I've had somewhat of a revelation today when thinking about how I actually use my desktop and user interface in general.

What do I MAINLY use my PC for? Well...

- Connecting to the internet;
- Using the internet to connect with people, learn new things/ideas/skills etc., contribute to community-driven projects and so many other things etc., etc.

The thing here is this: so much of my work and activity on my computer is essentially done through a web browser or with the internet in mind.

So, then, I translated this revelation to my desktop. Most desktops/UIs these days are still pretty much application/file-based. Take GNOME, for example. You have a menu bar. "Applications" for, well, your apps; "Places" for various locations in your computer plus limited file location and "System" to configure and tweak your OS and PC.

The only thing we have in this that is geared towards my MAIN USE OF THE PC is the "Internet" category in "Applications".

This is 2009. Shouldn't our priorities change now? Is the idea of an application/file-centric outdated?

I look at some of the netbook-geared OSs/desktops/UIs being released and I'm thinking that THIS is the direction to go...

HP's Mini Mi...
Ubuntu's Ubuntu Netbook Remix...
Jolicloud...

...and others that are in development, all present us a fresh, new interface. Jolicloud, in particular, is an interesting example. [link] To them, "Applications" isn't just about WHAT YOU CAN USE ON YOUR PC. It's about that as well all the internet apps and sites we use to connect and communicate with others everyday. This is the way forward, I feel. Jolicloud is just the start...

Were I to have any coding knowledge at all, I'd be starting to construct a new interface, based on easy-to-use connection, communication, creativity, and contribution.

In the mean time, I may make mockups, "draw" my own interface or simply pray that someone shares the same vision as me but is able to wrap code around and share it with others.

P.S. Apologies for the rambling.

P.P.S YOU'RE OPINIONS, I HUNGER FOR THEM.

/izo\