Don't you hate it when you build a new computer for somebody...

[ebaycj]

Originally posted by: Kwaipie
I trained my brother to build computers. Then promptly retired from family computer expert duty.

This is an EXCELLENT idea.

 

[13Gigatons]

It's called money. Charge people a fee to fix them. When you build a computer for someone make sure to write out a contract of what you will do after it is completed and how much you charge.

 

[Extelleron]

Originally posted by: us3rnotfound

Originally posted by: funboy42
Maybe if you were better at building computers with better parts this wouldn't happen as much
I have never had a problem and every one I have ever built still works to this day

Nah usually it's just they couldn't find the power button or the monitor was off. Problem is most problems can't be solved over the phone or through email.

"Is the monitor turned on?" "umm..."

omg

 

[AlienCraft]

Originally posted by: us3rnotfound

Originally posted by: mugs
You should have learned long ago to just recommend a Dell to them.

The problem is it's always my parents that say oh my son builds these things all the time, talk to him. Then it's over.

Start raising your prices until they quit talking to you.

either way..... profit !

 

[2Xtreme21]

I love when I'm out at Starbucks or sitting at Wendy's or something doing work "outside the office" and I get approached by random strangers. Convo goes something like this:

Them: "Ah, computers huh?"
Me: "... yes."
Them: "Yeah I don't understand them for the life of me. My son is good with that kind of stuff..."
Me: "K"
Them: "I think he said it's running kinda slow though. Any ideas about how to fix it?"

Meanwhile I'm trying to sit there and enjoy my junior bacon cheeseburger or whatever and I manage to get myself in a tech support discussion all because I have my laptop with me. Gah... it's not like it's even that hard to learn how to "work a computer" anymore either. Invest that little bit of time so you don't have to call someone every time your "screen saver is black."

 

[postmortemIA]

1. she asked me how to order printer cartridge online
2. she asked me how to install them
3. hibernation went bad, she couldn't figure out to choose one of two options. she said that she turned laptop off "by removing cord from the wall outlet"
4. had to install dial up internet for her
5. she thought she can connect to dial up service using wireless.
6. she thought modem must be connected with phone line in order for computer to work
7. She asked me to put "My Pictures" shortcut on desktop so she can "find them"
8. She asked me how to run Word, because she doesn't see it on Programs menu (it was there under Microsoft Office)
9. she asked me 5 times why there is no Word XP, Excel XP with her computer (she thought those come as part of Windows XP)

10. it was a brand new dell laptop

 

[ultimatebob]

Originally posted by: Heen05

Originally posted by: us3rnotfound

Originally posted by: mugs
You should have learned long ago to just recommend a Dell to them.

The problem is it's always my parents that say oh my son builds these things all the time, talk to him. Then it's over.

hahahahah, me too!

It could be worse... My relatives know that I do hardware and software support for a living! I dread family reunions

 

[GoPackGo]

Originally posted by: MrChad
This is why I don't build new computers for people anymore.

Word!

 

[GoPackGo]

Originally posted by: savoyboy
Other than immediate family members, i always charge people if i have to build/repair their computers.

If you give them free service, they'll ask you to do it again and again and again.

Even if you charge they can be a PITA.

I sold a pc, monitor and brand new printer(still in box) at a rummage sale once for $150. It was a good system at a great price....

She didn't know how to work it and expected free tech support.

 

[HannibalX]

Originally posted by: DeadByDawn

Originally posted by: MrChad
This is why I don't build new computers for people anymore.

I just give people blank stares when they talk about computers to me. I only work on my own because people are stupid.

I also do that at work - and I work in IT!

People ask me to work on their home machines and I tell them I am only trained to work on servers and don't know about PCs.

 

[Kirby64]

Originally posted by: postmortemIA
1. she asked me how to order printer cartridge online
2. she asked me how to install them
3. hibernation went bad, she couldn't figure out to choose one of two options. she said that she turned laptop off "by removing cord from the wall outlet"
4. had to install dial up internet for her
5. she thought she can connect to dial up service using wireless.
6. she thought modem must be connected with phone line in order for computer to work
7. She asked me to put "My Pictures" shortcut on desktop so she can "find them"
8. She asked me how to run Word, because she doesn't see it on Programs menu (it was there under Microsoft Office)
9. she asked me 5 times why there is no Word XP, Excel XP with her computer (she thought those come as part of Windows XP)

10. it was a brand new dell laptop

Repeat after me: I do not know anything about computers.