Linked by Richard Wareham on Mon 8th Mar 2004 20:49 UTC
This essay describes the surprising results of a brief trial with a group of new computer users about the relative ease of the command line interface versus the GUIs now omnipresent in computer interfaces. It comes from practical experience I have of teaching computing to complete beginners or newbies as computer power-users often term them.
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An interesting essay, one might also consider how much customer alienation is caused by these interminable telephone message systems; "If you want xxxx, press one."
Many years ago, my department needed word processing capability. The systems available were far two expensive. We had a Unix V7 system that was not heavily used and it was suggested that it be used for the task. Managers and engineers objected strenuously as the system was too difficult for the use of mere secretaries. The project went ahead in spite of the objections and the secretaries were taught vi and nroff. Much to the chagrin of the doubters, the secretaries were soon happily producing everything from technical reports to business letters and memoranda on the Unix system. Most became more proficient than the Unix gurus.
I surmised two things; 1) lack of a university degree does not imply stupidity, 2) Naysayers are either arrogant or insecure in their own abilities.