Courtesy of OSWeekly.com

(Column) - The current generation of operating systems is much more powerful than they were in the days of DOS. We demand more from them now than ever before, and they’ve had to keep up with all of our needs and wants. As you know, an OS isn’t just another standard piece of software. Instead, an operating system has to manage a complex set of system-level processes all at one time, and it’s quite literally responsible for running the show. Therefore, it’s easy to see why these systems take so long to develop and successfully release.

When you realize the complexity of what’s really going on behind the virtual curtain, you begin to appreciate how easily we’re able to use operating systems. If engineers were the only ones responsible for bringing an OS to the table, then I’m sure we’d continue to see operating systems that look like DOS. After all, programmers are notoriously sloppy with design, and the way they think isn’t necessarily an accurate representation of the way the general public thinks. Thankfully, interface designers are a part of the process, and while they’re still leaning what works and what doesn’t work, at least they’re making some advancement.

The important thing to remember is that the design of operating systems is strongly reliant on the hardware that is powering the OS itself. If the power’s not there, then the design isn’t going to go very far. For example, in the days of DOS, there was only so much that could be done. Revolutionary 3D acceleration like what we see today wasn’t exactly available back then, so limitations were imposed. These days, so much powerful technology is available, and this allows designers to run free with their ideas because they have what they need to make their visions a reality.

Another thing to consider is that design principles have evolved over the years. What looked good back then may not look good now, although it seems like if you wait long enough, the oldies will once again become goodies by coming back into style. Design in everything changes (fashion, advertising, home furnishings), and operating systems are not immune to this.

The look and feel of Windows has changed dramatically since the release of version 3.1. More recently, the changes are also evident when you just compare the visual differences between Windows 98 and XP. The look of Windows XP has caused many to call it the Fisher Price operating system, but that hasn’t prevented users from flocking to it. Vista represents the next step for Windows on all accounts (including the GUI), and it’s going to be interesting to see what the general public says once they’re able to use the OS for an extended period of time. The graphic engines in and of themselves may be strong, but if the implementation is poor, will people really go gaga over the interface?

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