(no subject)

[lostcarpark]

This from Apple's email newsletter:

Want a fast way to switch from one open application to another?
Mac OS X version 10.3 "Panther" makes it as easy as typing Command-Tab.

Now, I can't remember if the Alt-Tab shortcut was in Windows 1.0 in 1986, but it was certainly in Windows 2.0 in 1988 and every version since, so it's only taken Apple fifteen years to figure out that this is a good thing. But then it took them to System 7 to catch on to running multiple applications, and OSX to figure out preemptive multitasking.

Yes, Apple have come up with some great ideas, but let's not forget that they steal ideas too.

Comments

[lostcarpark.livejournal.com]

I agree with most of what you're saying here, but I think that the patent rules need to be modified for the information age. I think the duration needs to vary depending on the type of product - fifteen years may be appropriate for a steam engine, but not for a software algorithm. There also needs to be better safeguards to prevent obvious/trivial patents, or ones that are far too general. And personally I don't think pressing alt+tab or option+tab (or clicking one link to place an order, or embedding flash components in web pages) to switch applications should count as a patentable idea.

However whether it's copying ideas or licensing them (or technology swaps such as the MS/Apple swap of TrueType for LAN technology), I think the propagation of ideas between OSs is good for end users.