Squaredshoes

From the Network Administrators Diaries: Just Another Day in the Life by Doug Chick I believe that if computer makers would just go ahead and admit that the personal computer is nothing more than a device used in an elaborate experiment in human behavior, funded by The American Mental Illness Foundation, it would make the entire business of serving the end-user, (filthy bastards) a lot more bearable. 

Yes, it is true that I only feel this way when I'm very busy and don't have the time or patience to work with these people on whatever idiocy they conjure up next. And this week has been a virtual witches convention. (Filthy bastards) I'm sorry; I know I've already said that once but I really need it right now. 

Here's one example of why:

One of our computer users stopped me when I was in her department and complained that every time her foot hits the off button on her computer, (and I speak of an off button that you must hold down and count to ten to turn off) every time her foot accidentally turns off her computer, she is unable to reconnect to her program and must call the IS department for help. Most of the time she has to wait up to ten minutes for help and she's tired of it.

"I want to you show me, whatever it is you people have to do to fix the problem so I don't have to call you." She demanded. 

I crouched down, looking at the computer under her desk. I then explained that I couldn't show her because it's on a server and I really don't want her doing anything on one of our servers. This upset her and she gripped my arm, telling me that she has a computer at home and she is smart enough to use the ones we use. Of course, I replied by saying, 

"And yet you're not smart enough to quit turning off your computer with your foot." And then I suggested that it would be safer if she'd just wear squared toed shoes to work. I then returned to my office and sent someone over to move the idiot's computer. 

A non-computers person reading this might just laugh or find the experience mildly entertaining. An experience computer person reading his just got a knot in his or her stomach and is now upset mumbling, filthy bastards. 

There is no real point to the story with the exception that I just needed an outlet to vent because my wife won't allow me to speak of such matters because she too is a computer geek and it brings up her own memories. Most of you are also computer professionals and probably didn't need to be reminded either. But for those of you studying your brains out to become a network administrator one dayit will be you turn one day soon. (These is where you hear an evil laugh.)