That is a fascinating read, particularly because I've been on both sides of that argument. There are times when having a common configuration database with consistent tools makes the platform easier to manage, and there are others when discrete configuration files made the platform easier to manage.
The sliding scale between the two options for me depends on the complexity of the platform. And it's interesting because that's exactly how my *nix vs Windows stuff is deployed. Highly specialized systems get *nix, general purpose platforms are Windows.
Windows manages complexity better than *nix does. But, *nix once deployed is forever, because stable and simple.
And I hadn't considered that design choice actually revolved around the registry itself, so thanks for the link. And now I want a Linux distro that has a registry... Oh wait, we have SystemD now... *ugh*
So I guess now the next *nix person that complains about the registry I can shutdown with the overly complex stupidity that is SystemD. Because seriously, building a service just to run a script on startup? Really?!?
Although not directly related to the registry per se, but the current state of Windows controls is an interesting point where Windows is half baked and for once it looks as if Linux is rather civilized. Microsoft was hard at work (hint: when they feel like it) to change all the controls from Control Panel to the new "Settings" app, that many settings that once were simple and easy to find, have been made a convoluted mess.
This is what happens when a new "vision" hits a company and they run with it too far.
Moving from DOS to NT Kernel? Good move.
Moving from Windows 7 interface to 8/10? Might lose your shirt on that one.
The only reason that people haven't revolted en mass is because...hahahahaha.......there is nowhere else to go! People are creatures of comfort, so Microsoft is here to stay in all it's ADHD glory.
The other things that affects our vision of the past is that back then there were so many choices. Today you don't have that vision, there is no money to fund massive OS projects, many started and tried to bring back the old days like C64 etc. Those have all but faded into history, the logos and trademarks being eaten up by one corporation after another hoping to cash in.
It reminds me of that Stallone movie about a post apocalyptic future where is frozen for years and gets thawed out...they mention the only fast food restaurant to survive was Taco Bell. Well, we have Microsoft (Krispy Creme) and we have Apple (Starbucks) and Linux (Insert local diner or coffee shack). Everyone else didn't make it.
Retro is fun, cool and occasionally educational, but hardly a substitute for today's standards. It would be like bringing back the Steam engine. It's cool, it's fun, certainly educational, but don't expect everyone to flock to the technology.
