What do you do when you need computer help?

cubbie

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Ok, so I have a degree in computer science
.... which means I know everything about computers - to friends, family, and coworkers.
In reality, a computer science degree doesn't help you field questions about Norton Antivirus. I'm sorry, I didn't take that class in college.


To any sane person, they would know that is impossible. Nooooo... I have coworkers that will come up to me with a scrap piece of paper and ask me what this error code means, or ask me to help them purchase a computer, or what software to get, etc.

Then word gets out that I know a little about computers and I have the "hi" people asking me for help. You know the "hi" people - the kind of person you say "hi" to passing in the hall or getting some water from the kitchen and that's IT.

I don't mind helping anyone out, but I think I've finally reached the point where I don't feel bad saying "I don't give out computer advice". Before, I would feel bad. Now, I realize by helping, I am signing a contract to help with every computer problem that person has from now until the end of mankind.

I am ok with screwing up my own computers and spending hours/days to fix it. That's how I learn a lot of stuff. I don't want to spend hours/days trying to fix other people's computers.


/end rant
 

trouts mom

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Thats me when I have a computer problem, I call my uncle who is a Web Developer..
Do you think he hates it?
 

zissou'smom

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I either get really stubborn and try to fix it myself, or ask a cute boy (how bad is that?).

Every so often, I'll break down and read a book or ask the university Tech Support guys, if it's really bad, like the time I LOST MY THESIS (thanks Zissou... really, I love you for that).

But I think I'm reasonably competent, also I can read, and there are tons of uber-geeks out there willing to field questions from us novices on message boards, etc, as long as you don't start with "My AOL crashed!"

Honestly, I feel that once you have specialized in something you are supposed to try and help others, because someday you'll need help with something someone else specialized in. I know it can be frustrating, people call me sometimes with questions about languages I don't even speak or grammar I never cared about in the first place... Anyway, think of it as a way to make friends with the "hi" people-- they'll owe you one!
 
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cubbie

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Originally Posted by Trouts mom

Thats me when I have a computer problem, I call my uncle who is a Web Developer..
Do you think he hates it?
Hahah... no, anyone that is cute gets a free pass on computer questions.
 
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cubbie

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Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

I either get really stubborn and try to fix it myself, or ask a cute boy (how bad is that?).

Every so often, I'll break down and read a book or ask the university Tech Support guys, if it's really bad, like the time I LOST MY THESIS (thanks Zissou... really, I love you for that).

But I think I'm reasonably competent, also I can read, and there are tons of uber-geeks out there willing to field questions from us novices on message boards, etc, as long as you don't start with "My AOL crashed!"

Honestly, I feel that once you have specialized in something you are supposed to try and help others, because someday you'll need help with something someone else specialized in. I know it can be frustrating, people call me sometimes with questions about languages I don't even speak or grammar I never cared about in the first place... Anyway, think of it as a way to make friends with the "hi" people-- they'll owe you one!
I am completely fine with helping people. I pride myself on ALWAYS trying to help in a variety of ways. There are way more nerdy people out there than me that can run circles around me when it comes to computers. There are more "hi" people than I can realistically help with their computer problems.

My specialty isn't PC repair. LOL. I just took the initiative to learn on my own.

Sometimes you feel helpful and sometimes you feel "used". Know what I mean?
 

MoochNNoodles

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I understand what you mean about feeling used.....I wasted 10 minutes burning data off floppy disks to a CD for my co-worker because she doesn't know how to do that....she also needs help inputing their time card regularly....etc. Basically this woman does not like computers and is not willing to learn really...

Our IT staff at work is about 3 hours away, so before we even bother calling, I try to fix whatever the problem is. I've learned a lot that way, but mainly with program issues only or simple things like mapping network things and stuff. (Our last IT guy taught me that one) If it's over my head or I don't have time, I call our assigned IT guy. If it's an issue at home and neither DH nor I can figure it out, we have a few friends who are willing to help on occasion. The key being occasion. It's not often that we ask. I'll spend time researching before I'll ask.
 

theimp98

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Originally Posted by Trouts mom

Thats me when I have a computer problem, I call my uncle who is a Web Developer..
Do you think he hates it?
Yep i am sure he does
just kidding.
family and friends no problem
\\
however if the only time i hear from person is when there computer breaks then forget about it or pay me some money
 

zissou'smom

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Originally Posted by churchi4cubs

I am completely fine with helping people. I pride myself on ALWAYS trying to help in a variety of ways. There are way more nerdy people out there than me that can run circles around me when it comes to computers. There are more "hi" people than I can realistically help with their computer problems.

My specialty isn't PC repair. LOL. I just took the initiative to learn on my own.

Sometimes you feel helpful and sometimes you feel "used". Know what I mean?
I didn't mean to imply you weren't being helpful. Maybe just trying to put a positive spin on it. Anyway, yes I know how you feel
Usually people don't even understand what you are studying/have studied until suddenly they either know more than you about it or they think you know every obscure thing ever. Maybe buy a book called "Windows for Total Idiots" or something, and just hand it to people when you can't help them.
 

MoochNNoodles

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I think what annoys me most is when a student of mine will tell me that they got an error message, and then when I get up to see what it is, they tell me it's not on the computer directly in front of them, it's on their computer at home! I don't hesitate to say 'You made me get up for that!?!' I know that sounds lazy, but between real questions and what not, I stand up and sit down a lot at work. I'm learning though. Now I ask what the message says from across the room!
 
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cubbie

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Originally Posted by Zissou'sMom

I didn't mean to imply you weren't being helpful. Maybe just trying to put a positive spin on it. Anyway, yes I know how you feel
Usually people don't even understand what you are studying/have studied until suddenly they either know more than you about it or they think you know every obscure thing ever. Maybe buy a book called "Windows for Total Idiots" or something, and just hand it to people when you can't help them.
So now I'm curious what you do by your previous post...??
Do you have a masters/PhD in languages?
 

katl8e

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I use the troubleshooter. 99% of the time, this works for me. Barring that, I have 2 books: "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics" and "Easy Windows XP". I have learned more from these, than from my geek friends.
 

starryeyedtiger

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To be honest, I put on lingera and sweet talk Colin into fixing it
Works like a charm
(he worked on pc's at his last station in the Navy- he was a Lt. and worked in the terrorism part that scaned pc stuff when he was stationed at his last branch out in Millingtion,TN.
It's great- he's like a pc geek and can fix anything he comes across- but he doesn't look or act like one
Gotta love that
 

gemlady

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Depends on the problem.
After rending of garments and wailing laments, I can call several relatives including 2 cousins who are computer geeks.
 

pami

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All I did was install a printer and both of my parents constantly call me asking me something PC related or electronic .... saying that Im the "electronic one" .......
 

strange_wings

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I've learned one thing over the years, when there's a computer problem google is your friend
of course that's if you have access to a comp that does work. If I can fix something myself I will not ask someone else, that would mean I would have to admit to breaking it in the first place
I've also had a few people want help fixing or buying computers. Imaging explaining what every part and number/speed listed means

The only thing that I really dislike is having to fix my husband's comp when something goes wrong, XP annoys me to no end.
 

sarahp

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Originally Posted by lookingglass

I go to DH and then if that failes we have a friend who can fix almost any computer problem... so much so we bought him this shirt for his birthday.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts/frustrations/388b/
Hahaha DH has that shirt too!! He always wears it when we go to visit the family


DH is a computer geek, and we both work at Google, so we are the family computer fixers. Mainly everyone goes to DH, but my aunt came to me recently to ask me if I could find out her Gmail password since I work for Google and all...
 

theimp98

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Originally Posted by sarahp

both work at Google, so we are the family computer fixers. Mainly everyone goes to DH, but my aunt came to me recently to ask me if I could find out her Gmail password since I work for Google and all...
could get reset mine also
 

sarahp

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Originally Posted by theimp98

could get reset mine also
The funny thing was that I was able to guess hers.... Apparently she's been telling everyone how wonderful it is that I work there
 

momofmany

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I've been in information technology for about 27 years now and I can't fix a computer worth a darn. Fortunately, I am married to a former PC tech support guy turned web developer.

I have a problem? Oh Steve........can you fix this?!?!?!?
 
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