Lowering Techno-Illiteracy
Believe it or not, there is a still a large percentage of people out there who are computer illiterate in the United States. Of course, nothing needs to be said about the world in general — we are far away from a completely digital world. However, I believe the problem of “computer illiteracy” is really a misconception and there are alternative angles to view the issue. The problem really is: Why should it be something so hard to learn in the first place?
Why should learning to use a computer be a challenge? Why is there even a question of illiteracy? Computers are not math equations, they’re not languages — they’re tools, and as such, shouldn’t even require the label of “literacy.” They shouldn’t require some specific intelligent insight to operate. From the invention of the mouse to the abstraction of files and folders to dawn of the web, there had always been a general trend of turning that PhD made microprocessor into a device suitable for your everyday American. Maybe its just my impatience, but I feel that this trend has faltered and stumbled a bit in recent years.
This is where I feel Apple has really stepped up the game lately. From the use of huge visual icons to smooth interface features coordinated into the “aqua” interface, the Mac OS clearly outshines Microsoft’s OS in the “newbie” factor. It’s just so easy to start clicking away with that mono-button mouse that the otherwise computer illiterate population is beginning to understand: I shouldn’t have to bend over backwards to use a computer, it should beg to be used by me. Intuitive and smart, the entire Apple package of hardware and software appeals to the average person. This begs the question: Are we witnessing the start of a new age in computing?
Pundits have given this user-friendly approach to selling chips trend names like “Home Media Computing” inferring the computer’s rightful place as a media device alongside your TV (or HDTV if you’re cool), your VCR (or DVR if you’re cool), your PlayStation (or your XBox 360 if you’re, once again, cool), and your Audio System (read: iPod). Basically, from this point of view, your computer should really be no harder to figure out than your remote control. To me, there is really no fault in that idea. If there are still people out there who can’t figure out what a scroll bar does, why should we burden the general public with atrociously complex interfaces?
This blog entry has so far been littered with rhetorical questions, but really, these are fair questions to ask. I guess I’ve taken a long path to get to the point: Apple’s hardware will continue to fly off the shelves as long as they are as simply to use as they are now. Because of how they are able to integrate powerful functionality with a fresh-n-clean look, they will be able to get the market share that corresponds to the segment of America that doesn’t believe in needing “literacy” to operate a mouse. Also, Apple’s new partnership with Intel, a household brand name if there ever was one in the high tech industry, will certainly bolster sales and allow Macs to slowly creep up in market share.
I’ve mentioned Microsoft’s OS of course, and I suppose this is where I really want to end up. My concern is whether or not Vista can one-up Macintosh. Will we see an OS that is powerful under the hood with a polished clear-coat finish? Or will this just be another complicated bore along the veins of Win95, 98, and XP? The good news is: from what I’ve seen of Office 12, every indication tells me that Microsoft is aware of the need to make power as transparent as possible. I suppose that’s good news considering the first leap a “computer illiterate” person makes into the world of computers is usually with Windows.