Shel Belinkoff wrote: > A more powerful machine doesn't necessarily mean a machine > that's more complicated to operate. While it's true that new > programs may require a bit of time to learn, it seems that > many, especially those designed for the average user, aren't > that difficult to figure out, especially if you've used > earlier versions of the same or similar programs. Granted, > for some programs and for some people, taking a class or > reading a well written book may be helpful.
I think we're at cross purposes; the more powerful the computer and operating system by and large reduces the amount of computer knowledge the user needs. Now it's certainly not an issue with people on this list, but a growing number of people want a computer they bring home, plug in and with basic typing and mouse skills, it does everything they want without finding out (which they have no interest in) in anyway how it does it. > As for compatibility, I've solved that problem. I keep an > older machine in running condition, plus, when I get a new > machine, I add slots or older media. The latest machine here > takes the old 3.5 floppy disks, but also has a CD player and > burner and a DVD player and burner, as well as USB and > Firewire ports. I'm still using WordPerfect 6.1 and Lotus > 2.01 as well as the latest version of Photoshop. Ah! But you know what you're doing. I know people who have the shiny new machine who realise months later that the computer that went for recycling/sold/given away can only access old data. Often, sadly, they don't care and this is where images will be lost forever. > Compatibility is available for those who seek it. However, > one cannot blindly go into CompUSA or some such and buy a > computer "off the shelf" > without doing their homework. People go to Consumer's > Reports and read about refrigerators and toasters, buy car > magazines to learn about the new cars they are considering, > and in general do their homework to some degree. > Buying a computer is no different in that regard. And no different is the buying public in wanting the latest, that does more and more but is slowly becoming remote from any ability to use computers as they were a few years ago. Manufacturers need to create a market to sell more and more..and most of the public read the computer jargon in adverts or listen to salespeople (often agreeing with things they have zero understanding of) and are no wiser at the end. Malcolm
