First Law of Sane Personal Computing
Assuming physically-intact hardware, the user shall retain full control of the machine at all times. In particular, the handling of the keyboard, mouse, and other human interface devices must take absolute priority over all other processing. The user shall have the ability to issue commands and receive immediate confirmation of said commands at all times, regardless of system load.
Personal computer operating systems known to obey this law:
0 (possibly 1) [*]
Notes and observations:
Right now, the only part of a standard PC which behaves this way is the power switch. And I have seen exceptions even here.
To be continued.
[*] Corrections are welcome.
AMEN!!! I couldn’t agree more. A device that prioritized user input over all other processing seems like a no brainer. I can only assume that it’s incredibly difficult to do this or the trade-offs are too great, otherwise most OSes would be doing this.
Rules for insane computing:
1) User and all programs should have kernel (ring 0)access at all times. It’s your frigging machine, do what you like without supid hassles like permissions.
Operating Systems obeying this:
1) The 64-bit LoseThos Operating System
I’m funded from social security disability for being insane.
Amen.
Amen, amen, amen.
Amen.
Amen, amen, amen.
FWIW, BeOS tried doing this.
I’m pretty sure exceptions might exist, but only for stuff like 3D rendering, etc…