Your computer is broke!

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I like the challenge and do it myself.

I have replaced the power supply on one computer. Both computers have gone through floppy drives. The one computer went through a bunch of CD drives before I found a good one. Software issues are always nightmares, but they get solved eventually!

[kaffy 2]

I don't know... my Mac has never broke

[Ban Hammer 13,656]

I usually fix it myself.. and if all else fails I just reinstall windows

yeah but you're using vista, so that's not really fixing it

[Marilyn. 340]

well, you know what I haven't had to reinstall Vista in the 2 years I have had it .. well only once but that was more because of a mistake on my part....

I was always reinstalling XP though...

I usually fix it myself.. and if all else fails I just reinstall windows

yeah but you're using vista, so that's not really fixing it

[Ban Hammer 13,656]

well, you know what I haven't had to reinstall Vista in the 2 years I have had it .. well only once but that was more because of a mistake on my part....

I was always reinstalling XP though...

I usually fix it myself.. and if all else fails I just reinstall windows

yeah but you're using vista, so that's not really fixing it

you're doing something wrong then, as i've got a 7 year old computer that came with xp and has never had to be reinstalled.

[NatPatBen 3]

Due to potential computer breakage, I can't imagine not having at least two computers in the home.

[Saska+Tim 7]

People usually come to me with their issues, and I usually try to avoid helping them. Have you ever noticed how if you know a carpenter, a plumber, an electrician or any kind of hands-on tradesman, and you need something fixed around the house, most people start out by asking how much they'd have to pay to have it done, whereas if people have issues with their computers, money is very rarely involved, and at best an afterthought. The compensation will mostly exist of a 'thank you', and perhaps a trivial token of gratitude like a bottle of wine or something. No compensation for time spent. Most anyone soliciting help from a person in a hands-on trade do not expect to pay just for the materials used.

I've heard people argue everything from "but it's your hobby!" to "but it didn't cost you anything to fix it!"

I want to make this clear right now; very few people consider spending hours removing viruses, worms, trojans and other malware from antiquated machinery a "hobby", and while it might not have cost anything to fix your issue in physical materials, the knowledge needed to repair your computer was gained through expensive classes, certifications and examinations that we need return on investment on. What it all comes down to for me is that when my employer needs my services out of office hours, they pay me $100/hour for the privilege. If they paid me half of that, I'd rather spend the time with my family. That means that when friends, casual acquaintances and distant family members frequently try to solicit my services for $0 and a friendly gesture, I politely refuse, but quietly resent being put in a situation where I have to decline to help the people who are close to me.

Please, please treat people in IT to the same standards that you treat people of other professions to when asking for their help.

I sooo much agree with you. Hate when people call you to visit them and than they just need you to check their computer. "Well, it is just 5 minutes of your time" and no one ever pays

[trailmix 77]

Computers are not complicated.

If you think they are, just open yours up and have a look, not much to look at.