I work as a tech support for Microsoft North America. And I hv found over a period of time that ppl who contacts us are really dumb in computer. they ask such siully question tht we odften find it boring. And they dun even try to understadn wot we say... they thnk as if they know everything.
[question posted by ajaykumarmeher]
responses and comments:
I think that you will find differing skill levels as far as computer knowledge goes in any country that you work. I doubt if it is accurate to say that Americans are "dumb" with computers. We have people who are just learning, and being in tech support you will need to be able to come down to their level and deal with them in a professional and respectful manner. There are also Americans who are computer wizards. You will encounter this in any country. It is unfair to label any nationality as "dumb", and you will go further in your professional career as you learn this, especially being in the IT business. [lauriefnp]
correct... its person to person... [chetu4u]
Well- that is the nature of the beast in your profession. You need to remember that not everyone is a whiz at computers and many people who call you have just gotten a computer for the first time. I can tell you from personal experience that is can be very frustrating talking to a computer tech - often times they come off as very aloof and well, rude (not to say that you are this way)- this could be why many people (not just Americans) act like they "know it all". Luckily I'm pretty good with computers so I don't have to deal with it. My parents are in their 60's and just got their first computer about 3 months ago. it's been really difficult for them to get the hang of it but they always call me for help - you just need to have patience - if you don't it might be time to look for a new job. [jellylilyjujuluver]
Yeah I do agree with tht, it is the job of a tech support guy to answer the dumbest question. but can u guess if sm 1 using a computer and dont know the version of Windows he/she using. it is like r u man?? yes...wots ur name??? Plz tell me how to find tht out.. [ajaykumarmeher]
I think it all depends on who you are talking to. I know many people who are so computer literate that it astounds me! Then there are others like myself who only know how to play on them. I can ask my brother anything and he always has the right answer. He's been using Linux (is that the right name? duh!) for years when I just took a look at it and said uh uh I can't do that! Even the people working in the industry have different levels of knowledge. Which is true of any industry, that's how people get to be supervisors, managers and bosses. You shouldn't find it boring when people ask silly questions. To them it is probably a very valid question that they need the answer to. [mistymornster]
I do agree wth u there are many ppl who are giant in computer. but a prson who is using a computer should atleast know the name of the Windows Oprtaing system he/she using. [ajaykumarmeher]
One reason for this is that Microsoft sofware is not user friendly. You guys create this stuff and expect the world to understand it all. It is not that anyone is dumb, it is that Microsoft does not know how to effieciently teach people how to use their products. Compared to other software, yours is more for the computer-wise and not the average consumer. [sigma77]
before u, i have never come across a person who has said that Microsoft is not user-friendly. Microsoft is the most user-friendly OS that exists. at least it's better than linux - with reference to user friendliness. [limo_2005]
That is because the average American is an operator not a "tech". We operate our cars but most don't know how to fix them or even why they work. We operate cell phones but most don't know how to use half of the features. We get something new and we only learn enough to make it do what we want. So when something goes wrong - No, we don't know the jargon or how one section affects another. You are tech support for Microsoft and you KNOW that system, but be honest - do you know and understand how your car works or your refrigerator? Everyone has their area of expertise, everything else we only know to lesser levels because it is not as important to our day to day lives. [speakeasy]
Probably because noone has taught them properly [katyzzz]
it is not a MATTER OF TEACHING. iT IS THE DESIRE TO LEARN. tHEY ARE SO USED TO TECH SUPPORT THT THEY NEVER TRY TO LEARN ANY THING. [ajaykumarmeher]
help me understand this. you live in India and people from AMERICA and CANADA contact you?, Is that right? I am a little confused or should I say surprised!Tech support by internet or phone? So if you write do you use shortforms like in your discussion or do you actually talk fluent Canadian and American English on a phone? or how does it work?wow.. I am really interested to hear more about your job. HOWEVER, let me just give you my take on the average Canadian/American people on the computer. when ADULT people start using a computer, they are a little afraid and intimidated by the computer language and fear of breaking something or otherwise screwing up, like losing valuable information. The computer costs them money and they are determined to learn to use it anyway and have another mode of learning and communicating. So now, suddenly the 'newbee' sitting at home at 11 pm has a problem and needs help. well.. microsoft has a support team!! support to a lot of the english speaking people means 'help!' or?? And so they call, nervous and feeling a little nervous and dumb. I can remember when I was green as grass and couldn't understand the WHY behind this message: cannot find server: which came up when I tried to connect to internet. I understood that without the server I wasn't sending. I had a major assignment to send off and I didn't know that maybe it would be okej the next day...In my frustration and not knowing whom to call since nobody in MY circle had a computer, I called my internet provider support staff who simply advised me it had nothing to do with the internet provider and what I should do is..REINSTALL WINDOWS!!I bloody freaked!! no way was I doing that.. it is like asking 'are you sure and getting back a line from a list.. 'I recommend .. um, yes #3 reinstall windows' and I had the vision as I sat there in a dark room with only the light from my pc's screen absolutely totally dumbfounded( O see? this is a joke,dummy!!) that, when the support person went on his break and told the good joke to his mates all would have a good laugh that I had been such an idiot! Well, THAT wouldn't happen where you work, right? But I am trying to create a parallel here by example. If you are gonna help a newbee, do you pretend you remember what is was like when you were 7 and a newbee and how frustrating it must be for ADULTS as newbees who are asking for help who dont have the luxury of practising at a school somewhere. We feel pretty dumb as it is, when we can't figure it all out and it takes us longer than YOU perhaps because you are trained! I don't know everything and I dare say that they don't in Canada or America either because they are human also. The language has to be in english for those who's native tongue is english and NOT in computer. We learn it all better as we go and YOU can help by translating when we call or write. Yes we ask questions that are silly to you and yes, we need you to help us with the problems and if you give us computer jibberish without trying to help or translate, we will doubt you because we do not understand and we feel you aren't really helping. Do Americans think they know everything? I don't think so. Not the many I have met, but for sure, those I know aren't afraid to say what they think and feel. That isnt the same as knowing everything or claiming to know everything..If you advise them to do something and they say right back,, well I already tried that and could it be this or that instead? or?, is that a sign to you of them knowing everything? Well my friend, and may I call you that? I mean I have been talking to you so long now already. We feel pretty dumb when we get treated as dummies and we feel even worse when we don't understand support people. I knew a guy who worked in support and he had some good stories he has shared too and when I listen I also hear myself some years ago saying. Reinstall Windows?? WHAT? are you sure?? And that was when I lived in CANADA.. - in North America. To end this small book.. I wish to say that I am not an American. Those people I worked with in CANADA were not American.. and yet we were computer illiterate at one time!ALL of us. The neighbours to the south, AMERICANS, are alot like Canadians, alot! so please, if you are a rep for North America and you want to know if Americans are dumb, could you be so kind as to include the Canadians too, so we don't feel left out? Thanks so kindly for your time and patience with me, being a Microsoft tech support and all. PEACE!! [fjaril]
lolz apologies accepted [xionous]
Hey, that's funny. I had to call my ISP one time to ask why they shut off our DSL and when they're gonna fix it and get it up and running again. The lady I spoke to in tech support said that I should've gotten an e-mail and proceeded to ask me if I got that e-mail. Well, genius, how can I check my e-mail if I DON'T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS!! Obviously, it's not just the people calling tech support who are stupid. [Poison_Girl]
LMAO, that's very funny! What I hate about calling Tech Support is being told I need to BUY something else or use the tech support that charges you. Here's my DUMB question, maybe you can answer it? If I own an HP computer and I buy an HP printer, why can't they get along? [trouble4u2avoid]
That is not true. Most Americans know a lot about computers, but the problem is the computers are not of great quality. PC's are the worse, they get virus, the slow down, things like that. A Mac, on the otherhand, is not known for any of those problems. [rogue13xmen13]
If u thnk PC are worse thtn why 85% of users are still usin ga PC and with Windows in it. MAc does not get affected by virus because it is used by less number of ppl so hackers and virus program majers do not want to waste their time to cause destruction to a lesser mass. [ajaykumarmeher]
I think its a generational thing, not a geographic thing. I think this generation and the one after it will be extremely proficient with computers since they will have plenty of exposure to computers that the older generations didnt have. There is a certain learning curve for people that are new to computers. [MrNiceGuy]
I have dealt with tech support a number of times and my experience has been that they don't really listen to what you're saying. They have gotten so complacent they just automatically assume the caller has no idea what they're talking about. It took me over 2 months, many many hours on the phone, and several different techs, to finally get one who would listen to me and realize the hardware and drivers hadn't been installed for the DVD burner I had special ordered with my new computer. Of course I couldn't install it because the disc's weren't sent with the computer and restore did no good because it wasn't in the restore to begin with. After getting a tech that actually listened I had the restore disc's sent to me and a new DVD burner with install discs sent to me and was up and running in less than a week. My daughter works in tech support for a company and they are taught to start out by asking the caller how much they know about computers so they'll know how to help them better. Yes, there are the totally clueless callers and ones that don't know as much as they think they do but take the time to actually listen to what they're saying and try to speak slowly enough they might be better able to understand you in the future and you might find the job a little less frustrating. [ycanteye]
There are many levels of intelligence and common sense in all countries. For some people, they may not have had money to get a pc and then when they finally do, what seems like nursery school to us, is actually new to them. Just be careful what you say about customers as it may reflect badly on the company in which you work for. [amikathleen]
See madam I never meant to hurt others feeling. And wot u r saying i really mean it. I was just wanted to know abt the opinion. That is why I asked Do you think....???? [ajaykumarmeher]
Yes, i based my answer from a website where in they ask questions about PC discussions. It's very alarming to me because of two reasons: One is they bought a pc and yet they ask how to assemble a PC, and two is they don't know how use a proper way to use a windows desktop. [Corvin]
See it is not like that. As the person above u just explained that sm ppl are poor and when they finally manage to get a computer who has never operated it before, how can we expect that they will no everything. [ajaykumarmeher]
sorry ajay for what i am writing here. i have also worked as a tech support so to make a statement that the Americans are dumb is uncalled for. For one, if not for their queries, the BPOs will shut down. as many people have already said in this discussion that the computer users may be a school/university student, a full time homemaker, old people trying to learn a computer to name a few.. they are not trained to know everything about a computer. thats where you come in. so i hope you will give atleast some respect to your source of work. [malsun]
I hv never said that American are Dumb....I was just asking abt an opinion thts why I wrote "Do you think .....???" [ajaykumarmeher]
What I think if it where for these so called dumb Americans you wouldnt have much to do at work. And as for the remark for you calling Americans Dumb that doesnt make you sound a bit smart. SisterLove [SisterLove]
I never told American are Dumb and me is smart. It is not a place to express anger and fight over it. [ajaykumarmeher]
I used to have an ISP that routed their tech support to India. I could not understand anything that the techs would say to me because of their accents and little knowledge of speaking English. Maybe the people you are speaking too are not dumb but they cannot understand your accent or how you speak. I had trouble understanding your discussion topic because of your in inability to be able to spell and type out full words. Now if you are speaking to people who mainly speak English and speak just the way you typed that post than I can see that your customers may have a hard time understanding you. "the ppl who contacts us are really dumb" Come on now. [dreamsncharms]
And here you have written a very ultra modern literary English.... [ajaykumarmeher]
Um, this is where I keep most of my thoughts to myself, since you posted an apology, but I just have to say that "knowing everything" can also be placed on those who just like you consider others "dumb" because they have a legit question about something they truely don't understand. With a statement like calling people "dumb", it would really make most think twice about calling your company's "tech support". Just because you have that titled tacked on you, doesn't make you better than the person that is calling. It makes it hard to forgive such statements when nearly on a daily basis I see several statements grouping Americans all into one. Next time choose your words carefully, cause it could end up giving a bad outlook to your company, not just on you. [jeweledbluerose]
How m I going to make ppl understand the statement that it was not calling American a Dumb but to ask for an opinion???? And wot do u thnk abt a post here whr it was written "Are the ppl of India called Indians...but they never look like Indian" [ajaykumarmeher]
is it?are u an indian. feeling proud of u. [rubininidhish]
You have to understand you are also in customer service. Not all Americans read everything that is included in what they purchased. That also happens with credit cards. They will ask us questions that can be answered in the terms and conditions that they sometimes disregard. They may ask silly questions but serving them is your business, and they will not ask questions that they can answer on their own. Just understand them as people just as they would understand your opinion. [howiedy]
I appreciate the way u answered it. PPl should understand tht it is an open forum and we can discuss any thing...but they are fighting over a silly matter and ths is getting hotter and hotter... [ajaykumarmeher]
i have worked for a technical support and believe me, they can sometimes donot understand what you are telling them, some even do not know how to turn of their computers. [chiyosan]
Thts where the frustration comes. [ajaykumarmeher]
Over the world the number of people who have an acess to computer are very few in %. may be 1or 2 5 of the total world population.The ignorance is not alone in the unqualified ordinary person.Even the some what computer trained persons cannot answer many questions pertaining to internet problems.Recently I paid a tidy sum for creating aweb site to on fiem .They promised the moon . but today i find i am not getting feed back from the site and the concerned manager is dodging me.Another case is the noted sify net work.(Satyam info tech for full) The service given by this net work is poorest on record. It has a email net work sify.com. Its in box the provision of putting inward mail into any desire folder is inoperative i ahve requested them to rectify their system instead they give instruction to clear my temporary internet file etc. so be cosoled that the ignorance is also high tech [valmiki9]
Hey Valmiki...even I am a victim of Sify netwrk....They provide the worst kind of Internet Service and there Customer Service is pathetic. Better somne Sify official look after ths. [ajaykumarmeher]
I think its time to look for a new career. Seriously, my first job out of school was IT support, and not once did I ever think that all my users are dumb... PS if you posted this just to get a reaction from a lot of people.. it certainly worked ;) [comedyaddict]
U got it man......I just wanted to see the readers opinion. [ajaykumarmeher]
Yes, Americans are stupid when it comes to computers,but it's the f-ucked up non-english speaking people in support that make it seem that way. please learn the language so we can understand what you are saying when we need help for OUR American invention. [kodeshkodashim]
This debate is getting hotter and hotter. Keep on posting... [ajaykumarmeher]
They sure are dumb.Otherwise Indian call center's won't be survivng.But the average American is very dedicated towards his country's growth more than anyone else. [greatgiginthemind]
A nice piece of advice. Thank you. [ajaykumarmeher]
I dont think that they are dumb with computer. I think you have to understand that unfortunately they didnt grow up with this type of technology, and they have put off getting involved in it because for years they thought it would fade but now they are realizing that it's here to stay and are trying to learn it. Unfortunately the Computer companies don't offer free classes, or lessons on how to use there product. I think if they did you would have alot less calls from these people. I use to work for tech support and I do understand the types of calls you get, I would always try to educate them on what they are calling about and suggest some local classes, or even take a little extra time and show them some steps to help keep there computer cleaned up, like cookies, and history, defrag. Look at it as you are teaching someone you care about how to use something they have never seen before. Good Luck! [minerc]
Thats what a tech support or Customer Service personnel should do. But sometimes it is very frustrating. If hv experienced ths thn u can understand. N e way my motive was not to criticize n e body.. but to start a hot discussion and it is geting hotter n hotter [ajaykumarmeher]
i don't think it is true about american, i feel that they know according to their requirements. [smartbrain69]
Yeah, I agree with you especially the older ones are not as good as you are in computers. But i guess everyone has weaknesses just like your english.Man you have to do something about it because its really bad. [antOnette6686]
Professional level of writing?????that's pathetic.You don't even know how to spell words like often and silly that I think most children does. Excuse me, in instant messaging its different there words are in shortcut but not like yours that really sounded stupid.Meaningful??you gotta be kidding me..Oh, I better not use english words that are quite deep you might drown and not understand it..Before you post anything make sure to recheck it and in your case a hundred times..for the record you sounded like you know everything!!!! [antOnette6686]
yes of course, actually that is no their fault, they are afraid of touching any extra option, they only work what has been told, they do not usually reserach that's why we cant say them dumb but usually they are not much intelligent [kamirajput]
Not everyone is expert in computers. May be those people are expert in some other field.They may have just started learning. So it is not wise to say anyone dumb.May be in future they may know more than u. [abhichin]
It is not a matter of exert or newbie but some one should hav sm inclination to learn. Am I not correct? [ajaykumarmeher]
If they were smart on the computer they wouldn't need to call you! [getnbuy]
What I mean is, the smart ones don't need to call you , so all you hear are dumb ones. You may think they are dumb and the cause is they can't understand your English. [getnbuy]
there are things in computer that some people dont understand.Just like us medical professionals,we have lots of medical words that most people dont know what it means but they are pretending they know. [jtmblossom]
Ya if sm one does not know any thing abt Medical thn he is obviously a dumb in medical. Like I am. but I hv a little knowledge of some medicines. [ajaykumarmeher]
Yes...they are almost dumb in their computers to make it effective,.. [sureshmoe]
It would be un reasonable to think this because even in our countries there are lot many people who dont know what is computer and other who know but are not computer literate. So, its not only Americans who should be blamed. It may be any one living in any country. [trialrun01]
Well friend its not right to abuse a country in public. I think we indians get so many jobs in foreign contries or in our country becoz lot of people r in dumb in lot of things. anyones shortcoming is other ones profit. so dont complain and do yr work. best of luck!!! Cheers, Tutul [tutul0045]
I guess you are right in your observation. But it is very difficult for me to believe this until very recently. I live in Europe an my friend lives in US. We met on the internet. Oneday i aked my friend to ad me to yahoo mesenger so we can communicate and get to know each other better. My friend to me that she's not aware of yahoo or msn messenger. I later instructed her on how to download the messenger. She told me that the only thing she does with PC is to typer her school papers. Most of the time she ask me silly question that i was like doubting if really she is in America or Africa. [ilunice]
As America is so technological siphisticated that every one expect the ppl frm tht country to be well balanced with technology. But ses ths can u expect such silly thngs abt not being aware of Yahoo or MSN frm an American??? [ajaykumarmeher]
I know that i am really dumb on the computer.I know about e-mails and how to send them..When it comes to these web sites like mylots.com and my space I m very dumb just trying to figure it all out.I usually stick to e-mails and simple things like games.I have only been using the computer now for about 3 years and I need to know more.I feel really dumb and it makes me mad because I feel so dumb.I don,t even know how to cut and paste.....I know that this must really gets on your nerves when you get one of us dummies on the phone and try to explain something to us..Im sorry but I am trying.. [slickcut]
I think maybe you should reword the Discussion Topic, The job that you are doing although it may be stressful it is what you have chosen to do. You were trained, by American's so they are Not Dumb. The people that don't have the knowledge that you or I might have would not be considered Dumb (Have you ever looked that word up in a dictionary?)there just not as knowledgeable and need training and that is what you are doing at your job. Dumb: 1. Lacking the power of speech 2. Temporarily unable to speak (as from shock or astonishment) 3. Not expressed in uttered words 4. Silent 5. Lacking some usual attribute or accompaniement, having no means of self propulsion Its not a very nice or appropriate word to use. Just because you might not have the same knowledge that I do, I wouldnt call you or the people in your country DUMB. [minerc]
i think if people asked questions on areas that we are trained or very knowledgeable, their questions sounds dumb. i mean for us it's basic but for them it's a whole new mystery. but don't worry im not condemning you. i know how you feel.. :) [dmanuel]
That sounds logical. [ajaykumarmeher]
Definitely not dumb but if you are in technical support then you have to understand that not all people can understand what terms are you talking about. PLUS, if you talk to a person who got a thick accent you can hardly understand what they are saying, can't speak in plain English and everything he says sounded gibberish to you...the caller will get frustrated and started asking silly questions. [ladymoonstone143]
No the biggest computer corporations are from US . So the us peoples are good in computers. [bogdyyyyy]
waw,u have to patient face that problem.this temptation make you,if patient u experience all these,ur surely wil get better somthing that again,possible is u not suspects. [awaliyah]
No they are not dumb. They are lazy to learn but I do not generalize all. They just want someone to help them though. [alchemistrx]
Exactly. They are heavily dependent on support. [ajaykumarmeher]
I am amazed you call them dumb and you had such a high tech job when your spelling is a some what incorrect. It is what, not wot, and done, not dun, and people, not ppl. I cannot abide text talk at all. So next time you want to call the average American dumb lose the text talk. You know what my be silly or dumb to you might be a darn mine field of information to the poor person you are supposed to be supporting. I don't understand a lot of things, but if I have a problem and I get in touch with Microsoft then I expect the person on the other end to be supportive and if he thinks I am dumb then I don't really care. [destinycole]
Hey whn it comes to the professional writin we can write far better English. Hv u ever used Instant Messenger??? Han I appreciate that u hv the intelligence to understand the loose text....n the pain u have taken to correct it. Thank you. [ajaykumarmeher]
Ajay, I was thinking to put a question about that, but I thought It would hurt them, but I will answer here, I have marked their question answers, I am 100% agree with you, it looks that they ask about personal life and punctual question in huge quantity - (I bored of personal questions), they looking have proud of something, they looking don't (want to) mixing with other .. [deepak31]
usa is a stupid and fat country. australia is the best country in the world. [cowboys33]
Australia is the most beautiful and Lovable place to be in...If I ever plan to leave my home country. N I m gonna catch u there... [ajaykumarmeher]
ya its biggest truth in world and thsi is the only reson why all of them jealus to indians [don007rvs]
i am not american,but one thing i can say working on computer is a skill.i am not talking about programming part thats different,as i am indian i can say about india.in india people try to experiment with their own PC.they knew what is there inside PC.its very important but the problem with US people is they have support of various organization and dint bother to know what is there inside it. [tamanash]
In agrement with you. [ajaykumarmeher]
I still am really interested about the answer in the start of my first post, to the questions about how your job actually works, if you talk on the phone to those who call in etc. Do you feel like answering me about them? or? no need to of course, just your choice entirely. Do you actually work only with Americans or also with Canadians?? just curious? Thanx in advance for your consideration!! PEACE! [fjaril]
Fjaril... I hv never dealt wth them personally but out of curiosity after listening frm my frnds who works in call center I started the topic and expecting a hot debate over it and it really did. One thng I ant to say you that in many technical forums I hv experienced the same thng wot I told. Actually the problem is that American never try to learn new thngs and heavily dependent on tech support. [ajaykumarmeher]
it would be nice to understand the person in tech support. do they not have any english speaking people in that department? [lpetges]
no they are not, but i think the ones calling the call centers for help are very much so... [hellfire]
I don't think people are dumb - myself, I've been using computers for many many years now - I'm 22 and more experienced on a computer than my grandfather is, because he's never gotten into it, so it takes him awhile to learn things on the computer and how to use programs. People's knowledge level are different depending how their age, and if they were around them growing up. [valerieanne]
they are!they are biggest fools in the world and think they are the powerful most nation,they buy talent from other cheaper countries and make themselves powerful [sanjivbiswas]
well given that Microsoft help has a big reputation for being a complete oxymoron, that might be a bit of a pot kettle black situation there! [indium]
I am will not agree that American people are dumb in computer. Some americans are computer wizards. In America, foreigners are working in large numbers because locals are demanding more money. Indian and chinese are working for less money. That is the only reason in India we can find lot of call centres. So in general american peoples are demanding higher money than others. [ctvasan641972]
Well- that is the nature of the beast in your profession. You need to remember that not everyone is a whiz at computers and many people who call you have just gotten a computer for the first time. I can tell you from personal experience that is can be very frustrating talking to a computer tech - often times they come off as very aloof and well, rude (not to say that you are this way)- this could be why many people (not just Americans) act like they " know it all". Luckily I'm pretty good with computers so I don't have to deal with it. My parents are in their 60's and just got their first computer about 3 months ago. it's been really difficult for them to get the hang of it but they always call me for help - you just need to have patience - if you don't it might be time to look for a new job. [titaniumhijau]
Didn't u read before joing here that copy pastin g others answer is not allowed her in My lot. man u will be in big trouble if Mylot team notice thsi or me or sm one else complain abt thsi to Mylot team. So be careful next time u do these kind of plagiarism. ALL THE BEST... [ajaykumarmeher]
There's an intelligent statement, spelling errors and all. :) If people were all computer savvy you would be out of a job. Tech support people tend to have to follow scripts and just read answers off their computer screens to help people anyways. I have dealt with many techies that have proven that only have their job they have because they can read instruction to help people on the phones. If I were in a job where I thought the people I was suppose to be helping were dumb I think I would get another job. [WebMann]
Then why do u thnk u cant just go and search for the solution and read it to ur selves???/ [ajaykumarmeher]
yes you are right but we must not discourage them we must always provide them courage [sungat]
Definitely mam.... [ajaykumarmeher]
I think your overgeneralizing about the computer skills of Americans. This just sounds like an American bashing post to me. People all over the world have differing levels of computer knowledge. [highflyingxangel]
It is not to underestimate any body. But wanted to know an opinion. [ajaykumarmeher]
I don't agree with this at all. This is a clasic stereotype. If someone were to see your spelling they would think you were not vert intelligent. Is that true, is that how you would want others to perceive you? [crystal8577]
I agree that i m not at all intelligent. I am a fool a dumb in each and every field. Thts wot u anted to listen ....Now i feel great that i made sm 1 happy. Cheers Alex [ajaykumarmeher]
Not at all. There are people who aren't too good with computers, then there are people who are good. You can't collectively say that Americans aren't good at computers, or we could say that Indians aren't good at English......... Its just too bad that you have to answer the calls, i wish it could be done in America, but thats a different story. Americans aren't computer stupid, some are, some aren't, its the same everywhere, some people are good with computers, some people, not so much. [Hipponater]
We should not underestimate any of the person in the world. I believe that what u belive an obvious answer whould not be that obvious to them. In many countries comp. is taught from a very small class, however if a person does not understand what u want to say may be that person has never done much in comp. [utkarsh2]
Before I go to answering your question, I have a question back for you. If you dont mind. You are saying here you are from the Microsoft North America tech support. How come that your profile tells me you are from India? [nickynic]
thts a different story...I m neither frm tech support nor frm North America. I m frm India and an avg Indian who is sound in computer. I am extremely hurt whn I read in many forums abt the type of computer related qn American ppl ask. America being a tech giant we expect ppl frm tht country to be bit aware of the technology. Hope it clears ur doubt.. [ajaykumarmeher]
I am not an american but I want to ask that you think about americans only. Why just amercians. Average people of every country who are un aware about computer are ofcourse nill in computer based knowledge. They even don't know how to switch it on. Not only Americans but these kinds of people are siutuated in every part of the world. [inflamation]
No I dont think they are dumb. I think working for a half a cup of rice and eating dead beatles, bathing in cesspools, starving with so many cows running around then worshipping them (because it could be your mom) is dumb [minerc]
You are so wrong, has nothing to do with points or anything like that. You posted this topic calling Americans Dump who is out to Earn Points, Pick a better discussion Topic, I don't post things calling the people in your country Dumb. I think it is insulting and very disrespectful. [minerc]
It was weird, bill gates on America right? why he made program to make American people fell dumb. I don't think all but just some people maybe not really understand about computer. it was same in here not all people understand. some of Indonesian people never touch computer. [istanto]
no not at all,they are more literate as compared to indians [nw_r_nwr20]
I think the average has little to no experience with computers [stiggy]
well this is the problem in every country....but i think its unusual in america...america is the most developed nation in the world, and its economy is computerised in all aspects...so i find it hard to believe that they have no exposure to computers, although i have friends working in call centres telling me that the average american people who call up for trouble shooting their problems have trouble understand the easiest instructions given by the tech people, and they have to be taken through the procedure more than once...so i agree with you that the average american is somewhat, if not completely dumb in computer knowledge...... [rahuldmhatre]
Thats wot I wanted to say..... [ajaykumarmeher]
i work for customer service too and i totally understand how you feel. we know our products like the back of our hands so when people call in and ask really really simple questions, sometimes we can't help but roll our eyes and get annoyed or pissed. but yeah, i guess it's primarily because we are so knowledgeable about computers. and yeah, i've encountered really silly questions. like how do you turn on you cellphone? it's not really rocket science. you just hit the power button. i get bored to death answering questions like that. i just think of it like this: if everyone were really smart about everything, then we won't be in our current jobs right now coz you're tech support and i'm into customer service. so i guess i'm grateful that there are "dumb" people out there that need my help. [diannebcrs]
Well I know I will get blasted for this but I am a tell it like is kind of person. Did it ever accur to you that by the time someone actually gets to talk to you they have already reached their patience limit, then you ask "Dumb" questions like "Is your power on". Do you know that sometimes (NOT ALL) it is very hard to understand you the heavy accents and the mis-use of words makes having a conversation very hard. Sometimes it can just be a break down of communication that makes it so hard to do your job and the customer to get what they need. Did it also ever accur to you that you had training in MicroSoft? You went to classes provided by your employer or that perhaps you paid for, the average consumer does not get these classes. I'm sorry if I have offended you in anyway, that is not my intention, I just know how it is to be on the other line. [ScrappinHappyMom]
I am definitely gonna do that Mam....Can u suggest me source to brush up.. [ajaykumarmeher]
I'm a PROUD American - born and bred. To answer your question - yes newbie computer owners probally do come up with as you call them "stupid questions" - I was that way 7 years ago. Had to ask my 13 year old - she had been taking classes using computers since she was 7 in school. What seems dumb to you is a honestly puzzling question the person that called. So what if they have no clue what OS they have? It's YOUR job to try and help them - that is what you are being paid for - not to belittle the people who keep you in a job. On the flip side of this.....how many times have people called a tech line for help (for anything) and gotten a person on the other end who's first language is obviously NOT English? That has an accent you can cut with a knife and because of it, you can't understand them very well? So you have to keep asking them to repeat themselves in hopes of understanding what they have said. Any idea how frustrating THAT is? Case in point - when I got my Vonage hooked up a few months ago, after about a week I had problems with it, so naturally I called the help line. More than once, the voice on the other end of the line wasn't a native English speaker - they didn't understand what I was saying and in the end, I just hung and called back until I got someone that I could understand (and they me)....any idea how frustrating that was??? And lest you think I'm just shooting off my mouth - I live in a college town with international students from all over the world (Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Taiwanese, French, Russian - I think you get the general idea) - I work fast food - and 99% of the time I am in drive thru - which involves taking orders over a headset (rather than face to face). Which means that on a daily basis I am exposed to ALOT of foreign accents. Sometimes, I seem to be the only one who can understand them lol. So it's not like I am stupid - but to be honest, "tech support workers" at some companies leave ALOT to be desired. NOT meant as a slam to anyone anywhere in particular - just my general observations. [defeated]
I think it's a dumb question to lump only Americans into your' query. A more appropriate question would be is the average person computer illiterate? If you work in tech support for Microsoft and you are the one trying to explain the problem to us "dumb Americans" the first thing you should do is learn proper english so that we can understand what it is you are trying to say. [RebeccaLynn]
I agree wth u tht the question was really dumb......And I could have framed the question more appropriately.. [ajaykumarmeher]
It really depends... Let's make an example for those who are aged 40 and above, during their younger years a computer can only be seen in large companies so they are just learning how to use the computer by themselves. You can't blame them for being slightly unaware of the functions of the computer. Actually you have to thank them because if they are such experts on computers you would be jobless. So which is better? Answering questions or being jobless? [lafavorito]
But dun u thnk that ppl frm a technology giant country like America should be 1 step ahead of others. [ajaykumarmeher]
i dont think so..every american i know has a comp..and pretty good at it..everyone is diff and get diff exposire to things..if i was exposed to something more than lets say my sis ..than i would be better at handling that thing..isnt it obvious..my mom is indian..she doesnt know much abt comp..bc she doent use it much..its obvious [Khyatii]
no, most of them are just too lazy to read manuals and troubleshoot on thier own and they go for the easiest way, that is to call a tech support. [grayxenon]
But frm the replies to the discussion I got to know tht American feels much frustrated contacting tech support....thn why they just cant try to fix their issues themselves. [ajaykumarmeher]