Personal computing discussed
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DrJ wrote:IF you have parent's over (what, fifty-five?), not only is a "talk" in order
You know, these sorts of generalizations always bother me. The true divide is between those who know computers reasonably and those who don't. That may vary somewhat with age, but not as much as you would think.
My wife turns 66 today, and she has a great deal of fun with the Windows scammers. They have latched onto her for some reason; I've only received one such call. My 91-year-old father is very current on computers and software. On the other hand,over the years I have hired a lot of interns -- mainly chemistry and biology students -- and while they knew social media, they knew little else about computers or software. I always had to fix their computers when something went wrong.
The group here is self-selected to emphasize computer/technical interests. Wander out into the general population and you might be surprised at how meager the tech skills are.
bthylafh wrote:For that matter, someone being a programmer doesn't imply they know an iota more about computers than their job absolutely requires. Ask me how I know.
bthylafh wrote:For that matter, someone being a programmer doesn't imply they know an iota more about computers than their job absolutely requires. Ask me how I know.
DrJ wrote:Absolutely true. I've also hired quite a number of interns for programming. I was surprised that none knew how to solder, use an oscilloscope, or read a schematic. That's not quite the same as knowing about computers, but it is related. Hardware and software often are different worlds.
just brew it! wrote:Heck, I worked with someone who had a Masters in EE and didn't know how to use an oscilloscope. I'm not sure how *that* happens, but I've seen it first-hand. Software guy (me) teaching the EE how to use a 'scope, while on-site at a customer location to diagnose a problem, was surreal.
localhostrulez wrote:just brew it! wrote:Heck, I worked with someone who had a Masters in EE and didn't know how to use an oscilloscope. I'm not sure how *that* happens, but I've seen it first-hand. Software guy (me) teaching the EE how to use a 'scope, while on-site at a customer location to diagnose a problem, was surreal.
I've heard of EE's that don't know how to use a soldering iron, and ME's that don't know how to use a torque wrench. At some point, the idea is so dumb that it's actually impressive.
DrJ wrote:CScottG wrote:IF you have parent's over (what, fifty-five?), not only is a "talk" in order
You know, these sorts of generalizations always bother me. The true divide is between those who know computers reasonably and those who don't. That may vary somewhat with age, but not as much as you would think.
My wife turns 66 today, and she has a great deal of fun with the Windows scammers. They have latched onto her for some reason; I've only received one such call. My 91-year-old father is very current on computers and software. On the other hand,over the years I have hired a lot of interns -- mainly chemistry and biology students -- and while they knew social media, they knew little else about computers or software. I always had to fix their computers when something went wrong.
DrJ wrote:
Age discrimination in tech, sciences, engineering and popular culture is real. Statements such as the OP, who claimed that the "old" should be given "the talk" is but one manifestation of it. In some cases, yes. In most? It is incredibly condescending.
DrJ wrote:The Egg wrote:In general, older people ARE more susceptible to scams, and even moreso when ever-changing technology is involved. Of course exceptions can be found to every generalization (just by being here, you're obviously an exception), but pushing the talk towards the exceptions takes away from discussion about what is a very real and serious problem for a large percentage of the older population.
I don't believe these are exceptions. My generation grew up with computers, and most are really pretty good with them. Heck even our (recently-passed) 99 year-old neighbor did fine with them, until her eyes gave out. In fact, I would posit that those who fall for scams are the exceptions.
Age discrimination in tech, sciences, engineering and popular culture is real. Statements such as the OP, who claimed that the "old" should be given "the talk" is but one manifestation of it. In some cases, yes. In most? It is incredibly condescending.
whm1974 wrote:..he already gotten a call a few weeks ago.