It is an unfortunate fact that government diplomats are less than honest and less than straight-forward by training.

If any of them are reading this, you can believe that their response will be; 'The public just doesn't understand that we are simply doing our job.' Well, we expect them to be overseas civil servants and, thus, setting an example.

Perhaps, their concern is that this particular item (it's just an item to them) will open the flood gates. Well, who caused the flood. Experienced professionals should be able to manage that (Mmn, perhaps this is the nub of the matter).

Why do I get the feeling that 'thedearleader' is a fully paid-up member of CCP.

@noway: "pretty sure". Ah, so you're not absolutely certain. Well, next year, when the waranty has expired, think about this as the problems begin.

Remember, PC's aren't manufactured by Microsoft. I know you know. That's why Pierre knows, from experience, what he's talking about. Right, Pierre? ;-)

Everyone has experienced the following: PC problem - you call the manufacturer - they tell you to call Microsoft. Software problem - you call Microsoft - they tell you to call the PC manufacturer. That's assuming that there is a telephone number.

Of course, there's Linux, Ubuntu, et al, but only Apple manufactures both the Mac and the operating system software - seems a logical way to go. No?

Good luck. Seriously.

It seems that today's writers haven't read this whole thread.

@noway: Don't be so sure.
@mailman: Did you say 'junkie.org' - you needn't say more.
@mingdao: Linux is great.
@Everyoneelse: Get a Mac. ;-)

"I wonder how it ever came to this."???

onomato, your life could improve if you would simply read your original amazing reply on Thursday 6th May 2010.

If your only recourse is to eat chips while staring at a wall, then, I am sure that I may speak for everyone when I say, you need help ... urgently.