Published Jun 11, 2004
Thank you for immediately providing focus to whatever application, window, or alert demands it. This is a sure way to maximize my productivity! I’m sure my co-worker appreciated how I just sent her a memo because she IMed me and the caret switched directly to the IM application’s text entry. I’m also particularly happy that, as I was typing an apology to her, an alert flashed on my screen; but I hit return to send my instant message, and dismissed the suddenly-appearing alert. I don’t know what I carried out the default action for (presumably, the default was “OK”):
- Install kiddie porn? OK Cancel
- Run virus on office network? OK Cancel
- Direct Deposit entire paycheck to Republican Party? OK Cancel
I think I ran Windows Update, actually, but I’m not sure; and, if I did, I’m not sure what I updated to what else.
- Install Windows Media Player Ultra Media Center.NET in place of iTunes? OK Cancel
- Install Buffer Overflow.NET? OK Cancel
I can’t only blame Windows; OS X does this in some cases as well. But it strikes me that it’s always safe to assume that I want to continue doing what I’m currently doing, and, whatever else is going on, you can do it in the background. If it’s so important that I have to see it or be notified of it, pop it in front of me but don’t let my keystrokes leak through to it straight away, OK.
Thanks.
big brother bill knows best. don’t you worry your pretty little head about it. Big brother Bill will take care of you. Oh yes, he will.