fixing other peoples computer issues, hardware/software

[HAVOC]

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.

 

[sgage]

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.

 

[whs]

This is true - once you are known as a "Geek" people expect you to know everything. But I just tell them when there is an area that I am not familiar with - and there are many of these areas. Excel is a good example. I don't have the faintest clue. But Power Point is one of my specialties. I guess you can only help if you know the answer.

 

[CB]

A luck, when ones come to you for help and it is within the area of your hobby or passion. A chalenge if it is not, but willing to learn. I'm working in a hospital that use hundreds of PC or mobile. Lucky that I was able to make friend with the whole staffs of IT department, learning much from them (though Im only a nurse) but I can be a little help to friends around. Now my passion move to android stuffs, and lso able to help some.

Find a way to learn things by making friend with people who fond of the subject can be one of the key beside attending school.

And what is good by helping friends? I often get free breakfast and lunch. And there are more people available when I need help.

 

[comitatus1]

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]

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

 

[comitatus1]

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

 

[indianacarnie]

Well, HAVOC , lol what I say when I'm in that situation is ...... I'm not totally familiar with that program,model,etc. but I know where to go to find out and then send them here (or our Sister forums) or come myself.

 

[whs]

I come from a country where money is less important to people than it seems to be in the US. I take a good bottle of wine any day over a $20 bill.

 

[strollin]

I can't tell you the number of computers I've fixed in exchange for a 6-pack of Diet Coke! I usually don't charge people but expect them to only pay for any required parts.

I wouldn't walk across the street for a bottle of wine.

 

[whs]

I wouldn't walk across the street for a bottle of wine.

Understand. That shows the differences in culture. That amazes me though a little bit because you seem to live in wine country. They have some good Cabernet Sauvignon in your area. The best I found at the monastery in Los Gatos.

 

[DavidE]

For friends and family i help that call me i get connected to them via TeamViewer.
Then i tell them to show me the problem they are having, so i can see it for myself.
I often can't understand the problem they tell me about on the phone until i see it.

If I can't answer or fixit, i tell them i'll look for more help, and call them back.

I look for fixes in SF, EF, TF, google, etc., and ask for help here if i can't find an answer.

 

[HAVOC]

I usually do repairs for friends/family and I get a couple bucks or dinner. I sometimes get a phone call from them saying that they need help but I don't feel like leaving the house. In that regards I think a teamviewer like program would be nice to have. The problem is, some of the people that call will have trouble with that. Maybe next time I'm over their house, I can install such a program on the computer, and use it when the need arises?

 

[sgage]

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

When I do computer help for my friends, they insist on paying me. Unless what I did was utterly trivial, I let them. My family, OTOH, doesn't need much computer help - many of my nieces and nephews are IT professionals/coders.

 

[strollin]

I wouldn't walk across the street for a bottle of wine.

Understand. That shows the differences in culture. That amazes me though a little bit because you seem to live in wine country. They have some good Cabernet Sauvignon in your area. The best I found at the monastery in Los Gatos.

Not so much a difference in culture, the majority of adults in the US probably agree with you. However, wine and other "adult" beverages simply taste terrible to me so I don't drink them.

 

[DavidE]

I sometimes get a phone call from them saying that they need help but I don't feel like leaving the house. In that regards I think a teamviewer like program would be nice to have. The problem is, some of the people that call will have trouble with that. Maybe next time I'm over their house, I can install such a program on the computer, and use it when the need arises?

Understood.
Teamviewer has a Quick Support version that does not get installed.
Just have them download the Quick Support exe and run it.
Could help in a pinch until you can get over and install the full version.

 

[Layback Bear]

It is simple for me.
I don't let anybody know that I know or can find out how to fix a computer problem.

I found out when I was working as a auto mechanic, when I stopped repairing friends cars for free I had a lot less friends.

I had young ladies offer (sxx) for auto repairs.
My answer was simple.
I have (sxx) for enjoyment and repair cars for money and never get the two confused.

Kendall Jackson make a real nice Zinfandel and it's not pricey.
I haven't found a Ohio wine I think much of.

 

[whs]

Wine in Ohio - that's new to me - but why not. I have had wine from Washington state, from the Finger Lakes in NY state and wine from Virginia. None of those killed me but would also not make the list in Gault Millau or Michelin. Some of the Finger Lake people came originally from Germany.

 

[AddRAM]

the program makers usually have online videos and there is always youtube.

But you`re doing the best thing by saying, "I don`t know about that software"

Especially when working at a job site, helping friends on the other hand, is totally up to you.

 

[indianacarnie]

Wine in Ohio - that's new to me - but why not. I have had wine from Washington state, from the Finger Lakes in NY state and wine from Virginia. None of those killed me but would also not make the list in Gault Millau or Michelin. Some of the Finger Lake people came originally from Germany.

The Finger Lake region/Lake placid area some of the prettiest country in the United States. Good people there too