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Windows users with problems

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iancom:
In response to several recent threads in this section, and without wishing to cause any offence to regulars...

What's wrong with giving Windows users help with using their systems (other than "use Linux," obviously)?

Someone using Windows has a problem, they find this site by typing their current sentiments "fuckmicrosoft" into their browser.

If we immediately alienate them by saying "fsck off you sad MS loser," "get a real OS," "what part of Microsoft Eradication don't you understand?" etc. etc., then they go away and continue to struggle with their MS system. They're no better off, and worse still they're probably *less* likely to want to try another OS if they think that the only people they would be able to turn to for help when they did are people like us - who will just swear at them for being stupid.

Most of us will have a better knowledge of Windows than most of the Windows-only users here. In fact that's probably one of the reasons we've moved on from it.

So why not help these Microsoft victims with their current OS whilst gently planting the seed of using a different OS. If a MS victim has come here for help and received useful advice, they'll probably come back when they inevitably have another problem. Each time, we mention (along with helping their Windows problem) how that wouldn't be a problem with $ALTERNATIVE_OS or how much easier it would be to deal with etc.

Sooner or later they're going to ask how they go about getting/trying $ALTERNATIVE_OS. That's where we really start to help.

If we exclude all those who only use Windows, or just haven't even thought of using another OS, how is this site going to help our cause? It just leaves us talking amongst ourselves - preaching to the converted.

Of course I agree with flaming trolls/MS evangelists. It's fun if nothing else, but flaming users who haven't really even thought about Microsoft and their appalling OS's/business practices is just more likely to turn them into MS supporters.

So, to the flames...  

Ctrl Alt Del 123:
5 stars.

psyjax:
I agree IanC.

I tried to help out a new user Speed-Roc and he never let me know if he solved his problem.

I suspect that it is because of the liberal flameing he recived elsewere.

People coming with legitimate problems should be helped. Like Socrates, does not a sick man need a doctor? Should we turn away the needy? We heal their problem and then offer a greater solution. Another OS.

Howver, folks comming and posting:

d00d waREz ar c000LLLL!!! come to this SITE:

www.freeshat.com

www.sucknutz.org

etc...

flame them till they die!

Calum:
i have nothing against windows users per se, i am one after all, against my wishes, but on the other hand, a higher percentage of the dumbasses and wankers who come here are windows users to the core and morons of the highest order to boot. they can fuck off.
Since i joined here last year, i have spoken my mind. i will continue to do so. if that is not what the majority here wants, i will state my opinion elsewhere. i do not think that that is necessary though, since i reckon most would agree with me that assholes deserve flames.
We are not here to nursemaid them into a new OS, they can be civil or fuck off. Sorry, i don't give a shit. that's it.

[ May 10, 2002: Message edited by: Calum ]

hoojchoons:
Ian, you've got a strong point here! Eventhough, I'm annoyed when I see Windows related problems in these forums, I also realise that there are people out there who, for one reason or another, have to keep on using Windows and apparently need some help! What I can't put up with though are people who lose their patience, like Whiteboy for instance! What I also don't like in these forums are posts like "type format c:" or "use Linux" etc from people who lose their patience with Windows users. That's all...

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