Operating systems: an analysis
Written at: 11:06 25 Nov, 2005
Occasionally the metaphors employed by operating systems don't really work out.
The other day, I had deleted several large files, which of course sent them into the Recycling Bin. Now, I suppose it's all good and environmental-y and non-trademark-infringing to name the folder that holds deleted files the Recycling Bin. Even if the icon looks more like a trash can.
An invitation if I ever saw one
But when I right-clicked on the icon to empty the Recycling Bin (that is, to truly delete its contents, just like when you take a real-world recycling bin and dump all the cans inside into a Dumpster), I found myself strangely amused at the option that Windows offered me: I could "explore" the Recycling Bin.
Oh, wouldn't that be fun! What heady journeys I could have exploring the Recycling Bin. Who knows what I'd find — old documents, um ... more old documents? Why, I could spend all day exploring the Recycling Bin!
And that was all good and sarcastic until I went over to my friends' house for Thanksgiving dinner last night. And I watched their eight-month-old daughter enraptured with the notion I was just mocking — exploring the recycling bin. She picked up a crumpled old pie tin and had a ball with it for several minutes before moving on to the toilet paper tube. I know what I'm getting that baby for Christmas!
Anyhow, I'm not sure what to make of all this. Babies acting out the operating system metaphors I find humorously odd? This means something. This is important!
Comments on "Operating systems: an analysis"
1 comment so far.
Hey Todd:
Dr. Bill here.
We have a group "Little Buggey Two-Shoes" here at Rice that is coming up with nice original stuff. One of their songs is entitled "Eggs for Breakfast" and so naturally I thought of "I Like Captain Crunch" . OK if I give them a copy of "Sturgeon Curse"? If they covered you guys it might make a nice combination sometime.
Written by: Dr. Bill
Written at: 11:49 04 Dec, 2005