Elgin Computer Guy

This is a story of the worst technical support I’ve ever experienced in my life. It’s no wonder everyone complains about the quality of technical support.

As a computer tech with 20+ years of experience, I thought I’d seen and heard it all when it comes to tech support horror stories. I’ve dealt with countless completely clueless “techs” on the phone and mostly managed to keep my cool. I’ve learned to deal with those who follow their scripts without understanding. Usually once all the scripted stuff doesn’t work, you can escalate to 2nd level support and start the real troubleshooting. (more…)

Make your own sign

I was listening to a recorded teleconference with my marketing coach the other day.  I don’t remember what was asked of her, but obviously it was something she found unpleasant.  Her answer? 

“I’d rather shave my head with a cheese grater!”

A friend sent me this link about hacking the printer display for HP printers. While I thought changing the display to “Insert Coin” was cute, the thing that really got me laughing was the story of a hospital intern changing a printer to say “Out of Cheese”. I used to work at a hospital help desk and imagined someone calling and trying to explain that her printer claims to be out of cheese. Too funny!

Note (November 11, 2007):  I just noticed this link is broken… I’m going to leave it up in the hopes it’s a temporary problem.  Basically it’s about “hacking” the display of a networked HP printer to display whatever you want.

http://kovaya.com/miscellany/2007/10/insert-coin.html