Re: controversial paper

From: Paul Schlyter (pausch_at_saaf.se)
Date: 09/28/03 

Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2003 16:58:38 +0000 (UTC)

In article <L9Adb.157893$DZ.117849@news04.bloor.is.net.cable.rogers.com>,
Tom St Denis <tomstdenis@iahu.ca> wrote:
 
> And actually I don't think people who can't admin their own computer
> should have one.
 
People have a lot of opinions. But I think you'll find it very
...eh... difficult to convince the majority of computer users that
they should quit using their computer just because you think so....
 
The personal computer is becoming a consumer item, and you'll have
to face that as a fact if you want to be in touch with reality. You
cannot require each and every one to become a sysadmin, just like
you cannot require each and every car driver to also be a car
mechanic, or everyone who watches TV to also be a TV repair technician.
 
The mass market OS'es must have their default settings in such a way
that the average Joe Smith don't face unnecessary risks when they're
hooking up themselves to the Net. If you're a sysadmin you can
always re-adjust these settings. But if you're not a sysadmin and
don't want to become one (computers are supposed to save time for
you, not to consume all your time, you know....), and if your needs
are quite ordinary, you shouldn't have to bother with the settings
very much.
 
> I think it's high time people grow up a bit and learn at least the
> basics of how to use an f'ing computer. Why should I be sent 200GB
> of virii a day just because grandma want's to MSN her grandson on
> the west coast? F#!@ them.
 
I think it's high time computer manufacturers mature a bit and learn
at least the basics of how to manufacture a f'ing computer for the
mass market. Why should I be sent 200TB of virii a day just because
they manufacture insecure computers and sell them to grandma, who
quite rightfullt want's to communicate electronically with her
grandson somewhere in the world? F#!@ them.
 

Your idea that computers should continue being insecure and also not
be sold to the mass market but only to people who've displayed some
sysadmin competence would cause a big decline in computer sales, and
as a result the computers which were sold would be perhaps 5-6 times
more expensive, or even more. Would you really want that?
  

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Relevant Pages

  • Re: VPN problem
    ... Jim Matthews wrote: ... Check with your sysadmin at the office to make sure all your settings ... Elephant Boy Computers ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)
  • Re: VPN problem
    ... Embarrassingly, I am the Admin ... I have set up VPN access for literally hundreds of people - the settings are ... > Check with your sysadmin at the office to make sure all your settings ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.general)