article: is your Mac fast enough?

[Randman]

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columni...teinberg_x.htm

Interesting article.

[phatcactus]

I still have no idea how things that used to install from a single floppy now spread themselves across three CDs...

[GulGnu]

Originally posted by phatcactus
I still have no idea how things that used to install from a single floppy now spread themselves across three CDs...

Software bloat isn't a bug - it's a feature, despite everyone and their mothers complaining about "lack of optimization", etc. etc. =P

"Bloating" software allows today's software companies to create software in a timely manner, despite steadily increasing complexity in software. Keep in mind that tasks such as debugging don't increase linearly, but probably rather exponentially as program size increases. Thus, if you wanted your software fully "optimized", you'd probably have to break your budget and wait longer than desired to get your hands on a new version of your favorite program.

/End defense of bloat

[Arden]

Computers nowadays can perform certain tasks like Photoshop filters, ripping MP3's and AAC's, and rendering 3D scenes in a fraction of the time that computers of even 2 years ago can, but they still take a while to... you know what I'm going to say:

LOAD.

Starting up a computer takes 1-2 minutes. Starting up many applications, like Photoshop, takes another 20-30 seconds. That's up to 2.5 minutes that you've been sitting at your desk, waiting to become productive. I think the software companies should start looking into ways to reduce this time.

When I have a fantastic job and money up the wazoo, I'm going to custom order a computer from Apple that will boot in under 10 seconds and absolutely never, ever crash, even if I have to pay a fortune, plus sell several organs, to afford it. Who knows, maybe they'll figure out the formula and start mass marketing computers that do just that.

[MisterMe]

Originally posted by GulGnu
Software bloat isn't a bug - it's a feature, despite everyone and their mothers complaining about "lack of optimization", etc. etc. =P

"Bloating" software allows today's software companies to create software in a timely manner, despite steadily increasing complexity in software. Keep in mind that tasks such as debugging don't increase linearly, but probably rather exponentially as program size increases. Thus, if you wanted your software fully "optimized", you'd probably have to break your budget and wait longer than desired to get your hands on a new version of your favorite program.

/End defense of bloat

I can remember when virtually every Mac application shipped on a single floppy that also had a copy of the System installed. The multiple installation CD's are due a combination of things. Software bloat is a part of it. Added features, many of dubious value, and the switch from assembly language to C++ accounts for part of the bloat. Another thing accounts for some of the bloat is the switch to the PowerPC. PPC code is naturally bigger than 680x0 code. For many applications, however, those three things will still not fill even a single CD. What fills multiple CDs are the bundled extras. My favorite graphics application used to ship on a single floppy. The switch to C++, PPC code, etc. bloated the installation up to four floppies. The application now ships on three CDs. Two of the CDs contain only cheesy fonts and clip art. I have used a few pieces of the clip art, but the fonts will not touch my hard disk. Why does the vendor include crap that I don't want or need? My theory is that it is the notion that size matters. The vendor figures that the customer will think that two CDs are better than one, and that three CDs are better than two. The really sad part of it is that the vendor is probably right.

[Randman]

Starting up a computer takes 1-2 minutes. Starting up many applications, like Photoshop, takes another 20-30 seconds. That's up to 2.5 minutes that you've been sitting at your desk, waiting to become productive. I think the software companies should start looking into ways to reduce this time.

Let your computer sleep rather than shutting down and restarting. There's other reasons to, but it wakes from sleep much faster than a restart.
And if you multi-task, you're saving time. If I'm doing something in InDesign or Quark or PhotoShop I'll usually check my e-mail or surf (love those Safari tabs) or scan the Music Store while waiting for the app to load. And that works just fine, even on a iBook (just make sure you have plenty of ram).

[GulGnu]

Originally posted by MisterMe
The vendor figures that the customer will think that two CDs are better than one, and that three CDs are better than two. The really sad part of it is that the vendor is probably right.

This theory can be expanded a bit. CD:s are dirt cheap these days, so there is really no substantial reason for software companies not to bundle software with various kinds of media, to enhance percieved value. And as long as installation isn't mandatory, why object? This also answers your question - even if you don't want that "crap", someone else might - and as the cost of including said crap is negligable, they might as well do it in order to rack up a few extra sales.

[MaC hAcKeR]

I don't need an article, I already know my Mac isn't fast enough. It's not powerful enough either. It's all stinky and broken.