Let us imagine an apartment block of Pensioners, Kids, White Collar Workers and Non-Tech Managers. They need to use mail, create and print some docs, use social tools for family and friends. They have less tech abilities, they can use the buttons or wizards. They will not venture into the menu or settings. These are the Real Consumer user base .
Anybody who has setup windows or linux computers for them will know that for every issue, they need assistance. Then the installation, updates, learning new software and security issues keeps many from using anything other than a few games and checking mail. Only the Tech Savvy or trained personnel, are able to use the full capabilities of the computer and the applications. They can also manage to keep it updated and these form a small percentage, the Skilled user base . Most software and computers are tailored for this small section, the Skilled user base. They include those that were trained or self-educated.
Only when studies of usability and ergonomics improved, this problem has become more widely understood. The assumption that the Consumer user base will get converted into the Skilled User base, to adapt to Tech user systems (hardware software systems) is a myth. The consumer computing systems have to develop, this enables computers for everyone, to its full potential.
The iPod is a small device, the first step in consumer computing. Apple has always made user friendly systems. In hardware, the USB is so easy on the user compared to the Serial RS232 Port. The USB is a consumer friendly port.
The majority want to use the computer like they use a tape recorder or toaster. They cannot update, install or even backup and restore docs-media that needs to be preserved. Many of these people drop the use of computers and switch back to conventional methods. The learning, adapting time and cost is not feasible for them.
Let us Imagine a little Kid having a Touch Screen Wireless Tablet Computer with no controls whatsoever, Not even a Power Switch. The father uses a technology similar to VNC to stream basic Flash Alphabets and Numbers tutorials with sounds and also talks with his kid from office over the same device on a small inset frame. He also switches to some edutainment games when the kid has had enough of the learning. He is able to monitor and educate the child from the server. Extrapolate the system-admin to the father or teacher and all consumers to children.
Can a kid, update a patch to address a security issue. He may switch to an Abacus.
The OS and Programs Reside in the Server-Cluster or the Web-Cloud, The Software is maintained by a team of professionals. A client VNC type of tablet with firmware is with the consumers, They use their tablets or netbooks to login and use the Online Software Services.
Web Apps and cloud computing are in the right direction, Ideal high speed VNC like usage may take many evolutionary steps, in fact,it is something the computing scientists have to figure out.
Anantha Narayan
18:59 17-Dec-08
(Treat this as my feedback and understanding)
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