Yes, users should learn some minimal skills to operate a computer. And techies should make sure users don't get overwhelmed by technology. A great teacher knows his subject inside and out, but can simplify it to make it easy to understand for the less knowledgeable.

The unanswered question here is, why does this type of environment exist in the first place? Did software developers make a mistake by letting marketing departments push them into a release before it was really ready? Are developers simply too myopic to see problems that may occur down the road? Do software companies incur the frustration of end-users by not listening and simply dictating how technology should be used? Why is it the the major OS companies always seem to be playing catch-up with vulnerabilites that are known to the public for unacceptably long periods of time?

Or, is there even any point to debating why this environment exists? We should just accept how things are and learn to live with our flawed methods of using technology?

A little from column A, a little from column B...

Let the users learn to 'drive' their PCs, and let the IT experts make a safer car. Just think how the auto industry was decades ago...no airbags, no car alarms, etc. I think the IT industry is now facing similar challenges.

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