Operating systems today are complex, confusing, and not designed for any one person. They have loads of options for developers and people who understand all that stuff, but then they also try to appeal to regular people who just want to use a computer for it’s basic functions.
I think Windows is the perfect example of this, trying to give a lot but also simplifying things. OS X, I think, does it much better. But still not perfect. What if there was an OS for kids and the elderly that only did what kids and elderly want computers to do?
Just imagine 4 basic programs:
1. Internet
2. E-Mail
3. Word
4. Media (Music, Photos, Games) - Music and games with a basic, easy-to-use store
The entire operating system would be integrated. The credit card you provide for the music-buying service would also be linked with the game-buying service. But this isn’t iTunes. Its much simpler. You can play music, edit song names and search and buy music. But none of the other things. The main point is simplicity. You could also download kids games to play on the computer, but all official and working flawlessly.
The whole point here that once it’s set up there’s not bugs, no viruses (a super-closed system), no errors. The system would be so built and integrated into itself that these problems would be easily invaded. It would be incredibly easy to use, with a dock-like panel on the bottom of the screen showing 5 big icons to the 5 programs mentioned above.
Would it really be so far-fetched for Microsoft or Google to release an operating sytem like this to have installed on cheap computers? The less things you have going on, the less of a chance something will go wrong. With only 4 basic programs this could really work and provide a perfect solution for children and the elderly.
Of course, it would also come included with a couple of OS options - primarily making the font size really, really big. This OS wouldn’t most people’s needs, but for the people who just don’t get computers, it would be a lifesaver.
