When a Mac, or a Linux computer, or a Sun, is broken, there is still a logic to the brokeness. I have tools available to me for inspecting the computer, and I can pursue the symptoms of the problem, and the symptoms lead on a rational path to the cause. In the cases where I can't fix the problem, I at least feel confident that I have exhausted all my options and the machine is truly well boned.
Trying to troubleshoot a Windows computer is like trying to reason with someone who's had a psychotic break:
Me: Hey what's the problem?
Windows XP: I don't have a problem.
Me: Well you're not remembering my preferences. Really, what's the problem?
Windows XP: BLAH BLAH boogity boogity boo BLEE BLAH BLARRRGH!
Me: Can you be more specific?
Windows XP: I don't have a problem.
Here's a good time I had trying to reinstall Norton Systemworks:
Norton: I'm installing... gosh, I can't do it.
Me: Why not?
Norton: I'm not going to tell you. Would you like to rollback or retry?
Me: What's the point of retrying if I don't get a chance to fix the problem?
Norton: Well, those are your choices.
Me: Fine, retry.
Norton: Nope, still can't do it.
Me: Okay, I give up. Roll back the install attempt.
Norton: Heave... ho... nope, I can't do that either.
(Remember when "Norton" meant "unquestionable quality"? Not anymore.)
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