If Windows Had Windowshades

They say that Apple borrows good ideas from third party developers, dumbs 'em down, and incorporates them into the Mac OS. They also say that a few years later, Microsoft puts them Windows. So, by my reckoning, we're about due for Windowshade menu bars (a la OS 8 and 9) in Windows. I wonder what that experience will be like.

CONFIGURING YOUR NEW SNAP-UP WINDOWS

Click on the Start menu and select Utilities. In the Utilities menu, select INITIATE SNAP-UP WINDOW WIZARD.

(Initiate Snap-Up Winsow Wizard.)

Hi! I'm the Snap-up Window Wizard. We will configure your Snap-up Windows together. It'll be fun!

Click here if you want to configure your Snap-up Windows.

Click here to cancel.

Click here to register for Passport services.

(Configure.)

OK! We're ready to configure your Snap-up Windows. Enter the names of the windows you would like to configure, and press ENTER (not RETURN) after each. Don't worry, you can edit the list later.

Click here to cancel.

Click here to register for Passport services.

(Microsoft Word. Internet Explorer. Microsoft Powerpoint.)

Select a sound effect for the Snap Up Windows.

(Rolling paper towel roll: Bounty.)

Select a speed for your Snap Up Windows.

(Snappy.)

Select a special effect for your Snap Up Windows.

(Barn Door Close.)

If you want to customize windows individually, Open "Configure Window Snapping" from the Edit Menu and uncheck "Make all windows the same."

(Not yet.)

Select one or more closing triggers for the Windows you have selected. If you want to change the triggers later, choose "Closing Triggers" from the contextual menu for the "Snap-Up Windows" icon on your Start Menu, and click the Configure tab, then click the Trigger tab and select the "Closing" radio button.

(OK)

You have selected "Double-Click Title Bar to Snap Up." Is this correct?

(Yes.)

Do you want to register for .NET services at this time?

(No.)

Do you want to run an interactive tutorial with video instruction on how to use your new Snap-Up Windows?

(Yes.)

The application you have just tried to run has tried to execute an illegal instruction and has been terminated. Please wait while Windows restarts.

Hi! I'm the Windows Snap-Up Windows Wizard recovery Wizard. Do you want to continue where you left off?

(Yes.)

If you had registered for .NET services, you would not have had to answer the previous question. Do you want to register for .NET services now?

(No.)

Then a new dialog box opens on top of your list of names.

I'm sorry, one of the applications you listed is not compatible with Snap Up Windows. Would you like to

1. Change the resolution of your monitor to see if that helps
2. Delete selected applications from the list?
3. Register for .NET services?
4. Confirm your installation of Windows is legal by typing in your registration number?

(Change the resolution of the monitor.)

The Screen Utility cannot open at this time.

(Cancel.)

I'm sorry, one of the applications you listed is not compatible with Snap Up Windows. Would you like to

1. Change the resolution of your monitor to see if that helps
2. Delete selected applications from the list?
3. Register for .NET services?
4. Confirm your installation of Windows is legal by typing in your registration number?

(Delete Selected Windows.)

The Wizard says: You have not selected any windows to delete. Please quit and restart the Wizard and make selections before pressing ENTER.

(Quit Wizard and Restart Wizard)

This is the Windows Snap-Up Windows Wizard recovery Wizard. You did not complete the configuration process. Do you wish to finish it, return to the operating system, or register for .NET?

(Return to the operating system.)

Please enter your .NET password to gain access to this workstation.

(Cancel.)

Please enter your .NET password to gain access to this workstation.

(Cancel.)

Please enter your .NET password to gain access to this workstation.

(Cancel.)

Cancel will cause the computer to shut down. Do you want to continue?

(Yes.)

"Continue" in this context means continue shutting down, not continue using the computer. Are you sure you want to continue?

(Yes.)

Do you want to autostart the Snap-up Windows configuration Wizard on restart?

(No.)

Are you sure?

(Yes.)

Your Windows Snap-Up Windows utility is now ready to use. The next time you restart your computer, all windows will be Snapped-Up. To unsnap, consult your Windows Snap-Down Configuration Wizard.