This would be a good idea for "fool-proof" computers to be marketed to novices. I'm sure technophiles would still want to get their hands dirty by customizing things themselves.

That's essentially the way PDAs work. The operating system files are fixed in ROM and can't be changed the user. I'm not sure if that would work with current PC operating systems. Things change too much.

It would work fine if we adopted a 'set top box' or 'game console' paradigm instead of the current overfluid 'must upgrade' ethos of the desktop computer.

Yes, please, somebody do this. There's no reason in the world I should have to see anything behind the operating system veil. Having to think about drivers and computer junk distracts from pure creative thought. Operating a computer should come as naturally to the user as playing does to a concert pianist who gives a rats ass about the mechanics of his Steinway's linkages at the time of his performance. The music of the moment should be in full control.

Operating systems should boot from a CD.

The wintel paradigm is designed to milk billionsfrom the ignorant public and that is all.

It was created by IBM to destroy the home computer paradigm, and you went for it all, hook, line, andsinker!

As long as you continue to believe in windows youwill be doomed to servitude to your PC which wastesvaluable time "installing" software, and needing torecover from viruses and bugs every few months!

Software doesn't Need to be "installed",it can be made to run from it's disk!That is how it used to be.

All you get for your time and money is a prettypicture on your screen. And lots of SPAM.