You are in possession of the most powerful difference engine ever created

I love the look of dread I get when I give a user a new PC with the next wonder OS from Microsoft.  The older they are the more pessimistic their attitude is. I try to assure them that they will like the new features and also find the tried and true programs they have used for years, this rarely helps.  Recently I have taken a slightly different approach. While rolling out 20 or so Windows 7 64 bit machines with all the newest products from Microsoft, Adobe, and Autodesk, I knew this massive change was going to throw some users for a loop, so rather than console I decided to try something  a little different. Upon completion of the change, right after the first volley of dread, I hit them with this line. “You are in possession of the most powerful difference engine ever created”. The looks I got ranged from utter joy to I’m about loose it on you geek. It was great. Every single one of them thought I was referring to the computer. Come on people, the human brain is the most powerful difference engine ever created, trust it. The one thing that all computer engineers know is that IT innovations evolve fast. In 50 years a computer went from a machine that would barley fit into a Walmart Superstore to one that would fit on the head of pin. It took an estimated 10 Millennia for the wheel to evolve into a car. This fast paced development culture is fine for guys like me who would computerize a toaster just for fun, but does often frustrate users. I wish I had a dollar for every time someone yelled “I just want to read my email!” My new tag line is followed by trying to encourage users to integrate the technology into their daily life, and allow it to do what it was intended for.  Like any good tool it should amplify your talents not replace them.  Use the tool don’t be one is a line I use with the younger generation, it always gets a laugh. Next up “The Human Outlook”

Time to get off the sidelines and into the game

There have always been epic battles throughout history I wont bore you with examples, no matter how tempting it might be. The never ending battle between PC Support/Network Engineers/Software Developers and Users rages on. Humorous anecdotes about PEBKAC's (Google if you are unaware of what this is), re-boots,and garbled phone conversations abound. My journey in what I often refer to as "a life spent human proofing IT" has brought me to the realization that most people use less than 10% of the technology that they have spent thousands of dollars on. There is a lot finger pointing that can be done about this issue, but one underlying variable is always present, change. Developers love it, users hate it. I have decided to spend some time writing about improving the use of current technology. I hope you enjoy reading this and gain some valuable information along the way. Up next.... The most powerful difference engine ever created.