Macs, TiVos and CLI Scariness

When you become use to one-click installers, drag-n-drop application copying and point-and-click networking capabilities, it’s hard not to think that the entire computing world works like this. While Macs and PCs offer functionally equivalent installation and file interaction methods (point, click, double- or right-click, etc.), PC users have always enjoyed a throwback to the bad old days of command line interface in their ability to access the greasy underpinnings of any computing system through the Run command.

For the most part, I, along with most Mac users, have been able to proceed smugly along without the Run command. But for those of us entranced by the tales of weather maps, blogs and web-cam shots piped straight into the TiVo, we find ourselves tripped up (initially at least) when we try to access this Info Nirvana.

In short, I have had to cede to PCs a marked superiority to Macs when it comes to interacting with my TiVo. With the notable exception of a few existing applications wrapped in the familiar installer dressing (Mac TiVo Desktop, IseeiTunes), all the good stuff under development requires me to get comfortable with my inner CLI child. It’s a scary place for me and, I daresay, many of the run-of-the-mill Mac faithful.

I don’t know that’s it is a bad thing, though. When I roll my eyes at having to type in commands in Terminal and inevitably re-type them due to lousy typing, I try to calm the whining by reminding myself that while I might not ever want to know precisely how to repair the engine in my car (or have the skill to know), I still benefit from knowing how to change my own oil and plugs.

I don’t like using the CLI. However, I know that it’s an important skill to have. In the end, it maybe bridges the chasm that theoretically exists between me and my PC brethren and sisteren. Sure, we can get along.