It was supposed to be simple. Just 3 easy steps, my client was told, and she’d be up and running:
- Enter the program path c:\mip share\setup.exe
- Press Enter
- Watch the installation complete
After going around and around with these “simple” steps, I was called to help. They didn’t work for me, either, so, being an investigator, I started looking for the set-up program. Immediately I discovered there was no mip share folder.
Then I began to look for “setup.exe.” Well, in a Windows system, there are many set-up programs — 50, 60, maybe 70. After a fair amount of searching, I located the right one: c:\sageFR50\setup\setup.exe. Now that I was armed with the all the correct information, yes, the installation was “simple.” One hour’s worth of my time (not to mention all the energy my client first invested), led to an uncomplicated, 10-minute installation of software. No thanks to the developer or manufacturer.
Many people reading this post probably won’t understand the computer jargon, and that doesn’t matter. What is important is that they see themselves in this story — beginning a computer project with an expectation of “easy going,” only to end up worse off. Not only is the project incomplete, but nerves are frazzled. What adds the real sting, however, are the notions that it’s your problem, you’re not smart enough to figure it out, you’re the only who’s had an issue, you’re not patient enough, etc. Banish those thoughts! Seriously!
Always remember that the World of All Things Tech is brimming — overflowing — with bad communication. Poorly written methods, disinterested customer support, experts who make a living exploiting the word “simple,” techs who only use “geek-speak,” etc. No wonder your frustration level is high. You’re trying to learn something new and you’re facing barriers all along the way.
The next time you decide to start a computer project of any sort (and you’re not an IT person), first pat yourself on the back. You’ve not been scared off by previous disasters. Second, allow yourself plenty of time to learn what it is you’re attempting to do. Set a deadline, as in, “It says it’ll take 10 minutes; I’ll give myself 2 hours.”
Once you’ve reached that point and have had little or no success, step away from the keyboard. Take a break, research the problem through on-line sources (a Google search is one of my favorite tools), call a friend. If you still haven’t had any luck, call a trusted computer consultant and let them tackle the issue. You have better things to do with your time (and your family). It doesn’t include stressing about a problem you weren’t ever going to solve in the first place.