Never ever build your friends PCs

[n7]

I know people always say that if you build someone a PC, they will assume you are their personal 24/7 tech.

Well, one of teh guys from work heard i knew a bit about computers, so he asked me what PC he should get.

Obviously, i recommend that he build one, not buy.
First mistake.
I assumed he'd just go buy one anyway, since most people are too lazy to want to learn much.

Oh no, though. He wanted me to help him out with building one.

I eventually said yes.
Second mistake

So i researched parts for him on a budget, & we put together a decent basic gaming machine.

All was well till his PC started crashing occasionally.

I figured i should have updated the bios on his mobo, since perhaps it didn't support the Venice core like i thought the version on there did.

So over to his place i go; take care of that.

No more crashing, but today i got another phone call.

Now his internet doesn't work, & the ISP claims it's the ethernet card.

Bah damnit blah! :frown:


Never again, never again...

 

[HappyPuppy]

Serves you right. When I build computers for people they understand that when I deliver it the deal is done. No support ever, not even for $.

 

[suse920]

everyone must learn this.

 

[Rastus]

When people ask me what computer they should get, I just tell them to get a Dell.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Yup, I do it only if I tell them this simple bit of info.

I dont make the parts
Its working now, which means I put it together correctly
So if you are having problems in a week. Either you fsked it up
Or a part is going bad, and since I didnt make the parts. Its up
to you to RMA it

 

[Zolty]

yeah just tell him this is the last time

 

[Zolty]

Originally posted by: Rastus
When people ask me what computer they should get, I just tell them to get a Dell.

qft

 

[Wahsapa]

start charging?

its like when you tell someone your good at cars and they ask you to look at their broken down peice of crap...

i just tell them "i don't know windows"

 

[Stumps]

I prefer to do the tech support on my friends PC's, especially the ones that I have assembled for them, it save having some one else fvck with them and screw things up big time, it's just easier to fix it myself rather than fix somebody else's fvck up.

 

[FoBoT]

almost everyone learns the hard way

but they never forget it, once they learn it

 

[blodhi74]

Originally posted by: HappyPuppy
Serves you right. When I build computers for people they understand that when I deliver it the deal is done. No support ever, not even for $.

what he said. I install the sofware that they want and have them test the machine out for 30 mins. I have them sign that everything is working and they are satisfied... they think it is in humor. And I'm out. No tech support after that.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: Rastus
When people ask me what computer they should get, I just tell them to get a Dell.

\/\/||\||\|4R

 

[thomsbrain]

i explain to people that if i build it, i will charge for tech support. i charge $50/hour to everyone but my parents, brother, and girlfriend. everyone else pays, period. i've done a lot of work for my uncle and aunt and they are more than happy to pay me.

edit: the one exception is my drummer, who gets free support if his parents make me their amazing mexican BBQ and other homemade mexican treats when i come out to work on their computers.

 

[suicidalpigeon]

i get this all the time. i just never pick up the phone or reply on the interweb.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I hate building cheap PCs for people. I hate it when people run to Fry's and buy a ECS mobo + CPU combo and some $20 PSU and want me to assemble it and then get headaches when things don't work. Well. You get what you paid for. Simple as that. I don't whine about my system(s)

 

[intogamer]

I don't mind fixing comps, most of the time it is minor problems
As long as I get lunch, few bucks, etc. its good

 

[yllus]

I tell everyone to buy a Dell. If they absolutely insist I troubleshoot something and I'm for some reason parted with my carry piece, I start off any operation with:

"Before I touch anything, I will warn you that things will probably go fine - but there's a chance that something might blow up and you'll lose all of your data, some hardware, and maybe a finger too. Speak now or forever hold your peace."

 

[SynthDude2001]

Originally posted by: intogamer
I don't mind fixing comps, most of the time it is minor problems
As long as I get lunch, few bucks, etc. its good

Same with me, usually. I only have (relatively) few friends who ask me for tech support, and it's no problem really. I could see how it would be annoying giving constant free tech support to someone you don't even know though.

 

[codeyf]

Originally posted by: Rastus
When people ask me what computer they should get, I just tell them to get a Dell.

FTW

 

[mrrman]

yeah I am in the same boat, build friends a pc, save them $ and they always call me...I say I get to it when I get to it or bring it to a pc store...

 

[Merlyn3D]

Yeah, when someone asks me for help getting a computer, I'll help them research for name brands (Dell, Alienware, etc) that come with their own service plan.

 

[n7]

Drinking makes this seem so unimportant

Yeah, i have learned my lesson though.

Ah well...

 

[suicidalpigeon]

just break it to them that you will need some compensation for your time. its not right to get a butt load of hassling and no benefits at all.

 

[tami]

charge him $25/hour for tech support.

 

[lavagirl669]

Originally posted by: Rastus
When people ask me what computer they should get, I just tell them to get a Dell.

yep...I learned my lesson a while ago....NO MORE building for anybody except ME.
The questions just never end!