My computer habits have changed in the last year. I’ve noticed that I’m using more web based software. I find data portability to be the over riding factor in the products I use. Last year, I changed from using Apple’s Mail program to using Google Apps for my email, calendar and documents. This gives me amazing flexibility. I’m able to get my email, calendar, and documents wherever I have access to a web browser. With the advent of ajax and lean javascript frameworks, developers are creating products that act more like desktop applications, thus making operating systems less relevant.
I’ve also switched from using Safari to using Firefox exclusively. I’ve grown attached to a Firefox extension called Foxmarks. The extensions syncs bookmarks to all of the computers that you use. This isn’t revolutionary, but it’s a free service and it works seamlessly.
As more and more web based applications supplant desktop applications, it makes you think that the debate between Windows, MacOSX and Linux is irrelevant. I can also see hardware sales stagnating, with most of the data storage and processing off loaded to the network.
Are your computer habits changing?
↓ Wolf @ April 5th, 2007 at 11:42 am
What about del.icio.us? Isn’t that an improved version of Foxmarks :)?
↓ Rik Catlow @ April 5th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
I use del.icio.us all the time. I love it. Actually it powers my links page, but I do like being able categorize bookmarks into folders. Tagging is great but it doesn’t have hierarchy.
↓ Keeley @ April 9th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
How do you keep track of your stuff when you don’t have an Internet connection? Like if you had your laptop somewhere and no connection. I know that situations like this are becoming less and less likely, but I know it happens to me frequently since I bring my laptop everywhere.
Plus, it wouldn’t matter if every app a person uses in online Windows will always suck, but I understand your point. Things should be that way already.
↓ Rik Catlow @ April 10th, 2007 at 8:41 am
Well my idea is that everyone will have a centralized server that will be for storage and heavy processing. Then we will have thin client computers that are pretty much what a browser is today but may morph into more of a widget platform.You can see the start of it with Apple TV and Windows Media Center.
As far as connectivity in Ten years the ability to get on everywhere will be as ubiquitous as using a cell phone.
↓ Daniel @ May 23rd, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Although I don’t think it’s going to replace how we use the computer today… It will be a start for a more convenient way to utilize your computer to do your everyday tasks more seamlessly. I can’t wait…
keep up the cool art Rik.
↓ Suzette @ July 25th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
I am with you on Foxmarks! I tried to look for something similar in IE, but to no avail.
I am also with you on the portability of being able to work from anywhere. I have made a few php mysql database web apps and they worked out so well I am considering creating my own management db on the web so that everything is through a web browser. I would say that I am an “advanced beginner” in the use of PHP.
To prevent the problem of when you are away on laptop without an internet connection, I do all of my work off a massive external hard drive. I also keep online backups as well, as long as you are organized and have a file/naming convention in place or else it will be hell later!
↓ liam @ September 4th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Google Sync is good too - great for multiple puters (I use 4 regularly) - looks after your passwords too (if you want it too)