fixing other peoples computer issues, hardware/software

On occasion I get asked to "fix" some ones computer. It could be anything, laptop won't turn on or a program froze, etc. Sometimes I get asked for help on a subject I know nothing about (Excel comes to mind). Or they'll say "how do I do this...". I say "sorry, I've never used that program before".

How does the IT person of today acquire the knowledge to help in so many aspects of computer repair, hardware/software/mobile devices? Buying each and every program is just too expensive, as is buying the latest tech gadget. I will hopefully be attending an IT school in the near future, for now I use google but there are still some things I don't know.

HAVOC said:

On occasion I get asked to "fix" some ones computer. It could be anything, laptop won't turn on or a program froze, etc. Sometimes I get asked for help on a subject I know nothing about (Excel comes to mind). Or they'll say "how do I do this...". I say "sorry, I've never used that program before".

How does the IT person of today acquire the knowledge to help in so many aspects of computer repair, hardware/software/mobile devices? Buying each and every program is just too expensive, as is buying the latest tech gadget. I will hopefully be attending an IT school in the near future, for now I use google but there are still some things I don't know.

Well, I started messing around with what we used to call 'microcomputers' back in the late 1970's. I learned from years and years of experience. I learned from each and every client. You learn fundamentals, you learn patterns, you grow some intuition. You learn trouble-shooting skills. At some point, you've more or less seen it all, and even if you've never used a particular program or piece of hardware, you just seem to know what the issues are going to be.

I don't do house-calls any more, but I used to do a lot of them. There are so many different kinds of computer out there! Sometimes I had to engage my clients in random tech chit-chat, stalling for time while I tried to find the power switch on their computer.

HAVOC said:

On occasion I get asked to "fix" some ones computer. It could be anything, laptop won't turn on or a program froze, etc. Sometimes I get asked for help on a subject I know nothing about (Excel comes to mind). Or they'll say "how do I do this...". I say "sorry, I've never used that program before".

How does the IT person of today acquire the knowledge to help in so many aspects of computer repair, hardware/software/mobile devices? Buying each and every program is just too expensive, as is buying the latest tech gadget. I will hopefully be attending an IT school in the near future, for now I use google but there are still some things I don't know.

Are you getting paid to 'fix' these devices and computers?

It's admirable to desire to be helpful, but the acquisition of knowledge has a cost. Setting boundaries is important. Regardless of your experience, if you are actually providing people with a service, regardless of how 'amateurish' you feel it may be, you deserve to get paid.

Please don't misunderstand, I don't care if you get ALL your solutions off of Google...the fact that you are willing to try makes your time worthy of compensation.

Chris

whs said:

I understand the compensation argument. But you don't take money from good friends who invite you to dinner next Saturday.

It depends on the level of service you are providing.

I understand the 'I'll use the knowledge I've gained in the future' argument.

Ultimately, you'll have to decide for yourself what is fair.

For what it's worth, I never charge family members unless they insist on paying me. My good friends always insist on paying. A good dinner is often good enough!

Chris