What I've learned so far

Because I was asked to make a list...

General
- Box office critters are not hired for their brains. They have, in fact, one brain shared between all of them. Slightly worn. Most of the time they forget it at home.
- Marketing? Shared braincell. Brand new, never used.

Computers
- In most people's opinion, "female" and "knowledgeable in computer-related matters" are mutually exclusive. Come on, people. Just because I've got a different set of reproductive organs than you do, it doesn't mean I'm tech dumb. This is especially true if you need to ask me for help because you can't find the power button on the computer.
- Compact computers suck butt. Most of them need... well, I'm thinking of the 9.8 m/s² kind of acceleration, really.
- I was just reminded that the same goes for Compaq computers.
- Any manufacturer who creates a computer which will not boot from CD unless the hard disk is completely wiped needs to be taken out in the woods and shot. Thank fuck for boot disks, DOS and format c:.
(Edited to add: yes, I know about the BIOS menus. First thing I checked - I'm so used to going into BIOS and changing the boot order to CD first when I need it to start from CD, I've done it a lot of times. But when the BIOS on said computer is so shitty that it will not let you change the boot order, well then... that's a completely different matter.)
- Installing, removing and replacing hardware (network cards, videocards, soundcards, hard disks, RAM, you name it). Something to add to the "what do you mean you should do that for me, because I don't know how to do it? I did that several times this summer" pile.
- Monitors are front-heavy and a bitch to stack. I still can move them. Ditto computers, even though they're lighter and not a bitch to stack. One more for the "yup, did this all summer" pile.
- Windows installs are about as entertaining as watching paint peel. Even with a convenient floppy disk that means the install won't be asking you questions.
- Computer cases should open by removing screws, and be held closed by said screws. Any other method is stupid. Two reasons:
1. Any method that is designed to allow any random dimwit easy access to the innards of a computer, without even having to use a screwdriver, is inherently stupid.
2. Said methods are not "easy". They get stuck, they get rusted, they're a bitch to open or to close or both... It takes me five seconds to get inside a computer with a normal screw-closed case. It takes me a good five minutes of cussing to get inside a computer with one of those "easy-to-open" cases. More if it's the first time I deal with that particular kind of case. And no, it's not just me - the friend I work with, who knows far more about computer innards than I do, was equally stumped.
- Network cables will always be either way too long or way too short. Unless you make them the specific length that you need. Which brings me to my next point...
- Network cables are actually rather fun to make, after you get over the "What? You want ME to make a working network cable from this cable and these connectors?" shock. And it's a good antidote to boredom when you no longer have to refer to a written bit of paper to remember the order the wires go in. (Orange's still a bitch though. So's green. Oh, and even if white cable looks better, grey cable's far superior in the "not killing your fingers straightening wires" field. At least the one I've used.)
- ADSL connections that ticket selling is relying upon will always choose busy moments to die a fiery death. And of course, the ISDN backup connections that are supposed to automatically kick in will not automatically kick in, and you will need to run around late at night sorting things out. (Bonus points for the ADSLs dying on Friday 13th, and just when I was about to go home for the night. Thanks so much, universe.)

¤ August 17, 2004 01:19 AM ¤

Comments

"I'm thinking of the 9.8 m/s² kind of acceleration, really."

=D Now that I'm done apologizing for waking half the household with my laughter, I must thank you for that line. Wonderful, really.

Posted by: Bird at August 17, 2004 01:41 PM

Sounds like it has all been good experience eagle. Also sounds remarkably close to my job except without the screaming of customers.

;)

"In most people's opinion, "female" and "knowledgeable in computer-related matters" are mutually exclusive. Come on, people. Just because I've got a different set of reproductive organs than you do, it doesn't mean I'm tech dumb. This is especially true if you need to ask me for help because you can't find the power button on the computer."

Sadly this is because IT is still a mainly male dominated area. Possibly because it has this label of being really geeky and only done by sad skinny guys with big thick glasses.

The IT industry needs more ladies.

Posted by: sp4f at August 17, 2004 01:48 PM

Bird: you're quite welcome :D

sp4f: yeah, I know... still annoys the heck out of me, though. Especially when I've proven I'm more than capable of solving most common problems, and people STILL ask for my male coworker whenever they can. Grrr.

Posted by: sailoreagle at August 17, 2004 02:09 PM

"Sadly this is because IT is still a mainly male dominated area. Possibly because it has this label of being really geeky and only done by sad skinny guys with big thick glasses."

OK, I fulfil 1 out of 4.
Even though I am the *only* female technician, I can still get a kick out of the office staff coming to me first for advice. Strange but true!

Posted by: Synapse at August 17, 2004 09:55 PM

Heh.

I fulfil all of those categories Synapse ;).

Eagle: You know people are dumb and blinkered. Just make sure it never gets you down *hugs*

Posted by: sp4f at August 19, 2004 03:09 PM

This constant criticism of the intelligence of the people you meet in your daily business is way too harsh and worryingly bitter! Watch your step and try and grow some kindness into your heart, at least for karmas sake. You are not brighter than everyone you meet, you are just more impatient and less experienced by the sounds of your entries here. ..... Chill out! Have you considered how others might feel about encountering you on their innocent travels.... woah

Posted by: Marie at August 20, 2004 04:39 AM

You know what, my last comment was mean and caused by a general foul mood of mine... you got the brunt of it and I am sorry to have left that comment above .. It was way too horrible and harsh. Please feel free to delete.

Posted by: Marie at August 20, 2004 04:51 AM

Right. Pot, kettle...

Also, please remember the two words, "stress relief". ;) I'm basically volunteering here, pretty much doing this for the fun and the experience, as I get paid not very much at all for the amount of work I do.

And I'm really having lots of fun here. Otherwise I wouldn't do it.

As for the constant criticism of the intelligence of the people I meet, well hell, you try not criticizing the intelligence of people who pick up a phone which is CLEARLY not plugged in and wonder why it doesn't work. Or try to turn on a printer which is CLEARLY not plugged in (power cord LYING ON TOP OF IT) and panic that it's not turning on.

Kindness? Well see, I know it's not people's fault if they don't know how to deal with technology. And I know it's not their fault if they're not particularly bright. So I help them out where I can, and am nice about it, and if I'm stressed I bitch about it in my blog so I can keep being nice to them when they need it. :)

Posted by: sailoreagle at August 20, 2004 05:27 PM