nanog mailing list archives

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


From: Erik-Jan Bos <bos () surfnet nl>
Date: Fri, 03 Oct 2003 10:59:47 +0200


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.


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