[Katsunami]

Originally Posted by ApK

In the J.D. Robb "In Death" books, started in the mid-90s, she predicted a near-future when all computer use and software was registered and regulated by "CompuGuard."

So she saw it coming.

I've seen it coming since Microsoft introduced Windows XP activation in 2001 and since then, I've always refused to pay for software that needs to be activated, except when:

1. I *need* it to get things done (Windows)
2. I can get it dirt-cheap (Photoshop, Student & Teacher Edition)

Now, I don't need my home computer anymore to get things done, such as writing dissertations that HAVE to be submitted in Word-format, so I could replace everything with free software if I would give up gaming.

And, truthfully, the trend is probably in the service of the masses who use systems but truly have no idea what they are doing.

Don't tell me about it. Nobody I know knows what he/she is doing when using a computer, except if that person is in IT. I cringe when I see people type using two fingers, alternately looking at the keyboard and the screen, especially when they have to use the computer for work day in day out.

Nowadays, typing should be a required skill, thought at the age of 7, or 12 at the latest, IMHO.

Users who want open, independent, general purpose computing devices may be relegated back to the hobbyist and enthusiast niche.

Maybe this would be best, even. In the old days (basically, before 1995, in the Netherlands), you only had a computer if:

1. You needed it to get stuff done.
2. You wanted to have it so you could learn how to use it to make things easier (such as, using a word processor instead of a mechanical typewriter).

I already dread the phone calls of friends and family who are utterly lost (again) when Windows 10 hits the market.