"Learn or Log Off"?

A front-page article in today's New York Times reports that computer geeks are sick of catering to the ignorance of the technologically clueless. It seems the MyDoom computer worm -- also called a virus, sometimes in the very same story -- has elicited the pent-up hostility in your friendly neighborhood techie.

According to the Times, "The tension over the MyDoom virus underscores a growing friction between technophiles and what they see as a breed of technophobes who want to enjoy the benefits of digital technology without making the effort to use it responsibly." An assortment of techies, including Microsoft's chief security strategist, chide the technologically clueless for refusing to accept "responsibility" for virus protection. The critics' language runs the gamut from polite disapproval to outright contempt.

Among their helpful suggestions: Require a license of all computer users, similar to a driver's license. Punish those careless enough to click on unknown e-mail attachments by cutting off their Internet access pending proof of disinfection. Read a book or hire a paid consultant, but whatever you do, stop expecting your technologically sophisticated sister/neighbor/co-worker/son-in-law to come to the rescue.

That final item may well be justified. Otherwise, I beg to differ.

Last time I looked, you didn't need to be a mechanic to get a driver's license, and you weren't subject to revocation of driving privileges on the basis of one innocent fender-bender. Sure, all of us can and should educate ourselves on the basics of computer hygiene.

But Microsoft and its ilk, if it has any ilk, bear the onus of making software less vulnerable to attack. The rest of us depend on the Internet as a utility to enrich our lives and help us do our jobs.

The computer industry should do its job by making computer security a top priority and delivering products that consumers can rely on, come worm or come shine.