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Switcher Hangout (Windows to Mac)
Copying one folder over another of the same name destroys data!
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<blockquote data-quote="technologist" data-source="post: 112798" data-attributes="member: 4134"><p>The dialog asks the user if he/she wants to replace the folder with the one that is being moved. The relevant definition of replace is the third one in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, namely. I know of no English definition for "Replace" that fits Microsoft's implementation.</p><p></p><p>From an HCI standpoint, the most important factor is consistency. The Finder's behavior for folders is the same as that for any other item: when you copy a document into a folder that contains a different document with the same name, the same dialog appears. If you again choose "Replace," the existing document is deleted. </p><p></p><p>Truly, the best solution from the standpoint of "Protect the user" would be a complete refusal to move a folder or document into a folder containing another item with the same name. If the user wants to replace, he/she should have to deliberately Trash the conflicting item before moving.</p><p></p><p>Under Windows, you end up with a new folder that is niether the one you moved, nor the one that was originally there. This type of inconsistency is frowned upon, and confused the heck out of me the first time I saw it.</p><p></p><p>Finally, note that for every switcher, there are ten long-time Mac users who are accustomed to the way Replace is implemented. I'm not sure how long Merge has been the default in Windows, but I'm certain it wasn't there before Win95. The Finder's replace operation has been in place for 21 years.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="technologist, post: 112798, member: 4134"] The dialog asks the user if he/she wants to replace the folder with the one that is being moved. The relevant definition of replace is the third one in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, namely. I know of no English definition for "Replace" that fits Microsoft's implementation. From an HCI standpoint, the most important factor is consistency. The Finder's behavior for folders is the same as that for any other item: when you copy a document into a folder that contains a different document with the same name, the same dialog appears. If you again choose "Replace," the existing document is deleted. Truly, the best solution from the standpoint of "Protect the user" would be a complete refusal to move a folder or document into a folder containing another item with the same name. If the user wants to replace, he/she should have to deliberately Trash the conflicting item before moving. Under Windows, you end up with a new folder that is niether the one you moved, nor the one that was originally there. This type of inconsistency is frowned upon, and confused the heck out of me the first time I saw it. Finally, note that for every switcher, there are ten long-time Mac users who are accustomed to the way Replace is implemented. I'm not sure how long Merge has been the default in Windows, but I'm certain it wasn't there before Win95. The Finder's replace operation has been in place for 21 years. [/QUOTE]
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Switcher Hangout (Windows to Mac)
Copying one folder over another of the same name destroys data!
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