Windows (any version) just isn’t suitable for the average computer user. For someone who wants their computer to “just work” it’s now inevitable that sooner or later it just won’t. The trend I’ve noticed of late is the inevitable happens sooner rather than later.

The Windows world is just too big, too busy and too hostile. The advantage of being able to pick up just about any boxed software and install it, or any hardware and have the necessary software drivers included in the pack is almost entirely eclipsed by the immediate onslaught of malware, viruses and trojans coming down the internet tubes. Even the “good” users who have up-to-date antivirus software find it unable to cope with the fast changing and ever more sophisticated threats. Training may be the answer for some – at least the few with the time and inclination to take it up – but the traditionally available material I’ve seen is so focused on immediate results over understanding concepts it’s either dangerous (because it encourages thoughtless automatic click-exactly-here-click-exactly-there behaviour), or useless by the point of the next upgrade (because it encouraged thoughtless automatic click-exactly-here-click-exactly-there behaviour and now the menu structure has changed slightly).

There are alternatives, but they are imperfect and require compromise. I’m just no longer sure that for the average user persevering in a Windows world is any less painful, or the compromises any more palatable.

While I’m happy to help out with computer related problems, apparently I need to lay down a few rules/guidelines.
Before 9am I am generally sleeping or getting ready for work – I’d prefer it if you didn’t call then.
Between 9 and 5 Monday-Friday I’m working. Don’t be surprised if I don’t answer my mobile, but by all means leave a message – I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. If you haven’t heard from me within a day or two ring again – chances are I’ve done something dumb (Like pressing 3 instead of 5 when listening to your message. Note to self again: 5 calls back, 3 deletes)
If you haven’t received a call back within 5 hours of your 8am call, please do not call me on my work number to discuss your problem. My employer pays me to sell fishing related giftware, not to fix your internet connection so your Farmville crop doesn’t fail.

From this:

To this:

The Gimps “Value “layer mode doesn’t behave the same as Photoshop’s luminosity mode, but it’s close enough to get a decent effect. The original was shot with Jane’s point and shoot camera. The sky is still a bit noisy. I could have spent a little more time smothing it. Overall I’m very pleased with the outcome.

I used to want to visit Japan. Now, not so much. Behold, the Japanese Giant Hornet:

Japanese Giant Hornet on Google Image Search

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_giant_hornet

I’ve arrived in the Costa Del Sol, Spain, safe and sound. Weather is nice, like a warm summers day. Found a free hotspot earlier, so updated Facebook with a picture. Being short as I’m now typing on the hotels internet cafe PCs. Using IE6, which makes me feel bad. 2EUR for 20minutes. Think I’ll just try and find some more free hotspots…