c/computer-technicians

Had a client last week who insisted on using a cheap power supply from a no-name brand

Three years ago, I would have just installed it to make them happy. Last month, I saw a system fry because of a similar unit. This time in Tampa, I told them it was a bad idea and showed them a Corsair unit for $80. They got mad and said I was upselling. Has anyone else had to argue with a client over a part that you know will cause problems?

1 comments

evafoster•1d ago

Appreciation post: A customer in Tampa taught me a trick with a paperclip

I was fixing a desktop that wouldn't boot, and the guy watched me for a minute before handing me a paperclip. He said, "My dad was a tech, he always used these to short the CMOS pins, it's easier than hunting for a jumper." I've kept one in my kit ever since. What's your go-to simple tool for a quick fix?

3 comments

nelson.mia•1d ago

A customer in Denver handed me a sticky note with his password on it

I was fixing his laptop at his house, and he just wrote it down and gave it to me. He said, 'Here, this is easier than me typing it in every time.' It was his main email password, plain as day. I told him to never do that again and helped him set up a password manager right then. Has anyone else had to give a quick security talk in the middle of a repair?

3 comments

tessap97•5d ago

Beep codes used to be the first thing I listened for

When I started, a computer's beeps would point straight to the bad part before you opened the case. Now, most boards just have a small number display, which is quick but feels less involved. Do you miss those old audio clues sometimes?

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hugo_bell89•6d ago

I stopped assuming power supplies were fine without load testing

A client's random reboots were fixed after load testing found a bad power supply, so I always test them now.

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annaf73•7d ago

Warning: Labeling every cable changed how I handle repairs

I used to think labeling cables was a waste of time. My workspace was a tangled mess, and I'd spend minutes tracing each wire during repairs. After a frustrating incident where I plugged a SATA cable into the wrong port, I decided to change. I bought a pack of colored labels and started marking every cable by type and purpose. For example, red for power, blue for data, and green for peripherals. Now, when I'm deep into a repair, I can glance and know exactly what I'm dealing with. This habit has made my work faster and reduced errors significantly. My clients have noticed the efficiency, and it's boosted my confidence too!

3 comments

kimblack•8d ago

The day I realized my home office is just my couch with a laptop.

I thought doing my job from home was great. Then a call came during my kid's bedtime story. Now my couch has a permanent spot from my computer. I sorted a network issue while boiling water for spaghetti. The user had no clue I was in my pajamas. Sometimes I miss the office just for the ride home signal. But hey, at least I cut gas costs.

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margaretpark•9d ago

Just dealt with a string of laptops killed by cheap power adapters

Honestly, had three come in this week alone with fried charging circuits. Tbh, all of them were using off-brand adapters that looked legit but weren't. Ngl, it's getting annoying explaining to people why saving twenty bucks wrecks their machine. Now I keep a toasted motherboard on the counter as a warning.

4 comments

dakotaclark•10d ago

My tool sorting routine saved my sanity during a rush job

I always threw my screwdrivers, cables, and adapters into one big bag before heading out. It was a mess and slowed me down every time. Last fall, I began grouping them into small packs based on what I usually need for common fixes. So now I grab a laptop bag for screen swaps or a network kit for router setups. Yesterday, I had four house calls booked close together. Having the right pack ready let me zip through each visit without fumbling. I even caught an early dinner instead of rushing to the next job. It feels good to have a simple system that works. What small habits have made your workday better?

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brookem14•11d ago

When a fix involves seeing someone's browser history

My policy is to look away and focus on the task.

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masonw43•13d ago

Rant: A BIOS update that took all weekend...

So I'm working on this old server for a friend... it needed a BIOS update to support a newer CPU. I figured, no problem, maybe an hour tops. Downloaded the file, got the USB ready. Started the process and it just... hung. I mean the progress bar didn't move for four hours. I was terrified to shut it off and brick the whole board. Just sat there watching it, checking the screen every ten minutes. Finally, on Sunday afternoon, it just beeped and finished like nothing was wrong. Two full days for a ten-second success message. I think my hair got a little grayer.

4 comments