Computers in another language.
Being presented with a consistent user interface on applications is a boon when confronted with menus and files in a language that is unfamiliar.
Sit me at any computer running Japanese MacOS or Windows and I can stumble my way through getting an Internet connection up and running. Even in Japanese applications I’ve never used before, I can open a document, make changes and save it.
Of course when I make an error I must struggle to read and obey the message box.
“Hmmmm. What does this say? ‘Tadaima…kanji kanji wo kanji-masen.’ Looks like we have a problem,” I am forced to admit. I select whichever option is highlighted as the default and try another tack.
Without a consistent interface, there would be no hope of bilingual computing for me. So thank you very much, Jobs, Wozniak, & Gates!
