<\/p>\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/github.com\/helloSystem\/hello\/blob\/master\/branding\/computer-hello.png?ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHello, a desktop system for creators with a focus on simplicity, elegance, and usability. Based on FreeBSD. Less, but better!<\/h3>\n\n\n\nPlease see https:\/\/hellosystem.github.io\/<\/a> for documentation.<\/h3>\n\n\n\nThis repository is where developers and interested advanced users brainstorm on helloSystem<\/strong>. If you are looking for documentation, Live ISO downloads, and other practical<\/em> information, look at https:\/\/hellosystem.github.io\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhat?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A desktop system for creators that focuses on simplicity, elegance, and usability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the published Human Interface Guidelines<\/a>, and First Principles of Interaction Design<\/a> liberally re-interpreted for today.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBased on FreeBSD<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor mere mortals. Welcoming to switchers from macOS. Not just a theme. Not a clone of anything, but something with which the long-time Mac user should feel instantly comfortable. The latest technologies, without the complexities of Linux distributions. Without lockdown. Without Big Brother. The user in full control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Less, but better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Because we used to like the Mac, since 1984.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Consistent user interface across all applications (e.g., all applications have the same global menu bar, and all applications have File -> Quit in them with the same Command-Q shortcut)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Consistent user interface over time (e.g., the above has not changed since 1984)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- WYSIWYG: Black text on white background, like on paper. Not amber on black or green on black like most computers before it<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No need to use the command line<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No confusing text messages when the system is starting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Everything done via the global menu bar<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Menu shortcuts on the Command key (the key left to the spacebar)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Easy to use disk images<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spatial file manager (e.g. every document or folder has one, and exactly one place on the screen; each window and each object inside a window keeps its location on screen)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Applications can be “managed” by drag and drop in the file manager<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Every application is one file (or one “bundle”, which is one object in the file manager)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- No complicated text commands to learn, no need to use a Terminal application<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Because we used to like the Mac, since 1984. But it’s increasingly getting… difficult:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Because according to Edward Snowden, Apple Just Declared War on Your Privacy<\/a> (all the while talking about “privacy”, “security”, “trusted”)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because Apple has become Big Brother by even considering Client-Side Scanning<\/a>, distrusting its users and treating them like potential criminals, searching through users’ data<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because Apple runs services like Visual Lookup<\/a>and
mediaanalysisd<\/code> on macOS which may leak data from the local system to the OS vendor’s servers (and potentially anyone surveilling them)<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Because Apple thinks that “Sideloading is a cyber criminal\u2019s best friend”<\/a> – and wants to be the gatekeeper for everything that runs on your<\/em> device<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because App Stores allow governments to prevent certain applications from being used https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/world\/2022\/03\/12\/russia-putin-google-apple-navalny\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because we want “Personal Digital Sovereignty”, in other words: be in full control over what our devices are doing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because Apple has become “anti-hacking”<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because we want to run apps from “unidentified developers” that need no blessing by the operating system vendor and no workarounds like https:\/\/lapcatsoftware.com\/articles\/textedit-gatekeeper.html<\/a> (Note: Maybe
sudo spctl --master-disable<\/code> does the trick if you are root on the machine, which means no luck on “managed” devices; normal users can do: xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine \/path\/to\/MyApp.app<\/code> for each app)<\/li>\n\n\n\n- Gatekeeper<\/a> (“It forced Mac developers, who had previously been legally free, to sign a strict contract.” Source<\/a>) (Note: Maybe
sudo spctl --master-disable<\/code> does the trick if you are root on the machine, which means no luck on “managed” devices; normal users can do: xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine \/path\/to\/MyApp.app<\/code> for each app)<\/li>\n\n\n\n- @antranigv on macOS to FreeBSD migration a.k.a why I left macOS<\/em> https:\/\/antranigv.am\/weblog_en\/posts\/macos_to_freebsd\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- https:\/\/hardware.substack.com\/p\/falling-out-of-love-with-apple-part1<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- https:\/\/medium.com\/@probonopd\/bring-back-the-ease-of-80s-and-90s-personal-computing-393738c5e2a1<\/a> (Medium article written by me)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- https:\/\/memoryprotection.show\/blog\/episode-24<\/a> (“It has become very user-hostile.”)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because what used to be simple is becoming increasingly difficult. Example: Install a kernel extension https:\/\/twitter.com\/CastIrony\/status\/1444077820041318400<\/a> – probably the process doesn’t even work on “managed” devices where some central IT department thinks it knows best which kexts the users “need”. Lock in and lock down<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- https:\/\/bombich.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/19\/beyond-bootable-backups-adapting-recovery-strategies-evolving-platform<\/a> (If the soldered-in SSD fails, you cannot boot from external bootable media, because “security”)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because we want all software to be “sideloaded” rather than coming from monopolistic stores https:\/\/www.lunduke.com\/2021\/07\/google-goes-to-war-against-sideloading\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because we disagree with phone-home, tracking, activation. Apparently it is not necesseary to activate<\/a> Macs. Has the NSA ordered this “feature” so that they can track people even better?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because Apple is spying on you. Yes. Despite all the talk about “privacy” there is the DSID<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because used Apple devices have to be thrown away if they are “FMIP locked” (which regularly happens with previously company-owned devices) https:\/\/twitter.com\/TWArecycles\/status\/1444549353335509003<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because all the locks and shackles Apple is putting on their devices is filling nothing but the landfills and their pockets https:\/\/twitter.com\/RDKLInc\/status\/1477410245131616256<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because Apple user interfaces are becoming less and less Mac-like (as measured by the original Human Interface Guidelines). Example: The Tragedy of Safari 15 for Mac\u2019s \u2018Tabs\u2019<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because Mac OS X has been deteriorating ever since the “Back to the Mac” event in 2010 https:\/\/512pixels.net\/2014\/04\/aqua-past-future\/<\/a>, becoming less like the Mac and more like iOS<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because the user experience has been getting worse and worse, and here is why https:\/\/www.fastcompany.com\/3053406\/how-apple-is-giving-design-a-bad-name<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Because Apple is watering the desktop down with inferior mobile UX and hybrid apps (“Catalyst”) that don’t behave like real mouse-centric (“AppKit”) desktop apps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Louis Rossmann: A reminder of how computing used to be<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Lock-down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- https:\/\/sneak.berlin\/20201112\/your-computer-isnt-yours\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- https:\/\/sneak.berlin\/20201204\/on-trusting-macintosh-hardware\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Irrepairable, non-upgradeable hardware:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- https:\/\/www.macrumors.com\/2018\/10\/04\/t2-macs-must-pass-diagnostics-for-certain-repairs\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- https:\/\/www.vice.com\/en\/article\/yw9qk7\/macbook-pro-software-locks-prevent-independent-repair<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- https:\/\/uk.pcmag.com\/old-news\/117795\/apples-t2-chip-makes-third-party-mac-repairs-impossible<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RIFQC8iA65k<\/a> Apple proprietary GSX Software needed to “pair” repair parts to the device, making straightforward repairs unnecessarily complicated to impossible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Less and less Mac-like desktop user experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Riccardo Mori: The reshaped Mac experience<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Riccardo Mori: A retrospective look at Mac OS X Snow Leopard<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Riccardo Mori: A retrospective look at Mac OS X Snow Leopard – Addendum<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Carl Svensson: The Decline of Usability<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Just follow Bruce Tognazzini’s First Principles of Interaction Design<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
This repository is where developers and interested advanced users brainstorm on helloSystem<\/strong>. If you are looking for documentation, Live ISO downloads, and other practical<\/em> information, look at https:\/\/hellosystem.github.io\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A desktop system for creators that focuses on simplicity, elegance, and usability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the published Human Interface Guidelines<\/a>, and First Principles of Interaction Design<\/a> liberally re-interpreted for today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on FreeBSD<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For mere mortals. Welcoming to switchers from macOS. Not just a theme. Not a clone of anything, but something with which the long-time Mac user should feel instantly comfortable. The latest technologies, without the complexities of Linux distributions. Without lockdown. Without Big Brother. The user in full control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Less, but better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because we used to like the Mac, since 1984.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because we used to like the Mac, since 1984. But it’s increasingly getting… difficult:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lock-down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Irrepairable, non-upgradeable hardware:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Less and less Mac-like desktop user experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just follow Bruce Tognazzini’s First Principles of Interaction Design<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
mediaanalysisd<\/code> on macOS which may leak data from the local system to the OS vendor’s servers (and potentially anyone surveilling them)<\/li>\n\n\n\nsudo spctl --master-disable<\/code> does the trick if you are root on the machine, which means no luck on “managed” devices; normal users can do: xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine \/path\/to\/MyApp.app<\/code> for each app)<\/li>\n\n\n\nsudo spctl --master-disable<\/code> does the trick if you are root on the machine, which means no luck on “managed” devices; normal users can do: xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine \/path\/to\/MyApp.app<\/code> for each app)<\/li>\n\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![Based on FreeBSD<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFor mere mortals. Welcoming to switchers from macOS. Not just a theme. Not a clone of anything, but something with which the long-time Mac user should feel instantly comfortable. The latest technologies, without the complexities of Linux distributions. Without lockdown. Without Big Brother. The user in full control.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLess, but better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nBecause we used to like the Mac, since 1984.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nConsistent user interface across all applications (e.g., all applications have the same global menu bar, and all applications have File -> Quit in them with the same Command-Q shortcut)<\/li>\n\n\n\nConsistent user interface over time (e.g., the above has not changed since 1984)<\/li>\n\n\n\nWYSIWYG: Black text on white background, like on paper. Not amber on black or green on black like most computers before it<\/li>\n\n\n\nNo need to use the command line<\/li>\n\n\n\nNo confusing text messages when the system is starting<\/li>\n\n\n\nEverything done via the global menu bar<\/li>\n\n\n\nMenu shortcuts on the Command key (the key left to the spacebar)<\/li>\n\n\n\nEasy to use disk images<\/li>\n\n\n\nSpatial file manager (e.g. every document or folder has one, and exactly one place on the screen; each window and each object inside a window keeps its location on screen)<\/li>\n\n\n\nApplications can be “managed” by drag and drop in the file manager<\/li>\n\n\n\nEvery application is one file (or one “bundle”, which is one object in the file manager)<\/li>\n\n\n\nNo complicated text commands to learn, no need to use a Terminal application<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nBecause we used to like the Mac, since 1984. But it’s increasingly getting… difficult:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nBecause according to Edward Snowden, Apple Just Declared War on Your Privacy<\/a> (all the while talking about “privacy”, “security”, “trusted”)<\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause Apple has become Big Brother by even considering Client-Side Scanning<\/a>, distrusting its users and treating them like potential criminals, searching through users’ data<\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause Apple runs services like Visual Lookup<\/a>and mediaanalysisd<\/code> on macOS which may leak data from the local system to the OS vendor’s servers (and potentially anyone surveilling them)<\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause Apple thinks that “Sideloading is a cyber criminal\u2019s best friend”<\/a> – and wants to be the gatekeeper for everything that runs on your<\/em> device<\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause App Stores allow governments to prevent certain applications from being used https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/world\/2022\/03\/12\/russia-putin-google-apple-navalny\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause we want “Personal Digital Sovereignty”, in other words: be in full control over what our devices are doing<\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause Apple has become “anti-hacking”<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause we want to run apps from “unidentified developers” that need no blessing by the operating system vendor and no workarounds like https:\/\/lapcatsoftware.com\/articles\/textedit-gatekeeper.html<\/a> (Note: Maybe sudo spctl --master-disable<\/code> does the trick if you are root on the machine, which means no luck on “managed” devices; normal users can do: xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine \/path\/to\/MyApp.app<\/code> for each app)<\/li>\n\n\n\nGatekeeper<\/a> (“It forced Mac developers, who had previously been legally free, to sign a strict contract.” Source<\/a>) (Note: Maybe sudo spctl --master-disable<\/code> does the trick if you are root on the machine, which means no luck on “managed” devices; normal users can do: xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine \/path\/to\/MyApp.app<\/code> for each app)<\/li>\n\n\n\n@antranigv on macOS to FreeBSD migration a.k.a why I left macOS<\/em> https:\/\/antranigv.am\/weblog_en\/posts\/macos_to_freebsd\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/hardware.substack.com\/p\/falling-out-of-love-with-apple-part1<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/medium.com\/@probonopd\/bring-back-the-ease-of-80s-and-90s-personal-computing-393738c5e2a1<\/a> (Medium article written by me)<\/li>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/memoryprotection.show\/blog\/episode-24<\/a> (“It has become very user-hostile.”)<\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause what used to be simple is becoming increasingly difficult. Example: Install a kernel extension https:\/\/twitter.com\/CastIrony\/status\/1444077820041318400<\/a> – probably the process doesn’t even work on “managed” devices where some central IT department thinks it knows best which kexts the users “need”. Lock in and lock down<\/li>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/bombich.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/19\/beyond-bootable-backups-adapting-recovery-strategies-evolving-platform<\/a> (If the soldered-in SSD fails, you cannot boot from external bootable media, because “security”)<\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause we want all software to be “sideloaded” rather than coming from monopolistic stores https:\/\/www.lunduke.com\/2021\/07\/google-goes-to-war-against-sideloading\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause we disagree with phone-home, tracking, activation. Apparently it is not necesseary to activate<\/a> Macs. Has the NSA ordered this “feature” so that they can track people even better?<\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause Apple is spying on you. Yes. Despite all the talk about “privacy” there is the DSID<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause used Apple devices have to be thrown away if they are “FMIP locked” (which regularly happens with previously company-owned devices) https:\/\/twitter.com\/TWArecycles\/status\/1444549353335509003<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause all the locks and shackles Apple is putting on their devices is filling nothing but the landfills and their pockets https:\/\/twitter.com\/RDKLInc\/status\/1477410245131616256<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause Apple user interfaces are becoming less and less Mac-like (as measured by the original Human Interface Guidelines). Example: The Tragedy of Safari 15 for Mac\u2019s \u2018Tabs\u2019<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause Mac OS X has been deteriorating ever since the “Back to the Mac” event in 2010 https:\/\/512pixels.net\/2014\/04\/aqua-past-future\/<\/a>, becoming less like the Mac and more like iOS<\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause the user experience has been getting worse and worse, and here is why https:\/\/www.fastcompany.com\/3053406\/how-apple-is-giving-design-a-bad-name<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nBecause Apple is watering the desktop down with inferior mobile UX and hybrid apps (“Catalyst”) that don’t behave like real mouse-centric (“AppKit”) desktop apps<\/li>\n\n\n\nLouis Rossmann: A reminder of how computing used to be<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nLock-down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/sneak.berlin\/20201112\/your-computer-isnt-yours\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/sneak.berlin\/20201204\/on-trusting-macintosh-hardware\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nIrrepairable, non-upgradeable hardware:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.macrumors.com\/2018\/10\/04\/t2-macs-must-pass-diagnostics-for-certain-repairs\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.vice.com\/en\/article\/yw9qk7\/macbook-pro-software-locks-prevent-independent-repair<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/uk.pcmag.com\/old-news\/117795\/apples-t2-chip-makes-third-party-mac-repairs-impossible<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RIFQC8iA65k<\/a> Apple proprietary GSX Software needed to “pair” repair parts to the device, making straightforward repairs unnecessarily complicated to impossible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nLess and less Mac-like desktop user experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\nRiccardo Mori: The reshaped Mac experience<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nRiccardo Mori: A retrospective look at Mac OS X Snow Leopard<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nRiccardo Mori: A retrospective look at Mac OS X Snow Leopard – Addendum<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\nCarl Svensson: The Decline of Usability<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHow?<\/h2>\n\n\n\nJust follow Bruce Tognazzini’s First Principles of Interaction Design<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\nFirst Principles of Interaction Design (Revised & Expanded)<\/a><\/blockquote>](\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/MacOS#\/media\/File:Unix_timeline.en.svg\"){kind=link}