January 23, 2002: Windows v. Mac metaphor #2,080... Windows is a tool, MacOS is a space. I actually think this explains a lot about the two different approaches to designing an OS. It's why many things in Windows are more efficient than on a Mac, and it (partially) explains why Macs have such strong appeal to visual designers. It also helps explain the bitterness of the feud, since so much depends on your approach to your computer. There have been times in my life when I've approached my computer as a tool, but I've come to feel much more that it's a space I inhabit (in which I spend an inordinate amount of time in fact). So, although there will be times I miss Windows' efficiency-at-all-costs philosophy, it's no surprise that my next computer will be a Macintosh. (OK, the fact it's running Unix doesn't hurt ;)