But Vista was late as it is, and this would have made it later. And would have brought a lot of flack for the extra complexity (and probably the user experience).

But Vista was late as it is, and this would have made it later. And would have brought a lot of flack for the extra complexity (and probably the user experience).

Each user has their own ~/Applications folder which, by default, they can do whatever they like in. I think, by default the root Applications folder is only writable with admin privileges, but it in no way precludes you from ‘installing’ and running stuff in any directory you do have write permissions for.

Each user has their own ~/Applications folder which, by default, they can do whatever they like in. I think, by default the root Applications folder is only writable with admin privileges, but it in no way precludes you from ‘installing’ and running stuff in any directory you do have write permissions for.

I think the author of that pingback post had a point. How often do you install a piece of software in linux without elevated privileges? What about Macs?

Granted, usually with linux you’re more aware of what you’re doing (it’s not as simple as pressing a button), but the point still stands. Almost any application you install on any OS will need elevated privileges.

I think the author of that pingback post had a point. How often do you install a piece of software in linux without elevated privileges? What about Macs?

Granted, usually with linux you’re more aware of what you’re doing (it’s not as simple as pressing a button), but the point still stands. Almost any application you install on any OS will need elevated privileges.

Vista solves no compelling user needs that can’t be, indeed are being, solved by other third-party products. On the other hand, Vista creates many new user problems, including shifting control of the computer from the user to Redmond.

One way to consider the problem is to imagine that Microsoft was a Japanese or German company. If it was, do you think that business would allow it to assume such profound control over a given company’s data and desktops? No, there’d be an outcry for protective legislation.

But Microsoft has enormous lobbying power and so today continues to get away with operating as an entirely self-serving monopoly that only grudgingly responds to customer needs.

Vista solves no compelling user needs that can’t be, indeed are being, solved by other third-party products. On the other hand, Vista creates many new user problems, including shifting control of the computer from the user to Redmond.

One way to consider the problem is to imagine that Microsoft was a Japanese or German company. If it was, do you think that business would allow it to assume such profound control over a given company’s data and desktops? No, there’d be an outcry for protective legislation.

But Microsoft has enormous lobbying power and so today continues to get away with operating as an entirely self-serving monopoly that only grudgingly responds to customer needs.