How much work do you do for free ?

Ten reasons not to provide free support:

http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/abstract.aspx?docid=173362

Ten ways to decline requests for free support:

http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/abstract.aspx?docid=173363

That's my wife and step-daughter.
I used to work on other people's computers doing simple things but then I started getting phone calls at night saying such and such website was down or how do I create a website, stuff like that. I may have lost a few friends because spending two hours on the phone explaining where File/New/Folder is half a dozen times just isn't my forte. I could NOT do phone support for a living.
I have 3 perfectly fine computers here that aren't being used for anything. The thought entered my head yesterday that I could give them away to people that I know. I'm not going to do it. I'd be their first goto person whenever anything went wrong and I'm sure that because they got the computer for free they'd expect free service. I'd rather take the computers out back and shoot them to smithereens than go through that mess again.
No free support from me. No thanks.

As for as Home Users go I don't do many unless they work for companies that I work for and then I consider it [b]Good Will[/b] but I probably do way too much for my own good.

That's probably why my Office Manager is constantly complaining that I'm stealing from My Company by not charging them.

But on the other hand 1 Surgeon has Promised me a Free Transplant of any Organ that I may need, a Electrician does any Electrical Work that needs doing and saves me heaps of time & effort, another Surgeon has offered any General Surgery that I may need free, several Solicitors/Barristers/QC's do any Legal work that I require and so on. If I even need any Heavy Earthmoving done all I have to do it drop a hint and I'll have several different guys and their Equipment out to do it and so on.

Over all I don't really see it as [b]Free[/b] but as something that is good for business and may help me down the track.

Col

I do all my parents computer work.

I do all my neighbor's computer work.

I even work more than standard hours at work, and don't get any extra compensation, consideration, or even a thank you.

Yay for being the neighborhood/family geek.

there are times it gets us free babysitting when we need a bit of big people time...the neighbors have always been great for that if they're not busy :)

and they would be scared to death to let you near their computer :)

I do find that I do a lot of work for the classes that I teach but then again it does require a lot of leg work. As far as friends and family, not too much. I do a little for my dad but he has a Mac and I haven't done much with Macs.

Like in many things IT, the answer is "it depends".

Direct family, it is free.

Close Friends, it is free.

Beyond that, it depends on who they are and what needs to be done.

People that remember me when I need something are remembered when they need something. If it is a one way road, it quickly turns into a dead-end for them.

no comment...on the grounds i may incriminate the both of us :D

I service a lot of units for elderly people on fixed incomes and social security for just what they can afford and often for free if the parts were expensive. I cannot afford to buy the parts for everyone but often I have spare parts in my own pile of parts I collect from users who would otherwise toss them in the trash. Family and friends get work for free but have to buy the parts new, I need my spares for those who can't afford them. I will accept a dinner, treats, drinks or just a kiss for services rendered. I do a lot of barter work for carpenters, plumbers and landscapers, this helps me keep my own expenses down and afford providing the free stuff for others.

I do all their computer work, fixing things, etc.

He helps me with things like building my shed, etc.

She cooks food and brings me some, or have me over to eat with them sometimes.

So, it's not too bad with them.

Now with the parents...God...every week: "I messed up the computer again, and don't know what I did."

Argh. I hate being nerdy. I should have been a sanitation worker. :^0

Maybe that's the trick.....just don't tell anyone where you moved!
:D

Immediately family and close friends only. These close friends have to be good friends and not friends because they want favor. Only the kind of friends that would do the same if the shoe was on the other foot.

One thing that really bugs me is that people will want tech support and expect that 10 dollars or free lunch at mcdonalds is enough compensation. I mean really? Even the smallest job takes about 2 hours.

I only work on my parent's computer for free. But, they really don't require much work until my mom wants a new computer. But hey they raised me and still feed me! However, my brother is no longer allowed to use their computer as it's a guarantee I'll need to fix it.

For that matter not only will I not work on my brother's computer for free I won't even do it for payment. Now that he's banned from my parent's computer I think he actually might take his someplace to get it fixed.

I also voluntarily maintain a non-profit website. I enjoy doing this and use it as a way to learn and improve my web design skills.

I may not get paid money, but I have spent time. Meaning that there is a negative cost in the way of time spent for any service I provide for which I do not charge.
No such thing as free.

If they can afford it, they pay for parts. Otherwise, they wait until I can afford the part.

I'm either coming to the Carolinas, or moving back toward where I grew up.

I am looking at a job in the Charlotte area right now. I am a perfect fit.

I just hope they don't think they consider me "over-qualified" because of my years of experience, and I hope they'll consider me even though I'm from out-of-state.