2010/1/28 Mo McRoberts <m...@nevali.net>: > On Thu, Jan 28, 2010 at 11:49, Dave Crossland <d...@lab6.com> wrote: >> 2010/1/28 Daniel Morris <daniel.mor...@bbc.co.uk>: >>> >>> > Sorry, I didn't realise we were back in the 1970s where the software that >>> > runs on the iPhone can be called an operating system. >>> >>> Am I missing something - how is it not an OS? :) >> >> Apple actively oppose you installing whatever you want to, and running >> applications in the background, on the iPhone and now on the iPad. >> >> These are features of any respectable operating system since the 70s. > > No, these are features of any operating system designed for use by > computer users.
iPad is a computer, owners of iPads are computer users, but Apple blocks access to those features. So, from the user's perspective, those features do not exist, and so, it is not a respectable operating system. I find it very similar to the way that governments, in serving corporate interests, attempt to deny people are citizens with rights and refer to them as much as possible as consumers. >> If you own your computer, it ought to be under your control. Apple >> computers are not. The ultimate answer is 100% free software. > > The same applies to your car, central heating system, ADSL router, > Freeview box, TV and most mobile phones... There is an crucial social question raised by the difference between a microprocessor in a car, CHS, router, STB, TV or mobile phone that no one can update the software on, and one which the manufacturer can update but not the user. You can't even choose NOT to take Apple's updates, for example when they disable a feature that you enjoy using. There are countless examples of computers with 'tivoisation' that have done this. > Point of note, though, it's a "computer" in the technical sense, in > the same way that all mobile phones are "computers". Really, though, > it's [consumer electronics]. That the iPad or any other ebook reader is "not a computer" is a dangerous lie. Almost all mobile phones sold today are proper computers and the iPad certainly is. - Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group. To unsubscribe, please visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/
