Apple and malware

[Jay T. Blocksom]

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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[tony@well.com]

On Thu, 11 Sep 2003 07:03:38 -0400, Jay T. Blocksom
<usenet01+SPAMBLOCK@appropriate-tech.net> wrote:

>IOW, you want a "toaster" -- an "appliance" so brain-dead simple that any
>moron can use it without significant risk.

No, not at all. There are other alternatives for intelligent people
with the right imagination.

>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 they are not, and so we are going... And it is unfortunate for all
of us. Isn't this an outstanding opportunity for someone who has
enough knowhow and inventiveness to find another solution rather than
accept such a bleak conclusion?

T.
========================
Tony Roder, speaking his mind....