How do you handle friends and family request to fix computers or build websites?

I was wondering how the geeks here handle requests from mates to fix their computers or build/update their websites. Any tips on would be welcome because it's hard for me to say no when, for instance, a good friend asks to remove viruses on their computer.

I'm always more than willing to briefly help people with their computers and websites, but I'm inundated with requests now and a supposedly simple thing can end up taking hours. I spent six hours on a recent Christmas day fixing a friend's niece's computer

I'm at the stage now where I'm spending several hours a week helping numerous people with their sites, fixing their PCs etc. On top of the numerous other stuff I do for me mates (have written a fair number of MA theses in my time!) it is consuming a lot of my time.

Because I live on my own and have no family people think I have all the time in the world!

Thought of buying the following t-shirt but thought friends might be offended.

 

I simply tell them that I don't have time but I can recommend someone good.

Most of my friends and family know not to bother even asking me.

 

I just don't answer the phone

 

Get beer first, then fix it. That way you're not left empty-handed.

 

Problem with me is that they don't understand difference between web programmer and hardware guy.


SOmetime i waste my time with their systems and sometime i was their time by keepin their system in my flat for weeks

And always ask for Hardeez lunch

 

Tell them that you don't even have time to do it for yourself and you have to hire someone to do it.

In that case you could do as Crazy Rob said, recommend someone.

Personally, I am not a great computer expert, but a lot more than many, and it pisses me off when someone wants a favour after calling you a geek and saying that I am always on the net and playing (!) with my computers.:9

Go get someone else to fix your bloody pc!!!

 

[evil]Why not make it a zombie machine and install a clickbot to boost your AdSense earnings [/evil]

 

The quote I LOATHE!!!

"I know enough to be dangerous"

grr

 

Oh yeah, that's another thing I say, "Actually, I don't know sh*t about computers."

And then when they start to ask the question, I cut them off midway and say, "Nope! I have no idea."

 

I do stuff for imediate family members (wait...and extended)...anymore I put them off telling them I don't know when I'll have time...they eventually get someone else.

 

I just help them. Less trouble in the long-run.

My mother may be old, but heavenb forbid that soemone from my family tells her I didn't help ....

Goes double for the mother-in-law

 

I have friends, neighbors & family who are always breaking their computers and are looking for me to fix them. Depending on what's involved, I charge a six pack, a 12 pack or a case of Paulaner Hefe-Weisen.

 

I always like this one too!

 

Some options for you:

• Fix only tradesmens computers and ask for freehelp in return.

• Say "No, I'm just going out to the cinema."

• Have a go at fixing it, but screw it up so badly they won't ever ask you again!

Warning: this last one can alienate you!

 

lol! do you wait until your done fixing it to get smashed?

 

That depends on who's it is... If it's my brother's machine, I usually go over there and pound a few while BS'ing about stuff before getting to it. If it's my wife's uncle, I get in and out of there as fast as I can.

 

My dad was a systems analyst/engineer and he was always (and still is) helping friends and family with "computers" and programming stuff.

Seeing him wasting time with all of that nonsense made me realize at a young age that I didn't want to put myself in that situation.

Even my wife knows that if someone calls the house and has a computer question and she can't answer it, they're S.O.L.! Or they can call my dad.

 

You start charging them money they stop asking

 

i politely turn them down...they'll understand it. Or I'll make a joke about charging them for the extra work...hehehe

 

I tell people I no longer fix computers and am learning a new trade...