Most Wanted Mac OS X Features

[guzhogi]

Just wondering what features you guys want in the next version of the Mac OS (10.6? 11? Whatever Apple brings out after 10.5). Here's my list:

-Integrated software installer/uninstaller/updater. Something Installer.app, Software update, plus something that uninstalls applications, all rolled into one. For the installer, use it for CD/DVD-ROM installs as well as stuff from the internet. Plus, be able to browse for new software w/ it online so you can buy software, download it, and install it. Plus, an option where you can see all apps, just apps where the computer you're on meets the minimum requirements, and just apps where you meet the suggested requirements.

For the software update part, update ALL the apps, plug-ins, etc. you have, not just Apple software.

For the uninstaller, choose what apps you want to get rid of and it gets rid of it & any other extras (preferences, Application Support stuff, etc.). But if it installs stuff that's shared by a bunch of apps, only remove that stuff if no other software needs it. Also, it should have the option to uninstall bundles, like MS Office, or just specific apps like Word or whatever.

-ANother feature I'd like is have the installer receipt, Spotlight plug-in, and Quicklook-plug-in rolled into one thing. That way, it could tell what the default file permissions are (good for repairing disk permissions), looking for a specific kind of file and see if that's the file you want. Plus, add where to look for updates for that app, for software update (from the previous feature).

-ZFS Support. HFS is getting old. 'nuff said.

[psychofreak]

For the software update part, update ALL the apps, plug-ins, etc. you have, not just Apple software.See AppFresh

[Virgil-TB2]

I'd like to see Apple finally get a handle on the window management. I have always wanted my finder windows and dialogue boxes to open up in the same way I left them the last time I opened them up. I know this is possible, but for some reason it only bugs me I guess as it's never fixed.

I'd also like for .Mac syncing to work reliably and for the entire sync interface to be straightened out as it makes no sense at present and fails randomly all the time.

Along the same lines, the preference panes for sharing and security could use the attention of someone who knows how to lay things out with some kind of logic. ;)

[Scott6666]

Button to show desktop

Cut in Finder context menu, not just copy

[dejo]

Aren't we already covering this in this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=453479)? :)

[rychencop]

the only thing that really bugs me is not having a "true" cut and paste type feature. what a pain it is to copy files from my downloads folder to another location and then go back and delete it from my downloads. wtf!!

[Quillz]

I'd like to see "Back To My Mac" actually work as advertised.

[Sky Blue]

Button to show desktop



F11?

All I want is full exchange support for mail/ical/address book.

[HLdan]

Just wondering what features you guys want in the next version of the Mac OS (10.6? 11? Whatever Apple brings out after 10.5). Here's my list:

-Integrated software installer/uninstaller/updater. Something Installer.app, Software update, plus something that uninstalls applications, all rolled into one. For the installer, use it for CD/DVD-ROM installs as well as stuff from the internet. Plus, be able to browse for new software w/ it online so you can buy software, download it, and install it. Plus, an option where you can see all apps, just apps where the computer you're on meets the minimum requirements, and just apps where you meet the suggested requirements.

For the software update part, update ALL the apps, plug-ins, etc. you have, not just Apple software.

For the uninstaller, choose what apps you want to get rid of and it gets rid of it & any other extras (preferences, Application Support stuff, etc.). But if it installs stuff that's shared by a bunch of apps, only remove that stuff if no other software needs it. Also, it should have the option to uninstall bundles, like MS Office, or just specific apps like Word or whatever.

-ANother feature I'd like is have the installer receipt, Spotlight plug-in, and Quicklook-plug-in rolled into one thing. That way, it could tell what the default file permissions are (good for repairing disk permissions), looking for a specific kind of file and see if that's the file you want. Plus, add where to look for updates for that app, for software update (from the previous feature).

-ZFS Support. HFS is getting old. 'nuff said.

You really should have titled your thread "Most wanted Windows features".

Aren't we done with this already, my gosh, is there ever anything that the Mac does better that you wish MS would do in Windows? Is there ever anything that you find Windows does retarded that makes sense on the Mac? Sometimes I just really wonder why are some you using a Macintosh when it seems that you were perfectly happy with the way Microsoft designed their OS. I would never leave an operating system if I was happy the way it ran. :p
So far only posts 3,7,8 are the ones that really want improvement to the system rather than see it copy features from...the other OS.

[Laco]

haha this may sound stupid....but when searching in spotlight i want to be able to add columns so i can sort results in this way. I specifically want to add the column "size". This is the only thing that bothers me in OS X.
The funny thing is I thought this was possible in OS X because it is possible in windows so i kept on trying and trying to do it until someone told me that it was not possible.

[zerohp]

I want Apple to borrow everything from dpkg and apt.

[tdhurst]

Button to show desktop

Cut in Finder context menu, not just copy

Expose and no.

[PHX-Locksmith]

You know, what I want, isn't really asking much at all. All I want is to have the Month, Date, and Year, displayed to the left of the Day of the week in the top of the "finder bar", is what I'll call it for lack of better terminology. I just can't stand how you have to click and hold above the Day of the week to see the actual Date, Month, and Year. Yes I know that there's iCal, and even the Calendar widget, but hey, I just want to be able to look up and see that its Wed May 5, 2008, 12:22 PM:D not just Wed May 12:22 PM:mad:

[spooky mulder]

You know, what I want, isn't really asking much at all. All I want is to have the Month, Date, and Year, displayed to the left of the Day of the week in the top of the "finder bar", is what I'll call it for lack of better terminology. I just can't stand how you have to click and hold above the Day of the week to see the actual Date, Month, and Year. Yes I know that there's iCal, and even the Calendar widget, but hey, I just want to be able to look up and see that its Wed May 5, 2008, 12:22 PM:D not just Wed May 12:22 PM:mad:


i use istat menu, have you ever tried that?

[chuckiehina]

Bring back Classic support...

[psychofreak]

Bring back Classic support...

The fact that all Intel Macs (providing they have at least 1GB RAM) can run SheepShaver pretty well kinda negates from this need.

[BlakTornado]

Well it's not most wanted but that whole "Drag items to the dock to make a stack" thing would be nice.

Oh and more customizability - people love that.

Umm here's one. How about an integrated download tool that unifies ALL application download functions.

So, for example, Safari, iChat, Adium, Skype, FireFox, etc. etc. all use one download box. Each of these apps have one built in, but how great would it be to have one unified one that downloads the files from all of these apps in one window? Just a passing thought but it would be a nice feature to consider. There have been numerous times when I've been downloading things in Safari, FireFox, Skype and Adium, and not only to these boxes get tricky to find, they also take up desktop room and exposé space. It would be nice to have a single, unified one that shows ALL your downloads with information on which app it's transferring through, who or where it's coming from and where it's saving.
Would be nice :)

[nuckinfutz]

Bring on 10.6!!

1 Resolution Independence! I want to view my desktop on a projected 10ft screen.

2. ZFS- I want Terabytes of pooled storage

3. Fibre Channel built in (4GBs) ..just cuz I want it.

4. Xcode 4 with LLVM 2.5, and Clang

5. Universal uninstaller and Updater

6. Storage Virtualization

7. iSCSI Initiator

8. Quartz GL Extreme

9. Totally revamped scripting ...legacy Applescript support but way more modern.

10. Open GL 3.0

[PHX-Locksmith]

i use istat menu, have you ever tried that?

Hey, that does look like a nifty 3rd party app. I googled "istat menu", and came across this link http://www.tuaw.com/photos/istat-menus-performance-in-your-menubar/246576/ , that has a gallery of some screen shots of the actual program. I like the fact that it gives you the option to display a Calendar icon thats right in the menu bar. I think I'll be giving it a try! Thanks for replying:apple:

[HLdan]

I would like Apple to create Automator for dummies. It's still complicated for the experienced Mac user.

[Luzzio]

You really should have titled your thread "Most wanted Windows features".


What's wrong with wanting something good from Windows on a Mac?

---

I'm not sure if it's possible, but I don't think it is. Customizable delay for Spaces to switch when you drag a window to the side. Just half a second quicker and I'd be content.

[HLdan]

What's wrong with wanting something good from Windows on a Mac?



Personally, I don't think there's really anything "good" on Windows. I just sometimes wonder do people ever want Windows to run the Mac way? I'm beginning to feel that new Mac users feel windows is perfect and it's the Mac that lacks features. There are so many Mac features and it just seems like there's no satisfying anyone.

[BlakTornado]

I would like Apple to create Automator for dummies. It's still complicated for the experienced Mac user.

Well, it's not really that but it only appeals to certain people trying to do tasks; tasks which most users would only really want to do once or twice.

What Apple needs to do is try and make it more flexible in what it can do. While the "record" button is a step towards it, it doesn't work amazingly and requires the mouse to move to do it. What should really happen is that the automator remembers what was pressed in which application and then repeat that in the background.

At the moment, I don't use automator for anything other than running a custom workflow I made (with help from some people on MacRumors) to backup my Memory stick. Not because I don't need things automating, but because Automator won't perform the procedures I do regularly, up to one hundred times on some days (ie. Getting the noise profile from the first 2.0 seconds of an MP3 file in audacity, selecting the rest of the file, removing the noise, normalizing and saving). If Apple made Automator more powerful yet more user friendly, it would be a REAL time saver if it could do this for me... and I'm sure the power would be beneficial for MANY other people. At the moment it just feels like a developer app.

It would also be nice if Apple could make it so that when you run a workflow, the entire window collapses into a smaller window as to not take up screen space. Currently, Automator kinda gets in the way when you're doing simple tasks. I know Spaces takes good care of this but still... it's nice to see what's going on with your workflow.

I'm not sure if it's possible, but I don't think it is. Customizable delay for Spaces to switch when you drag a window to the side. Just half a second quicker and I'd be content.

I think there's a way to change it in terminal.

[portent]

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/5739/ponymg4.jpg

[Cromulent]

At the moment, I don't use automator for anything other than running a custom workflow I made (with help from some people on MacRumors) to backup my Memory stick. Not because I don't need things automating, but because Automator won't perform the procedures I do regularly, up to one hundred times on some days (ie. Getting the noise profile from the first 2.0 seconds of an MP3 file in audacity, selecting the rest of the file, removing the noise, normalizing and saving). If Apple made Automator more powerful yet more user friendly, it would be a REAL time saver if it could do this for me... and I'm sure the power would be beneficial for MANY other people. At the moment it just feels like a developer app.

That is the kind of thing that Applescript is good for.

[Neutral Gamer]

You know, what I want, isn't really asking much at all. All I want is to have the Month, Date, and Year, displayed to the left of the Day of the week in the top of the "finder bar", is what I'll call it for lack of better terminology.

My friend, I'm surprised no one's mentioned that what you want is EASILY achievable WITHOUT having to install any new applications. Just try this tip here (http://lifehacker.com/software/mac-tip/display-the-date-on-the-menubar-316029.php).

Actually, it's one of the first things I did when using Mac OS for the first time and it was invaluable. Still, it'd be nice if Apple made it an actual, selectable option rather than having to use the tip above. Thankfully you're probably only ever gonna change it once, so it's all good! :)

You really should have titled your thread "Most wanted Windows features".

Aren't we done with this already, my gosh, is there ever anything that the Mac does better that you wish MS would do in Windows? So far only posts 3,7,8 are the ones that really want improvement to the system rather than see it copy features from...the other OS.

Why does it bother you so much if a new Mac OS feature came from or was inspired by Windows? The thing that annoys me is that you're not giving any logical explanation for it. No matter how good a current or future feature may be, if it's from Windows (or no doubt Linux as well) you're automatically gonna hate the idea of having it because of your prejudices. Utter madness. Listen to what you're saying!

Personally, I don't think there's really anything "good" on Windows.

Well, here's just a handful from the top of my head:


Ability to resize windows from any corner or side
Cut option in Explorer (Finder)
Uninstaller
Window maximise option (SOMETIMES it is useful)
Auto-completion address bar in Explorer (Finder)
Folders that show several photos contained inside of them without having to open the folder


Don't get me wrong, I easily prefer Mac OS over Windows but there are certain things that Windows just does better and the same goes for Linux. It doesn't automatically make you a traitor to Macs to admit it!

I'm beginning to feel that new Mac users feel windows is perfect and it's the Mac that lacks features. There are so many Mac features and it just seems like there's no satisfying anyone.

Right, so when 10.6 comes out you're actually gonna go into a state of depression cos of all the new features then? Hell, I bet even Leopard was a step too far for you! Let's just keep things exactly as they are for the next 20 years hey? Who needs innovation anyway? :rolleyes:

[mkrishnan]

I want Apple to borrow everything from dpkg and apt.

On the iPhone it's been shown that it's not all that hard to make APT work on OS X. It would be really interesting if Apple were to adopt APT.

[Quillz]

Personally, I don't think there's really anything "good" on Windows. I just sometimes wonder do people ever want Windows to run the Mac way? I'm beginning to feel that new Mac users feel windows is perfect and it's the Mac that lacks features. There are so many Mac features and it just seems like there's no satisfying anyone.
There are good things on every operating system. And yet no operating system will ever be perfect. Mac users who have serious issues with Windows and other operating systems shouldn't be using computers in the first place. Just like those who worship Apple 24/7 and believe they can do no wrong.

[HLdan]

Mac users who have serious issues with Windows and other operating systems shouldn't be using computers in the first place.

That is the most senseless statement. :p Seems like that's the reason why most people use Macs are because of issues with Windows.

[HLdan]

Why does it bother you so much if a new Mac OS feature came from or was inspired by Windows?



Well, here's just a handful from the top of my head:


Ability to resize windows from any corner or side
Cut option in Explorer (Finder)
Uninstaller
Window maximise option (SOMETIMES it is useful)
Auto-completion address bar in Explorer (Finder)
Folders that show several photos contained inside of them without having to open the folder



Right, so when 10.6 comes out you're actually gonna go into a state of depression cos of all the new features then? Hell, I bet even Leopard was a step too far for you! Let's just keep things exactly as they are for the next 20 years hey? Who needs innovation anyway? :rolleyes:

Wow, you are certainly a very sensitive person. But anyways, what is so innovative about those Windows features? We don't need an uninstaller, there's nothing wrong with drag n drop to the trash, it's much easier and it only leaves preferences behind.
The Windows way of uninstalling still leaves files shared with other programs due to the Registry. So again, what's so innovative about those above features?

Windows is a decent OS but that's all it is, it's just an OS for running software. The features in Leopard such as Time Machine, Spaces, Stacks, Expose and the fact that it's document based requiring no added PDF reader are actual features that increase productivity.

For the record I teach computers for a living so don't be so quick to judge about my feelings on innovation when you don't know me. :p

[Luzzio]

That is the most senseless statement. :p Seems like that's the reason why most people use Macs are because of issues with Windows.

I've actually never had any problems with Windows Vista... just that I needed/wanted a lappy and the Macbook called to me in my dreams :D

I'm not exactly bias towards any operating system... but I know there are things I like about Windows and OS X, and there are things i don't like about both.

[BlakTornado]

That is the kind of thing that Applescript is good for.

True, but you need to know Applescript for that to happen, and the average user (and some advanced users) don't want to learn it.

This is where Automator should come in.

[Jiddick ExRex]

We don't need an uninstaller, there's nothing wrong with drag n drop to the trash, it's much easier and it only leaves preferences behind.

You do know the point of uninstalling right? It's to remove the program and everything associated with the program because you don't use it. This is why I remove a program. I don't remove it for fun.

[myuserid08]

the only thing that really bugs me is not having a "true" cut and paste type feature. what a pain it is to copy files from my downloads folder to another location and then go back and delete it from my downloads. wtf!!

Cant you drag and drop, saves copying and pasting :confused:

[HLdan]

You do know the point of uninstalling right? It's to remove the program and everything associated with the program because you don't use it. This is why I remove a program. I don't remove it for fun.

Ha ha, you're delusional if you think the uninstall feature actually works the way you say it does in Windows. Uninstalling has never completely removed stuff out of the Registry which is why you need Registry cleaners all the time.

Yes, in a way if an uninstaller program could work the way App Zapper does it would be key but unlike the Windows way of uninstalling things the preferences left behind in OSX don't affect the system or other programs.
Please, come up with some real innovative things for OS X, an uninstaller is a weak necessity to be included in OS X.
Did it ever occur to you that App Zapper is a great program and great programs come from developers that see a missing feature in an OS? If Apple covers every missing thing in OS X there would be no room for developers to make a business creating for Mac OS X and then we would be back to square one with people laughing at the Mac for not having much software from developers.

[riscy]

It would be really good to have a small save icon (drag and droppable) so that you could just drop it into a filer window instead if having to do the file> save as> (find location etc) when the filer window is already open.

I used to do this years ago and loved the real drag and drop nature - it was so much simpler, than navigating through folders.

[Neutral Gamer]

Wow, you are certainly a very sensitive person.

Not at all, but the one thing I do hate, as my user name and signature should attest to, are people hating products or features simply because of the company or platform they're created on.

What's wrong with taking the best parts of Windows, Linux and Mac OS and try and incorporate it into one operating system? You still haven't answered my query as to why you think it's rational to not want Mac OS to emulate certain features, which are recognised by the vast majority of people as being genuinely useful, purely on the basis that they exist in Windows.

But anyways, what is so innovative about those Windows features?

Forgive me, but when exactly did I say in my post that the aforementioned features were "innovative" ? I was simply replying to the fact that you said there wasn't "really anything 'good' on Windows." Groundbreaking features they may not be, but useful and leading to increased productivity they definitely are. Remember that it's also all the little things in an OS that help contribute to a good end user experience. Also remember I used the words "from the top of my head" to give you an idea. If you want my complete list, including Linux features, I'll happily give it to you.

For the record I teach computers for a living so don't be so quick to judge about my feelings on innovation when you don't know me. :p

You "teach computers" ? What do you teach them? How to be more human, or simply how to be more prejudiced? :D

I remember my Computer Science teachers at school making us use and teaching us, in an unbiased way, about different operating systems and the merits of each. I wonder what your lessons are like ...

Please, I'd love to know what your feelings on computer innovation are. But I have a feeling that unless it's coming straight out of 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA then you wouldn't regard it as such.

Windows is a decent OS

No way, is this the same HLdan talking? I must have read all your posts completely wrong. Please forgive me, I now see the subtle sarcasm and wit in your posts. Obviously your genius went straight over my head and I salute your inspired comments. Can we still be friends? :D

Seriously though, I don't like getting into arguments with people. Especailly when I can't hear their tone of voice and determine how serious they're being. Let's end this and just agree to disagree shall we? ;)

[The General]

Button to show desktop

F11 :confused:

[BlakTornado]

F11 :confused:

Or Cmd + F3 on the new Keyboards

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

You know, what I want, isn't really asking much at all. All I want is to have the Month, Date, and Year, displayed to the left of the Day of the week in the top of the "finder bar", is what I'll call it for lack of better terminology. I just can't stand how you have to click and hold above the Day of the week to see the actual Date, Month, and Year. Yes I know that there's iCal, and even the Calendar widget, but hey, I just want to be able to look up and see that its Wed May 5, 2008, 12:22 PM:D not just Wed May 12:22 PM:mad:http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20050508000838365

[beck]

You know, what I want, isn't really asking much at all. All I want is to have the Month, Date, and Year, displayed to the left of the Day of the week in the top of the "finder bar", is what I'll call it for lack of better terminology. I just can't stand how you have to click and hold above the Day of the week to see the actual Date, Month, and Year. Yes I know that there's iCal, and even the Calendar widget, but hey, I just want to be able to look up and see that its Wed May 5, 2008, 12:22 PM:D not just Wed May 12:22 PM:mad:

you can fiddle with the options and almost trick os x into doing it, worth a google, i've done it but far to lazy to post a pic.

[someone28624]

I'd like an option to shut down the computer after a certain amount of idle time.

[DaveF]

We don't need an uninstaller, there's nothing wrong with drag n drop to the trash, it's much easier and it only leaves preferences behind.

Did it ever occur to you that App Zapper is a great program and great programs come from developers that see a missing feature in an OS?

So which is it. Do we not need an uninstaller? Or is it a missing feature identified by great developers? :confused:

I'd like to see the Finder improved. Ars Technica has a great review of Finder's shortcomings. As a start, it could be improved by borrowing the best aspects of Windows' Explorer features (esp. unique view and organization settings for every folder, and remembering each folder's size and screen location.)

Time Machine -- which I love -- needs refining. The interface was fun at first, but has become cumbersome with experience. It needs to be integrated into normal Finder windows. I also have to change my tune and ask for a better method to add/remove items from the backup list. And on my system, it's buggy when trying to delete backups.

I'd also like to see quicker improvements to iLife and iWork. iMovie 08, which I like a lot for my small endeavors, is prone to freeze up after some hours use. And even the best app, Keynote 08, has some clunky interface weaknesses (mouse wheel doesn't scroll slides. text boxes don't auto-scale text to fit. can't page-up / -down if a text box is being edited).

[xgman]

a working, non-greyed out "Cut" command for files and folders.

[PHX-Locksmith]

My friend, I'm surprised no one's mentioned that what you want is EASILY achievable WITHOUT having to install any new applications. Just try this tip here (http://lifehacker.com/software/mac-tip/display-the-date-on-the-menubar-316029.php).

Actually, it's one of the first things I did when using Mac OS for the first time and it was invaluable. Still, it'd be nice if Apple made it an actual, selectable option rather than having to use the tip above. Thankfully you're probably only ever gonna change it once, so it's all good! :)


THANKY YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!:D

Success! It worked like a charm, and it took LESS THAN 5 minutes to setup! I can't believe that it's been an available option all along! Please do share anymore nifty options that aren't as obvious to the user such as this one. Thanks again!:apple:

[Thomas Harte]

So which is it. Do we not need an uninstaller? Or is it a missing feature identified by great developers? :confused:
We don't need an uninstaller. The uninstaller in Windows works, as far as it works at all, because all programs are supposed to register themselves and their dependant files in a central location. If a program doesn't register itself then it doesn't appear. If it doesn't register all its files then some are left behind. Ditto for registry settings. That's why, over time, Windows systems become full with junk and clutter that slows the system down — most apps leave stuff behind and the registry is simply a bad idea. I think the point of %APPDATA%, present since 2000 or NT, is an admission of some of these problems.

In OS X there is no central registry of applications. Applications do not have to declare themselves or their files to the OS. To do so would be a major sea change for OS X and wouldn't work with all old applications. That's why we don't need a Windows-style uninstaller as requested.

What the programs like AppZapper, etc, do is search the system-defined Preferences places for files that are named so that they are probably associated with the application. That will work if applications are properly written. However, unlike Windows, the cost of leaving these files behind is usually a few kilobytes of disk space. In Windows you're going to pay in disk space and performance if the application has left anything in the registry.

What might be useful is a system whereby dragging an application to the trash causes preferences files to be automatically found and moved to the trash too. Or you could maybe do an option+drag if you didn't want the latter to happen.

What I'm trying to say is, and I'll bold it because the post above is quite long: a proper way to uninstall applications would benefit users, albeit probably in a very small way. A centralised uninstaller would be a horrible idea.

[Cromulent]

I think the major problem with some of the Windows based suggestions is not the suggestions themselves but the fact that Mac OS X works in a fundamentally different way to Windows and thus some suggestions are just not well suited to the architecture of the system.

[someone28624]

I thought of another- Solitaire :)

[jacg]

Make items in the menubar spotlight results dragable and right-clickable. I hate having to select show all (especially now that it doesn't tell us how many any more) then try to find the same file amongst numerous others in the spotlight finder window (especially as that is now much less usable than the ones in Tiger).

Finding stuff quickly with spotlight is great but trying to do anything but open them in the default app is a total pain. It is a waste of a great feature.

[tdhurst]

Make items in the menubar spotlight results dragable and right-clickable. I hate having to select show all (especially now that it doesn't tell us how many any more) then try to find the same file amongst numerous others in the spotlight finder window (especially as that is now much less usable than the ones in Tiger).

Finding stuff quickly with spotlight is great but trying to do anything but open them in the default app is a total pain. It is a waste of a great feature.

Command (or Apple) click the file. It will show in Finder.