Frustrations of supporting Windows
Being in the IT world, I'm frequently contacted by family members for help with their computers. And unfortunately, their computers are running Windows 2000/XP/Vista. Why is it unfortunate? Because I am contacted like clockwork, every few months or so, with the same issues time and time again. The top issues that are brought up repeatedly are: a) The computer has a virus or spyware that has hosed the system completely, or The computer is running slower than ever. And neither of these problems are fixed in a couple of minutes. It can take hours to clean viruses and spyware or re-install the entire system (if it's damaged badly enough), let alone try and clean up all of the temporary files that Windows leaves all over the C: partition.
As a test, I migrated one of my relatives to Fedora 10, 2 years ago with a new laptop. She only uses the laptop for web browsing, email, basic office documents, and the like. To date, I've only had one call from her, about the computer going into standby mode and couldn't be waken.
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re: Frustrations
I love reading blog posts that basically say "I'm a dumbass, yet for some reason I call myself a IT Guy".
If you can't figure out how to correctly setup Windows to run safely and simply in a home environment - hang up your Geek Hat and get out of the freaking IT business.
As to doing fresh windows installs - bwahahahahahahaha. What a noob. Real IT people have been using system images for decades. Linux even makes a open source version for those too cheap to actually spend a buck or two on IT tools.
The big mystery in this story is why his family keeps calling such an inept person to help them out?
and your solution?
vonskippy:
Your reply was basically a bunch of meaningless text, and you provide nothing of any value. If you can't back up your statements then I would only have to assume you don't know of a solution yourself for the scenario I described. My point was basically that XP is limited in its ability to allow easy system administration without a lot of hassle to a non technical user. In my opinion, Linux (Gnome) steps in and allows for easy administration. It operates similar to UAC in Windows, which allows the user to run as a non-admin, and escalates to do system tasks fairly seamlessly. My other point was that the users could migrate to Windows 7, but why would they want to re-buy Windows.
You are telling me that you would back up their PC to an image. So, once a new piece of software or significant system changes are done, you would have to capture another image. I have better things to do than waste away hours and capture people's PCs and be the keeper of images. Oops, you forgot that capturing an image will also back up the malware and everything else on the PC.
I've used Windows/Linux in enterprise and home environments for over 12 years. I know both operating systems inside and out, and in my opinion Linux is easier to manage and maintain. I'd love to hear feedback and some actual useful info, IF you have any. I am guessing I won't hear back.
LOL, this article stirred up a hornet's nest!
LOL, the windoze gestapo wants this guy arrested immediately for interrogation!
Seriously, you seem terribly offended that this guy isn't comfortable with the microsoft world and you jump on him with both feet to show him how much better is your knowledge of all things microsoft.
I have some news for you gentlemen - not doing microsoft windows is not a crime - there are people living full and rewarding lives, who never use microsoft windows.
I'm an IT professional, a well paid one in fact, and I know little, if anything, about microsoft products. It's certainly not any part of my job, and I have no desire whatsoever to fiddle around with microsoft windows on my own time.
I'm thinking it's probably about time you turn off your windoze peecee, and go see that big blue room!