Users, both corporate and at home, need to be taught that there is no >such
thing as plug and play. For as much as I agree with the philosophy here, we must realize it is the wrong approach. Cars did not become more popular because owners had to learn how to swap more parts. Wireless phones don't require a contract and setting up your own frequency band. Computers are becoming a utility, and with greater sophistication more and more embedded. Back to cars, remember when a mechanic could fix a problem in a day? How many cars do we all own that now start a service check with a CPU diagnostic? This is not a trend that will be reversed. The emphasis must be placed on other market forces to correct things, like liability for failure and greater R&D for secure systems. Forcing the consumer to learn more has never worked in the market before, and won't here. Jim
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
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
I've been considering lobbying for the imposition of an Internet license for years now. I could think of a few people that need theirs yanked. -Bob
On Thu, Aug 14, 2003 at 02:17:08PM +0100, variable@ednet.co.uk wrote:
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.
^^^^^ Yes, I have to understand how to operate a car. I don't need to know how to change my oil. Also, at least in the United States one must have a very limited understanding of driving. There is no real testing of driving in anything other than normal condititions.
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.
That may be the case in the UK, but I can assure you in Illinois it is not. Take a drive on the Dan Ryan Expressway sometime and you will see cars with bumpers and fenders held on with rope.
Neither of these rules currently apply to computers. Maybe they should.
Rich
-- Shawn Morris
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