Final answer:
A user with an incompatible image scanner is a victim of planned obsolescence, a situation often faced when new operating systems or software versions are released without backward compatibility. This forces upgrades to maintain productivity and interoperability, especially in business settings, affecting customers and revenues.
Step-by-step explanation:
A user who purchases an image scanner that is incompatible with the PC to which he or she wants to connect it is a victim of planned obsolescence. This term relates to the practice where a product becomes obsolete or non-functional after a certain period or due to incompatibilities with other systems. Planned obsolescence can be seen in scenarios where new software or operating systems are released, and they are not backward compatible, meaning older devices or software cannot use the new features or even fail to function properly.
As the new versions of operating systems like Windows are typically only upwardly compatible, users may find themselves pressured to upgrade. This is not only because they cannot access new features but also because they may not be able to open newer file formats shared by others, leading to an upgrade out of necessity.
In a business environment, dealing with planned obsolescence can have significant impacts, especially when key devices like computers or phones fail to function or are not compatible with modern software requirements, potentially affecting customers and revenues.