Let my software be free of policy
It’s human nature to second guess decisions. After all, hindsight and the associated rubbish, make easy targets out of almost everyone else. We’ve all done it, and it doesn’t always make life easier.
Let’s examine the model. In sports, we have the armchair quarterback (or equivalent). In society, politicians have to endure the slings and arrows of the electorate. On Family Feud, and in the small circle of concerned advocates for better marriages, we have the mother-in-law. All ready to suggest improvements to every decisional process.
I’m sometimes forced (based on my professional background knowledge) to spread balm after someone (anyone) else has worked on my spouse’s computers. Not always facile; the machines in her environment are “locked down” to assure that the technician will have to “only pass this way but once”.
Try to see what’s ailing a machine, when even the most rudimentary of diagnostic software (Belarc comes to mind) cannot be installed because of policies. Try to configure a wireless connection, when the “keys” are guarded with more stringent attention than a federal budget. Try to fix anything when the software is sacred.
I appreciate Ruk’s take on the new iPad, from his blog. He points out that Apple has no interest in user input. What counts is user payments, through the temple door of iTunes. A new, potentially interesting, device that is locked away from any effort to modify, correct or improve. The antithesis of personal computing, if you will.
Control, either overtly or covertly; the bane of the supporting player in the game.
