August 23rd, 2004
Debate erupts after self-proclaimed PC neophyte criticizes Microsoft
In response to my blog entry about Microsoft’s first big errata report regarding Service Pack 2, ZDNet reader and self-proclaimed PC neophyte Steve Jamison penned a column-length response that holds Microsoft’s feet to the fire for forcing him to not only become a PC expert, but also to bear the cost of poor design. As a designer of Programmable Logic Controller(PLC)/touch-screens, Jamison is no slouch to building idiot-proof technology. He’d be out of a job if touch screen users had to become the sort of experts that he feels Microsoft is forcing its customers to become. But, using ZDNet’s Talkback, Jamison’s comments have provoked a raging debate amongst between ZDNet readers as to whether users should be allowed to be "idiots", or the if the burden and cost of being secure should be shared between vendors and customers. Does the monolithicism of PLC/touch screens set the bar for computers? Join the discussion.
