Wednesday, July 22, 2009

User Manual frustration

There's no longer any question about needing to be "connected". The Internet has become the link of prime support for our computer software and hardware upgrades. That we could have expected. But now we're seeing it pick up the services for non-computer items such as DVD players, TV sets, garage door openers, even flashlights.

At first there would be a reference in the instructions to "visit our website for more information". Then it was "visit our website for installation and operation instructions". With hardware or software a CD used to be enclosed with the software or the hardware drivers on the CD. Often at the end of the installation we would be "invited" to visit their website for any "last minute updates" or for "registration. Then there would be a CD enclosed but it would be used for verification of authentic program only or possibly for an instruction manual. And finally, we now get software as an empty box with an Internet address we need to link to.

I really don't mind this progression since I'm such a software klutz. Unless the software comes with a book sized box I can store on the shelf, I lose it within a week of installing it. But I do resent the loss of the instruction or user manual. It would be wonderful to have that book sized box hold a book - the users manual.

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