$65 an hour? WTF?

[Inodoro_Pereyra]

I've used Linux for years and I would never suggest it to anyone unless I was confident they were pretty computer savvy. Otherwise as the suggester you are on the hook for getting all their windows programs to emulate in WINE or to find alternatives or to track down their missing dependencies.

If you look at my original suggestion, you'll see I specifically suggested to use Ubuntu if they don't need the Windows compatibility. True, Wine is a PITA, but even when I started using Ubuntu as a dual boot, for fear of not being able to run Windows programs, I soon discovered I didn't need them at all. And, for the ONLY Windows program I need (Solidworks) I have a second PC, just because my laptop hard drive is not big enough to dual boot Windows 7 and Ubuntu.

About your second post, I can put myself as an example: I'm definitely NOT as clever as you may think, yet, if you go to the Ubuntu forum, you will see, in the year and a half I've been a member, I only started 16 threads, and several of them had nothing to do with Ubuntu itself.

The fact that you have to read up and learn how to install programs instead of just clicking an executable and clicking NEXT NEXT NEXT, (which can be a feat in itself for some) means the average PC user isn;t going to want to deal with it.

Now you really lost me. What version of Ubuntu do you have?
I'm asking you this because I started with 9.10, and now have 10.04. I have installed many programs in both, and never had to do anything other than to look for the program in the software center, and click "Install", period. Very few times I have had any problems with them at all, and, when I did, it generally took me less than 5 minutes to read up the forum, and fit it.

I am pretty computer savvy. Ran Linux a few years ago. It was workable, but just kind of a pain in the butt. Went back to windows. Maybe someday I'll try agian.

I'm really not computer savvy at all, when it comes to software (with the exception of viruses, that have been my obsession for almost 2 decades). Try Ubuntu 10.04. I have compared it to Windows (7. to the previous Windows versions there's just no comparison at all), and had other people compare them too. Everybody loves it.

 

[RDWHAHB]

I'm really not computer savvy at all, when it comes to software (with the exception of viruses, that have been my obsession for almost 2 decades). Try Ubuntu 10.04. I have compared it to Windows (7. to the previous Windows versions there's just no comparison at all), and had other people compare them too. Everybody loves it.

Same sort of reasoning I heard last time I tried it. Not sure what version it was.

 

[knotquiteawake]

Inodoro_Pereyra, I think maybe you have just been blessed in life to not have to of supported any truly computer illiterate people. I think Linux is easy to use, but when basic windows operations truly confound people then I've got to stop and think before I could recommend something that they can't just bring to any computer shop or apple store to fix.

 

[izatt82]

when i repair some ones PC, i almost use the i will back up your data and wipe, because it's cheaper for them to have me do it that way. I can pretty much backup and reinstall in about in hour for most home users. Most of the time with new malware you are not going to get it all meaning it will come back.

 

[izatt82]

The new fedora and centOS are pretty sweet too.

 

[knotquiteawake]

I use linux on my eeepc because its a second generation eeepc so its a bit underpowered and linux is perfect for my web surfing low power needs. I think I currently have Eeeubuntu or something like that on it.

 

[Inodoro_Pereyra]

Same sort of reasoning I heard last time I tried it. Not sure what version it was.

Let me put it this way: like I said, I have 2 PC's. A laptop I'm using now, and a fairly old desktop with Windows 7 and Ubuntu on dual boot, that I have exclusively for Solidworks.
The desktop has a wireless card. When I installed Windows 7, of course, it didn't recognize the wireless. So I plugged in a wireless adapter. The moment I plugged it in, Windows started to look for the driver (one of the few things I do love about Windows 7), yet a moment later I got a message telling me it couldn't find it, so I had to get the CD, and install the driver from it. Then I could get online to look for my wireless card driver, and install it.
As a contrast, Ubuntu automatically recognized the wireless adapter in both machines, no driver needed. But later on, one day I was having problems with my wireless adapter on a customer's computer, so I turned off the wireless of my laptop, and hooked up the adapter to it, hoping the driver I have would work on Ubuntu. There was no need. The moment I plugged it in, I was connected.

Inodoro_Pereyra, I think maybe you have just been blessed in life to not have to of supported any truly computer illiterate people.

Oh...you should get to know my neighbour... She freaks out every time she gets the windows update pop up screen...
Anyway, the OP doesn't strike me as completely computer illiterate...

 

[BBKing]

I appreciate all the advice guys.

Maybe next time I wont have to take my computer to someone else...and if I do, I wont bitch about $65 an hour

 

[remilard]

This. The only way I pay someone to do work for me is if it is cheaper for me to do so.

I agree with this. If you read my post you will come to the conclusion that it is cheaper for me to hire out most service related tasks (plumbing, housecleaning, lawn treatment, car service) because the opportunity cost of my time is relatively high. I was answering the question "why would anybody pay someone to fix something" not the question "why doesn't everybody pay someone to fix something".

 

[Inodoro_Pereyra]

I was answering the question "why would anybody pay someone to fix something" not the question "why doesn't everybody pay someone to fix something".

OOhhh...! I could bet my pension you're a lawyer...

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

OOhhh...! I could bet my pension you're a lawyer...

No. He just argues with one on the TV.

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

I think everyone should read this thread again replacing instances of the word "Computer" with "Hooker"

It will all make a lot more sense that way, and give a better idea of how the quality versus cost concept works. Especially if you think you may have a virus or prefer to do it yourself for free.

 

[Inodoro_Pereyra]

OOhhh...! I could bet my pension you're a lawyer...

No. He just argues with one on the TV.

"She"

 

[remilard]

OOhhh...! I could bet my pension you're a lawyer...

Let me know how to collect your pension.

 

[iaefebs]

Let me know how to collect your pension.

I'm not a lawyer but I think you have to stay married to him for 20 years. Then divorce and the pension is yours.

 

[o4_srt]

I agree with this. If you read my post you will come to the conclusion that it is cheaper for me to hire out most service related tasks (plumbing, housecleaning, lawn treatment, car service) because the opportunity cost of my time is relatively high. I was answering the question "why would anybody pay someone to fix something" not the question "why doesn't everybody pay someone to fix something".

someone has spent some time in an econ class at some point in their life

 

[Jota21]

I agree with this. If you read my post you will come to the conclusion that it is cheaper for me to hire out most service related tasks (plumbing, housecleaning, lawn treatment, car service) because the opportunity cost of my time is relatively high. I was answering the question "why would anybody pay someone to fix something" not the question "why doesn't everybody pay someone to fix something".

someone has spent some time in an econ class at some point in their life

Maybe that's why their opportunity costs are so high

 

[Inodoro_Pereyra]

Let me know how to collect your pension.

So, you're not?

 

[remilard]

So, you're not?

A lawyer? No.

I am an actuary. Not a pension actuary though, so I still need the details on getting this pension.

 

[Inodoro_Pereyra]

Ok, I don't have a pension yet, but when I do, I'll let you know.

 

[mattmcl]

Just some perspective on these hourly rates. Let's assume you're one person with your own computer repair business, and work 2,000 hours per year (assuming a 2-week vacation). So you have 2,000 hours to earn your target salary. Let's say that target salary is 65,000/year. You'd think it would be as simple as 65,000/2,000=32.50/hour, but it's not. First, self-employment tax scrapes 30% off the top. And how many of those 2,000 hours are billable? For most freelancers, once you take into account billing, driving, marketing, etc., you end up with 1,000/year billable, bringing the hourly rate to $65. Then factor in health insurance, retirement, disability, etc. That would bring the hourly up to $85-100 or more.

I used to complain about those rates too, until I freelanced for five years. Puts things into perspective.

 

[weirdboy]

You'd think it would be as simple as 65,000/2,000=32.50/hour, but it's not. First, self-employment tax scrapes 30% off the top

I will just point out here that most people earning $65k are going to be paying 25% federal income taxes on it, plus state, local, medicare, social security, insurance, & retirement.

 

[o4_srt]

I will just point out here that most people earning $65k are going to be paying 25% federal income taxes on it, plus state, local, medicare, social security, insurance, & retirement.

That might be how much is deducted, but now how much they owe. Most have enough in write-offs to avoid most of their taxes Almost 50% of Americans do not pay taxes after deductions

 

[weirdboy]

That might be how much is deducted, but now how much they owe. Most have enough in write-offs to avoid most of their taxes Almost 50% of Americans do not pay taxes after deductions

Well I am not sure but last time I checked I was an American and I have paid taxes every year I've worked. I would also be willing to bet that self-employed folks can take advantage of tax deductions, too.

Do YOU pay federal taxes or are you just erecting a straw man?

 

[o4_srt]

Well I am not sure but last time I checked I was an American and I have paid taxes every year I've worked. I would also be willing to bet that self-employed folks can take advantage of tax deductions, too.

Do YOU pay federal taxes or are you just erecting a straw man?

I pay taxes, then when I file my tax return, my deductions knock me down enough so that I get all my federal taxes back.

 

[remilard]

Well I am not sure but last time I checked I was an American and I have paid taxes every year I've worked. I would also be willing to bet that self-employed folks can take advantage of tax deductions, too.

Do YOU pay federal taxes or are you just erecting a straw man?

He's right, about 45% of households have no FIT burden. That is an easily verifiable and well publicized fact...

 

[leviticus]

I got to about page 6 of this thread and wanted to scream... one lesson to take away from this: don't take advice about computers from a homebrew forum.

[Disclaimer: I'm an IT guy by profession, the company I work for gets $120/hr for me - the OP got off cheap if the work was done right. Plenty will find what I am about to say to be 'wrong', but it's my opinion (and a strong one) - just like what they say will be THEIR opinion.]

I wouldn't run antivirus on my PC if the company making it was paying ME to do so... it's a complete waste of time and system resources - you're going to get infected anyways (because you don't have the common sense to not click on popups that come from porn sites - and yes, despite what you say, the internet IS for porn.)

AVG free has gone to sh** and couldn't stop a txt file from opening if it wanted to.

When you DO get infected, Malwarebytes will get just about anything off a PC, if you're savvy enough to get it running on a PC that is infected - which can be a task. Combofix is the next step if that doesn't work, but don't come bitching if it screws up your registry or OS.

Google is your friend, and people that you call just to make them google something FOR you will not be your friend for long.

 

[McMalty]

Got my computer back from the tech place earlier today. Looked at the bill and it was just over $160. So I took a look at everything to make sure there wasnt a mistake or anything.

$65 a ****ing hour? A whole hour and a half worth of work. You're ****ing kidding me right!?

Yes, the math doesnt add up. I also had them put a years worth of their security crap on it for an extra $60.

Anyone else know nothing about computers have to pay this kind of money? Jesus, I feel like I just saw a lawyer or took the truck to a mechanic.

Lord knows my ass hurt after writing that check out. **** me

A lot of service providers offer free "security crap" to their customers. I have comcast, i get the full package of Norton for free. you may want to check into it, save urself $60/yr

 

[Inodoro_Pereyra]

A lot of service providers offer free "security crap" to their customers. I have comcast, i get the full package of Norton for free. you may want to check into it, save urself $60/yr

Sorry McMalty, but Norton is not security crap. It's crap, plain and simple.
You'd be better off following Leviticus' "opinion", and not having any protection at all.

 

[leviticus]

(because you don't have the common sense to not click on popups that come from porn sites - and yes, despite what you say, the internet IS for porn.)

I just wanted to clarify that the above statement is not directed at the OP, but to the general computer public, and is meant as a joke more than anything.