Actually, it makes a lot of sense to talk about this type thing. So many consumers are utterly dependent on the free support of a small number technically adept

Actually, it makes a lot of sense to talk about this type thing. So many consumers are utterly dependent on the free support of a small number technically adept family and friends. These people do a staggering amount to support tech companies for little to no recompense, and often their only reward is to be called upon more frequently and by more friends and family, and the network of further social circles in turn. If it's a child asking for help, obviously then just help them, and teach them how to use problem solving techniques if they're old enough. If they're adults, then you send them to a local IT support shop, or charge them normal rates for your own time. When the cost of ownership begins to exceed the technical literacy of users, the market may start to correct for some of the exploitation of consumer ignorance. A large number of adults have no business owning anything more complex than a rotary phone. It's immensely liberating to cut loose the users in your life when they begin to treat you as free tech support. It's also a really cool thing when people start to think for themselves and learn really basic troubleshooting by searching our watching videos. Even more liberating, though, is to take a principled stand, whether it's over privacy, free software, or whatever aspect of tech you feel strongly about. Sorry, I won't even visit for family dinners if you've got a Facebook portal or Amazon echo in your house. You can opt out of the panopticon, and I'll gladly give my time helping you do that, but other people don't get to opt me in to unaccountable surveillance networks. This guy's friends and family aren't entitled to his time in service of Microsoft products. Good on him for drawing a line in the sand. >>Sorry to be blunt, etc... Never do anything for free, and don't bend your principles or allow yourself to be used, even by family. The world would be a better place by far if fewer people got taken advantage of, and more people held to their values.