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Comment by no_time | Hacker News Reader

I have a theory that this seismic shift is the result a demographic shift of PC users. It gradually went from engineers, businessmen and hackers to a much wider audience including younger people who have trouble grasping concepts such as folders[0]

This by itself is not bad, problems arise when companies use this to justify deny control even from those who can be responsible with it.

[0]: https://www.pcgamer.com/students-dont-know-what-files-and-fo...

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The problem arises when there is no way to differentiate between the user classes. And while I enjoy computing freedom, I’m not exactly proclaiming its value when I have to deal with a DDoS or hear about people getting ransomwared. I know things like Mirai also exist, and that user error isn’t the only ransomware vector, but poor computing habits absolutely fuel such problems and they cause pain for society as a whole.

I have no idea what the answer is, other than having Linux et al be the place for free computing (protected by its various barriers to entry) while the consumer OS space eventually becomes increasingly locked down. The only other ideas I have are dumb ones like requiring regular examination/certification/licensure to be able to use the “developer” version of Windows or something.

Let's pretend there is no financial interest in restricting computer access. I think the best and safest option would be to manufacture all PCs with a similar mechanism to chromebooks write protect screw that you have to remove to unlock the bootloader. But instead of just unlocking the bootloader it also gives you TrustedInstaller privilege in windows.

And while I enjoy computing freedom, I’m not exactly proclaiming its value when I have to deal with a DDoS or hear about people getting ransomwared.

"We are not truly free if we don't have the freedom to make mistakes."

It's nice to hear about cyberattacks and such continuing, because it means freedom still exists.

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