Bill Gates' biggest problem in coming years will be people like me

As Bill Gates moves Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT) into bold, new directions, he'll face his biggest challenge in dealing with people like me. You see, dear readers, I am an idiot with all things technical. I haven't figured out how to use the call-waiting on my cell phone. The DVR remains a huge mystery and don't get me started about the minidisc recorder I just bought.

So when my colleagues at Engadget posted their interview with world's richest man, I determined that I am in deep trouble. How am I going to ever learn the ins and outs of IPTV and new gadgets like the Xbox 360? I just learned -- last week I think -- how to play videos on our old Sony Play Station 2.

I doubt that Mr. Gates is spending much time worrying about the likes of me. In fact, he seems not to be worried -- at least publicly -- about the world's largest software company. The richest man in the world doesn't need any advice from me. I dare say he's done fine so far in his career without it. But before he gives up his role at Microsoft next year to focus on his philanthropy, might I suggest one thing: remember us technical idiots.

There are more people like me out there than technology companies like to admit. If you can't make your revolutionary gadgets and gizmos easy for us to use, what good will they be?

Finally, any technology company that is looking for a foothold in our living room will have to navigate through all of the piles of baby stuff.