Comments on: Fixing Computers for a Living

By: Thor999

Thor999 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 04:41:56 +0000

Hey guys I am trying to break into the business myself, can you guys point me in the right direction for valuable websites, and maybe do I need any certifications? Thanks in advance!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 27 Apr 2005 03:08:40 +0000

To all those going into this field: part of your job is education. Educate them as best you can, even if you don't think they'll get it the first time. A physician not only prescribes the medication and performs the procedures, but also educates the patient as to why s/he is doing it. Lord knows how many times I had to ask my doctor the hows and whys of such and such. A good mechanic doesn't just fix the problem for the owner -- s/he lets them know the symptoms and what to look out for in case it happens again. I know that a large part of your job satisfaction actually comes from fixing the problems and getting your hands dirty and if the job only entailed that much, I'd be in it myself too. But the truth of the matter is, if you don't educate them, who will? As you said, they certainly are not going to put forth much effort, make the best of your time with them with short, easy to understand, but useful information. Linuxathome

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 22 Apr 2005 19:31:59 +0000

As I was reading this I thought about how common this issue really is. People go to see the doctor, but not all of them follow his/her advice. They buy a new car but how many read the owner's manual (RTFM?) and follow the maintainance schedule? If you think about it, there are lots of examples. Good people like yourself have to take that into account and realize that not everyone thinks the same way you do. If not, it's easy to develop contempt for them, and that's not the way to be (although it's an easy trap to fall into). It Sounds like you're doing the right thing. Keep up the good work!
Tom D.

By: StumpMan

StumpMan — Fri, 22 Apr 2005 14:28:02 +0000

Well anon,
You are right. The large majority of people want an OS that works right out of the box. The tweaking and configuring is what the biggest flaw of Linux is to them (normally this is the part where I put on flame proof clothing due to attacks from Linux gurus).
There have been cases where I know all the person is going to do is check email and maybe a few websites, and I have set them up with debian, and configured KDE to 'look like' XP. Those are the people I almost never hear from again.
The biggest part of my business is “John Doe bought this game for his son/daughter and it will not work” (drivers) or “my computer isn't running as fast as it used to” (spyware/adware).
So, from a financial perspective, the Windows people keep me in business.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 22 Apr 2005 13:34:26 +0000

I think most occupations have some level of “if only the customer could…” to them. I don't know of any that, if examined closely, don't take advantage of other people's shortcomings, laziness, time, etc. I wouldn't feel bad. You actually *try* to help them be safer, more self-sufficient and able to go into the online world without your help. You don't purposely try to create a situation where they become dependent or break-down and need your help again. So, you're just running into the fact that people are people and not all of us can, desire, want to, or are otherwise able to do alllll the things we should.
That's why we have nice folks like you to help us where we leave off. : )
-Dan

By: nwistheone

nwistheone — Fri, 22 Apr 2005 13:10:55 +0000

i also work on computers, and i figured out the “short answer” worked pretty quickly. the customers don't understand what's going on, and sometimes, i wonder if they even care. they just want their machines to work… frustrating sometimes…

By: StumpMan

StumpMan — Fri, 22 Apr 2005 12:37:33 +0000

I do the same thing here in N.C. I seem to go thru the same thing on a weekly basis. I wish there was an alternative to Windows .
Trust me, I'd love to setup a KDE /debian install, but that won't run “Pro Bass Fisherman XXI” or whatever software they've grabbed from WalMart. Wine and Codeweaver are great, but JoeUser is not going to go thru the configuration of a program everytime when it runs in Windows.
Basically I took to offering a monthly cleaning service. For a small fee I come out twice a month and clean. Spybot, Anti-virus, defrag, etc.

By: SocioBiblog

SocioBiblog — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

selling the disease and then charging for the cure... Related Content:.NET Passport SecurityPirillo’s Picks for 03/23/2007Computer Associates Software DiscountsAjax, Google and MicrosoftHidden Microsoft Security GemMorning SicknessPSP 2.0 Firmware!Fixing Computers for a LivingThe Politics of SecuritySoftware Coupons and Discounts