Solved Get rid of the libraries?

[whs]

I hope we are not going to start World War 3 over this.

 

[kado897]

Good programs don't !

I know I don't have to use them, that's why I disable and remove them. There are a lot of people who don't want to use them and ARE forced to use them, because they dont know how to get rid of them.

Regards....Mike Connor

It's not people who learn about them and try to use them before deciding to get rid of them that I can't understand, it's the people who just dismiss them out of hand because they are different from the way it has always been done.

I suppose that's fair comment. The problem for most who have tried to use them is not the obvious gains to be had, there is no gainsaying that there are various powerful advantages to using libraries or similar systems under certain circumstances, but the concomitant loss of a nunber of quite simple functions and routes.

Nobody I know who has much to do with computers, ( and that's a large number of people) has dismissed them out of hand, they have generally tried to use them and given up in frustration.

There are also untold numbers of users who simply wanted a faster more reliable system, ( than XP), they did not want a whole slew of, ( to them), dubious "improvements" in the user interface.

There are lots of various groups and factions involved here, and I suspect that those who "dismiss out of hand", are not that really large a group all told.

Whatever, just a few thoughts on the matter.

Regards....Mike Connor

I suppose it's just my outlook in life. I look forward to doing things in new ways some people obviously don't.

 

[angrychiprel]

I assume Kado is jiving me, but I'll play along while I wait for the football game.

Suppose I download a PDF file that is a manual for a Gigabyte GA-H67MA-UDH2 motherboard.

It goes here:

D:\computer\hardware\motherboards and chipsets\Gigabyte

Likewise a live recording made by Ella Fitzgerald goes here:

D:\mp3\pop and jazz\ella fitzgerald\live

It's just a nested series of folders.

How do I find out if I have a particular Ella Fitzgerald live recording?

Well, I know that I wouldn't put the Ella song in the Elvis folder. So, oddly enough, I would navigate to D:\mp3\pop and jazz\ella fitzgerald\live and look.

If I was unorganized generally, I would have all 22,000 mp3s in a single folder and have lost my mind long ago.

You have to be willing to name a file based on its contents. That is--your Gigabyte motherboard manuals can't be named "cool computer stuff".

I have a high powered near-instantaneous file search tool ("Everything"), which can find any file on my system by name within 1 or 2 seconds. I use it occasionally if I think it's quicker than navigating and looking.

But you knew all of that. I'm just playing along with you. As I said, "to each his own".

Enjoy the game.

But I don't understand how Libraries would change the situation at all. The Library itself is just a "folder" that displays the contents of other folders as if they were in the same folder.

--

I certainly see how Libraries are useful if you have your data split across multiple drives, but if you don't then why use a Library when you can just put everything into a regular folder? I don't have a need for Libraries because all my documents are together, all my music is together, all my videos are together.

For me, even if I don't have a need for the Libraries, they wouldn't be an issue at all if they were implemented better. They really need to fit in better with the User folder. Right now, %HOMEPATH%\Documents is not the same as the Documents library, which is unintuitive. Libraries are very much tacked on to the current system of organization instead of integrating nicely.

Personally I think it would work much better if folders could become Libraries. By that I mean, on the disk it's just a normal folder but when you open it in Windows, Explorer shows the contents of all the folders linked to that Library. This would remove the need to have another "soft folder" in addition to the actual folders.

Although really, they could just make Libraries a nice easy interface for creating symlinks. They would perform exactly the same functions they currently do with the advantage of being usable by applications that don't support Libraries and even by other operating systems. (Though this would cause some problems since each of the linked folders would have to be subfolders of the Library folder. If Windows linked the contents of each folder into the Library folder, it would be impossible to have two files/folders with the same name in the root of the linked folders)

 

[whs]

Personally I think it would work much better if folders could become Libraries.

I seriously think that you have no clue what libraries are all about. I suggest you read up on it before you start redesigning the system. There is tons of info on the web. You can start here: Get to Know Windows 7 Libraries Inside and Out

 

[angrychiprel]

Personally I think it would work much better if folders could become Libraries.

I seriously think that you have no clue what libraries are all about. I suggest you read up on it before you start redesigning the system. There is tons of info on the web. You can start here: Get to Know Windows 7 Libraries Inside and Out

I completely understand what a Library is. It's an XML file that defines a list of folders for Windows to display in a single location. My problem with them is that they can't be navigated to like folders despite appearing to work like one in Explorer.

 

[whs]

Personally I think it would work much better if folders could become Libraries.

I seriously think that you have no clue what libraries are all about. I suggest you read up on it before you start redesigning the system. There is tons of info on the web. You can start here: Get to Know Windows 7 Libraries Inside and Out

I completely understand what a Library is. It's an XML file that defines a list of folders for Windows to display in a single location. My problem with them is that they can't be navigated to like folders despite appearing to work like one in Explorer.

OK, I am sorry if I made the wrong judgement. But some of your proposals lead me to believe that you were at the beginning of the learning curve as far as libraries are concerned. Peace.

 

[1post]

Hate em

Libraries are idiotic and the worst feature of an otherwise great OS. The fact that you can't easily disable them is really annoying. Libraries are a fundamentally terrible idea, just promotes not knowing what's going on with your files and folders. It's a totally unnecessary and counterproductive layer of complexity. It has nothing to do with yearning for the old days of XP, it's just a useless feature that gets in the way. If we wanted to be treated like idiots we'd get Macs, and if you can't manage your files and folders where they actually sit on the drive you need to learn more about basic computer operation.

 

[whs]

Libraries are idiotic and the worst feature of an otherwise great OS. The fact that you can't easily disable them is really annoying. Libraries are a fundamentally terrible idea, just promotes not knowing what's going on with your files and folders. It's a totally unnecessary and counterproductive layer of complexity. It has nothing to do with yearning for the old days of XP, it's just a useless feature that gets in the way. If we wanted to be treated like idiots we'd get Macs, and if you can't manage your files and folders where they actually sit on the drive you need to learn more about basic computer operation.

I think libraries are one of the best features of Win7 and I use them extensively. You apparently do not have your data spread all over the place - internal and external.

 

[Imperfect1]

I'm super-organized with my work files (almost to the point of OCD) so for those work files I prefer not having Libraries, because I agree that they seem like an unnecessary layer to have to go through to access my files. However, when it comes to my entertainment files (music, videos, pics, etc) which are more diversely scattered throughout my system. THEN I can see where Libraries would be very useful. I think of the those entertainment Libraries as kind of Playlists from which I can utilize any of the files I need no matter where they're located, (i.e. play the videos, listen to the music, view the photos), because the Library/Playlist location is ONE location that doesn't have to be the actual location of all those entertainment files. (Of course I'm back to the same old problem if I need to access the actual location of any of those entertainment files ---- in that case Libraries don't help at all, and I still have to find the file's real location and go to it.)

 

[dtw3]

Uninstalling LIBRARIES

I love libraries, I just think they are better utilised for storing books.

Adding all these default virtual folders/links to a single user desktop system is merely confusing, time wasting, and unproductive for many users.

If you have your system sorted out properly you simply don't need libraries.

This is reflected in the absolutely huge number of users looking for ways to disable and remove them. They just want to click on a folder of their choice, they don't want to drill down through what to them is merely a load of useless bloat in order to find a file. Nor do they wish to learn all the complicated rigmarole associated with such things.

There are doubtless plenty of users who like libraries, and that is fine, the problem arises when one is not given the choice.

People do not want to be told how to set up or do things or be forced into using a system that does not work for them.

Regards....Mike Connor

Hi Mike,

I’m absolutely new here and was trying find a coherent thread giving definite and concrete info. on dispensing entirely with MS Libraries from my laptop (Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1). I can’t follow how searching these threads works and I blundered this old debate. There seems to be no way of avoiding the dross and irrelevant entries that either don’t address the issue or try to dissuade from any intended action for non-tech reasons.

Perhaps I’m failing to ‘get’ how these forums work but I read your contributions and like what I read so wanted to engage with you on the subject rather than join a debate in a crowded bar.

Did you solve the issue and if so how? Are there consequences for the operating system and is this a ‘project’ appropriate for basic computer user.

Thanks in anticipation.

 

[brianmit]

It would be great to have software for grown-ups.
I'm 70, not 7, and I'm not a dumb American who probably needs this stuff. I'm English, a poor working class World War Two bombed out East End of London kid. I went to school and learned to read and write quite well. I can even tie my own shoe laces.
I don't need all this childish immature nonsense from My Microsoft and others, such as My Documents, My Favourites - my music, pictures etc. I know it's mine you stupid fools; I bought it and still have the receipt to prove it.
In the next version of Windows, will we have to put up with "My favourite lollipop flavours" and "My very, very bestest friends"?
I guess we will until Microsoft gets taken over by somebody grown-up and sensible - preferably English.
And I'm not anti American. I love the Grand Canyon, the Appalachian Mountains and 500 dollar bills.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Wow! And I though I was getting grumpy in my old age (a "youthful" 63).

All seriousness aside, I agree, the whole folder/filename organization, "My" whatever business, and icons are ridiculous but M$ is trying to cater to as many as many people as possible so there are bound to be some things that someone doesn't like. With the exception of Win 8, M$ had the good sense to offer many options so one can customize the OS to meet their needs. It's not that big of a deal to ignore the trivial and fix what you can.

 

[Britton30]

It would be great to have software for grown-ups.
I'm 70, not 7, and I'm not a dumb American who probably needs this stuff. I'm English, a poor working class World War Two bombed out East End of London kid. I went to school and learned to read and write quite well. I can even tie my own shoe laces.
I don't need all this childish immature nonsense from My Microsoft and others, such as My Documents, My Favourites - my music, pictures etc. I know it's mine you stupid fools; I bought it and still have the receipt to prove it.
In the next version of Windows, will we have to put up with "My favourite lollipop flavours" and "My very, very bestest friends"?
I guess we will until Microsoft gets taken over by somebody grown-up and sensible - preferably English.
And I'm not anti American. I love the Grand Canyon, the Appalachian Mountains and 500 dollar bills.

I hope to hell that is a typo too "mate"! You are a very rude old person.

 

[rusty post]

I would venture a guess that brainmiss is a 30-something-apron-strung-perpetual-loner just out trolling for attention.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

It would be great to have software for grown-ups.
I'm 70, not 7, and I'm not a dumb American who probably needs this stuff. I'm English, a poor working class World War Two bombed out East End of London kid. I went to school and learned to read and write quite well. I can even tie my own shoe laces.
I don't need all this childish immature nonsense from My Microsoft and others, such as My Documents, My Favourites - my music, pictures etc. I know it's mine you stupid fools; I bought it and still have the receipt to prove it.
In the next version of Windows, will we have to put up with "My favourite lollipop flavours" and "My very, very bestest friends"?
I guess we will until Microsoft gets taken over by somebody grown-up and sensible - preferably English.
And I'm not anti American. I love the Grand Canyon, the Appalachian Mountains and 500 dollar bills.

Well mate being English myself I am quite ashamed by your outburst as I have said on many occasions in this forum I had the impression through non experience. only ever briefly meeting a few and by word of mouth that Americans were loudmouthed, brash think they know it all and reckon the world ends at the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Well Braino nothing could be further from the truth in fact if you want to meet that sort of person then join the local forum here mate then you would have something to complain about. I have more American friends than I can count now and I think you had better get a life mate and stop being so bloody obnoxious. There are good and bad in all peoples and that includes some very dumb English folk too.
I came from a very poor working class family and have through some hard work made something of myself and I am fed up with the constant we had to do it so hard brigade. So did a lot of people throughout history and those with any shred of maturity and motivation got on with and made what good they can out of a bad job.
In fact your statement above could be seen as discriminatory by many including myself, and you know what they say about the heat in the kitchen eh?

As for the libraries have you got nothing else better to be concerned about? like helping out where you can instead of bleating like some tanty two year old?

 

[Layback Bear]

It would be great to have software for grown-ups.
I'm 70, not 7, and I'm not a dumb American who probably needs this stuff. I'm English, a poor working class World War Two bombed out East End of London kid. I went to school and learned to read and write quite well. I can even tie my own shoe laces.
I don't need all this childish immature nonsense from My Microsoft and others, such as My Documents, My Favourites - my music, pictures etc. I know it's mine you stupid fools; I bought it and still have the receipt to prove it.
In the next version of Windows, will we have to put up with "My favourite lollipop flavours" and "My very, very bestest friends"?
I guess we will until Microsoft gets taken over by somebody grown-up and sensible - preferably English.
And I'm not anti American. I love the Grand Canyon, the Appalachian Mountains and 500 dollar bills.

After reading this I feel so much better. I like libraries and librarians.

 

[Britton30]

It would be great to have software for grown-ups.
I'm 70, not 7, and I'm not a dumb American who probably needs this stuff. I'm English, a poor working class World War Two bombed out East End of London kid. I went to school and learned to read and write quite well. I can even tie my own shoe laces.
I don't need all this childish immature nonsense from My Microsoft and others, such as My Documents, My Favourites - my music, pictures etc. I know it's mine you stupid fools; I bought it and still have the receipt to prove it.
In the next version of Windows, will we have to put up with "My favourite lollipop flavours" and "My very, very bestest friends"?
I guess we will until Microsoft gets taken over by somebody grown-up and sensible - preferably English.
And I'm not anti American. I love the Grand Canyon, the Appalachian Mountains and 500 dollar bills.

Well mate being English myself I am quite ashamed by your outburst as I have said on many occasions in this forum I had the impression through non experience. only ever briefly meeting a few and by word of mouth that Americans were loudmouthed, brash think they know it all and reckon the world ends at the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Well Braino nothing could be further from the truth in fact if you want to meet that sort of person then join the local forum here mate then you would have something to complain about. I have more American friends than I can count now and I think you had better get a life mate and stop being so bloody obnoxious. There are good and bad in all peoples and that includes some very dumb English folk too.
I came from a very poor working class family and have through some hard work made something of myself and I am fed up with the constant we had to do it so hard brigade. So did a lot of people throughout history and those with any shred of maturity and motivation got on with and made what good they can out of a bad job.
In fact your statement above could be seen as discriminatory by many including myself, and you know what they say about the heat in the kitchen eh?

As for the libraries have you got nothing else better to be concerned about? like helping out where you can instead of bleating like some tanty two year old?

Very well said my English/Aussie friend.

 

[boohbah]

I love libraries, I just think they are better utilised for storing books.

Adding all these default virtual folders/links to a single user desktop system is merely confusing, time wasting, and unproductive for many users.

If you have your system sorted out properly you simply don't need libraries.

This is reflected in the absolutely huge number of users looking for ways to disable and remove them. They just want to click on a folder of their choice, they don't want to drill down through what to them is merely a load of useless bloat in order to find a file. Nor do they wish to learn all the complicated rigmarole associated with such things.

There are doubtless plenty of users who like libraries, and that is fine, the problem arises when one is not given the choice.

People do not want to be told how to set up or do things or be forced into using a system that does not work for them.

Regards....Mike Connor

Hi Mike,

I’m absolutely new here and was trying find a coherent thread giving definite and concrete info. on dispensing entirely with MS Libraries from my laptop (Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1). I can’t follow how searching these threads works and I blundered this old debate. There seems to be no way of avoiding the dross and irrelevant entries that either don’t address the issue or try to dissuade from any intended action for non-tech reasons.

Perhaps I’m failing to ‘get’ how these forums work but I read your contributions and like what I read so wanted to engage with you on the subject rather than join a debate in a crowded bar.

Did you solve the issue and if so how? Are there consequences for the operating system and is this a ‘project’ appropriate for basic computer user.

Thanks in anticipation.

dwt3, im afraid mike connors last posted here on the forum on 07 Jun 2012 ,
i doubt whether he will reply.

 

[boohbah]

It would be great to have software for grown-ups.
I'm 70, not 7, and I'm not a dumb American who probably needs this stuff. I'm English, a poor working class World War Two bombed out East End of London kid. I went to school and learned to read and write quite well. I can even tie my own shoe laces.
I don't need all this childish immature nonsense from My Microsoft and others, such as My Documents, My Favourites - my music, pictures etc. I know it's mine you stupid fools; I bought it and still have the receipt to prove it.
In the next version of Windows, will we have to put up with "My favourite lollipop flavours" and "My very, very bestest friends"?
I guess we will until Microsoft gets taken over by somebody grown-up and sensible - preferably English.
And I'm not anti American. I love the Grand Canyon, the Appalachian Mountains and 500 dollar bills.

oh dear! how to contradict yourself in one post, let us just make it clear this is not the opinion of all Brits. just imagine what he would have said if he was anti American.