The Dying Breed

[worker201]

So I have this job right now where I am producing charts, maps, and illustrations for a book about oceanography.  It's pretty sweet, getting paid for computer work.  The guy who's writing the book has never used a computer before, ever.  So he has a whole team of people doing his typing, drawing, layout, etc.

Never ever used a computer.  Can you even imagine?

Too arthritic to use a mouse, and too blind to see a keyboard.

The concept absolutely boggles my mind.  When guys like him are gone, how is that going to change the computer marketplace?  When the older guys who learned Windows late in life are gone, how will that change the marketplace?  Eventually, our society will arrive at a point where everyone over the age of 5 is computer-literate.  What will that future look like?

[WMD]

When that day comes, we will realize more of the productivity gains that were initially promised for computers, but were not seen because so much of the population didn't know how to use a computer properly.

Tech support anecdote websites will have fewer funny stories, as people will no longer try to use the CD-ROM as a cup holder.

The Windows monopoly will dwindle, but they'll still be very much around.

[GenuineAdvantage]

In the future, I don't imagine desktop computers as we know them being the primary way to get to what they're used for. It will probably be like plumbing. Anyone that cares to look will understand at least how it works and how it comes together, but not everyone will need to be advanced users. You probably will just talk to something in the wall and it will do stuff for you faster and more efficient than today. And that will probably be as common as plumbing. This is probably farther into the future than mentioned, but I think it will happen.

[H_TeXMeX_H]

I can see the future ... it looks like shit ... as for the future of computers ... skynet

[Pathos]

Our generation is more knowledgeable on computers on average than the previous but there will be plenty that don't know how to use them or don't like using them.

Alot of current research and developement is being done to make computers as accessible as possible and to require as little knowledge as possible to be productive with them. is it making a difference ? I can't tell.

[adiment]

that will most likely happen in 25 years... all the older guys will be retired.

Scary times, eh?

[pofnlice]

Hey!!!

[Aloone_Jonez]

that will most likely happen in 25 years... all the older guys will be retired.

Or dead.

My mum can't uses a computer, she doesn't even know what clicking means, she doesn't understand the metaphors of a GUI. She used to be a secretary so she can type but she hates computer keyboards. Shes used to typewriters so she wacks the keys too hars. I wonder if she would find a text mode system easier to use, however she doesn't have the time or will, she hated her previous job and the keyboard puts her off.

[piratePenguin]

Or dead.

My mum can't uses a computer, she doesn't even know what clicking means, she doesn't understand the metaphors of a GUI. She used to be a secretary so she can type but she hates computer keyboards. Shes used to typewriters so she wacks the keys too hars. I wonder if she would find a text mode system easier to use, however she doesn't have the time or will, she hated her previous job and the keyboard puts her off.

Hmm.. I wonder is there a keyboard with the same kinda keys/style as a typewriter...

[Aloone_Jonez]

Shit I can't use a keyboard either, my previous post is probably my worst yet for typos.

[WMD]

Hmm.. I wonder is there a keyboard with the same kinda keys/style as a typewriter...

I think it's in my sig.  (Well, it's kinda similar.)