Computer Owners fall into that blame category too.  They don't want to
admit that they were trying to do something they didn't know anything
about.

First computer I worked on had about 2000 peanut size vacuum tubes,
drum storage, no memory except magnetic cores to keep down the need
for more tubes.  Actually the only computer I was closely associated
with until the PC came along.  Even there I was only a user - not into
repair or programming.  I bought a complier and a couple books on C
and wrote some programs for my own personal use.  But my experince
doing that showed me how easy it is for someone to come up with a
virus.

Things have changed.  I just read where the CDC 6600 (the big
mainframe of the 70s) had the computing power of a 386 PC.

In article
<13eb5773-bb80-4e0d-9631-951668274f5f@p73g2000hsd.googlegroups.com>,

Charlie Brown, Hank.  Charlie Brown!  (You're not THAT old!)   <grin>

http://broadwaymusicalhome.com/shows/charliebrown.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You're_a_Good_Man,_Charlie_Brown

I suspect you're afraid of being "taken for a ride" should you decide to
upgrade or replace your computer system.  ...and I don't blame you.

The switch from Mac OS 9 to 10 was so profound and all-encompassing, I just
"let go" of any knowledge I had of the inner workings of the system because it
had all changed.  I am now just a fat/happy/dumb user.

Dealing with this technology is no different than that of, say, a new furnace
or water heater.  It is simply more complex.  When upgrading or replacing
those systems, you are either informed enough to protect yourself or place
your trust in someone that will ensure that you aren't cheated.

To further exacerbate the helpless feeling is the sheer amount of MONEY one
can (and already has, usually) spend on these computers.  What I still can't
get over is how QUICKLY they depreciate.  Never before in our lives have we
spent SO much money on something that became technically obsolete SO fast.  
(Functionally obsolete is another matter.)

Fortunately, for lack of a better word, one thing hasn't changed when buying a
NEW computer:  The more you spend the longer it will remain viable.  Get the
fastest processor(s) you can, get the largest hard-disk drive you can, get the
largest display you can, and so on.  They will be top-of-the-line today but
won't be for long.

My computer is just over 4-years old.  I recently upgraded its memory (RAM) to
its maximum of 2 GB (2048 MB) and replaced its nearly-full, 80 GB hard-disk
drive with a 250.  This upgrade cost me less than $300 in today's money.  To
equip this computer when it was NEW to such specs, would've been close to $1k
- in 2003 dollars!  (RAM and hard-disk drives have gotten incredibly cheap in
the last, couple years.)

Still, this computer is starting to "buckle under the load" of today's work.  
I manipulate music and photographs like NEVER before.  I'm holding out as long
as I can before I replace this trusty, old box, but its days are numbered.  I
just upgraded it to the last OS that will run on it.  The suite (isn't that
SWEET <gag>) of applications that include my photo management and manipulation
software contained one application that, for the first time, will not even
INSTALL on my computer because it is too old.  Fortunately, I don't (haven't
wanted to) run that particular software, so I'm not "out" too much.

http://www.apple.com/ilife

I long for the days when a car tune-up mean "points, plugs, rotor and
condenser".  You left the bolt on the distributer JUST loose enough so that
after each of a few "runs", you would adjust it until JUST before the engine
spark-knocked (ping?), then tighten-er down with the 9/16 in your pocket.  
Look, Ma!  No timing light!   :)

Now look:  Common-rail fuel injection, NO distributor at all and, SURPRISE!  
There's not even a throttle cable anymore!  ARGH!!

We KNEW they were trying to put the "shade tree mechanic" out of business and,
by gum, they finally did it.

But Jim, BUT JIM:  Cars are so much CLEANER and fuel-efficient today.

Yes, they are.   <sigh>

Computers don't need to be a COMPLETE mystery.  If the user doesn't know
enough about them (and doesn't want to take a class or two at the local
community college), that user needs to entrust someone with their computer so
that a good, informed decision is made as to what improvements or upgrades are
advisable or, if replacing the system, what to buy.

There has never been a better time to buy a new computer system.  Given the
slowing economy and vigorous competition in the consumer electronics "world",
you can get a whole lotta bang for your buck these days - even if just
upgrading your old system.

Thanks, again, to everyone for their patience with this OT.