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From: boyd@nu.cs.fsu.edu (Mickey Boyd)
Newsgroups: comp.windows.x
Subject: Re: X11 Windows 3.0 comparisons
Message-ID: <1991May3.170315.20887@mailer.cc.fsu.edu>
Date: 3 May 91 21:32:16 GMT
References: <261@picker.picker.com>
Reply-To: boyd@nu.cs.fsu.edu (Mickey Boyd)
Distribution: na
Organization: Florida State University Computer Science Department
Lines: 51

In article <261@picker.picker.com>, kobetitsch@picker.picker.com (harry kobetitsch) writes:
>A heated battle rages on in my work group. I would like 
>some pros and cons of X (including Motif) and Windows 3.0.
>I would like facts to back up an argument on either side.
>
>Thanks in advance!

My main problem with Windows 3.0 is that MS has managed to entirely 
screw up the intuitive feel that characterizes a good WIMP user interface.
They did this so Apple won't sue them :-).  An example is the moronic 
Program manager/file manager differentiation.  Simple stuff takes too 
long in Windows 3.0, and requires endless hunting in the docs (online 
or physical) to do something the first time.  Perhaps this is summed 
up best by a favorable review of Windows 3.0 which I read in a PC 
magazine, in which the reviewer's states that Windows is the only 
window type user interface he has used where he can lean back and put 
the keyboard on his lap, thus ignoring the mouse!!!!  Oh great, very 
important for a WIMP interface to be so screwed up that hot-keys are 
easier to use than the standard buttons and menus!!!  The only use I 
can see for Windows (that it is suited for) is the creation of very 
rigid canned systems for total computer morons who will never add      
programs or work with files directly (i.e. a front end for a secretary
who will only run a few applications, and will never need to copy files
around or make directories and stuff).  This is all IMHO.  A good test 
is to ask a Windows 3.0 person just how often he uses that DOS PROMPT 
icon :-).

An X window manager is designed to provide a base for virtual terminals
(such as xterm) and other applications.  Thus, it is not so much a 
replacement for an OS (like Windows 3.0 is supposed to be) as it is a 
front end for an OS.  Now, Windows 3.0 provides this also, so it could 
perhaps be said that Windows does more (badly).  As far as managing 
applications go (in terms of both X and Windows), I would say that 
all X window managers that I have seen are superior to Windows.  However,
I generally run several different applications at the same time when using
X.  Since I never do this on a PC, this is more in the apples and oranges   
department.

My one compliment to Windows 3.0 is that it looks nice.  Good work by 
the artists.

Again, this is all IMHO.  I present my viewpoint as an end user of both 
systems.  

--
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             Mickey R. Boyd          |  "Kirk to Enterprise.  All clear 
          FSU Computer Science       |      down here.  Beam down    
        Technical Support Group      |      yeoman Rand and a six-pack . ."
      email:  boyd@fsucs.cs.fsu.edu  |               
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