OT: Who deserves the credit for the rapid growth in graphical computing?

[Richard Kreiss]

> Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs) are great for some things, but not
> everything, (e.g. high volume data entry).  I installed my first mission-critical
> Linux system in a law firm in September
> 1999 where it was used largely as a file and print server for their Windows
> workstations.  The office manager said their productivity dropped at least
> 50% when they were required to use MS-Word for Windows instead of
> WordPerfect as Word required constant use of the mouse requiring the
> typist to move their hand off the home keys.  I had similar comments from
> people who had used Scripsit, and were required to move to a GUI word
> processor.

I had A similar situation years ago when I demonstrated filePro with a GUI interface.  The owners of the  company were impressed and said OK.  Their billing clerk looked at it and asked if they wanted reduced productivity from her.

Each Monday morning she created about 6,000 invoices.  She asked her bosses if they really wanted her to take her hands off the key board and use the mouse. (Even though she didn't have to use the mouse she felt she would be tempted).  There answer was no.

I told them I could configure the GUI just for their use, If it wasn't good for their staff, they didn't want it.

These two owners were atypical.  They would purchase the newest, fastest computers for their staff and take the "hand-me downs".  They put their money in the hands of the people generating income i.e. their Order and billing clerks.

I had to upgrade their laser printer 3 times with larger models that could handle the work load, especially on Monday's.  

The billing Staff were very happy once the 3 largest customers had them use EDI for their invoicing.  This eliminated a lot of paper and mailing costs.


Richard Kreiss
GCC Consulting


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