Re: Terminology

[Mike Newman <mike gtnorthern demon co uk>]

On 15 Apr 2001 12:36:56 +0100, colin z robertson wrote:

> A few questions of terminology...
> 
> Which is preferred (and why) out of:
> - Settings/Options/Preferences

Darin Adler had some interesting stuff to say about this in his GUADEC
keynote. He advised (and I tend to agree) that "Preferences" refer to
ways in which the user can influence the environment in which they are
working, whilst "Settings" seem to indicate "how to make the program
work on my computer".

I'd personally go as far as to say that "Settings" should refer to a
first-run only druid, and preferences to the box that lets me tweak
little stuff that makes life easier or whatever.

> - Directory/Folder

I'm personally a "Directory" type, but that's what I grew up with. I
suppose folder ties into the desktop metaphor, and at least removes the
chance of confusion with LDAP etc.

Mike

-- 
Mike Newman, Weston-super-Mare, UK | http://www.gtnorthern.demon.co.uk