I had some good comments relating to yesterday’s post about using iTunes with Windows. Based on the comments, it appears that iTunes runs much better on the Mac than it does on Windows. That is certainly good. However, it does little to evangelize to non-Mac users.

I want to elevate a couple of the comments to a post and discuss them.

Samantha Wilson said:

Yes, but it takes no time at all. I’m no expert, but it’s my impression (from my knowledge of common sense coding and how well iTunes works) that the large updates replace some of the existing code, so even though you’re downloading fifty megabytes, and iTunes is increasing slightly in girth, it doesn’t grow by fifty megabytes.

First, I would disagree with the assertion that updating “takes not time at all.” I spent 21 minutes updating yesterday. Second, I was not concerned that iTunes was growing by 50MB every update. My concern was why an incremental update from version from 7.2 to 7.3 took 50MB. I can understand a major download between versions (from version 6 to 7). But, from .2 to .3? Surely this process can be streamlined.

Also, why do I have to essentially download the entire program again to install an incremental update? Obviously, I already have the program, that is why I am updating it. Why do I need to reenter my email to go from version 7.2 to 7.3? I am aware of no other program that treats incremental updates in this manner.

Neil Squillante commented:

Regarding issue 1, you need QuickTime to watch those TV shows of yours.

Based on Neil’s comment, it appears I needed to be clearer with my objection to the bundling of QuickTime with iTunes. I have no problem if Apple includes QuickTime in its download of iTunes. I think that makes sense. iTunes should include all of the programs needed to listen to or watch things you purchase from the iTunes store.

The problem that I have is that I should not have to download and install iTunes if all I want is QuickTime. QuickTime is a popular format for movies on the web. I should be able to watch those without having to download and install iTunes as well.

Thanks for the comments!

Dennis Kennedy posted recently about a trend that he has labeled presumptuous computing. As Dennis described:

Over the past few years, I’ve grown to feel that my computer has become a crowded house full of guests and strangers, as lots software and services have invited themselves for a long stay. Some are gracious and helpful, mindful that I did not invite them. Some jump up and demand my attention. Some are unruly and leave their dirty dishes and coffee cups all over my computer. And at least one (the trial version of McAfee’s antivirus program that I can’t get fully uninstalled, you know who you are) is like the unwelcome guest who will never leave.

Increasingly, we all see a trend where our programs, services and subscriptions do more things automatically and take for granted what they can do on our computers. In some cases, I don’t mind at all. I like automatic updates, especially for security fixes. In other cases, I’m starting to feel that software companies, email newsletter publishers, and other service providers are starting to forget who is the host and who is the guest on my computer. You might be feeling the same.

I’m calling this phenomenon and trend “presumptuous computing.”

There’s a presumptive, condescending approach to users that’s becoming too common, and a general approach that it’s OK for programs to do what they please on computers without considering the host, without picking up after their messes, and without making their beds and hanging up the towels, let alone compensating us for our generosity and for the inconvenience they cause.

Dennis has really hit the nail on the head with this post. Why is it that computer programmers that have never spoken to me think that they know more about our computer than we do?

Believe it or not, I have my computer organized in a certain manner. Don’t make me change everything that I do simply because you are too lazy to include some flexibility into your program.

As Dennis concluded:

Presumptuous computing – treating someone else’s computer like you know what’s best for them and not giving any consideration to how they might like to use their computer.

Think about it. Shouldn’t those who invite themselves onto your computer be good and respectful guests and be reluctant to come in and change things around, especially without giving you any warning. I don’t expect vendors to be able to get everything right – this stuff is complicated – and the benefits for me of automatic updates and the like outweigh the disadvantages, but it’d sure be nice if we were all more thoughtful in the way we treat other people’s computers. I’d like to see more courteous computing and less presumptuous computing.

I echo Dennis’s sentiments. Shouldn’t all programs be nicer to our computers. Allow us to uninstall them when we are done with them. Allow us to customize where the files are stored. And for heaven’s sake, just because I installed a program on my computer, that does not mean that I want that program to control everything that is may be capable of controlling. Allow me to chose, what I use the program for.

If you are one of those people who hates forking over money to Microsoft and other software providers? If so, Open Source Alternative is the website for you. In its own words, Open Source Alternative’s mission is to

provide easy access to high quality open source alternatives to well-known commercial products. And remember that open source software is also a freeware alternative.

If you are looking for a free alternative for a commercial program, check out Open Source Alternative.

I admit that this is totally geeky. However, PC Magazine has an article on the step by step process of making your own font (for example out of your handwriting).

The process takes a bit of work. For example, you have to write the uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, punctuation marks and other symbols you typically use.

However, to be able to make my own  font is something that I may not be able to resist.