reasoning with pcs

I'm reasonably convinced the average consumer can't administer a PC running Windows. Many of us who are deemed technical are pressed into service of friends and family trying to straighten out Windows problems. It isn't worth it - I've seen EEs with Ph.D.s completely defeated (sometimes because they know a bit too much) and, if the machine has been used by a teenager for common tasks - forget about it.

The solution I recommend is to send someone to a competent firm like Geek Squad - what reminds me of this is a note from a reasonably technical friend (Stanford Ph.D. in EE and CTO of a Fortune 1000 company) who basically gave up on Windows last year. He is giving five "onsite OS service" coupons to Windows using family members. At $229 he notes this is very inexpensive and might keep people out of trouble for a few months. He no longer uses Windows himself and this also isolates him from their problems.

It may not be the sexiest gift in the world, but if you know someone who uses Windows and have about $200 to spend, it may be one of the best gifts.