Computing would be better for me if :
1) every new component didn't have its own, proprietary power converter. How many different versions of 12-watt converters do we need ? Taking that a step farther, computing would be a heck of a lot better if you could just daisy-chain any component to any other as it suits you, and it would still work normally on the PC the whole lot is attached to.
This would mean that I could connect my speakers to the screen without having to pull the power cord to an outlet, nor change the screen connections in any way.
I'd like to be able to connect my keyboard to my screen as well, without needing to change my screen in any way. Then my mouse could connect to the keyboard, again without changing anything else. If I need a temporary storage attachment, I'd like to be able to plug it into either screen or keyboard without worrying about connectivity or power, and unplug it when I'm finished.
2) I want to be able to configure my OS completely to my own needs. I do not want any setting that I cannot change - including default OS settings that are required for the functioning of the OS. I want to be able to move the Program Folder to a location of my choice, the Documents & Settings folder to a different location of my choice, and all that without having to follow a 24-step process banged out by some teen in a basement. Yes, I know that if the OS cannot find its library directory it will not boot. I have also enough experience in computing to understand that and correct the mistake if necessary. Keep the hand-holding options, just allow me to bypass them if and when I feel like it with a tool integrated to the OS and not hacker scripts I have to look for in non-official sites.
3) I want complete power over my OS and PC, but I do not want to be a Sysadmin at home. Don't make me read obscure - totally technica data in asking me a question. Formulate the options in a manner I can understand them, not the way the developer understands them.
4) Never, ever include code that phones home with data without actually explaining the data sent, showing it optionally, and allowing me to forbid it in on a case-per-case or general basis. Allow me to go over and change my opinion at any time of my choosing.
Addendum : never try to foist on me code that only restricts my private use and brings nothing but diminished performance in return for less freedom. Put your controls elsewhere than on my hardware.
5) Give me complete control over the installation procedure, if I wish it, and stop banging DLLs in the System32 folder without my approval. Why is it that every stupid app under the sun has to add 50 files in the system folder ?
6) Make apps that do what they say they do, and say all of what they do. No hidden features, no surprise effects, no taken-for-granted functionalities. Make the code do exactly what you say it will do and nothing more. If I want more, I'll come and get it.
7) Make the uninstall actually remove EVERY TRACE that was installed by the application - including registry entries and dubious hidden folders with wierd names that cannot be humanly traced back to the original app. This is not rocket science - there should be absolutely no difficulty in logging every install action properly and taking the necessary steps in reverse. This should be a core OS function, there should be no need for a 3rd-party add-on.
8) Make the Registry go away, permanently. Take it out behind the shed and put a bullet to it if necessary, but just MAKE IT GO AWAY. Ini files work for every single OS there is out there, why change what works ?
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I realize this list concerns almost exclusively Windows in its different versions. It's what I use and have used for the past 25 years or so, so cut me some slack.
I know other OSes are much more configurable (Linux), or "easier" to use (Mac, so I'm told), but I haven't tried them so I wouldn't know.
Pascal.
I've got nothing to hide, and I'd very much like to keep that away from prying eyes.
