As someone who has been asked to restart the computer, even though I already did that before calling IT support... I internally sigh, but begrudgingly do it again just to appease their process. Because I assume plenty of people don't do it and make y'alls life a tiny bit harder, when a restart would've fixed it

Also, how many are solved by making sure the power cable is not just plugged into the wall, but seated into the back of the computer as well?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 4 months ago (1 children)

As someone working as on-site IT support for over 15 years, I can't tell you how often I have asked people to restart their computer over the phone and they swore they did ("multiple times even"), only for me to eventually come around to their desk and having them actually reboot the device in my presence and for the problem to actually fix itself.

One Lady I asked to restart their computer said "all right, hold on." only to respond not even 10 seconds (!) later "I did, its still not working„ and after the third time I went to her desk and asked her to show me what she did. She leaned forward, turned off the monitor, then turned it back on. "I did this 10 times already, and its still not working".

Some people just lie about rebooting, some simply don't actually know how to reboot properly. After a few months, you get to know who's lying, who's doesn't know better and who's actually telling you the truth, you get to know your coworkers.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago

She leaned forward, turned off the monitor, then turned it back on. "I did this 10 times already, and its still not working".

And this is why I couldn't work in IT support; I just don't have the patience for certain things. I always love teaching people new things, but most people don't care when it comes to computers; they just want it to work effortlessly even when they're the one screwing it up.

And especially working on-site! Oh my life, I bet there's that same few people... just constantly failing to even try lmao

[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 months ago (1 children)

well shutdown isn't a full restart anymore, it literally saves your issues and reloads it when it turns on. so we have to doublecheck that too. it should count as restart, but doesn't.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Honestly, I would try the restart first (cause it was easier/more automated), and then a full shutdown and power-up. It's been many years since I called any IT support though, but that was mu process. Cause I hated having to call for help lol

[–] [email protected] 1 points 4 months ago (1 children)

but a shutdown is NOT a restart anymore and doesn't quit and restart processes

https://youtu.be/OBGxt8zhbRk?si=BE17RFGEzen5WM8n

[–] [email protected] 2 points 4 months ago

I hear ya, and appreciate the info because I didn't know that. I was saying that I would do both before calling, and then again when they asked me

But this was back in like 2004-ish, so I'm not sure what was best practice back then. I would just try it all before calling lol... going so far as to shut down and unplug for a few seconds or more