Being Polite

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jeff
  • Start date Start date
J

Jeff

Hi everyone.

This is addressed to everyone to reports a problem,
complaints, responds and just smart ass reply.

As I keep reading the News Groups, I have notice more and
more people are starting to use smart ass replies to users
or condensending answers. Unfortunately a lot of people
are not very aware of things about computers. Not all
people realise what a firewall is or can do. Not all
people do updates, because some fear of doing something
wrong or worry about something breaking with that update.
A lot of the response to a lot of the novice users are
very degrading, can`t we be more polite in responding to
people. Be more supportive and informative to the needs
of others.

And for those that have been having problems with SP2,
have you really given it a chance? Have you prepared your
computer properly before doing the upgrade? A lot of
problems tend to come from virus`s, spyware, and outdated
drivers. I read where someone just installed it and then
complains without even trying to troubleshoot. For the
people who read the pre-install guides for SP2 they have
had no problem or just minor ones, but mostly from a
driver issue. There are plenty of site to direct you on
how to prepare. Also for months people been posting here
things you should do before installing SP2, but a lot of
people don`t bother to read or take that advice.

I know for some people they are afraid of what they could
accidently do to their computers, but if you don`t try you
won`t learn. Then there are those that expect everything
to run right the first time, sorry to say, that will never
happen, nothing is perfect. So before you complain, make
sure you prepared properly.

So please everyone, lets be polite and helpful, not bash
those that are not as experienced as a bunch of us are.
Thank you.

Jeff
 
Jeff:
I agree with you.
I've noticed a lot of people just being down right rude to others in here.
Not everyone is PC smart and some people just need to ask questions and
learn from others. I know a lot about pcs; etc. but there's still a lot I
have yet to learn.
As far as people not bothering to read or take advise I understand you
completely!!!
I deal with people who I send them advise, tips, do's and dont's and they
just don't read and then later ask me questions on what I already had sent
to them in email. Perfect example: This sp2 thing I told many of my friends
and family with XP that if they do the sp2 to make sure if they want to see
attachments and pictures to go into the security settings in Outlook
Express. I stated this in numerous emails to people a long with other
helpful tips. I even did a screen shot of how and where to change those
settings. Wouldn't you know I had someone write to me a few days later and
say "I can't see pictures in Outlook Express --do you know why?" Ughh I
could scream. I even had two people tell me "I didn't read what you sent
because it was too long to read and I didn't have the time." But they will
ask me a question on that very article that I sent to them. Sometimes I
could pull my hair out. LOL!
As far as sp2 and giving it a try --I do agree with you to a point. But many
people are have legitimate problems with it and in some cases I do not think
that these people did something wrong and that's why they are having
problems. I however did not have any problems with sp2. But I'm a pc freak
and keep my pc pretty cleaned up, etc. And that's not saying that those who
are having problems with sp2 don't keep their pcs cleaned up. I don't know
what the problem is for some people, the only thing I can figure out is
there are glitches --incompatabilites with sp2 and something on their
pc--something that maybe Microsoft has not even came across or figured out
yet.
I've been trying to fix my friend's pc for days who cannot get sp2 nor can
she get any critical updates. Well she can get critical updates but cannot
install them. I even sent her some in email and she can't install them. She
has an open case with Microsoft right now but they are baffled to her
problem too. She either gets "access denied" or "unsucessful" or "failed"
errors at the end of the installations.
The only problem I have found with sp2 on my computer is with the
thumbnails..when I go to insert a picture or open a picture (no matter what
program I'm using) and I choose "thumbnail view" so I can see the picture I
want; it shuts down whatever program I am in and I have to start all over
again. So I learned, I now do not choose thumbnail view. LOL!
But getting back to the rudeness..you are so right. And I'm in no way saying
"everyone in here" I'm just saying some people are rude and are being smart
butts. It's not needed. If we all try to be helpful to each other we all may
learn a bit more.
Thanks for the nice post by the way.
Serenity`
 
yes people don't read . ever tried tech support with the
details on your problem. people used to read years ago, but
now it's see the first sentence and then heres the
solution. but some people don't understand tech support for
their sofware and come here and multiple post untill the
mvp's get cheesed off.(in a nice way).
but then there is the joking remark that people should
have a licence (meaning basic do's and don'ts) to operate a
computer. you should see what a mess people can make in a
week with their systems,especially with broadband..
by the way service pack 2 is something that should have
been discussed alot more earlier with software
manufacturers before the sudden need to update drivers and
such, to make your system operate smoothly.
 
I didn't even want SP2 at this time, but couldn't figure
out a way to stop the automatic download once it started.
I tried shutting down my computer illegally, but when I
rebooted there it was again.

I need my computer for work (at home) and have
encountered serious problems with applications and
drivers after installing SP2. This is very frustrating &
I don't have the time nor knowledge to troubleshoot. So,
I will get further & further behind in my work. I am a
single mom with 5 kids & rely on my income building
websites.

What I'm saying, I guess, is expect more of the same. No,
actually, I think you should prepare for the worst as
more & more install SP2.

I got advice this morning from someone with an identical
problem with her display: her solution was to uninstall
SP2. She said she hasn't had a problem since. What other
option is there?
 
Hi Serenity,

Thanks for that reply. I know for some people its just
something with their system or software that people might
not have forgotten. As for software companies, I believe
a lot of them were informed about the update. I read
about some companies were waiting for the RTM to come out
before even considering making patches. Some of the blame
goes to those companies. I know a lot of people have been
supportive here, especially the MVP`s. I like to thank
all the people for the help they have provided both me and
to the others.

Jeff
 
Hi,

SP2 downloaded automatically, but you have to install it
yourself. As for your friend, if she had display
problems, all she probably needed to do was update her
display drivers.

You should be able to do a uninstall from the add/remove
programs. That should bring you back to SP1. If you
could be more specific in the problems, I or many others,
especially the MVP`s will help you.

Jeff
 
Yes, after waiting a couple days for the bugger to
download (I have a dialup connection because I'm frugal
out of necessity), I did install it. But I had no warning
that it would so adversely affect my system.

Ironically, I praised XP to nonbelievers for a couple
years. At first I was disappointed that I had to dump
most of my software & my scanner when I bought a new
computer in 2002 (my old computer was purchased in early
2000). But, I understood quickly just how stable XP was
in comparison to 98. I cannot afford to buy another new
computer just so SP2 can work.

Microsoft needs to come clean about the problems
associated with SP2, to prevent others from going through
this.

I downloaded the latest ATI Radeon driver, keep my virus
definitions up-to-date and visit Windows Update
regularly. Still, SP2 dang near killed my display
workings, drivers, guts or whatever they are called. It
was a FLASH website that pushed it over the edge, but
even my HTML Editor was sluggish as could be before that
happened. Now I have shaking desktop icons and very
glitchy graphics when I scroll an ordinary webpage.

A warning would have been considerate.
 
Jeff

There are books available for all levels of knowledge, and websites too..
many of the problems that appear here could be worked out with a little
research.. it is as easy to type 'spyware' into a Google search to find out
about how to combat it as it is to type 'Genghis Khan' for the kids history
project.. manuals, whether supplied in printed form, on cd or online are
rarely used.. how many people post in these groups with problems relating to
connecting USB devices before installing the software, expect service packs
to fix running problems, never back up or save important data, accuse MS of
frying their computer.. some people would rather believe myth or the word of
the incompetent than read up on anything..

Is RTFM an insult?.. I don't think so, and you are advocating that people do
their own searches, and try to learn the basics of computing.. there was a
time when I would look on the web for info about specific hardware such that
I could go back and help them.. then it occurred to me that they could find
info on a Chevy SSR or maybe porn sites, so why not computer problems..
strange that many are too busy to learn about their computer, that it is up
to MS to hand them everything on a plate..

Some come into newsgroups fighting.. yes, they need help and deserve
consideration, but ask for it nicely or not at all.. MVPs are attacked for
being MS disciples, Bill Gates asslickers and all kinds, and I don't blame
them for being curt sometimes.. some of us have had many years experience in
computing, and for our troubles are castigated and accused of arrogance and
an 'its alright for you' attitude.. well, we had to learn too, by reading
and trying different things.. there is nothing worse than trying to help
somebody who will not try to help themselves a little..

The replies of trolls aside, everybody gets what they deserve, good and
bad..

Mike H
 
Hi Ellen,

Did you also check to make sure your system was free of
spyware. That also been a major cause of SP2 failures.
For my systems, I run 4 on my work computer and 5 on my
home computer, what one misses, the others get. Might
want to check that out. Also another problem, could be a
bad download of SP2, that has also caused problems for
installers. But a shaky system, it might be one of those
problems, would need verification from others though.

Some people posted some nice links for good spyware
detectors, spybot search & destry, adaware, spyguard,
spyblaster, and guardbar > all freeware. Then there is
PestPatrol which is nice. I notice recently Nortons Anti-
virus is starting to detect adaware in it scans.

Jeff
 
I have SpyBot and Adaware, but quit using both a couple
months ago. I'll run them again & see if it helps.

Thanks
 
Hi Mike,

Actually I haven`t seen any MVP`s being a smart ass to
anyone asking for help. I have seen many who imitate
MVP`s and insult people, but they are caught pretty
quickly. I`m not saying that you have learn everything
there is about computers, but at least when you get to a
point and your not sure, then research it or ask someone.
For those asking help, 99% of them are always kind. As
for those giving smart ass remarks, most are trolls, just
posting to see themselves. I wonder how many people
decided not to post because of worried of a Troll response
or someone just being rude for the fun of it.

Jeff
 
Hi Jeff,

I have both Norton's as well. My brother loaded the
Norton's on my computer & swears by them. My computer is
on and in use almost 24/7. That said, Windows XP is
amazing. It has been incredibly stable since day one.
There is one small problem that I've had since the first
month I had my computer & I saw it on a customer's new
computer as well. The disc cleanup in System Tools
doesn't work. So I delete temp. internet files manually.
Other than that, I've never had a problem. In over two
years it froze up maybe 2-3 times. Since SP2 last week, a
very different story.

I'd like to remind regulars here that many of you either
love computers and it's a hobby you spend much time at,
or you work in the field. Please don't assume that others
haven't searched for help online before coming here. I
surely did. And I did find sites/forums addressing SP2
problems, but they were almost exclusively gaming sites.
(Makes me curious if there is a video driver issue w/SP2)

Computers are very complex. Many of us don't repair our
own cars or our television sets and most manufacturers
don't want us to with good reason. It's vitally important
that casual users do not try troubleshooting their
computers. I know from experience that, more often than
not, the computer will end up with more problems as a
result. And I know much more about computers than the
average user. Maintenance, yes. I agree. I draw the line
at configuring.

I think passing the buck to the customer is a corporate
rip off. It's Microsoft's responsibility to iron out the
glitches before SELLING their products.

Thanks Jeff:)
 
Hi Ellen,

You could have ended the process via the Task Manager. For those who do not
wish to have it installed:

Temporarily Disabling Delivery of Windows XP Service Pack 2 through
Windows Update and Automatic Updates
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/maintain/sp2aumng.mspx

And how to remove:

How to use the Automatic Recovery feature to recover your computer if the
Windows XP Service Pack 2 Setup program is not completed successfully
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;875355&Product=windowsxpsp2
 
Jeff
I have seen one MVP being a smart ass in the group. One post that I think
was a little "rude."
Sometimes even Microsoft (or the MVP's) have to admit when there's a problem
with their software or "glitches."
Okay I'm off to read more posts and replies.
Serenity
 
Hi Ellen,

Do a rollback on your display drivers via the Device Manager. Other than
that and the process to remove SP2 (that I previously posted), you can opt
to do a repair install which removes all updates. Sad to say, that this
would be a hardship for dialup users as it would remove SP1 as well. Good
luck!

Repair the Windows XP Installation - Note: You will forfeit all MS Updates.

Configure your computer to start from the CD-ROM drive. For more information
about how to do this, please refer to your computer's documentation or
contact your computer manufacturer.

Insert your Windows XP compact disc (CD) into your CD-ROM drive or DVD-ROM
drive, and then restart your computer.

(You can also boot with a Windows 98/Me Startup disk with CD support and run
WINNT.EXE in the I386 folder on the CD)

When the "Press any key to boot from CD" message is displayed on your
screen, press a key to start your computer from the Windows XP CD.

When you see the following message displayed on the Welcome to Setup screen,
press ENTER: To setup Windows XP now, press ENTER.

At this point an option to press R to enter the Recovery Console is
displayed. Do not select this option.

On the Windows XP Licensing Agreement screen, press F8 to agree to the
license agreement. Make sure that your current installation of Windows XP is
selected in the box, and then press the R key to repair Windows XP. Follow
the instructions on the screen to complete Setup.

Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q315341
 
Chevy SSR

Nice, aren't they? My 14 year old son has his eye set. :o)
MVPs are attacked for being MS disciples, Bill Gates asslickers and all
kinds, and I don't blame them for being curt sometimes..
Click to expand...

Not as often as one would think (on both counts), but it does happen, at
times!
 
Hi Ellen,

I have been using Nortons Systemworks 2004 and I haven`t
had any problems with it. I have been using Norton
utilities for some time as well. Did you find any
additional spyware on your system? Also did you go and
check to see if all the drivers are up to date, not by
Windows site, but by the hardware manufacture sites. I
know some of the drivers from the windows sites are not
worth downloading, better to get it from the manufacture.

Computer can be complex, but when people work on them,
they have to be careful of what they do and use common
sense. I have seen people delete all sorts of files from
the Windows directory, cause they needed more hard drive
space for their files. It doesn`t really take much to
learn computers, some fun books out there, like Windows
for Dummies, etc. I find them very useful and I am
computer tech/network system admin/MSCE/CCNA. Those books
go right to the core without endless boring pages, good
for those who can`t sleep at night.

Jeff
 
If you haven't run either one for several months, you need to download the
new versions of both of them and then update them. They won't do you any
good if you don't update regularly to keep up with the new nasties.
 
I saw a yellow SSR in our village.. hmmmmmmmm.. the S10 was a faithful
friend to many.. not sure if the SSR is up to that.. not really a truck or a
car, and definitely not a Jeep type.. a hedonists delight, for sure.. point
your son to Jeep websites.. he is in need of conversion.. www.nagca.com ..

For better or worse, I do not alter my e-mail ID here for those that do not
want to appear dumb publicly, taking the harvester hits like a Jeep owner
should.. yes, I know that being asked questions/queries and replying via
e-mail does not help others in the newsgroup, but I do it anyway.. I sit
here helping others in any way that I can short of using the telephone.. for
the most part, e-mailers are ok people, but occasionally I have had the most
gross, ignorant jerks (sounds like a help desk in a large company) get
really smart with me.. after three or four exchanges, all of which reflect
their inability to read the most basic of instructions, I remind them that
my computer works and theirs obviously doesn't, and that they should try
being nice.. sometimes I even get requests for us 'still to be friends' when
they finally realize that I am not the enemy, and that what I have said
actually works..

The world of computing is not a safe haven for the thin skinned.. one has to
be tough and persistent to keep a foothold against the onslaught of those
that seek to destroy the infrastructure.. the pleasures of overcoming, and
sometimes even being one step ahead, are many.. the computer opens up a
world that has few boundaries.. sometimes, humor can take the edge off of
problems.. maybe we should not take ourselves and our problems so
seriously.. next time I post to the effect that it is going to be a long
night to a person that is trying to help another against all odds, remember
this.. it may have been me acting so dumb all those years ago, and I am just
looking at the humor of the situation..
 
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