Thursday, May 03, 2007
No kidding!
I've had individuals track me down at the oddest times of day for either direct computer help or answers to very "Googlible" questions. I've since learned not to tell people that I know either how to fix computers or build them.
I've said it before, I do enjoy helping family members or close friends with their computers. I recall a time not too long ago when 90% of the people I knew did not even own a computer, so for me it's definitely something to appreciate.
In the past, I've encountered problems with referral-type situations or people I barely knew coming to me for help. My main pet-peeve was meeting someone, establishing that I "knew computers", and immediately getting back a "well then, you simply must help me with my computer sometime" remark. Imagine meeting a mechanic at a gathering and immediately asking him to tune-up your car's engine. It's ridiculous. I think people simply aren't willing to pay, or accustomed to paying, for computer troubleshooting or repairs.
Still, the absolute worst type of moocher has got to be the individual who assumes that you're willing to share all your software with them. Sure, why not. "While I'm at it, how about I borrow your truck next time I feel like going on vacation?"
Computer repair can be a very time consuming effort and time is money. Next time someone helps you with your computer remember to return the favor with either a gift certificate, a nice meal, a small gift, etc. You'll be needing their help again very soon. Especially if you don't own a Mac.
I've had individuals track me down at the oddest times of day for either direct computer help or answers to very "Googlible" questions. I've since learned not to tell people that I know either how to fix computers or build them.
I've said it before, I do enjoy helping family members or close friends with their computers. I recall a time not too long ago when 90% of the people I knew did not even own a computer, so for me it's definitely something to appreciate.
In the past, I've encountered problems with referral-type situations or people I barely knew coming to me for help. My main pet-peeve was meeting someone, establishing that I "knew computers", and immediately getting back a "well then, you simply must help me with my computer sometime" remark. Imagine meeting a mechanic at a gathering and immediately asking him to tune-up your car's engine. It's ridiculous. I think people simply aren't willing to pay, or accustomed to paying, for computer troubleshooting or repairs.
Still, the absolute worst type of moocher has got to be the individual who assumes that you're willing to share all your software with them. Sure, why not. "While I'm at it, how about I borrow your truck next time I feel like going on vacation?"
Computer repair can be a very time consuming effort and time is money. Next time someone helps you with your computer remember to return the favor with either a gift certificate, a nice meal, a small gift, etc. You'll be needing their help again very soon. Especially if you don't own a Mac.
I have that title in my family. The problem is that everyone needs a technology refresh of new hardware. I mean you can put lipstick on a pig all you want to--but it's still a pig.
Nonetheless, I can tell you three things I have changed about my techno-flunky requests:
(i) No, I will not come to your house to work on your computer. If you really, really want and/or need my help, unplug that beast and bring it over to my lab. I probably have almost everything here already that I will need to fix your computer--including a working computer on high speed for online needs along with spare parts, tools, etc with which to work effectively if not efficiently.
(ii) You better know your critical settings such as email address passwords. I am amazed at how many times people have auto-saved information and then--only after I have started and ask them--tell me they don't know.
(iii) If the work I am doing involves reinstalling the OS then you better bring the licensed content with you. You don't know where your original Win98SE, 2k and XP upgrade disks are? Well let me introduce you to a little thing I like to call Ubuntu Linux... :-)
There are more points I could make but this will suffice.
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Regards,
Ashley Miller
www.ashleymiller.net
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It's about time someone said it. What drives me nuts is when people call me and ask me how to use use features in web portals like Yahoo Mail for example. I should get a commission from Yahoo and MSN for God's sake.
Another area that's getting to be a hassle is doing freebie websites for people. I don't mind it as long as they are close friends, but most of the time they really don't appreciate it, or even worst they never use it."
http://www.cafepress.com/buy/computer+programmer/-/pv_design_prod/p_1763733.62068449/pNo_62068449/id_13030824/fpt_/opt_/c_360/pg_1"
1) i hate computers
2) i hate people
The following exchange typically ensues:
"So ... why don't i stop-by and fix your computer?"
"Uhm. N ... No. Thanks. I'll uh, ask Ernest!""