We all get used to software programs, finally mastering them and knowing where to find stuff, only to discover a recent “update” ruined everything. It may be a new version loaded on our work PCs or some new software we bought that has more than its share of quirks or oddities. Suddenly, things are different. You can’t press the same keystrokes or buttons to do a critical task. The new “feature” has ruined your day. You’ll have to waste valuable time re-learning things the new way.
I’m sure you recall these frustrating moments. You likely also have seen stuff you thought was dumb. Me too. So, for the sake of poking fun at the weird, wrong, and witless features I’ve encountered, I’m sharing my personal list of pet peeves. And just so I don’t seem like too much of a grouch, I’m also listing the best/most helpful new features.
Worst Software Features Ever:
1. The Ribbon Bar in Microsoft Office 2007-2010
Did you know you can make the buttons smaller (or larger) by adjusting your Windows Menu font size? Try it.
Did you know you can make the buttons smaller (or larger) by adjusting your Windows Menu font size? Try it.
2. Facebook’s Poke feature
I just don’t get the point. You poke someone, someone poke’s you, you poke them back. I’m either too old to understand or the concept is lost on me.
I just don’t get the point. You poke someone, someone poke’s you, you poke them back. I’m either too old to understand or the concept is lost on me.
3. AOL’s “You’ve Got Mail” sound
This e-mail notification was fun for about 5 minutes. Then, it was just too annoying. I had to turn it off.
This e-mail notification was fun for about 5 minutes. Then, it was just too annoying. I had to turn it off.
4. Paperclip/Puppy Icon in Microsoft Office Help
This feature has a love/hate following (I’m the latter). When I ask for assistance, I don’t need a warm fuzzy. I just need to know how to do something.
This feature has a love/hate following (I’m the latter). When I ask for assistance, I don’t need a warm fuzzy. I just need to know how to do something.
5. Online Survey, Need Help? Dialogs
When I’m browsing through a list of products, I can’t fill out a survey telling you what I think of it yet. Ditto for the Need Help? dialog that pops up the minute you search for something. Just let me see if you have what I need first. If I need help, I’ll ask. What I would like is a “Don’t Ask Me This Again” button.
When I’m browsing through a list of products, I can’t fill out a survey telling you what I think of it yet. Ditto for the Need Help? dialog that pops up the minute you search for something. Just let me see if you have what I need first. If I need help, I’ll ask. What I would like is a “Don’t Ask Me This Again” button.
Best Software Ideas Ever:
1. Facebook’s Like button
I’m addicted to this. I want to see it everywhere on the web.
I’m addicted to this. I want to see it everywhere on the web.
2. Facebook/Twitter
Love that I can see what my friends are up to and connect with family across the world without sending each one an individual message or e-mail. OK, that sounds lazy, but I consider it being more efficient!
Love that I can see what my friends are up to and connect with family across the world without sending each one an individual message or e-mail. OK, that sounds lazy, but I consider it being more efficient!
3. Toolbars in general
OK, these can be overdone (as the Microsoft Ribbon proves), but the addition of toolbars with icons to access program features was a welcome invention.
OK, these can be overdone (as the Microsoft Ribbon proves), but the addition of toolbars with icons to access program features was a welcome invention.
4. Google Maps/Driving Directions/Vehicle Navigation
For chronically lost drivers (like me) these are a lifesaver. Now that cell phones like the Android and iPhone are including these features, you can get current information & directions anywhere, anytime.
For chronically lost drivers (like me) these are a lifesaver. Now that cell phones like the Android and iPhone are including these features, you can get current information & directions anywhere, anytime.
5. Bluetooth
This invention is nothing short of amazing. I have Microsoft Sync in my car and I can connect an iPod or my cell phone to my vehicle’s speaker system to hear music or make phone calls. This should be standard equipment on all new vehicles (for obvious the safety reasons).
This invention is nothing short of amazing. I have Microsoft Sync in my car and I can connect an iPod or my cell phone to my vehicle’s speaker system to hear music or make phone calls. This should be standard equipment on all new vehicles (for obvious the safety reasons).
