[ Thanks to Petros Koutoupis for
this link. ]
“When I write about the disposable PC, blame for the
creation and maintaining of such a culture does not belong to a
single entity. It has gotten to the point where hardware has become
so cheap that whenever someone who lacks any real technical
knowledge comes across a computing problem (whether it be hardware
or software related) has no problem running out and purchasing a
new replacement. Microsoft and retail stores add to this culture.“For instance, what happens when you (a non-technical person)
are prompted with a bunch of error dialog boxes, a virus or a
system crash? If you do not personally know anybody who can fix it,
you will take it in to a retail store that offers PC repair
services, such as Best Buy. The only reason why I pick on Best Buy
is not because I harbor any negative feelings toward them (they are
a business selling services and products) but instead because in
the late 90’s to around 2001/2 I used to work for them and was
familiar with the processes and routines when it came to PC
repair.”