#What should HELP do?
5 messages in this thread
Larry,
I think the main problem with the HELP key / mouse pointer relationship
is in the loss of keyboard autonomy. I personally hate programs which FORCE me
to use the mouse when it's not strictly necessary. If I am typing away in my
word-processor and forget how to use the spelling checker, I don't want to have
to move my hand to the mouse just so I can position the pointer directly over
the already active cursor.
The other problem I see is that you may be risking major confusion for new
users (not to mention the old-hands :-)). As the system software stands right
now, all keyboard activity is handled by the currently active window. That in
itself is enough to confuse most new users (You mean if I click a CLI to the
background it becomes active? Even I find that infuriating!). To have to
explain to them that, unlike every other key, the HELP key is not tied to the
active window but to the mouse pointer may be too much.
– Dave
I don't know of anyone who has used the HELP key in the manner I described who
has had any trouble understanding or remembering it, and not one of them has
had anything but good things to say about it. The HELP key is _already_
different. Try hitting it in a CLI sometime. A system-wide HELP facility needs
to be allowed free reign in the system.
-larry
Larry,
I like the idea of system-wide help, but I can't picture it being tied to the
mouse. Perhaps if I could see it in action I'd be more willing to convert.
So, which machine has help implemented this way?
– Dave
Dave,
On the Sun 386i.
-larry
Dave:
I am an adamant keyboard user. I really have booted my machine and used it for
awhile before I realized that the mouse was not even plugged in! However, I
still agree with Larry. The power that would be added to the help facility
alone would be worth the deviation. Also, that would not be the first 'loss of
keyboard autonomy,' as the left alt-amiga combo also ignores the 'current
window' concept.
=>73<=, bill (KB7LX)