How many apps ship with OS X? 50, 500, or 5000? Let's just say they're dealing with a more restricted problem space, where they have a great deal more latitude

How many apps ship with OS X? 50, 500, or 5000? Let's just say they're dealing with a more restricted problem space, where they have a great deal more latitude to enforce technology use. That's kinda the point of their vertical monopoly, don'cha think? So you see, not only is open source kinda the opposite of a vertical monopoly, most open source budgets orders of magnitude smaller than those of Apple or Microsoft. But aside from those little problems, you also have to optimize in several opposing directions at once! Considering only the desktop, you gotta balance the needs of those who find more configuration options more useful with those who think such things are ugly and confusing. Both are right! In the wider range of open source (which both you and the author ignore), there are lots of people who don't want any GUI integration. There are many millions more headless linux installations than desktops. Clearly, there are some problems to overcome. It's possible that they're really unresolvable, that you can't simultaneously optimize for all of those goals. However, it is possible that you can help bring about a better world, even if you're not an artist or programmer. The next time you say to yourself, "Man, I wish XXX desktop looked better," * Obtain an envelope and postage. * Write out your complaint on a note, preferably a high-denomination bank note. * Mail it to the makers of the aforementioned desktop environment. Your comments will receive the most prompt attention. This could also be viewed as buying a right to complain -- if it's not your time or money involved in making it, maybe you shouldn't complain that your use-case isn't being optimized for? (What is wrong with deciding to optimize for non-GUI uses, for that matter?) On a more personal level, I'm happy that you like Mac and/or Windows! It's nice to like things, isn't it? Thanks for sharing.