I just did a complex network configuration on a laptop that was using simplified chinese instead of english and I didn't even have to pause. I think Windows XP and I need some time apart

Or, more likely, you are a Chinese sleeper agent.

Well I am a bit sleepy now that you mention it...

yeah i know the feeling.
I once change the language from a chinese laptop to plain dutch without struggling.
The guy was wondering why i didn't speak chinese to him :)
Then you're quite familiar with the fact people calling you that something went wrong and you guide them to the solution without being behind the computer.
:p

I've had programs decide to start and/or install in non-English before, it was only because I was familiar with them that I was able to change it to something I could read.
The hardest part was convincing the person I last helped with this that I only knew one language.

Well Windows 7 will be out soon and that should complicate things considerably thanks to its "user friendliness". Pro tip, Microsoft: user friendliness doesn't mean getting rid of important options. Just what the f**k did they do to the release candidate anyway? The beta was perfect. Then they had to go and be Microsoft and bugger it all up.

I thank you, Navagon, for that rather surreal diversion.

i used to have this skill too... was handy for walking into shops in shinjuku and changing the display models to english.
Unfortunately with vista it's all moved around... so it took me ages to work out how to change my new laptop into english. (weirdly, i changed it, and then over the next 3 days it slowly morphed piece-by-piece into english. )

Hey, those are my speciality after all. You'll have to forgive me. I just recovered from being clusterf**cked by the almost impossibly inept RC. Some of the nerd rage is still burning bright. The beta had me looking forward to 7. Now I'd be lucky if half my computer was able to work with it. Not to mention the other problems they've added in there. Bah!

Here you go. ;)

Haha... I see what you did there...
Anyways, I've done the same, it's not too hard after you've used an OS for around 8 or 9 years now.

Oh, Mario; telling kids to get a life through eating magic mushrooms. What a terrible influence you are. LOL

What changed? I honestly didn't notice anything really. :)
Anyway, having a life is overrated.

I'm seriously considering for the first time in my life to get me a legal copy of Windows when Windows 7 comes out. What has changed from beta to release? If it's some minor installation thing I don't think I'll mind, but if it's suddenly got a bunch of bugs and compatibility issues i'd like to know before paying for it.