Wish I had some mod points for you. Why look for something that happened in 2003 when it could just be a ticking time bomb planted a long time ago that finally went off?

So you only have the Android devices... And even then you have to void the guarantee. I have a Kobo Touch. The Kobo e-readers are most likely the most common here in France as the Fnac stores sell them, they're probably the only e-readers sold in physical stores in the country.

So, all the books I want, but I have to read them on a backlit LCDscreen. No chance of settling down for a proper read on any e-ink device? What use is an e-book subscription if you can't use it on an e-book reader?

octets, réseaux and disque dur are common terms in France, nobody bats an eyelid at them, I don't see what your problem is with them. Nobody uses the English terms, besides they're impossible to pronounce. The package contents in shops might have English on them, but only if there's also German, Dutch, Spanish, Greek
LED/DEL it deppnds, you find both.

I do however agree with you on the French programming languages

Yes, even when they can't speak more than 2 words in English, the French prefer to use English programming languages. Part of it is because of syntax problems, part is peer pressure. Only a noob needs a French programming language.

I agree with you. The translations are often difficult to understand, and on the more technical parts can end up completely contradicting the English original. Being able to access the English version is essential, but only if your English is good enough. Some coutries have a good enough general level in English that programmers don't have much trouble. But in a lot of countries, programmers, like most people would have trouble even ordering a drink. Including France, where programmers have had English lessons at school for at least 7 years.

Not in non-English speaking countries...

As a French speaker, I can guarantee that most programmers here understand little more than the basic programming terms.

Most of the specs have been translated into French, so that's not a problem.

I would love to know what you think the Queen has to do with any of this...

Worst thing is, OP has been modded "insightful"...

Someone mod this up as clearly most of slashdot has never heard of the listen mode...

Hasn't ANYONE ever heard of listen mode? There's absolutely no need to get them to mess with their firewall/router.

That's what listen mode on your end is for...

Takes any of my computer illiterate aquaintances about 10 mins over the phone to install TightVNC. Then I start my client in listen mode, and get them to connect to me. Really not that complicated, no firewall to config, no whatismyip. The main step you need to remember to avoid most hassle with the most computer illiterate is to get them to use IE to download the installer by clicking on "Run", as Firefox doesn't allow you to do that. Then it's just a simple case of talking them through the installer, which is pretty basic...