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In a work context, helping people with their computer problems isn't a bad thing. If it sounds like something easy, help them fix it. If it sounds hard, refer t
by GavinB 16y ago
In a work context, helping people with their computer problems isn't a bad thing. If it sounds like something easy, help them fix it. If it sounds hard, refer them to tech support.
Also, if someone walks by struggling to carry a heavy package, offer to help them with it. Helping is good, as long as you keep it under control.
Helping people with little things is one of the best ways to build a network.
- gvb 16y agoAbsolutely! I don't get asked a whole lot, but don't mind helping because of the reasons you point out and also because it keeps me sharp. One thing that is really helpful is that I always have the friend drop his computer off at my house so I can work on it in my spare (sparse) time with all my tools at hand. Nowadays the computers are mostly laptops, but even towers are easy enough to transport (I have plenty of keyboards, mice, and monitors). Trying to fix a computer in real time on-site or over a phone is a major PITA.
- sanswork 16y agoI've actually made it a policy for the developers in my team to not do tech support type fixes for people anymore. I've had in the past people be helpful only to become another teams full time tech go to which is incredibly distracting.