UK Benefits Claimants Must Use Windows XP, IE6 230
First time accepted submitter carlypage3 writes "Benefits claimants in the UK are being forced to use Microsoft's now obsolete Windows XP and Internet Explorer 6 software. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) states that its online forms are not compatible with Internet Explorer 7, 8, 9 and 10, Safari, Google Chrome or Firefox. As if that wasn't unnerving enough, the Gov.UK website says that users cannot submit claims using Mac OS X or Linux operating systems, either."
(Note: as we noted not long ago, it's not just the DWP that's stuck using IE6.)
Actually this is a good thing (Score:5, Funny)
This actually makes perfect sense. On a modern PC it will involve the user learning about virtualisation (to run XP) and then also learning how to configure windows (to not run updates). This is great way of preparing dole claimants for an IT job so by the time you have gained enough skills to claim any dole money you have enough skills to go straight into a job as and IT support worker for the dole office and their crappy old IT systems.
Makes sense. (Score:3, Funny)
Clearly if you can afford a new computer or have the skills to run Linux, you should be able to fend for yourself.
Re:2002 called. (Score:2, Funny)
Perhaps they just want to make sure that you are actually poor before you can receive any dole payments. In other words, somebody with a more modern system is more likely to be able to afford to cover their own living expenses.
Crude, but what if it works?
Re: Actually this is a good thing (Score:2, Funny)
I'm a granny ... Mac user now
It's OK if you're a granny, let's not be too harsh.