I just realized how little normal people know about technology.

[Bignate603]

I was in Sam's today and I couldn't resist looking at the computers. They are pretty much all HP crap but I still went to look. There was this guy looking at two so I walked up and looked at them. One was a Pentium 4 1.5 ghz and the other was a Athlon 1.2 Ghz that were fairly similar otherwise. I started talking about how I thought the Pentium 4 wasn't worth it and he should get the Athlon system, from what he said after that, I found out he didn't know that much on technology.

Me: I think the Athlon system is about as fast as the pentium 4 and is much cheaper.

Him: But this one says 1.5 Ghz and that one only says 1.2 Ghz. Doesn't that mean this one is faster?

Me: Not really, those numbers don't really compare (I then went into an attempt to explain clock frequency and processing power that failed pretty much completly, I don't think he followed me).

Him: Now this Gigabyte thing, what does this mean?

Me: (Now realizing i had to use fairly basic terms and use other things to explain) It's like your brain's memory... (saw him turn and look at the sticker where the it said 256mb Memory and quickly tried to change my explaination) um, where you store information.

Him: Now is the hard drive here? (Points to the CD-RW)

Me: Um, no

Him: Oh this is it (Points at DCD-rom)

Me: Nope (I then stop him as he moves his hand to the floppy drive) The hard drive is inside the computer, you can't take it in or out.

the conversation continued like this for a while. The guy was actually really smart and a nice guy too, he just didn't know a thing about electronics. I'm actually starting to become slightly surprised at the amount of people who don't have a clue what goes on around them. Anybody else notice this?

 

[loogie]

I'm normal.

loogie continues typing on his iMac, the powerhouse of a computer that it is

 

[Pretender]

I've found it's just easier not to try to teach the computer illiterate. If they think a PIV 1.5 ghz is faster, just nod your head and smile. Just nod and smile.

 

[arod324]

I have noticed that non-"geeks" really do not know much about how computers work. These are the people who buy Dells and Gateways to get tech support. However, I believe that people are going to specialize in certain things. I could build a computer, install things, and fix problems. However, if you ask me to change a spark plug on a car, or try to change the oil, I'd be as lost as the "Retail Computer Buyers".

 

[Bignate603]

I think that people should specialize, but i still like to have at least a general idea about other stuff. I like to know a bit about music, drama, cars, anything that you can throw at me.

 

[datalink7]

Yah, I have noticed this too. I have a friend as school who knows nothing. Me and a couple of friends (not him) have LAN parties sometimes. After one of these the guy who doesn't know anything asked "So, how was your Landing party?" We were cracking up. He says a whole bunch of things like that all the time.


<< I could build a computer, install things, and fix problems. However, if you ask me to change a spark plug on a car, or try to change the oil, I'd be as lost as the &quot;Retail Computer Buyers&quot;. >>


Same here. I build my computers, but don't know much about cars (lucky for me my dad knows alot. THat was his hobby as a kid. He had a camero and he used to take apart the engine and put it back together all the time.)

 

[Viperoni]

I know a lot about comps, cars, the technical side of audio (not the actual listening, because that takes WAYYYYY too much money ), and some other stuff.
/me pats me back

 

[GiLtY]

i feel you Bignate603, once in my spanish class we were using Microsoft PowerPoint to make a few slides, i was the only one in the WHOLE Class(teacher doesn't count) who knew how to use both Powerpoint and computer, it just shocked me :Q

 

[Bignate603]

I find it odd that these things power our society now a days and only a small portion of the society has a clue about them. You would think people would know a little more about something like that.

 

[pdo]

Everyone has different hobbies and not everyone is into computer. Just like a most geek here wouldn't know what to do with a girl even if she sits right on his face.

 

[shiznut123]

Once they get used to technology, they will get good at it. My mother started using a computer about 3 years ago and asks me how to restart it when it crashes. I get kinda pissed in my mind but I don't want to hurt my moms feelings.