So I have this idea. It outpaces current technology, from what I know of it, by quite a bit. Right now I'm still holding my breath for full-surround, full-sensory virtual reality, and that's what it'll take to realize this idea in a way that does it any justice. But I'd be content with doing it in a more limited fashion for now.
It's an interface, really. I don't know as much as I should about the mechanics of operating systems, but from what I do know what I'm talking about is a highly interactive, beautiful, visceral graphic user interface. It could probably overlay Windows, I wouldn't mind that, but ideally I'd prefer it to supplant Windows' interface entirely and be the sole point through which I interact with my computer.
It's like a game, almost. It's a world, is what I mean, a space. So here's what I see in my head, regardless of techonological constraints:

I start up my computer, right? I don't see the Windows loading screen, though. I see, instead, some kind of sexy loading thing that I haven't determined yet that involves "The Interim." When it's done, the first thing I see is a door opening, and the viewpoint moves into a small rectangular chamber, which is the login screen. It's a really nice room, great graphics, and the place is peaceful and beautiful. Hardwood floors and a running rug, paneled walls and pictures that change all the time. A couch, soft and upholstered in worn rose-colored velveteen. An end table, several bookcases. Speakers in the corner of the ceiling play Pinback's "Tres." It's a study, basically. There's a window on the left with a view of a wide green yard with trees. Directly ahead is a desk, covered with the debris of good use: papers and notebooks in stacks, a glass with pens in, chair pushed back a little. To the middle right, there's a silver tray with nametags in the "Hi! My name is..." style. This is the login menu. There are two nametags from which to select. One already has my name printed on it. When you touch the nametag (e.g., click with mouse, or, in my virtual-reality fantasies, actually reach for it with your hand) you're asked for a password. This is the entry point into the system.

What I'm envisioning here is an actual house. Halls, rooms, gardens that open one onto the other, and each is a subdivision of data. It stores not just the things I have in my computer, but more, everything in my head... it's a visual, interactive representation of my brain. I want to walk in my own brain here, is what I'm saying. From here I can access any of my data, go online, what have you, but I can also work on projects in an extremely hands-on kind of way, manipulate data by means of tangible graphical representations... such as, for example, moving music into certain files by lifting and reorganizing stacks of sheet music. Which I wouldn't want to do, but you see what I'm talking about.

I ask you: can it be done? I know the VR is beyond technology right now, but could I do it with just a normal videogame-like system with really good graphics? Could it be an operating system all by itself?

Geeks, discuss.

Judged: Good
QOR: 28% evil, 72% good.

Labels: Introspection, Technology