I can't remember what I voted for in the Reader Poll about Star Trek technology in today's age, but whatever it was I want to change it.

I want, and I mean really, REALLY want, a Universal Translator.

I have just spent the week in France configuring NT PC's in French for French users. Communicating in French is something I have not had to do for 16 years, ever since I left school. It proved very maddening to have to find someone to translate when there was a problem I needed to sort out, or I wanted something written translated. Basic French I can do, and I've learnt enough to be able to fix problems with the mouse (Souris), keyboard (Clavier) and the printers (Imprimante). But anything beyond saying, "OK, it's good now" meant I was stuffed.


I always hated French at school because it was very difficult for me. I seem to have no aptitude for language at all, so I have enormous respect for those who have learnt a second language. Especially if that second language is English.

Bea" Le PC, ce n'est marche pas, tres merde."sty