>When we first got computers, this is simply what they were. By default they did nothing. They sat there and waited for you to have an idea

They can still be that way. Using Linux, I tinker around with hardware, local network and security, software-defined radio, etc. Of course I get online and pore through support docs, email, some idle browsing like a normal person. but I do a pretty good job of separating the internet from my primary uses, at least for full-blown computers.

And that is why I will never use Windows for personal use. That separation becomes impossible. I don't want to be immediately jacked in to datafeeds from the internet and have my uniqueness assimilated by the borg.