Should a computer require learning or just be an appliance

[persia]

People should be required to enter their programs using the switches on the front panels.  Using this newfangled ASCII makes them soft headed.

[persia]

It really depends on how you define appliance.  One of the most common definitions is "The act of applying; application; An implement, an instrument or apparatus designed (or at least used) as a means to a specific end (often specified);"

For most people then a computer is an appliance and has been for more than a decade.  It's a device that accesses the internet or does word processing or spreadsheets.  It's not a general purpose device, you can't open a sardine tin with it, it won't physically take you places.  

I know this flies in the face of aOS 4.x but it has a purpose beyond loading your favourite GUI.  In fact most people don't even have a favourite GUI, they just want to read Facebook, or type a paper.  Computers exist to do something with.  Organise your photos, find information, etc.  Computers are the dam most useful appliance I've ever seen.  The are a means to an end, not the end itself.

[persia]

Unfortunately every OS will hinder you somewhere.  Actually I take that back, Unix systems don't hinder.  A fellow in my office wanted to uninstall something and his Linux box asked him whether he wanted to uninstall the dependencies.  He said yes and it promptly remove X and much of the rest of his system....

Sometimes a little hindering might be good

The OS should never hinder what you are trying to do, simple as that really.

But it should also be a tool you can do advanced things with and not over simplified and isolate the user from its functionality.

'other'