I've bitched about this before, and I certainly will again, but there's a currrent version that really gets my shorts in a bunch. Technically-savvy computer users who make moronic recommendations to those less experienced are
1: Displaying utter stupidity for which they should be embarassed, and
2: Doing a huge disservice to the rest of the technology community which is doing its best to bring newcomers into the fold, rather than insulting them and pissing them off.
Specifically, I'm referring to the above-named idiots replying to a Windows user requesting help for equipment or software (especially virus) problems by saying "simple... get a Mac/switch to Linux." Hello? Would you mind putting your brain in gear before you put your mouth in motion please?
Do you seriously think anyone is going to consider it reasonable to spend $2000 in hardware and software to resolve their current difficulties? Never mind switching to a new operating system which requires massive research and time investment just to install, let alone use.
What you're saying when you do this is that asserting your sense of superiority is more important than providing a reasonable, useful response to the questioner. And that kind of obnoxiousness is precisely what turns a huge number of people off further attempts to learn to manage their technology better. (And gives the so-called geek community a bad reputation to boot) Congratulations... you know more than a newbie. You must be so proud.
That response also proves that you have absolutely no clue as to how most real world users utilise their computers. To them, a computer is simply a tool to get certain things done. They have no cultish devotion to any operating system or platform. They simply want to get the job done so they can move on to the next task.
So if you don't have the knowledge required to make a sensible suggestion, just shut the fuck up, m'kay? 'Cause otherwise you're acting like an idiot and making it tougher for the rest of us.
Note: I don't have a problem with Mac/Linux users who like to gloat **cough** Snowball & D'fly **cough** that they don't get viruses (much). The simple fact is the system they've chosen isn't as prone to them, and good on 'em for that choice. It's suggesting the complete replacement of someone else's system that's stupid.
And now for the usual disclaimer. I have used both Mac and PC extensively both professionally and personally. I like them both. Both have advantages and disadvantages. This isn't about OS Jihads. It's about stupid advice.
As Riverdog has expressed the low number of users in the MAC /LINUX word serves to defend the problem with virus and attacks. It is not worth the investment of time and effort to hack 5% of the computing community. In other words if you are going to rob a bank, don't rob a small one.
As for the post,, I have found most technical experts who don't know the answer use the MAC excuse.
Posted by: James Old Guy | Friday, March 05, 2004 at 08:21 AM
My primary reason for switching after years and years of PC/Windows use was that my former husband couldn't find a way to hack my Mac.
Posted by: Snowball | Thursday, February 26, 2004 at 11:58 AM
Oh yes: Gloat gloat gloat. :)
Posted by: Pixy Misa | Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 11:12 PM
Anyway, the appropriate answer is actually "$150 per hour, 4 hour minimum. Plus expenses." I find that works wonders.
Posted by: Pixy Misa | Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 11:06 PM
Point well taken Paul! And thanks for not comin down too hard on us gloaters ;)
Posted by: dragonfly jenny | Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 06:59 PM
'Nother point: MAC and Linux users comprise such a small part of the computer-using world, folks joining their ranks give up the strength of numbers. A case in point: On one of my laptops running IE6 this am appeared the cryptic message "sas proxy error, you are not authorized.....". Following standard troubleshooting, I first rebooted, no fix, then uninstalled the last software, a Canon printer suite, no fix. I went to my other laptop and it was running ok, so I Googled "sas Proxy" and got a huge thread of help, the second page of which had a specific fix. Applied fix, restored funtion of IE6. There were over 7,000 entries on the bug-fix thread. That wouldn't happen with Mac or Linux. But then, maybe the bug wouldn't have happened either.
Posted by: Rivrdog | Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 12:43 PM
Boy, you sure know how to take all the fun out of being a/n {insert superior Operating System slash computing platform here] Zealot. ;)
Posted by: Greg | Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 02:09 AM