IT workers, do you lie about what you do?

[thehstrybean]

Originally posted by: Nebor

Originally posted by: thehstrybean
I started lying, because whenever I went places for parties and such, I got asked questions. Hey, I don't mind answering questions, but there's a time and a place for everything. I hate it when people ask me something, and then I say "I'll put you on my list." (I have a large list that I try to plow through each day), and they say, "But I want to be at the top of your list" or, "I don't want to be on the list."

Don't be a fool, wrap your tool.

Hahahaha...True that...

 

[ScottFern]

Where do you work? How did you get involved with that? That's something I want to get into.

 

[Anghang]

"IT Security" or "Computer Security" is what i usually tell people...sometimes i say "ethical hacking"...depends on who's asking...

 

[MisterJackson]

I turn down no job. If I can't do it (say Cisco stuff or some high end networking junk) I'll turn it over to one of my guys at our main store.

I've worked on portable DVD players, Xboxes and PS2's too, in the case of the console systems they never showed to pick them up so I got to keep them! w00t!

NEVER turn down work, just be clear of your rates up front and if they say it's too high, say "Okay, have a nice day.". What have you got to lose right? I mean, you can do a format reload right. In most cases thats the best thing to do with a spyware/virus infected pc

 

[ultimatebob]

I got transferred to a hosting location with a bunch of other geeks now, so I don't get as many tech support requests as I used to.

Unfortunately, it also cut down on the amount of eye candy that I see around the office. Be careful what you wish for!

 

[mpitts]

I'm an IT and network consultant so I love it when people come to me with these problems. I give them my business card and tell them that I can help. The business card is a pretty clear-cut indicator that I intend on being paid for my time.

 

[Gravity]

The last friend I fixed a computer for has so much spyware and pr0n hijacks that his winsock was destroyed and his cursor was turned into a pen1s.

AFter I got done laughing I started thinking about all the stuff I might be contacting just sitting in the chair.

No more for me....thanks, just the same.

Gravity

 

[xcript]

Originally posted by: Gravity
The last friend I fixed a computer for has so much spyware and pr0n hijacks that his winsock was destroyed and his cursor was turned into a pen1s.

:laugh:

 

[MisterJackson]

http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts/frustrations/388b/

 

[manlymatt83]

Originally posted by: amdhunter
I stopped telling people I work with computers. I also got tired of fixing peoples spyware problems...

I work with Unix and MySQL and Oracle, etc.... my parents ask me to fix their Windows machine and I have no clue whatsoever. I don't use Windows. Hardly ever. Haven't in years.... so I forget a lot.

They just assume.

 

[wasssup]

I honestly act pretty stupid and pretend like I don't know jack. It works.

 

[FP]

Originally posted by: MisterJackson
http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts/frustrations/388b/

I saw a guy at the mall wearing that shirt.

Made me want to punch him in the throat.

I should make a shirt that says "No I will not please your girlfriend."

 

[Kelemvor]

I've never had the problem with being hounded for PC fixing. I get the occasional question when someone wants advice about something but I don't mind that. And for actual working on a PC, I sure don't do it for free... Just tell people what you charge and they'll either leave you alone or you'll become more wealthy.

 

[Jeff7]

My physics teacher in high school just started charging $75/hr. He said it was usually a good deterrent, and when it wasn't, it was good compensation for the time spent.


Spyware sucks. It usually bogs down the system so much that just running a scan can take a long time, and that doesn't always get it on the first try.
Then, within a week, after you tell them not to get searching toolbars, Bonzi Buddy, free screensavers, cursor packs, and other stupid looking themes, they do it again anyway.
It sucks too when they try to explain it, and just throw in every piece of jargon they know, but it comes out more like:
"Windows XP Second Edition said my AGP Ethernet bitrate wasn't pinging my ISP properly, and it suggested reuploading the driver into the bootsector drive. Do you think that'll work?"

At least you don't have people asking you to fix telephones, VCRs, clock radios and tape recording equipment that was built before I was born. The people at my work apparently think IT = if it has an electrical outlet you have memorized its blueprints.

Sadly, I am the sort who usually can fix just about anything that's not too complicated, or at least be able to diagnose the problem. So guess who gets to play Miles O'Brien here at home.....