There are two types of people who are going to read this article, the first group is people who can sympathize with my feelings on the subject and the second are the people I am talking about. You people, the ones to which I am referring, don’t feel bad about what I say, I really do still like you, and tech support is a vicious circle, it will never go away. So without further ado, here begins the lamentations of Jamie Fehr, “a techie”, who is frequently called upon to solve other peoples problems.
As a computer literate person, I do in fact own a computer. My computer, while is not always perfect, runs really well. When something does go wrong, I have a good idea of what has happened because I know what software and hardware I have installed, and the timeline on which things have taken place. Me and my computer have a history and understanding. We’re a team, if you will.
The problem with tech support is, people will bring you a computer that you don’t know, and expect that you can identify the actions that they have taken to bring their computer to it’s knees. I’m not an oracle, I can’t tell exactly which piece of unsigned free-ware (and free-ware is never really free) or obscure application setting was changed to make this happen. But still people think that I can tell what’s gone wrong from a vague problem description like: “My email is not working.” Or “I can’t find the server.” People seem to think that I have some sort of ESP that will tele-connect with the computer to revive it or something.
Anyway, this is my life, I really still do love people who have computer problems, just next time can you not download and install the yahoo toolbar, or similar software. Thanks
6 responses so far ↓
1 Joyce // Sep 9, 2006 at 23:53 EDT
I’m so glad you love both kinds of people - cause I really love people who are computer literate and can help doozies like me who have problems and don’t know what they did to bring it to its knees!!
2 David // Sep 10, 2006 at 17:13 EDT
Hey I TOTALLY understand you, I have the same problem… but I’m not as diplomatic as you are, I don’t like people with computer problems
See ya!
3 Brian Baldock // Sep 10, 2006 at 20:15 EDT
Jamie:
Are these Windows based computers or Mac? Or Linux? Because you are in Europe you have a greater chance of running into a Linux box because of the EUL(?) and Microsoft is a nasty word over there. hehehe. Anyways if it is Windows by chance I have a very solid peice of Anti-Viral/Spyware software for you. Let me know.
B-Dock
4 jamiefehr // Sep 10, 2006 at 21:14 EDT
Brian, viruses and spyware are not my biggest problems, it’s starts with the way the network has been constructed. There are about 12 8-port switches scattered across the grounds and when someone says “I don’t have network” I have a whole spider web of unlabeled cables to sort through to find out where the problem lies. That and we have a really scattered network of Mac’s and PC’s that don’t always cooperate despite anything that Apple or Microsoft says about their OS’s. I really think it’s time to set up SAMBA on some linux boxes and say goodbye to Microsoft Server 2000.
5 Gwynn // Sep 11, 2006 at 0:17 EDT
I’m so sorry you are having problems with illiterate computerees like me! But you are helpful and have encouraged me by looking at my computer many times and guiding me in the right direction……..You are a sweet heart and a great computer guy (and other kind of guy too) and do more than you realize………I think your’e a keeper and I’m glad you don’t hate the ones who bug you!
6 Beth // Sep 11, 2006 at 2:42 EDT
Again I repeat: get over it.