A Question, opinions and advice wanted.

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  1. Posts : 3,724
    Windows 10x64 Build 1709
       #1

    A Question, opinions and advice wanted.


    I have a very good friend who is pretty much computer illiterate. (And almost seems proud of that fact). I spent many many hours over many days getting his machine back in working order a couple of weeks ago. One of the worst infected machines I've ever seen. Totally unusable due to adware/malware. I mean totally unusable too. I installed my usual malware programs and Avast when I finally got it in working order. Showed him how to run them and when. Told him/explained some facts about downloading and what to watch out for.

    Now, today I get his machine back and its filled to the brim with babylon, incredibar, conduit, claro and more too numerous to mention. "I don't know nothing about computers" is what I heard.

    My question is : At what point do I just say...... you're on your own? This isn't the second or even the third time I've spent hours and days fixing his machine either. I'm starting to feel .......... almost taken advantage of if that makes any sense. He steadfastly refuses to try or listen to what I say pertaining to keeping his machine safe. As long as he can stay on facebook and watch porn he's happy. When his machine gets to the point where he can't do those two things he brings it to me saying "I don't know nothing about computers". This is one of my oldest friends who's still alive and I'm afraid this cavalier attitude to ....... my labor if nothing else ...... is starting to bother me.

    So... advice? Opinions?
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Scott,

    This is tough situation since it's one of your oldest friends.

    You might consider explaining to him that if you are going to have to repair his computer everytime you turn around due to his lack of caring about basic security and maintenance, that you're going to have to charge him for your time since it takes a lot of it.

    To make it not feel like such a shock to him, you could say that since are good friends you would not charge him full professional rates, and ask him to check out how much it would cost for Best Buy or other computer shops to do the work you do for him. For example $250 for a simple reinstall of Windows. He may be quite shocked how much it would have cost him, and hopefully be more appreciative of what you do for him, and may even start taking better care of his PC.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 9,537
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #3

    Scott,
    Since my wife and I moved into a Senior development I was nominated as the computer geek for 14 of my (mailbox) neighbors. After helping most of them I had enough or their carelessness and told them that I am not a certified tech and if anything goes wrong again I won't be liable or willing to fix it.
    Gave them the number of Best Buy's Geek Squad and other vender's who have certified tech's.

    Since this discussion took place I have not had one phone call from them to fix their computer's . The good news is we are are still the best of friends.
    Good luck with yours.
    THW
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 11,424
    Windows 7 Ultimate 64
       #4

    Have him pay for a SSD and you image that drive after the next clean install, all updates and software. You then keep it and when he's infected again wipe his drive and image from the SSD over Cadillac margarita's !
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 3,724
    Windows 10x64 Build 1709
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Good idea! I'm not shy , you can't be in my business , but Frank is about the last of the last of my old friends which makes it hard. I'll make a point to have him go with me to MIT Computers next time I go, they are CRAZY expensive! Thank you.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 3,724
    Windows 10x64 Build 1709
    Thread Starter
       #6

    The Howling Wolves said:
    Scott,
    Since my wife and I moved into a Senior development I was nominated as the computer geek for 14 of my (mailbox) neighbors. After helping most of them I had enough or their carelessness and told them that I am not a certified tech and if anything goes wrong again I won't be liable or willing to fix it.
    Gave them the number of Best Buy's Geek Squad and other vender's who have certified tech's.

    Since this discussion took place I have not had one phone call from them to fix their computer's . The good news is we are are still the best of friends.
    Good luck with yours.
    THW
    Thank you, thats a good Idea! It does help that I'll be heading back out pretty soon. Work two major fairs then off for another month or so. Can give him the number(s) so he can see for himself.

    linnemeyerhere said:
    Have him pay for a SSD and you image that drive after the next clean install, all updates and software. You then keep it and when he's infected again wipe his drive and image from the SSD over Cadillac margarita's !
    I like that too!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 983
    10 x64 | 7 x64
       #7

    Next visit should cost him 40$.
    That should cover a malwarebytes-pro licence and a 12 pack to share.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 12,364
    8 Pro x64
       #8

    indianacarnie said:

    So... advice? Opinions?
    When he next says "I don't know about computers" you could always counter with "yes you do. You know how to break them and now is the time to really learn how not to".

    At least force him away from IE onto a browser that has noscript support. Really drum into him about his browsing habits and if a porn/poker/whatever site has an .exe extension download - no matter what, do not click on the downloaded file, or if a site tells him he needs to download a viewer to watch something, then DO NOT do it - because you won't get to watch what you want anyway. Make him paranoid if need be.

    For legit downloads, perhaps make him sit there and watch exactly what to do - untick check boxes, don't click,click click etc.

    If that fails throw your hands up in the air and say "wow, this has got me stumped. Let's take it to the shop" and let him become scared at cost like has been suggested.

    But the best suggestion so far has been to simply clone his fresh drive. It honestly sounds like education may not be applicable here.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 53,363
    Windows 10 Home x64
       #9

    Install Deep Freeze or Drive Vaccine

    A Guy
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 6,458
    x64 (6.3.9600) Win8.1 Pro & soon dual boot x64 (6.1.7601) Win7_SP1 HomePrem
       #10

    Deep Freeze $45 USD is a small price to keep your oldest friend. I charge my friends a lot more to be their friend, some of them are catching on though and now they charge me.
    A Guy said:
    Install Deep Freeze or Drive Vaccine

    A Guy
      My Computer


 
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