are techs just technobable junkies?

[tking]

Found this (http://www.globetechnology.com/servlet/GIS.Servlets.Page/document/polls/pollResults?id=19804&pollid=19804&save=_save&show_vote_always=no&poll=GAMTechnology&hub=Technology&subhub=VoteResult) :

Has computer sales technobabble ever steered you away from a purchase?

Yes 429 votes (43 %)

No 574 votes (57 %)

What's the inside scoop on technobabble. Is ignorance a good excuse for abuse?

[mireland]

I've met techies on both ends of the spectrum: From the snobby know everything types(and they DO know everything) to techie wannabes! I've even met some here at sysopt!( won't mention any names):D
http://www.fancysplace.com/smileys/bam.gif

[mrrobotto]

Originally posted by mireland
I've met techies on both ends of the spectrum: From the snobby know everything types(and they DO know everything) to techie wannabes! I've even met some here at sysopt!( won't mention any names):D
http://www.fancysplace.com/smileys/bam.gif

You mean the ones that are a legend in their own mind!

[rmanet]

Originally posted by mireland
I've even met some here at sysopt!( won't mention any names):D
http://www.fancysplace.com/smileys/bam.gif

rather than hijack this thread....

why don't you guys start a new poll? some mods and the frequent posters are pretty good natured, but at least you'll generate some excitement

maybe you'll feel better - may be cathartic for you all :D

p.s. and for what it's worth - I've rarely met anyone in a retail store who knows much and heck, even if they offer an opinion look at the debates here at sysopt on Intel v. AMD, different OS platforms, best systems setups, etc.

- no different with some guy who actually knows something at (gasp) compusa - you know last time I was there a guy looked at me like I was nuts when I said $10.99 was a little steep for a lousy two connector IDE cable I needed to finish building a system

[tking]

I've been trying to classify the various techs into different breeds, that's why the poll.

I've noticed a strong martyr complex in anyone who does network admin. They are always right, everyone who can't wire up a router is an idiot (even though the network admin shouldn't be expected to know *anything* about anyone else's job) and management can't hope to understand their genius. They live in a world of desperate, self-enforced importance.

The hardware types are usually avid hobbiests with really strong opinions and not a lot of money. They usually don't work in IT, but spend a lot of free time arguing specifics that anyone in their right mind wouldn't give the tiniest **** about. ;)

The software types are wealthy, better adjusted and fun loving. They usually work in the field and are more generally accepted as white collar workers (unlike the ones above who are seen more as glorified mechanics).

Kinda makes you wonder why anyone sane would go into networking or pc building :x

[leprechaun_40]

Alot of those folks out there selling computers haven't a clue what the terms they are using mean. Just like the car salesmen, they pickup on a few key words and go from there, another reason I build my own, I hate sales people:r

[herosrest]

No one sane is in networking or pc building.

It starts at the top. A multi Billion tech giant of incredible wealth that doesn't pay share dividend. Go figure.

[Bigjakkstaffa]

As Tim knows i really dont get on well with computer types, especially programmers and software types and their lengthy rants (usually spoken in Klingon) about why Star Trek is the greatest TV series ever and how the matrix could very possibly be real.

I tend to get on better with the 'non-pro' hardware types, they know how computers work rather than simply knowing how to use computers, and usually, due to an in-depth knowledge dont feel the need to jump down your throat with their latest mind blowing statistic or fact and for most of em (liek moi) its a hobby, so they actually have lives outside the realm of 'geek' (i hate archtypal geek past-times, Sc-Fi, Mathematics, D+D, Science, Comic Books....BOOOORING)

--Jakk:t

[genesound]

Well then Jakk, you must really love my avatar :eek:

'Course this Trek character was the goofy engineer Rom, a misfit to the despicable Ferengi breed, his people were supposed to be motivated by only profit, but he mainly liked to tinker with the hardware :x


Oh yeah, I voted umm, #3 - are well adjusted people who perform a valuable service to society :t

[chubtub]

Bah, I do all 3 of those things/jobs for my company, wonder what that makes me?

[tking]

Bah?

[chubtub]

"Bah" kinda like a Homer Simpson -> "Doh!"

[tking]

Doh! :rolleyes:

Interesting poll statistics wise. I wonder how many sysopt regulars are helpless noobs looking for help and how many are gurus in hiding...

[Logan2002]

Originally posted by Bigjakkstaffa
As Tim knows i really dont get on well with computer types, especially programmers and software types and their lengthy rants (usually spoken in Klingon) about why Star Trek is the greatest TV series ever and how the matrix could very possibly be real.

I tend to get on better with the 'non-pro' hardware types, they know how computers work rather than simply knowing how to use computers, and usually, due to an in-depth knowledge dont feel the need to jump down your throat with their latest mind blowing statistic or fact and for most of em (liek moi) its a hobby, so they actually have lives outside the realm of 'geek' (i hate archtypal geek past-times, Sc-Fi, Mathematics, D+D, Science, Comic Books....BOOOORING)

--Jakk:t

Right on brother!!

[bassman]

Well, I've met tech guys who are definitely great and have a world of knowledge in their head, still being able to be humble and not mocking on other people's lack of knowledge. In opposition, I've met some that are also genius-like but their egocentrical arrogance forces them to call you stupid indirectly every time they give you an answer (when they do give you one :rolleyes: ). But my favorite kind is the one who thinks he knows it all and only says nonsense :x I get along with any of them, except the 2nd "kind" I mentioned...we're all learning until we die, if it wasn't that way, life would be boring ;)

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by herosrest
No one sane is in networking
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**** it, why didn't you warn me before!!! :D

[Logan2002]

Originally posted by rmanet


rather than hijack this thread....

why don't you guys start a new poll? some mods and the frequent posters are pretty good natured, but at least you'll generate some excitement

maybe you'll feel better - may be cathartic for you all :D

p.s. and for what it's worth - I've rarely met anyone in a retail store who knows much and heck, even if they offer an opinion look at the debates here at sysopt on Intel v. AMD, different OS platforms, best systems setups, etc.

- no different with some guy who actually knows something at (gasp) compusa - you know last time I was there a guy looked at me like I was nuts when I said $10.99 was a little steep for a lousy two connector IDE cable I needed to finish building a system

In my experience in stores sales clerks know next to nothing about the products they sell. (In my experience!!!).
They often tell you about what is already highlighted on the display, when you ask about the motherboards specs which are not on the display. In Korea I have experienced this and here in the States.
I will not even get into techs that help people over the phone.
That is even worse in my experience. I am not saying companies do not have staff that are not highly skilled they do. Here in Alaska the local cable company had to refer one customer to one of them to solve a simple issue.

[cwin]

i just went to a pc shop. Some tech guy came up and asked what i wanted. I showed him this (http://www.pinnaclesys.com/ProductPage_n.asp?Product_ID=1426&Langue_ID=2) (printed)

He said... you need to be more specific. There is hundreds of those!
I want a http://www.pinnaclesys.com/images/n/hdr_dazzle_bl.gifhttp://www.pinnaclesys.com/images/n/hdr_size_c_digitalvideocreator150_2.gif
*HOW CAN I BE ANY MORE SPECIFIC :confused:
Ummmmmmmm.... :eek: :t

[Logan2002]

LOL I know the frustration. You ask about something say a computer case. The only details you get are front usb ports.....I can actually see that, the psu (the only help info I ever get) But about fans expansion bays ect......sheeesh.

I did have a friend in Korea who was really good. I bought four desktops from him. Now he knew his stuff. Sometimes I would stop by just to talk to him

[chubtub]

The nicest coder that I have met is my boss. He can read a 600 page DX9 programming book in a day then code it as if it was nothing. This is also the same guy who stands behind me helping me very patiently, never getting mad or insulting.

Everyone who works with him is amazed how good he is and how much he tries to hide it.

[Logan2002]

Wow he sounds really nice. Where I work now the boss is really anal. Your lucky.

[bassman]

Originally posted by Logan2002
In my experience in stores sales clerks know next to nothing about the products they sell.
But they usually tell you something like "Oh, the part you ordered is discontinued" or "We don't have that, but this here is way better" :rolleyes:

[Logan2002]

That is true.

[Rat]

Most tech reps I've dealt with were trained well to use their interactive solution finder software the company gave them to help over the phone, but ask them something outside the box and that's where the help ended. I usally had to figure out the issue on my own or come here and get the answers.

Very rarely do I get real help from a rep. Sysopt has far better resources and far more knowledge not to mention the greatest flame-throwers :x


Rat

[TechGuru]

Lets face it anyone who does this for a living has come to the conclusion that there are 2 certainties in life

1. I will be going to school for the rest of my life
2. When I die, I still will have a lot to learn


Its the beauty of the tech industry, constantly evolving, you might be the smartest IT guy on the planet right now, but 1 year down the road you don't know squat


For instance there are few people out there these days that know DOS as well as I do (not that I know it all, I was brought up in dos is all)

........and thats valuable info for whom.........