Hey I need help with my computer...it's broken?

[QueBert]

"I can't get on the internet!" <--- client(s)

I get there and the PC won't turn on. I've gotten this more than once sadly to say. Now I ask people to be very specific about the problem before I come over. Nothing like driving to somebodies house thinking you're going to have to reset the router only to find out a PSU died lol.

 

[olds]

I have to drive 110 miles (round trip) tomorrow because my wife told a friend of hers that I would fix the outlet for her dryer.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: OogyWaWa
"my computer is broken"
"whats wrong?"
"the screen is black"
"did you turn it on?"
"i don't know, how do i tell?"
"push the power button"
"where is that?"
"usually on the front. circular button, says power"
"oh *click* oh, ok, now it is working. thanks"
"uh-huh..."

There is the one about the lady calling support because her computer wouldn't turn on. The tech walks her through a few things and finally asks he to look behind the desk to see if the computer is plugged in. She said that she could see back there because she had no lights because the power was out...

 

[dds14u]

Originally posted by: n7
Every work day.
All day.

Just one day, i wanna have someone come up to me & say hey man, my computer's working great, just wanna tell you that!

That'd make my day lol...

You do it for a living?

 

[dds14u]

Originally posted by: polarmystery

Originally posted by: EricMartello
I only offer to fix peoples' computers when I can leverage the fix to somehow upgrade my own system...i.e. say I want a new HD but don't feel like paying for it, I'll say "You should get a new HD, how about it?" Then I give them my old one and buy myself a new one with the money I charge them to replace theirs...they're happy, I'm happy and everyone can smile easily.

Wow, that's a douche bag move bro :|

If it's win-win and people know they are getting it used from him...I don't see why that's a douche bag move.

Assuming the HD he's replacing is actually going bad...

 

[OCGuy]

Can one of you IT gurus help me set my background picture to that picture of my dog that only I think is cute/funny?

 

[EMPshockwave82]

Originally posted by: FP
Virus infections are the bane of my existence.

I shame every person I know into installing AV and not opening any attachments. About 3-4x a year someone gets one and of course does not know how it showed up. Looking through the browser history it is usually obvious

I give each person one "free" virus fix. Then their only option is do not call me or let me take away admin rights on your computer and have my way with it.

I always tell people that if your computer asks you a question you should tell it no. If saying no doesn't let you get where you NEED to be then try again and you can click yes.


That actually works pretty well as a deterrant.

 

[tasmanian]

Gramma : Computer wont turn off.
Me : Did you try the power button?
Gramma : Yes.
Me : Did you hold the power button?

Problem solved.

 

[lxskllr]

Originally posted by: Crono

Originally posted by: amdhunter
Almost all the people who's computer I've fixed with spyware, had a current and updated spyware solution installed.

AV/Spyware programs are so bullshit.

That's like saying vaccines are bullshit. AV/AS/AM programs can only defend a limited number of threats.

There's no program that protects against stupid. Ultimately the user has 100% control of the machine, and anti malware software can only *assist* the user in safe computing.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: lxskllr

Originally posted by: Crono

Originally posted by: amdhunter
Almost all the people who's computer I've fixed with spyware, had a current and updated spyware solution installed.

AV/Spyware programs are so bullshit.

That's like saying vaccines are bullshit. AV/AS/AM programs can only defend a limited number of threats.

There's no program that protects against stupid. Ultimately the user has 100% control of the machine, and anti malware software can only *assist* the user in safe computing.

Especially if the user never updates the program.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: tasmanian
Gramma : Computer wont turn off.
Me : Did you try the power button?
Gramma : Yes.
Me : Did you hold the power button?

Problem solved.

That's more stupid on your part for not saying "press and hold until the PC powers off" on your part.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: EMPshockwave82

Originally posted by: FP
Virus infections are the bane of my existence.

I shame every person I know into installing AV and not opening any attachments. About 3-4x a year someone gets one and of course does not know how it showed up. Looking through the browser history it is usually obvious

I give each person one "free" virus fix. Then their only option is do not call me or let me take away admin rights on your computer and have my way with it.

I always tell people that if your computer asks you a question you should tell it no. If saying no doesn't let you get where you NEED to be then try again and you can click yes.


That actually works pretty well as a deterrant.

fail for firewall popups and many others.