Further PC Hatred: Peripherals

I've had the same HP inkjet printer for four years, which means that every time my job assigns me another PC laptop, I have to download and install these things called "drivers" that Macs don't need. HP likes to bundle spyware with its drivers.

The HP program repeatedly crashed the last two laptops I had. It doesn't crash my new Dell. However, half the time, the printer will not work with the new laptop.

The Dell likes to say, "USB Device Not Recognized. One of the USB Devices attached to this computer has malfunctioned, and Windows does not recognize it."

Clicking the Help tab in Windows yields: "Try reconnecting the device. If Windows still does not recognize it, replace the device."

I've needed about half a dozen new printers in the last month. At least Windows isn't telling me to "contact the person who manages your network" today.