Working in tech support – or being a “geek on hire” – has its moment. Some problems are a nightmare, or you just get blamed for stuff that’s not your fault because… well, you’re the IT guy and you should be able to fix Windows.
Then you get the occasional easy one. Like this:
*phone rings*
Me: Hey, Vlad. WHat have you broken this time?
Vlad: Nothing. Well. When I boot the PC up it stops and asks me about boot devices and stuff. I get past that and into Windows and try to open a web browser. Everything flickers and flashes. It’s just unusable.
Me: OK… here’s a theory. Grab the keyboard on each side.
Vlad: Yeeees….
Me: And tug it, gently, towards you. About an inch.
Vlad: Erm. OK. …. …. …. It’s stopped flashing!
Me: The desk you’re on’s really small isn’t it?
Vlad: How did you know?
Me: You had the keyboard crushed under the monitor so it was pressing on the function keys.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](https://i0.wp.com/img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?w=840)
Wow, can you come and work on our tech support helpdesk? We’re not allowed to call anyone, we have to log a case, then wait for the chaps in India to contact us via Sametime. Then spend an eternity trying to explain to them what the problem is even though it’s all been written in the case. Then you end up having to escalate the case because half the day has gone and you still can’t do any work. Finally an hour before home time, Adam from downstairs comes round to have a look at the pc and sorts it in less than a minute….aaargghh!
Here’s a short cut:
Ring Adam first.
My consultancy fee for that solution is £250+VAT. Payable in cash or beer.
A literal case of the well-known PEBCAK error. Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard.
Tried that…call Adam first and he says ‘You need to log a case….’.
Cash or beer? How about a photo…? 😉
I’ve heard of PEBCAK. I just keep forgetting to use the term when I’m on the phone to them…
And a photo of what? *looks all innocent-like* I’ve already seen your tattoo!
you could get a job at our helpdesk support – they are a bunch of clowns. I’ve taken to calling them Krusty when they call.
also, don’t know if you know this but you anti-spam thingy is throwing out some rather odd combinations of words to me.
Ah, but that would involve living in the UK. And – worse – The South. Nah, but ta.
As for the words, they’re supposedly random. I’m just a little annoyed at the lack of profanity in there. “apparent Jackson” doesn’t quite cut it for me.
Hey, my tattoo seems to have changed colour…I think it’s cos my skin’s healing over it…
Yup, they do that – it’s normal, don’t worry!
hahaha! that’s absolute gold!
do you happen to live at 221B baker St by any chance, Mr. Holmes?
🙂
Nope, I live in a little flat round the back of the hotel that overlooks the French/Italian/Swiss Alps. I actually have no idea of the street address…
I just happen to know that when you switch a PC on, you press certain function keys for certain menus. These were coming up every time and the only reason would be if someone/thing was pressing the buttons. It obviously wasn’t the user and I also know that some of the offices are really small and cramped, so…