Actually, I have to disagree. I don't think you should know everything about everything, but to own something and know
nothing about it to the point of being incapable of telling whether or not you're getting swindled is a bit much. If you're going to own or use something, you should retain a minimal knowledge about it. For example, a computer. If you know your computer costed you $500 three years ago and you take it to get it fixed and they tell you it'll be $200, you should realize this is probably either too much (you're getting cheated) or that you're better off buying a new computer if the repair costs are indeed that much. Similarly you should know enough to know the monitor is not the "computer," i.e., where the motherboard is. If you are having computer problems and they tell you you need a new monitor despite none of your problems are video related you should know enough to realize this may be a scam and you should go somewhere else and get a second opinion.
This applies to cars as well. You should know enough that you need to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles and your tires rotated every 6,000. You should know enough that getting a flat tire does not mean you need to have your transmission replaced. Etc, etc. If you own a complex device or machine you do not have to be an expert on it to be a well-informed owner. Parent: Don't you dare defend the intellectually lazy.
Oh damn I slipped in a car reference on /. *shakes fists at internet gods*
