I've lived in the UK, and never had a license to maintain or update the engine. Additionally, I could drive on the M1 or M5 at speeds rarely found in the US, certainly not legally. You don't get any additional training to do this - its implied in your licensing. The "computers as cars" analogy applies to commoditization of a utility. The message is 99% of the world's computer users (private and otherwise) view their PC/laptop as a "gadget" like their phone or TV. They plug it in, they turn it on, it works. That is what the expect and is all they will culturally accept. Placing the burden on the user will not work. -----Original Message----- From: variable@ednet.co.uk To: St. Clair, James Cc: 'nanog@merit.edu ' Sent: 8/14/2003 9:17 AM Subject: RE: How much longer.. On Thu, 14 Aug 2003, St. Clair, James wrote:
Cars did not become more popular because owners had to learn how to swap more parts.
The good ole "computers as cars" metaphor. In the UK: 1) In order to drive a car, you have to have a license. 2) In order to have the car on the road, you have to have it taxed and have a qualified mechanic certify it for basic road worthiness. Neither of these rules currently apply to computers. Maybe they should. Rich