I used to love doing this too, until I realised that helping someone build a PC is the same as signing them up for a lifetime of tech support for free.
“I bought a new printer and plugged it in and it’s not working? Why doesn’t it work? You built the PC, it’s your fault.”
“My ISP told me I need a new wifi router, so I plugged in the new one they sent, now my PC doesn’t have any internet. You built the PC, why doesn’t it work?”
“My colleague told me I need to upgrade my antivirus so I got a Norton subscription, I installed it and now I can’t receive any emails. Come and fix it, you built the PC.”
All 3 of these are real experiences I’ve had. There are countless more. These days I say “I’d love to help you build a PC, but it’s been 15 years since I’ve used windows, I don’t really know how to install it or set it up or use it. I’d be happy to build a PC with a Linux based OS for you.” By that time they’re already finding someone else.
Haha. I basically do the same thing. I tell them I can help build the PC for them, and install Windows, but I have no idea how Windows works. Last Windows I used was Windows XP.
I used to love doing this too, until I realised that helping someone build a PC is the same as signing them up for a lifetime of tech support for free.
“I bought a new printer and plugged it in and it’s not working? Why doesn’t it work? You built the PC, it’s your fault.”
“My ISP told me I need a new wifi router, so I plugged in the new one they sent, now my PC doesn’t have any internet. You built the PC, why doesn’t it work?”
“My colleague told me I need to upgrade my antivirus so I got a Norton subscription, I installed it and now I can’t receive any emails. Come and fix it, you built the PC.”
All 3 of these are real experiences I’ve had. There are countless more. These days I say “I’d love to help you build a PC, but it’s been 15 years since I’ve used windows, I don’t really know how to install it or set it up or use it. I’d be happy to build a PC with a Linux based OS for you.” By that time they’re already finding someone else.
Haha. I basically do the same thing. I tell them I can help build the PC for them, and install Windows, but I have no idea how Windows works. Last Windows I used was Windows XP.