SD Sync

ZDNet has screenshots of Windows 7 Beta 1 here.

While looking at these screenshots I noticed an issue that I’ve always disliked. Windows always tells you about useless or obvious stuff, especially when you either don’t want to know or would rather it just be done already so you can get some work done.

Notifications in the screenshots are as follows. This process goes through installation, running IE for the first time, running your first game, and shutting down.

1. Windows is loading files…

   OK, I guess, thanks for letting me know.

2. Starting Windows

   Oh good, that was quick!

3. Setup is starting…

   Oh, I thought you meant…

4. Copying files

   OK whatever, that doesn’t matter to me.

5. Expanding files

   OK, that really doesn’t matter. If I’m a nerd you’ve now informed me that the files were compressed. If I’m not I have no idea what you’re talking about.

6. Installing features

   Well, OK, I guess features are good. Sounds good anyway.

7. Installing updates

   Well, I’m somewhat familiar with that, it’s nice that that’s taken care of so I can start off with a nice up-to-date Windows.

8. Completing installation

   Here we go!

9. Starting Windows

   Maybe if you have to tell me that then “Starting Windows” takes too long. Move it along. I’m excited to use my completed installation!

10. Setup is updating registry settings

    Hold it, I thought installation was complete?

11. Setup is starting services

    Is installation different from setup?

12. Completing installation

    Um, yeah, you said that a while ago.

13. Setup will continue after restarting your computer

    But you just said…

14. Starting Windows

    I don’t think I trust you.

15. Setup is preparing your computer for first use

    I could have guessed as much.

16. Setup is checking video performance

    Oh thank God! I wouldn’t want to start using Windows without my video performance being checked! Thank for doing this and thank you for telling me about it!

17. Help protect your computer and improve Windows automatically
    • Use recommended settings
    • Install important updates only
    • Ask me later

    Well, if you recommend settings shouldn’t they be good? And you might want to install unimportant updates? And you mean to tell me I don’t even need to answer this now? Why are you bothering me with it?

18. Windows is finalizing your settings

    Good, I want them to be finalized, and that’s final!

19. Welcome

    Um, yeah, we’ve been talking for like an hour now. Welcome to you too.

20. Preparing your desktop…

    Oh thanks, you’ve got a lot of stuff to do. I like hearing about your day.

21. Notification: Downloading and installing updates…

    Didn’t you already do that?

22. Start IE: Do you want to discover websites you might like based on websites you’ve visited?

    Is this really something I need to do now, after I’ve been talking to you for so long and I just want to browse the web?

23. Start IE: Before you get started do you want to
    • Use express settings
    • Choose custom settings

    What on earth are you talking about? Can’t you just make this decision for me? Don’t all programs start off with “express settings” when you first use them and then you customize them later? Do you really need to make a point of asking me if I want to do this now?

24. Notification: Windows installed new updates

    Yeah, you said you were going to do that… twice…

25. Start first game: Set up game updates and options

    Seriously, can’t I just play a game?

26. Shutting down…

    Yes.