Seniors w/Computers

**Patrick** · September 26th, 2005, 03:44 PM

Avoid them like the plague. I am 64 and am certainly not a geek. I would describe myself as an accomplished button pusher. Three days ago a man my age told me his big complaint about Windows was the keyboard and the language of the OS had to match. I said they didn't. "Don't tell me they don't. I know better." I asked, how I could have a Spanish keyboard plugged into a computer with an English operating system and his answer was, you can't and my keyboard wasn't really a Spanish keyboard.

This morning it was the latest horror story about viruses. The problem is Windows and nothing else. I wish someone would conduct an experiment and send out an email with the subject, "Warning-Computer Destroying Virus Enclosed" and see how many nitwits would open it. I'm guessing 87.5%, at a minimum, of the gringos here would open it.

And, bootleg software rules here. People put on Photoshop or whatever that they bought for $5 in a park and then ask me why it won't run right.

I've started asking people what brand computer they have and assuring them I can't do anything with an HP or Sony or Alaska or whatever it is they have. If they know enough to know the brand doesn't make a difference perhaps I will help them but most nod and go looking for someone who can help with a Compaq.

Obviously, I'm just venting. Sigh, I feel better.

**RedFury** · September 26th, 2005, 04:52 PM

It's not just old people Patrick. Problem is that people buy computers like they buy appliances. It's just a computer, it should just work, right? It's ignorance mostly.

Next time one of them old gringo's starts whining about Windows being garbage or wants your help fixing something, just tell them that you can't because they have too low of a user level.

"patrick, you have to help me! I just got the computer from you yesterday, and I've got 13 toolbars in Internet Explorer, and my computer keeps dialing porn services! You need to build me a different computer or fix this one...I don't know!"
and then you say....
"Sorry, can't help you. You're user level is too low for me to fix . You'll have to contact Microsoft or HP to get your computer fixed"

My buddy showed me the wonders of computers years ago. He's the first person I knew who built a computer. His family can take a freshly formatted and installed system and have it corrupted by virus', spyware and toolbars in less than 24hrs, and it's happened more than once. I've tried explaining to everyone that used the computer that they can't just "click away" without reading what they are clicking on. Doesn't help. They all have low user levels and can't be helped.

How do you get your user level raised? No one can do it for you. You can only raise it if you have a genuine interest in learning the how's and why's to computing. This isn't an icebox. It's a computer. You need to know what's going on inside it. It's not simply opening the door and pulling out a ham sandwich, and that's what alot of these people think it should be.

All those people should be given computers that run off of Live CD's like Knoppix or Ubuntu.

**RedFury** · September 26th, 2005, 04:52 PM

I guess I had something to rant about too

**JimRune** · September 26th, 2005, 04:59 PM

That's an excellent idea!

I believe we should all pool together and create a User Level Chart, based on experience points. When they gain enough experience points, they shall gain a level. There shall be 10 levels. The first 9 levels shall be "Low" and the 10th level shall be "In-Between".

**RedFury** · September 26th, 2005, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by JimRune

That's an excellent idea!

I believe we should all pool together and create a User Level Chart, based on experience points. When they gain enough experience points, they shall gain a level. There shall be 10 levels. The first 9 levels shall be "Low" and the 10th level shall be "In-Between".

Isn't that the truth. Naw, I say the first three levels, you have to figure out how to fix your own problems. Once you've reached level 4, you have to help level 3 and lower level people attain level 4. Once you've reached level 9, you can charge for your experience, and Level 10 means you're tech support, and you don't help anyone!

**JimRune** · September 26th, 2005, 05:27 PM

Hah! Tech support not helping anyone? Well gee, like THAT'S ever gonna happen.

**elmers** · September 26th, 2005, 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by RedFury

It's not just old people Patrick. Problem is that people buy computers like they buy appliances. It's just a computer, it should just work, right? It's ignorance mostly.

You're right, so many people fail do differentiate between a pc and a tv, it never ceases to amaze me.

Originally Posted by RedFury

All those people should be given computers that run off of Live CD's like Knoppix or Ubuntu.

Right again. Live Linux for lusers.