Tech Savvy Stats???

[d_saum]

Im just wondering how many of you out there support your friends, family and co-workers when it comes to computers (both Mac and Windows). What percentage of users overall really know about computers? and what percentage just want to do email, surf the web, online banking, and so on versus the power user?

Edit: I also wanted to add that I'd like to know if you believe most customers who buy new computers from places like Best Buy are knowledgeable? Or if they are really just believing whatever the sales person tells them.

 

[imac/cheese]

I have to teach my dad how to use his computer every time I go home. He doesn't understand how to organize his thousands of files even though I have shown him at least a dozen times. Other than him, I do not really support anyone (though I did help a co-worker the other day adjust the settings on her monitor). I would not consider myself any type of power user.

 

[Spritey]

I find it interesting to see that a lot of people seems to think that being able to surf the net, post to a blog and set up their e-mail accounts to work with pop3 makes them tech savvy. Or just because they happen to upgrade to the latest computer all the time, even though they only use it to surf, send email, write Word docs and chat on msn. (And complain it was smaller of course).

Also, they always assume that the bigger the number, the better. And so many people are so freaking concerned with always having the fastest and latest processor, but then if you look at the FSB it's so far away from supporting the speed at all because they haven't bothered upgrading it the last 2 years. (More related to Windows machines by various vendors). They know people in general are stupid, and always assume that the latest and most expensive is better.

 

[mkrishnan]

I think computers are entering their saturation / asymptotic phase. So, just like most other expensive / complex consumer devices, there're professionals who know because it's their jobs, there's a small enthusiast community, and then there're a vast number of users who maintain minimal knowledge. Like TVs, home audio, home theater, cars, etc.

 

[twoodcc]

i'm one of those who my friends/family calls to help them out. most of my friends are kinda like me though. but not my family

 

[queshy]

I'd say 1/10 people are tech savyy. Most people I know just "use" the computer to get work done and to have fun, without knowing how it works or how to fix it if it breaks down.

 

[Muzzway]

Most people really don't know much about technology. I'd say there's a good amount of people who think there's no other operating system than Windows, and the only web browser is Internet Explorer (they wouldn't know exactly what a web browser or OS is, either). I mean, most of the world still uses I.E. 6.

 

[JNB]

Most people really don't know much about technology. There's a good amount of people who think there's no other operating system than Windows, and the only web browser is Internet Explorer.

Not quite. It's "The Computer" and "The Internet", as in, "I launched The Computer and opened The Internet." The concept of an operating system and a browser is beyond them.

GUI's may be easier, but they've created a superclass of users that have no business with the equipment. Just like automatic transmissions, self-adjusting spark timing, fuel injection, and power anything in cars.

Evil, pure and simple, from the Eighth Dimension!

 

[CalBoy]

Is the poll asking how much we help people we know with tech problems, or how many people we think help others with tech problems?

Since the OP mentions how often we help others, and since it's a public poll, it's all a bit weird.