If you can't argue both sides of a point, you will likely lose the argument. Along with that, don't ever ask a question to which you don't already know the answer. Doing so puts you in a position of weakness that will cause you to lose the argument.

Yep, stats is important. But stats isn't diff. eq. Once you understand differential equations, they're really cool! Unfortunately, I'm in the same boat as the author of the question, I was a B- at very best on the advanced maths. Linear Algebra was also very cool. I can completely see where it applies to computer calculation optimization, geometric calculations and a bunch of other things. But, again, I couldn't follow the process very well while in the class and certainly not now.

But stats... no matter what field you get into, even if it isn't an engineering (or pseudo-engineering), stats will come up.

And there you have the problem with most home owners. (of which group I obviously fall into)

It's pretty bad. You go to install Windows XP. Which edition do you have?
Home OEM?
Home Retail?
MCE 2005?
MCE?
Pro?
Was it made by Dell? Those codes don't work anymore with the other ISOs (at least the ones I have saved), not even the OEM version.
Of course, there is Vista and 7, but which edition? Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Family Pack or Pro? Are these OEM versions or retail versions? Which OEM?
All I really need to know is: Ubuntu Desktop or CentOS Server? (Though, I like Slitaz for my thumb drive bootups.)

Surprise! Testers, or Software QA, *are* paid like developers. Well, unless you work for a small business or a company that does not respect the development process and thinks that "If it works on the Dev's machine, it must work for everyone!" QA is part of the process as much as defining the requirements, building to the requirements and releasing the product to the customer. QA is there to make sure the expense of fixing a screw-up is minimal and taken care of before release, than very expensive and, depending on the industry, lawfully uncompliant.

As a person who can do all that, and a lot more involving computer maintenance, business analysis and tech writing, I chose being in the Software QA environment. Why? It's an easy job. I don't get burned out on dev or tech support (which I do after hours on other projects). I get to utilize my creativity in trying to break software in unexpected ways. I utilize my understanding of computer systems from a user's standpoint to analyze the system and can relate the results to a developer or a business analyst in their own terms.

Granted, being a tester makes me weak on dev practices and experience or in business analysis, but I do need to concentrate what I am expected to do at the moment for my employer. It doesn't mean I can't understand and communicate with those across the wall.

They get the insurance because law states they must, or it was a requirement for the loan. They don't understand anything about the insurance, what it covers, make assumptions about what it does or does not cover and their own costs in the coverage. For example, an assumption could be made that, like auto insurance, when you use it, the premiums will increase. And if you do use it, you still have a deductible to meet. So if you make a claim that doesn't meet the deductible, you now get dinged for making the report and getting a higher rate the next year. Is that how it works? I don't know. I fall into that category where I have insurance because it is required as part of the loan and I assume it is for catastrophic events, not for the broken AC unit or water heater.

While not to the same level, I remember that it was mandatory for me to take a drivers ed class. They were also toying with a driving simulator at the time (early 90s). I don't see why, in this nanny state, we can't mandate all 16 year olds to take a drivers ed class, which includes simulator training.

How is that any different from a new hire or, in some cases, an entrenched employee? Bad code happens and it can happen from anybody. The Daily WTF reminds of this.

Torchlight 1 & 2 is also a really good series. Some concepts in Torchlight 1 can be found in Diablo 3.

This is to compete with the Winphone and Nokia markets. Microsoft has the idea to make WinMo flexible enough to work on high and low end phones and break into the Nokia dominated, but largely untapped, low-end market. Having several options is a good thing.

I'd say, to the general public, "Uses the computer without complaining about it" == "Computer Genius".

Don't forget, the "fiscal cliff" means that those making over $72k will go from paying their unfair share of about 14% to their fair share of about 27%. Don't worry, you're rich. The truly wealthy? Well, they'll go from paying their unfair share of about 35% to their fair share of about 39%.

There's a reason George Lucas sold his assets before Obama was re-elected. He knows the hammer (and sickle) is coming.

Threat of taxes. Uncertainty with PPACA. Lack of direction and leadership. And we voted this failure in for another 4 years.

Granted, government isn't the only reason, but its policies, heavy handed regulation, threats, etc, etc, have been a hinderance for the past 6 years and will continue for the next 4 years.

In reality, the tech world is doing really good compared to other industries, where unemployment is really high. Give it time, our friends on the Hill are going to make us all drones and wards of the State soon enough.

Well the "full report" site is having some troubles. But why not give Comodo a try? It's free for both personal AND business use. It's software firewall is top notch and the AV and other utilities it brings are decent. I've not had any virus issues over the past 5 years. And very few of my clients have as well.