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144 Comments
- Whifflepuff, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6I have written software for over 30 years. Long before there ever was a Microsoft, or an Apple. No matter what machine or operating system that I have ever worked on, they all crashed and they all had awful quirks. Today's cool is tomorrow's crud.
If you have a favorite O/S, language or vendor, good for you! If you actually think that one is REALLY better than any other, you are quite possibly wrong. They all steal from each other, they all build on each other.
Every year, software gets easier and more complicated all at the same time. - FilteringCraig, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Even worse is when your family members pimp you out to their friends. I finally had to tell my parents that I couldn't help their friends and neighbors anymore.
- aacool, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3It doesn't matter if you're into Linux, Windows, or CICS, the minute non-tech people hear you have any connection with computing/software, they assume you can fix anything remotely related.
- FilteringCraig, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3Who knows, maybe he changes CD's with a hammer.
- SpeedyG, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I have no problem helping close family or friends. I figure, I know a lot of things about computer stuff (and when I don't, I can find out much faster than they could), and they know a lot of things about, say, cars, or medicine, or A/V equipment, or things like that. It's when Joe Schmo don'tknowmebeyondmyoccupation thinks I'm an encyclopedia of everything computer that I get annoyed.
Is it just me, or do people expected to know everything in any OTHER profession get paid the really big bucks, while it's just assumed for people like me? - inotocracy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2This guy sounds lazy, or that he doesn't have a passion for programming. I'm an engineer myself and, yes, I too get tired of family/friends/co-workers asking me why their computer does this and that-- even if I don't know the exact answer I can still give them an educated guess as to why it's doing that or what may solve the problem. After so many years of programming you tend to understand the nature of a computer and software, this guy just sounds like he got into writing code for his 8-5.
- hax0r, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2No Digg, this guy should be ashamed of himself. He is an embarrasment. Not so much because he specialized on Linux and wants to be ignorant of Windows (although I think he's very foolish for that), but more because he hasn't taken a few hours out of his life to learn the inner workings of the computer. It's really not so difficult to learn at least the basics of upgrading memory, changing hard drives, CD/DVD drives, etc. Most peoples problems these days can be fixed by running Adaware, Spybot, MS Antispyware, cleaning with an antivirus, etc.. if it's not a malware infection, it's either a corrupt hard drive, or the computer is too old. If someone brings me a computer that has Windows 98 on it or is anything lower than a 1.5ghz I automatically back up the data, reformat the HD and typically install Windows XP. I recently installed it on a 366Mhz computer, turned off themes and it actually runs pretty well. For myself I would probably put in damn small linux for better performance, but I'm not going to force anybody onto Linux unless they really want to.
- phlatline, on 10/12/2007, -1/+3GOD I HATE YOU PANSIES!
How can you possibly be a great programmer if you can't understand how a basic computer works, or worse yet an OS. If you can't figure out how to use or master a freaking computer program made for end users I have no faith in your ability to program something for end users yourself.
Without going deeply into myself let me say I program and I am a computer guy/network admin. You programmers that can't figure out that right click does something. - Pogue_Mahone, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Not bad, though a bit whiney.
I can relate somewhat, though I am a professional Windows "expert" so I don't have plausible deniability (except when it comes to macs). I also know that I couldn't code my way out of a wet paper bag, but not many people ask programming questions in random conversation.
No digg from me though. Really, if life's biggest problem is that you get asked questions on a topic you know little about then life is pretty good - so stop bitching. - Sithseth, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2It's not that people are lazy, It's just that they are treated as dumb asses, and are too afraid to do anything. They freaking think computers are nuclear bombs, that if they push the right mouse button at the wrong time, the whole thing might explode. (yay for one buttons macs!)
Maybe instead of doing it for them, show them. Teach the man how to fish! - dasvoldus, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I agree that it can be annoying when people ask for 'computer help'. But i have to admit, i find it disappointing that so many developers aren't more familiar with hardware. I liken it to a mechanic that doesn't know how to drive a car....which would be a sad thing indeed. To follow that analogy further for the nix windows debate can you imagine a mechanic saying "No can do my friend that thing uses metric bolts and I'm an sae man." I personally feel a NEED to be familiar with as much technology that relies on programming as i can. And yes i am a developer...but i work with nix and windows as needed.
- intelmustdie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2I'm a "computer guy" and understand where this guy is coming from. My parents and their friends seem to think that because I can build computers and set up a network in my house that I have several manuals full of stored information in my mind on and can fix TVs, VCRs, DVD players, surround sound receivers, sattelite receivers, TIVO, cell phones, toasters, microwaves, cars, air conditioning, and just about any thing else that powers off some type of electrical source.
I especially hate it when everyone thinks I'm a cell phone expert. Your Nokia isn't running Windows or Linux, don't ask me how to send yourself a picture with your 1 megapixel camera phone. If you want to get a real digital camera and use a USB cable or memory card reader then I've got something. Also, why is it that because I like computers I'm supposed to be completely "high tech" in everything I do? My cell phone is 3 years old and I still like it because I could care less about ringtones, wallpapers on my phone, or the de-evolution of the century: text messaging.
Your coffee maker doesn't have an Athlon 64 and a PCI-Express slot so no, I can't fix it. - pravuil, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I swear to God that's that's the truth. It even gets so bad, family will only call just to get some tech support. Not only do they expect you to fix their computers but suddenly they expect you to know about everything. I just have to say "I don't know" all the time just to get these people off my back.
- linuxrebel, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I'm a computer guy. I can make it work analyze it when it doesn't find out what broke. If it's hardware related or if it has a howto (for software) fix it. But I don't program.
Conversely I'd like to know why if someone says they are a Windows Admin, no one asks them to know Sun or Linux. But if you are a Linux Admin, you also have to know Windows, SunOS, Solaris, AIX, BSD, HPUX, and Apple. - WallyAnti, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Awesome Article. I can feel his pain though I'm no programmer. I am considered by most of my family to be "a computer guy" and I get called on for all sorts of random inane troubleshooting tasks. Mostly having to do with my Dad's slower-than-a-tortoise-on-barbiturates 233MHz Win98 machine. He even makes me call his ISP to deal with billing issues.
- CaptSnuffy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I hate when people think of my as "the computer guy" as if I have an above-average intelligence in matters involving anything electronic. People ask for help from me about things like copiers and VCRs, even though I've never done anything to suggest I understand the workings of these devices. What's even worse is people don't even check the things themselves and simply ask me. Usually it's a very low tech problem, like a paper jam or an unplugged cable.But no matter how many times I'm called to fix something and insist that I'm not any more an expert than them, I always end up getting suckered into fixing it, and usually come out successful, and again, and again. I've thought about purposely ***** up, because this guy's right: being "the computer guy" sucks.
- spacebar14, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1@mtoigo
ROTFL -- I have to try that ;)
Maybe people would stop thinking I'm Jesus-Christ-computer-fixer.
But I am good with computers :) - inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"If you're running windows, its not my fault, stop asking me to fix it."
lol, you're just asking for a flamewar - besouza, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1lol @ "They like to ask me lots of questions about their "Microsoft", as I've heard it called."
I constantly get asked "Why is my Microsoft broken!?". Not a programmer but I can relate.. - aacool, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2That's dumb if you think that if it's a blog, you shouldn't digg it - incidentally this is an online magazine run by bloggers - and if you like it, digg it, why care about the source?
- FilteringCraig, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Yeah really... if this breaks into a Windows vs. Apple convo, I am going to be annoyed. I would rather discuss the finer points of nicknames for cola.
- wyrmwood, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Web Designers have a kind of similar situation - if you can design a website, then apparently you are also a copy-writer, market analyst, photographer, data base designer, salesman, animator, videographer, and business development guru. Not to mention graphic design for print, business card and logo design, etc...
And, of course, you can fix any software and anything electronic since you're a "computer guy".
The fun part is actually attempting all of the above, instead of saying "no" - Hey, an open invitation to learn more STUFF with no consequences if you can't cut it ;) - whitedragon33, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1During my checkup the other day, my doctor found out I'm a 'computer guy'. He asked me to fix his copier. Looked quite surprised when I told him I don't know anything about copiers. +digg
- sunmicroman, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Every Programmer - Computer/Electrical Engineer I ever met was once a "computer guy" geek. That's how the interest in computers got started for them. And most still are.....
- e3mw, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I love this excerpt:
"The personal computer, in my estimation, is a sneaky device. I don't mean sneaky like it's at home messing with the thermostat or ordering mismatched socks from the Home Shopping Channel -- I mean that it finds new and innovative ways to take over your life at every turn.
To be anthropomorphic about it: the bloody machine seems to think that it can be all things to all people. That's the source of my deep worry. I really don't think that it's a good idea to allow the PC to take a central role in how one interacts with the people, places, and things that accidentally collide to create a life. If anything, I think that we should be relegating gadgets to as submissive a role as possible in modern life, with an eye toward one day re-declaring our independence from the Industrial Revolution, v. 2.0." - BESTenemy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Starting off as an electrical engineer and slowly getting into programming I always assumed programmers knew hardware and software inside out. I viewed software engineering as the end-point in someone's education. Was I surprised when many of my programmer friends admitted they knew not how to build their own PC's, nevermind how to fix one. The article's brilliant!
- kepeli999, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I'm a programmer and always get people asking me to fix their computer. I always tell them, you wouldn't ask a television director to fix your TV or a cook to fix your stove would you? I normally get a blank look...
- Kashey, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Never tell the girl that you're a programmer!!
- intelmustdie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"PS: When people ask me to fix Windows, I tell them "Get Linux" .. That's it.
Nobody listens but meh, whatever."
Why would you want them to do that? Do you really want someone asking you where Internet Explorer is and why Word won't install? - LedZep95, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1YAY!! I just happen to be one of these kinds.
Great at Java, no clue what a .dll is
+Digg; - navster15, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1haha, i had the opposite situation. when my mother recommended to a neighbor that i could help fix her computer, she simply replied "but i though he was a CHEMICAL engineer!" sometimes, i love people's ignorance.
- dasvoldus, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1i agree with inotocracy...a decent read but, it makes him sound like a cubicle rat.
- bigdogg019, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1WOW, you people can be whinny sometimes. Yes, I can relate to it being annoying, and yes just because you know something about a computer doesn't mean you know it all. But how hard it is to try and figure out. "The more I use OS X the more I forget how to fix things in windows. I tell them to do a google search"...if the person you are talking to is fairly computer illiterate, then why not try and help them and do it for them. I get asked questions from my grandparents all the time, most of the time its the same f-ing question, but that doesn't mean I don't answer again and again. And for the neighbors...just start to charge them for advice...at least get something out of it.
But the best thing I have read in here is, no I don't know how to set up your stereo or VCR or anything like that. Its not that hard to figure out. Charge them, learn from it, and walk away know you helped someone, learned something, and earned some cash doing it. Hell, in school you pay other people to learn something...why not turn the tables. - a1lostnomad, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I think the trick for me has been letting people know that I'm a "Computer guy" but not a free computer guy. Never fix a problem for free and you can still help people and make a little bit of fun money for use at your favorite bar. Your happy because you helped and made a little cash and your friend is happy because he didn't get ripped off by Best Buy or any other shady tech operation.
- SpeedyG, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1More than anything, most people see no difference between:
1) A computer nut who's also a programmer
2) A programmer who's assumed to be a computer nut
The second group can't answer your tech support questions. The first group gets incredibly frustrated with people who are more interested in just getting the thing working than learning something. - smhill, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"Every Programmer - Computer/Electrical Engineer I ever met was once a "computer guy" geek. That's how the interest in computers got started for them. And most still are....."
Ditto. I am programmer and work with about 60 other programmers. Every one is a "computer guy/gal". Like you said most always one leads to the other. My guess is that the guy who wrote the article is a pretty low level developer. I can't imagine a good one saying something like that.
I get the "can you fix my..." question all the time. Doesn't bother me a bit. Friends and family always get my help because... well... they are my friends and family. Nuff said. Others I just say I don't have the time (very true), and offer suggestions for other ways/places to find the help they need.
I think the author not upset about being asked, more embarrassed because his lack of knowledge. - dansko, on 10/10/2007, -0/+0That great, I'm a computer guy, not a programmer :D
http://www.danskoshoes.us - gator99, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0You work with computers, even though you program them, you are a computer guy and a dork. Civilians will not understand when you refuse to help them with there various computer woes. My suggestion, google whatever is wrong and help them, wtf. I myself too, used to be in denial, but now I can actually admit to watching the scifi channel, though it was only once and I had been drinking.
- teh_techie, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0
if ( "friend got computer problem" == "you say oh I can help you")
{
YOU = life time computer slave;
} else
{
YOU = have more time to read more digg story;
}
posted by slurpee (0)
----------------------------------------------
YES! YES!! - TheWarrior, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0"Is it just me, or do people expected to know everything in any OTHER profession get paid the really big bucks, while it's just assumed for people like me?"
Yea. It seems like every time I turn around someone wants me to fix their computer. What do I get in return for it? Nothing. It's not that I don't like helping people with their PC problems, but it would be nice if they would offer to pay you for your time. Especially if it takes time away from something important. - dcipjr, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Only for close friends and family.
- kanenas.net, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I am a programmer AND NOT A COMPUTER GUY !!!
I am a programmer AND NOT A COMPUTER GUY !!!
I am a programmer AND NOT A COMPUTER GUY !!!
In Greece most of the computer-companies need a "CAT"... and I explain what "CAT" means !
It means that if you are a programmer you can ...
1. Setup and fix (if needed...) an entire network !
2. Fix ALL the damaged computers the company had the last 10 YEARS !!
3. Help all the ignorant collegues !!!
and...
4. If you find the time make some programz !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cool ???? - Thmstec, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I wonder if I am the only "computer guy" who gets asked about programming? Everyone knows me as the "computer guy", so they ask if I can fix their Printer, TV, blah, blah and blah. And the thing of it is, I can. Even though I might not have had any previous knowledge on the object at hand, everything just seems so simple and intuative. So over the past few years many of my friends have become knowledgable enough to fix their normal problems, so then one day they asked, "How do you make a page like google.com/ig, with all that AJAX stuff." Finally I said, " *****' FIGURE IT OUT FOR YOURSELF!!!!"
- bpapa, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0""Eh, you see I'm a _Java programmer that does Web Applications_ ... The inner workings of a O/S like doesn't concern me at all at work"
Well that explains it."
But at least I can copy and paste correctly. - iMatt711, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0i am so with this guy, i hate it when people expect computer help, you want it pay for it
- TheCardinal, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0Last resort, someone asks you to fix something, ask for money. They either leave you alone or you make some money.
- chimona, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I find it interesting that the most of the people commenting that seem to be the frustrated with people asking them for help, also have the worst english. Just because they don't get it, doesn't mean they're stupid. They may just not understand a freakin word you say. Why do you think outsourcing tech support didn't work?
- johnnymac77, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I'm a Programmer, and a Computer Guy. This is my life story. One thing I started doing was requiring a good home cooked meal from someone before I would look at their computer problem. People will try to bribe you to help them, and I don't mind a good meal because my George Foreman bachelor grill just doesn't cut it compared to some of these folks wives who have got the mad culinary skills.
Most of the time it's spyware related to their kids shareware downloads. One time my folks couldn't print and it was a pretzel stuck inside the paper tray. The only thing that I really hate, is trying to fix a totally jacked up computer over the phone with someone who is clueless. That is a nightmare that can take up your whole night. I do need to stop being so quick though to tell people what I do for a living when they mention they have a computer problem. I think I can just give them a nickel's worth of advice but soon realize their only hope is me sitting down and fixing it.
One thing is for sure, you can really get burnt out quickly if too many people start to look to you as their computer superhero. I started to resent the fact that every conversation began with, Hey, I have a question. And I agree it bugs me when people I don't know at all call me up for computer support. You can call your friendly outsourced Indian Dell Support Rep, but probably the better advice is to go to your local Best Buy Geek Squad.
Word of advice. When someone says they have a computer problem. Act aloof. Say something like really, that stinks. Bummer dude. Well, good luck with that. =) - EviLiu, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I was getting a haircut once and a computer was down in there. I had some geeky shirt on like
c:dosrun
run dos run
And the girl cutting my hair kept fiddling with the computer and she was just dieing to get me to ask what she was doing. I felt bad that I didn't help her but.. it wasn't my place, and I had no idea what the problem could have been, what if I made something worse? - dykesat, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I'm a network engineer. I get asked for help all the time by friends/ relatives / friends of friends, and I used to get annoyed by it. Then I came to a realization: Every skilled professional deals with this at some level. "Computer Guys" are far from alone.
Think about doctors. "Hey my back feels kinda.... Is this a rash or..."
Lawyers. "My neighbor thinks his fence is on his property...."
The list goes on. Mechanics, Dentists, Accountants, Carpenters...
I know people from all of those professions and I can vouch for the fact that these people get asked for advice all the time. Think of it this way: you have a valuable skill that your friends recognize, so why not be a friend and help them out?
Help people out, but never let yourself be taken advantage of! I don't help friends of friends for less than $60/hr. Gotta make it worth my time :) -
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