On Sun, 07 Sep 2003 00:33:39 GMT, in <alt.privacy.spyware>, tony@well.com
wrote:
>
[snip]
>
> Today's computers and software are sophisticated enough for any number
> of solutions to a problem. But as I indicated in my original post, I
> want to simplify my life, not compete in cleverness with my electronic
> gadgetry.
[snip]

All the more reason to adopt *permanent* solutions (or at least, as close to
that as technologically feasible).

> I want a machine that will run and produce with a minimum
> amount of attention and involvement on my part. Tinkering is no longer
> amusing or rewarding.
>
[snip]

IOW, you want a "toaster" -- an "appliance" so brain-dead simple that any
moron can use it without significant risk. Unfortunately for you, computers
are NOT toasters, and I highly doubt they ever will be. We are, in fact,
going in the opposite direction. So you have a choice:

1. - You can do your best imitation of "Three Monkeys"[1], and to the extent
that is successful *pretend* it's a toaster. But that *will* bite you in
the a__ sooner or later, mark my words.

2. - You can accept the fact that computers are not toasters, and learn what
you must in order to deal with that fact competently.

3. - You can say "Fsck it!", pull the plug, and walk away.

Which road you take is completely up to you.


Footnotes -
1. <http://www.santacruzpl.org/readyref/files/m-p/noevil.shtml>


--

Jay T. Blocksom
--------------------------------
Appropriate Technology, Inc.
usenet01[at]appropriate-tech.net


"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
-- Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.

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