We have been having a lot of people moving offices and cubicles recently, so we have been asking our users to move their own computers and to give us a call if they have any problems. Most of the time it isn’t an issue, since we make sure that the Ethernet jacks are active and the power is on, but sometimes it leads to some unique situations. I got a call from one of our users who moved her computer, but was scared to turn it on because there were still things plugged in at her old desk that she didn’t know what they were for. I stopped out at her desk and checked her connections and she had hooked up everything correctly. I congratulated her, but she asked if I could come to her old desk and check what the extra wires were for.
W went over and looked at her old desk, and she pointed to the surge protector. “See, there are still two cords plugged in. Does my computer need those?”
The wires were for her lamp and electronic pencil sharpener. “I think your computer should be ok ma’am. Have you ever seen it use a pencil?”
Its simply a case of an innocent customer being too cautious lest she inflicts some damage to her computer.
Why in the world does the pencil sharpener need electronics? Does the processor monitor the rotational speed to adjust to wood density? Are there IR sensors to monitor the progress of the sharpening?
I suppose it could simply be that you meant to write, "electric pencil sharpener." :)
I applaud the user for not just assuming all was correct.
I have moved equipment in a lot of locations where ut was not easy to track where a power cord went. I would rather have a user like this than one who just assumes they are right. This woman knew enough to know she didn't know everything.
But I am curious why you didn't make her move the surge protector.
ROCD -- Having made something sway by hitting it with a big bird. (or is it a Read-only character display?)
In deed we all wish our users were this caring about the equipment and conscious of their own knowledge to think it is worth a second look.
I may have skipped the comment - unless, of course, I knew the person well - but otherwise I would have thanked the user for following the instructions so well.
then, with a smile and perhaps a wink, tell the user that if we had more users like her we may not have a job to fix things!
The pencil sharpener could have electronics. This one does: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKL6elkbFy0
You let the Users move their gear?
.
Gets out union handbook and consults relevant chapter: The User Shalt not moveth the kit, nor touch the power leads verily, or the kit shall be decertified for H&S reasons!
Most of the users in our branches are usually smart enough to move their own computers. HOWEVER, here at the admin office, I am always called upon to move peoples' computers, because they don't know how/don't want to. A good percentage of their managers are now moving these computers, as they know how busy I am. It never ceases to amaze me, though, when people (who have done this before) won't even turn off their computer, without me standing right next to them, "in case they do something wrong", or they simply refuse to do it at all. *SIGH*
CAPTCHA - DEMNI - someone forgot how to spell denim?
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