life, from
> the behavioral patterns we form and adaptations we make, to acknowledge
> the problems and ask "how can this be better?" And yet, this is the
> space where designers should spend a great deal of time.
> 
> To that lofty end, I'm going to step down from my dramatic soliloquy and
> ask "Why in the name of all that is holy does it have to take so long to
> start Windows?"
> 
>  
> 
> I, like many others I'm sure, use my computer for hours and hours every
> day. And one of my chief frustrations is waiting for my laptop to start
> up, and for that matter shutdown. Because I use a laptop, I start up and
> shutdown often. This isn't as much of a problem for desktop users who
> leave their computer running, but when the power goes out or you have to
> install new software, prepare to wait.
> 
>  
> 
> And why should this be acceptable? Would it be acceptable if it took a
> web site 5min to load? Would it be acceptable if it took your camera
> 5min to start? What about your TV? Your washing machine? Your car? We
> have adapted and come to accept it as "the way it is", but I argue that
> it is the biggest usability bug in Windows! To be fair, this problem
> isn't limited to Windows. I don't use a Mac, so I can't compare, but I'm
> sure it doesn't turn on instantly.
> 
>  
> 
> If it were up to me, I would have a team working around the clock on a
> solution for instant-on/off computers. I'm sure it's not an easy problem
> to solve, but a fix for this unacceptable bug would have a tremendous
> impact on productivity and the entire user experience surrounding
> computers.
> 
>  
> 
> Russ
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> Original post:
> http://www.dexodesign.com/2007/09/biggest-usability-bug-in-windows.html
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
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