Legit Reviews

My friends and family constantly ask me for advice about computer hardware, software, and peripherals. This is not because I know everything; it is because I know more than their other acquaintances (and they don't have to pay me for help). I don't mind, I like "talking shop" as it were, and I imagine that many of the members here feel the same.

However, there is one topic I absolutely dread. One topic about which my knowledge is disproportionally low.

Digital Cameras and the use of Image Manipulation Software

I don't know anything about cameras. I don't even own one. The most complicated thing I've ever done with Image Software is resizing an image so it would be small enough for a forum avatar. Whenever someone asks me about these topics I feel a bit like Mark Twain. "I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn't know."


Anyone else in this boat with me?
Is there something people assume you know, use, or are "good with" simply because you are a enthusiast or professional?

I'm no good at trying to help someone out if I cant see the PC and what it's doing (mostly over the phone or if someone says 'my computer is doing xxx' what should I do). My grandad does this the most (he got a laptop and its all still fairly new to him), and its really hard to try and visualise all the menus and things to tell him where to go and what to do. I don't mind trying to help, but it just means that I'm not able to help much.

You should point them over here if they have any questions you dont know answers to.

Dan

I make my living by giving peopel support over the phone. It helps when you have a limited number of variables to work with. I don't miss the days of general PC troubleshooting over the phone.

What drives me nuts is when a friend-of-a-relative or a friend-of-a-friend asks you for help and expects you to do it for free. I, like the other professionals in my field, get paid to do what I do. Assuming I won't ask a fee or becoming indiginat when I tell you about one is an insult. If I wanna screw around with computers, I'll use my own current gen gear not someones antiquated Packard Bell desktop. There's nothing fun about fixing ancient equipment. And no, because you know my dad doesn't mean I'm obligated to help you. I'll discuss the topic with you and present you with some ideas, but when the works needs to be done I expect fair compensation.

As far as cameras, I confess I'm just as lost. I have a loose understanding of how megapixels work. I just wish they would have stuck to resolution instead of that. My friend owns his own photography company and is always spending hundreds on lenses and stuff so when I have a question I usually ask him.

Stuff over the phone can be hard. I try and help the outside sales guys here at work and relatives at home. It helps when you have the same OS and they just want to know where something is. You can step them trough it on the phone while looking at it yourself. Helped my aunt learn how to use her new camera over the phone. I just down loaded the manual for it, read it, and told her what to do.

I answer simple questions in passing, things like what is a good free anti virus/spyware cleaner or "This is what my computer is, this is what I want to do, can my computer handle it?". When they start asking about program issues specifically or "how do I fix...." then I tell them I really can't help with out setting in front of it. That is usually (6 out of 10) fallowed by what do you charge to look it over and find whats wrong. I tell them 40 too look and if its simple I'll go head and fix it. If its bad then we talk from there.

Some moan and grown over the 40, but I'm still cheaper then computer shops around, and after I'm done they are happy and glad the spent the 40. Best example was one I fixed last week. Guy here at work had me look his PC over, he had already picked out its replacement and was ready to buy it he was so mad at his PC. All he needed was some more ram (all he had was 256mb) and have some spyware removed.

i have no idea when it comes to printers.. my girlfriend always seems to mess up her printer so her pictures look like crap when they print. i mess around with new drivers and things like that but can never get it working again.. so far the only way to remedy her problem has been to buy a new printer. she will be getting her 3rd one in december..

about the printers, the only thing i really like about Vista so far was how good it was at setting up my printer. i have it connected to the router with a straight through RJ-45 (crimped by me, i dont trust store bought cables ) and it straight away detected it over the network and installed drivers for it.

Printers seem to be cheaper to replace that some toner carts. I have a HP LaserJet 1100 that I paid $110 for. If I were to buy another cart for it that would cost me $80. May as well just buy a whole new printer for that much.

I hear ya on being the guy people go to for computer help. most of my family barely know how to turn on the computer. most of the things that i dont know, i know a little about and probably can get by with looking into it or bugging people here. one thing i dont really have a clue about is websites. i had a guy ask me yesterday actually if i know about setting up a website. i told him to go to godaddy.com cause they had commercials that stuck in my mind ( probably because there was a hot chick in the commercial).

Skippman wrote:Printers seem to be cheaper to replace that some toner carts. I have a HP LaserJet 1100 that I paid $110 for. If I were to buy another cart for it that would cost me $80. May as well just buy a whole new printer for that much.

Think of the environment... Seriously though, most manufacturers are giving away printers since they make money on consumables.

"Hey Dr Everyman, I need a liver transplant, you're my friend, could you do the operation for me for free."

Thats what I think when people ask for free computer work. If someone asks, and I am already in the room with the computer, I will sit down and look at it, if I can't solve the problem in 15 minutes I tell them to have a professional look at it. This usually happens at the college with my Fiancee's friends, and they have unlimited free computer assistance with the Computer Center, so I don't feel bad about doing it.