Computers do things THAT annoy us — they don’t do things TO annoy us
Computers are great — and for those of us that telecommute, they’re vital — but they also cause a lot of stress, probably more than cars and plumbing combined. We rely on them to function smoothly, which most of the time, they do. We are 84% more reliant on our computers than even a few years ago. When our computers go haywire, so do we.
According to a California study in January of 2000 on 1000 Americans, 65% of us spend more time with our computers than we do with our spouses. That means when the computer "does not compute", this can lead to great emotional distress. So, if you stress out when your computer stresses out, you can relax just a little bit knowing that you are behaving in a completely normal manner.
This same study mentioned that people often talk, yell, plead or cry to their computers in a deliberate attempt to get them working right again. They also often get the urge to throw the computer out of the window. But most people do not act on this impulse.
No Charges – No Computer, Either
The computer was hurled from an apartment window on a Saturday night and crashed onto the street below. No one was injured, but the neighbors weren’t impressed. Startled by the crash, they called police.
The unidentified computer-hurler was let off with a waning for disturbing the peace and made to clean up the mess. But the police clearly sympathized with him, saying in a press release, “Who hasn’t felt like doing that?”
The computer-throwing man did not comment.
A Better Way To Handle Computer Stress
Although it might might feel really good and make a spetacularly satisfying smash, throwing a cranky computer out of your window is not recommended — even if you live on the ground floor. There are better ways for dealing with the stress that a computer will inevitably bring into your life.
First off, expect that somethig will go wrong. Back up any invaluable data, give yourself some extra time on a project to call tech support and remember to breathe in and out deeply. This will send more oxygen to your brain and help you better concentrate. If you deal with computers on a daily basis, get to know the tech support numbers BEFORE something goes wrong. That will save a little bit of stress, anyway, and in this life, every little helps.
Also, don’t immediately try to fix a computer probelem yourself if you feel tightness in the chest, pounding heart, sweating, racing thoughts or any of your favorite signs of an impending panic attack. Look out the window, take a walk, go to the bathroom, get a cup of tea to help collect yourself. Then go back and peek at the terminal. You might be able to attack the problem at a different angle, or at least know you gave it your best shot.
Write down the problem in detail before calling anyone for help. Write down when the problem started, what you were doing when the problem started and try to remember the last button you pushed. Find any warranties, if applicable. Get comfy in your chair before you call. You’re going to be sitting there a while.
Know that it’s not just you that has computer problems. Everyone else does, too. It’s just that now is your turn. Things will inevitably get better. You just have to relax and be patient for it to happen. Keep repeating my new mantra "Computers do things THAT annoy us — they don’t do things TO annoy us."
Hope this helps.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
To be notified by email when there are new blog entries, 
