In the HAM radio community the term "appliance operator" is used to describe people who use radio equipment but don't understand how the equipment works. In IT these people are disparagingly called Lusers. http://www.eham.net/articles/11116 Is there a term for this in other broader contexts? In engineering what could you call a technical person without the underlying theoretical/technical understanding.
2 Answers
The link you provide contrasts the A.O. with the average "Real Ham". They explain he might be using Ham for work, just as a tool. That's pretty much a user - a person that uses - as opposed to an enthusiast. Whereas Luser is internet slang and derogatory, the A.O. is simply not fascinated by the hobby and is called out for that very purpose.