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Just because I work with computers...

J

jdini76

Platinum Member
ONE example:
My girlfriend wants to open an ING account. Because I opened one sand said it was good. because it is soley on the internet, She asked me to help her. I gratefully agreed. But our schedules have been crazy lately and when ever we are together we are too involved with each other that we forget to open the account. So last night I was eating dinner at her parent?s house, and the ING subject comes up. Her mom says and I thought the ING account was on your to do list (meaning me). I held back my normal computer guy outburst and kindly said "Well, I would greatly help out with it, but its not rocket science. If she has some time on her own its easy enough to do by herself." Of course my girlfriend took it the wrong way saying "you said you would help me!" I didn't realize "help" really meant "do it for you."

Then her mom chimes in saying "well you know the inner workings of the website." I'm thinking to myself. I know the website because I did it by myself. I figured it out on my own. Its a website, its designed for the average web user. I don't have special knowledge of the website encoded in my DNA! If you can use any normal online banking account (which they do) you can use this one!

So I said when we get together again we will set it up together. But I know we will forget. and then when she is by herself wondering what to do, the ING account will be the last thing on her mind because I am supposed to help her.

She isn't computer illiterate she knows her way around the internet no problem! She just feels that since this thing is on the computer I will know how to do it better!

I guess all I am trying to say is that if people would just try it first, us computer guys' lives would be so much easier! How do you think we learned what we know!?

Agree or disagree?


Edited for Clarity.
 
Don't forget, if you do IT for a living you can apparently also fix any problem with any model of cell phone, explain to people why that light is on in their car, why their home wireless isn't working, why that light bulb in the bathroom keeps burning out, why the printer is jammed, why any webpage is down, why their wireless mouse batteries are dead, how to use any corprorate phone system, any climate control system, how to fix a broken chair, install an under desk keyboard tray, explain how to use a sharpie, and fix other email servers when mail doesn't go through

in fact, i think i'm putting all that on my resume next time rather than any certs or actual networking/server experience
 
I just say I don't know how. I say I'm a programmer (which is true) not a PC repairman, and don't really know how to do X or Y they are asking for. I tell them the guys at the local computer store will do a much better job as they do that sort of thing all the time.

It's a lie of course - it would be very hard to do my job if I couldn't fix a PC. But it's a useful lie that doesn't hurt anyone.
 
She asked you for help and you said you would help her. Sounds like she was simply waiting for you to help out. Yeah, she could've done it by herself, but maybe she was nervous signing up for something online that involves money. Who knows?

Besides, if it was so easy, you could've taken 5 minutes out of the day and helped her out.
 
agree

its ridiculous the stuff that i get asked sometimes.

"hey, how do i do this and that in program x?"
"i don't know"
"i thought you were a computer guy?"
"😕"

just because i know something about computers doesn't mean i know everything!

that fax machine isn't a computer. i don't use fax machines very often. I'm lucky if i can figure out how to send a fax on one. don't ask me to fix it...

i also don't install keyboard trays. just because they keyboard sits on the tray and is attached to the pc, doesn't mean i do that...

AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!! /head explodes
 
Originally posted by: Joemonkey
Don't forget, if you do IT for a living you can apparently also fix any problem with any model of cell phone, explain to people why that light is on in their car, why their home wireless isn't working, why that light bulb in the bathroom keeps burning out, why the printer is jammed, why any webpage is down, why their wireless mouse batteries are dead, how to use any corprorate phone system, any climate control system, how to fix a broken chair, install an under desk keyboard tray, explain how to use a sharpie, and fix other email servers when mail doesn't go through

in fact, i think i'm putting all that on my resume next time rather than any certs or actual networking/server experience
Click to expand...

You are absolutely right. And you know what? We will look at it and at least try to fix it. Most time we will fix it. but those people don't even try they go right to the 'Computer guy'. Oh jdini76 works with computers I will have him take a look at the computer in my ford focus.
 
Originally posted by: jdini76
Originally posted by: Joemonkey
Don't forget, if you do IT for a living you can apparently also fix any problem with any model of cell phone, explain to people why that light is on in their car, why their home wireless isn't working, why that light bulb in the bathroom keeps burning out, why the printer is jammed, why any webpage is down, why their wireless mouse batteries are dead, how to use any corprorate phone system, any climate control system, how to fix a broken chair, install an under desk keyboard tray, explain how to use a sharpie, and fix other email servers when mail doesn't go through

in fact, i think i'm putting all that on my resume next time rather than any certs or actual networking/server experience
Click to expand...

You are absolutely right. And you know what? We will look at it and at least try to fix it. Most time we will fix it. but those people don't even try they go right to the 'Computer guy'. Oh jdini76 works with computers I will have him take a look at the computer in my ford focus.
Click to expand...

Personally I'd much rather someone asked me to look at their car than their PC - at least it would be a change. And as you say, most technical people can in fact make/fix things that are not in their particular field of expertise.
 
Originally posted by: Atheus
Originally posted by: jdini76
Originally posted by: Joemonkey
Don't forget, if you do IT for a living you can apparently also fix any problem with any model of cell phone, explain to people why that light is on in their car, why their home wireless isn't working, why that light bulb in the bathroom keeps burning out, why the printer is jammed, why any webpage is down, why their wireless mouse batteries are dead, how to use any corprorate phone system, any climate control system, how to fix a broken chair, install an under desk keyboard tray, explain how to use a sharpie, and fix other email servers when mail doesn't go through

in fact, i think i'm putting all that on my resume next time rather than any certs or actual networking/server experience
Click to expand...

You are absolutely right. And you know what? We will look at it and at least try to fix it. Most time we will fix it. but those people don't even try they go right to the 'Computer guy'. Oh jdini76 works with computers I will have him take a look at the computer in my ford focus.
Click to expand...

Personally I'd much rather someone asked me to look at their car than their PC - at least it would be a change. And as you say, most technical people can in fact make/fix things that are not in their particular field of expertise.
Click to expand...

Right, but just because I *CAN* do it (or even if i can't but can probably figure it out), doesn't mean it's in my job description, what i get paid to do, or that i want to do it. It also doesn't mean the person asking the question shouldn't attempt to figure it out for themselves for at least 5 minutes before asking me.

in any event, don't ever do IT for attorneys! luckily i only have 3 full days left working with them
 
Originally posted by: Joemonkey
Originally posted by: Atheus
Originally posted by: jdini76
Originally posted by: Joemonkey
Don't forget, if you do IT for a living you can apparently also fix any problem with any model of cell phone, explain to people why that light is on in their car, why their home wireless isn't working, why that light bulb in the bathroom keeps burning out, why the printer is jammed, why any webpage is down, why their wireless mouse batteries are dead, how to use any corprorate phone system, any climate control system, how to fix a broken chair, install an under desk keyboard tray, explain how to use a sharpie, and fix other email servers when mail doesn't go through

in fact, i think i'm putting all that on my resume next time rather than any certs or actual networking/server experience
Click to expand...

You are absolutely right. And you know what? We will look at it and at least try to fix it. Most time we will fix it. but those people don't even try they go right to the 'Computer guy'. Oh jdini76 works with computers I will have him take a look at the computer in my ford focus.
Click to expand...

Personally I'd much rather someone asked me to look at their car than their PC - at least it would be a change. And as you say, most technical people can in fact make/fix things that are not in their particular field of expertise.
Click to expand...

Right, but just because I *CAN* do it (or even if i can't but can probably figure it out), doesn't mean it's in my job description, what i get paid to do, or that i want to do it. It also doesn't mean the person asking the question shouldn't attempt to figure it out for themselves for at least 5 minutes before asking me.

in any event, don't ever do IT for attorneys! luckily i only have 3 full days left working with them
Click to expand...

why not? heh, i just sent my resume to a law firm for a network admin position.
 
Originally posted by: Lord Zado
She asked you for help and you said you would help her. Sounds like she was simply waiting for you to help out. Yeah, she could've done it by herself, but maybe she was nervous signing up for something online that involves money. Who knows?

Besides, if it was so easy, you could've taken 5 minutes out of the day and helped her out.
Click to expand...

You are right and I will help her. But she uses other online banking accounts, so she is not new to the whole online banking thing. Also, my point goes beyond this example.

If i didn't have someone holding my hand while I did something computer related, why is it so hard for other people to not have their hand held?
 
I just signed my gf up for a ING account a couple weeks ago. I feel your pain. I did get the referral from it though😀
 
If you'll kindly post pics of said GF (and mom?), I might be able to take some time from my thesis, 60hr work week, and this new DARPA proposal to fly across the country and help her out...

I can also fix just about anything if there are any home/auto/electronics/psychiatric/relationship problems while I'm there.
 
Originally posted by: jdini76
My girlfriend wants to open an ING account. Because I opened one sand said it was good. because it is soley on the internet, She asked me to help her. I gratefully agreed. But our schedules have been crazy lately and when ever we are together we are too involved with each other that we forget to open the account. So last night I was eating dinner at her parent?s house, and the ING subject comes up. Her mom says and I thought the ING account was on your to do list (meaning me). I held back my normal computer guy outburst and kindly said "Well, I would greatly help out with it, but its not rocket science. If she has some time on her own its easy enough to do by herself." Of course my girlfriend took it the wrong way saying "you said you would help me!" I didn't realize "help" really meant "do it for you."

Then her mom chimes in saying "well you know the inner workings of the website." I'm thinking to myself. I know the website because I did it by myself. I figured it out on my own. Its a website, its designed for the average web user. I don't have special knowledge of the website encoded in my DNA! If you can use any normal online banking account (which they do) you can use this one!

So I said when we get together again we will set it up together. But I know we will forget. and then when she is by herself wondering what to do, the ING account will be the last thing on her mind because I am supposed to help her.

She isn't computer illiterate she knows her way around the internet no problem! She just feels that since this thing is on the computer I will know how to do it better!

I guess all I am trying to say is that is people would just try to do computer related things first, us computer guys' life would be so much easier! How do you think we learned what we know!?

Agree or disagree?
Click to expand...
you're not a very nice person. someone looks to you for expertise - feel honored.

 
Originally posted by: Joemonkey
Don't forget, if you do IT for a living you can apparently also fix any problem with any model of cell phone, explain to people why that light is on in their car, why their home wireless isn't working, why that light bulb in the bathroom keeps burning out, why the printer is jammed, why any webpage is down, why their wireless mouse batteries are dead, how to use any corprorate phone system, any climate control system, how to fix a broken chair, install an under desk keyboard tray, explain how to use a sharpie, and fix other email servers when mail doesn't go through

in fact, i think i'm putting all that on my resume next time rather than any certs or actual networking/server experience
Click to expand...

Yup. If you are good with technology, you are not only able to fix anything that has a circuitboard, and you've also memorized service manuals for every electronic product on the market, but you actually approach orgasm just from being given the chance to fix something yourself.
Here at college, I try not to let anyone know that I am good with computers. It always leads to the old, "Fix my computer for free because you don't need time to yourself anyway," problem. I've had enough of that, no more.

The sad part about this is, I generally can figure out what's wrong with a lot of electronics, or else simply how to use unfamiliar things.


Originally posted by: Lord Zado
She asked you for help and you said you would help her. Sounds like she was simply waiting for you to help out. Yeah, she could've done it by herself, but maybe she was nervous signing up for something online that involves money. Who knows?

Besides, if it was so easy, you could've taken 5 minutes out of the day and helped her out.
Click to expand...
5 minutes? Depends on who you're dealing with. Some people can take up nearly a half hour just instructing them on how to log in to their online bank account, to the point that they can do it on their own.

"Click here, in the address bar."
"Where?"
"The address bar, where I'm pointing."
"Here?"
"No. Where I am pointing. Click."
"Left or right click?"

5 minutes later, the web address has finally been typed in, and the page is loading.


Originally posted by: moshquerade

you're not a very nice person. someone looks to you for expertise - feel honored.
Click to expand...
It can make a person feel pride if they know that they have knowledge that others lack. But after awhile, of doing the same kind of thing over and over and over again, it just gets very tiring, and becomes a constant drain.


That said, I guess doing this bank setup thing wouldn't be too big a deal. It sounds like everyone just go a little bit too defensive at his family dinner thing.
"I thought the ING account was on your to do list."
"Yes, it is, I've just been busy lately, and there hasn't been time to get it done yet. It will get done though."
 
Originally posted by: jdini76
Originally posted by: Lord Zado
She asked you for help and you said you would help her. Sounds like she was simply waiting for you to help out. Yeah, she could've done it by herself, but maybe she was nervous signing up for something online that involves money. Who knows?

Besides, if it was so easy, you could've taken 5 minutes out of the day and helped her out.
Click to expand...

You are right and I will help her. But she uses other online banking accounts, so she is not new to the whole online banking thing. Also, my point goes beyond this example.

If i didn't have someone holding my hand while I did something computer related, why is it so hard for other people to not have their hand held?
Click to expand...


You sound just like my boyfriend. You have to understand that some people don't understand how to do computer-related things the way you talented computer nerds do. She's your girlfriend and as long as she shows you that she appreciates your help, whats the big deal. I'm sure she'd be willing to repay you in other ways. 😉

 
I hear ya man. At my job I am expected to know everything about anything that has buttons on it.

"Well lawyer sir, the bagel button on the toaster only toasts the inside of the bagel slices"
 
Originally posted by: Joemonkey
Don't forget, if you do IT for a living you can apparently also fix any problem with any model of cell phone, explain to people why that light is on in their car, why their home wireless isn't working, why that light bulb in the bathroom keeps burning out, why the printer is jammed, why any webpage is down, why their wireless mouse batteries are dead, how to use any corprorate phone system, any climate control system, how to fix a broken chair, install an under desk keyboard tray, explain how to use a sharpie, and fix other email servers when mail doesn't go through

in fact, i think i'm putting all that on my resume next time rather than any certs or actual networking/server experience
Click to expand...

Oh so true.... 🙂
 
Originally posted by: Joemonkey
Don't forget, if you do IT for a living you can apparently also fix any problem with any model of cell phone, explain to people why that light is on in their car, why their home wireless isn't working, why that light bulb in the bathroom keeps burning out, why the printer is jammed, why any webpage is down, why their wireless mouse batteries are dead, how to use any corprorate phone system, any climate control system, how to fix a broken chair, install an under desk keyboard tray, explain how to use a sharpie, and fix other email servers when mail doesn't go through

in fact, i think i'm putting all that on my resume next time rather than any certs or actual networking/server experience
Click to expand...

Man that one about other mail servers just kills me!

The lady asked me to see if I could fix a problem she was having, sent me a copy of the bounce back message and when I reviewed it and explained to her that she's sending it to an invalid address she asked me how I could help her fix it! I'm like WTF it's not broken, you're just typing in the incorrect address, which of course wasn't possible as far as she was concerned.
 
Originally posted by: Bacstar
Originally posted by: Joemonkey
Don't forget, if you do IT for a living you can apparently also fix any problem with any model of cell phone, explain to people why that light is on in their car, why their home wireless isn't working, why that light bulb in the bathroom keeps burning out, why the printer is jammed, why any webpage is down, why their wireless mouse batteries are dead, how to use any corprorate phone system, any climate control system, how to fix a broken chair, install an under desk keyboard tray, explain how to use a sharpie, and fix other email servers when mail doesn't go through

in fact, i think i'm putting all that on my resume next time rather than any certs or actual networking/server experience
Click to expand...

Oh so true.... 🙂
Click to expand...

Weird...I think we all must work for the same people...😀
 
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