Is there anything that actually gets users to fix their computers?

Fri Oct 3 08:59:47 UTC 2003

Sean Donelan wrote:

> On Fri, 3 Oct 2003, Erik-Jan Bos wrote:
> 
>>I doubt this. Recently, I worked with a couple of people that each had
>>their PCs infected. Their own virtual neighborhood complained to them,
>>and they surely were embaressed about the situation, but... They just
>>did not know how to fix it, i.e. where to start. Call it cluelessness,
>>call it lack of education.
> 
> 
> Newspapers have published How-To instructions. In the US, even USA Today
> published How-To instructions. The USA Today newspaper is known as
> McPaper for a reason. ISPs  sent out step-by-step directions, complete
> with pictures and screen shots.  In addition to full-page newspaper ads
> Microsoft has an easy 3-steps to protect your computer.

I have not seen much information on this in Dutch newspapers, but 
perhaps I am not reading the right papers. I surely think that news 
papers worldwide should publish on this.

> Ok, not everyone is a computer expert.  If their TV, VCR or car started
> belching smoke and flames, and they didn't know how to fix it, what would
> they do?  Take it to a repair shop?  If you get a flat tire, pull off to
> the side of the road and either repair the tire or call the auto club for
> help.  You don't continue drive down the highway on the tire rims hoping
> the noise and sparks will just go away.

Perhaps an "auto club" for PC-users: You call and within the next 24 or 
48 hours, depending on your subscription, an expert would dial in or 
come by to get you on the virtual road again.

__

Erik-Jan.