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A Cautionary Tale (a.k.a rant)
Dec. 6th, 2007 03:45 amIf there is one thing I have learned about the average computer tech, it's that they're a lot like auto mechanics. Auto mechanics come in all shapes and sizes and talents. Some are much better than others, but truth be told the vast majority look down on those who don't have the same kind of skill, and often try to take advantage of whoever they can. We all know the stories of going to an auto mechanic and getting bullshitted about the repair costs or being told your 2003 Chevy has a [nonexistent] carburetor.
The same goes for computer techs. If you call a computer support line and don't know what you're talking about, you put yourself at great risk of being the butt of an ID10T Error joke or put on hold for long periods of time while the tech goes off and plays Quake for an hour. If you take your computer in for repair and don't already know what's wrong with it, you risk being billed for high-cost repairs that you don't really need. And you can be as polite as you want -- it won't save you if you catch them on a bad day. I've listened to countless IT friends recounting what they did to the poor ignorant losers, and I've experienced it first-hand. Needless to say, I avoid tech support at all costs.
Unfortunately for me, it becomes a necessity from time to time, but I'm frequently way too trusting when dealing with "experts". A good chunk of this has been past ignorance, but even now when I'm nowhere near "ignorant" status I still get caught in the trap. And once again, I've been hoodwinked and taken advantage of, specifically by a very commercial computer seller that I've been warned away from in the past. What bites about this particular instance is that it essentially cost me a thousand dollars in 2002, but I didn't find out I was hoodwinked until just tonight. ( Avoid CompUseless, Worst Buy, and Short-Circuit City )
Yes, I'm happy that I've got my computer back, but I think I'm also reasonably justified in my bad mood. My word of caution: don't buy computers from Best Buy if you want warranty service. Or CompUSA. Or Circuit City. Maybe not anyone at all. Better yet, build your own...or become really good friends with someone who can. ;P
And thank you for anyone who stuck through my rant. :)
The same goes for computer techs. If you call a computer support line and don't know what you're talking about, you put yourself at great risk of being the butt of an ID10T Error joke or put on hold for long periods of time while the tech goes off and plays Quake for an hour. If you take your computer in for repair and don't already know what's wrong with it, you risk being billed for high-cost repairs that you don't really need. And you can be as polite as you want -- it won't save you if you catch them on a bad day. I've listened to countless IT friends recounting what they did to the poor ignorant losers, and I've experienced it first-hand. Needless to say, I avoid tech support at all costs.
Unfortunately for me, it becomes a necessity from time to time, but I'm frequently way too trusting when dealing with "experts". A good chunk of this has been past ignorance, but even now when I'm nowhere near "ignorant" status I still get caught in the trap. And once again, I've been hoodwinked and taken advantage of, specifically by a very commercial computer seller that I've been warned away from in the past. What bites about this particular instance is that it essentially cost me a thousand dollars in 2002, but I didn't find out I was hoodwinked until just tonight. ( Avoid CompUseless, Worst Buy, and Short-Circuit City )
Yes, I'm happy that I've got my computer back, but I think I'm also reasonably justified in my bad mood. My word of caution: don't buy computers from Best Buy if you want warranty service. Or CompUSA. Or Circuit City. Maybe not anyone at all. Better yet, build your own...or become really good friends with someone who can. ;P
And thank you for anyone who stuck through my rant. :)
