This and other developments around computer security and usability "for the everyman" worry me for two reasons.
First, they're taking away the "hard edges" from the system and helping create a generation of computer users who don't know how to tinker, how the inner bits work, or how to take responsibility for their own actions. If they download a virus, that's somehow Apple's fault for not developing a secure enough system. If they use an emoticon in their only root account password with FileVault enabled, it's Apple's fault that they are now locked out of their machine.
Second, and more worryingly, this works towards the "appification" of computers. The user's freedom to run whatever software they want on the desktop is a powerful check against the walled garden "app store" model where a central group (i.e. Apple) is responsible for determining what you're allowed to do. That's bad for innovation and freedom.
The famous Apple 1984 ad feels more ironic every year.
First, they're taking away the "hard edges" from the system and helping create a generation of computer users who don't know how to tinker, how the inner bits work, or how to take responsibility for their own actions. If they download a virus, that's somehow Apple's fault for not developing a secure enough system. If they use an emoticon in their only root account password with FileVault enabled, it's Apple's fault that they are now locked out of their machine.
Second, and more worryingly, this works towards the "appification" of computers. The user's freedom to run whatever software they want on the desktop is a powerful check against the walled garden "app store" model where a central group (i.e. Apple) is responsible for determining what you're allowed to do. That's bad for innovation and freedom.
The famous Apple 1984 ad feels more ironic every year.