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I raised a few hackles

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by zlitocook

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When I said I do free computer work. I said I do this to learn more about computers and their problems. And also to help people who could not afford the prices computer repair places charge. What do you think? If you want to learn and have the time to work on computers should you? If the folks who need it are willing to let you should you? Do you need wavers or to tell people that if you can not fix it they will have to go to a dealer or home repair shop? I have done this for 7 or 8 years and have never had a complant yet!

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by james r linn

But now I do it for friends for free.

But I don't advertise - I let friends come to me.

And I don't do it for learning really - its not a skill I can really use in my present job.

I do it because I think we should all help those who need help, because at one time or another, someone helped us with computers.

Think of it as informal promotion of what computers can do -we have to help counter the argument that they are too complicated etc.

I have even given away a computer I made up of old no longer used parts. I got some satisfaction knowing that a single mother would have a toll to do her resume on, and that her kid would be able to learn and play some games.

So I wouldn't stop if I were you, but I would be careful with strangers - its not worth the hassles to deal with people who want something for nothing and want a warranty too.

James

by zlitocook

Are almost always for peopleI know or friends of them. I always tell them that I may not be able to fix it. But most times I able to get it going or supply a free fix. Like a floppy or cdrom drive.

by admin

Some people seem to be threatened by this, but I wouldn't let that bug you. If you have a skill, use it! Helping others is a wonderful thing to do. There's no guaranties that someone won't get mad about something, but I think if someones laying in aditch dying I'm going to deliver CPR\First Aid no matter how many people are standing around telling me I'm going to get sued.

We all need to stop letting fear motivate us and start loving and improving our world. Be brave! Stand up and help others! Good job!! *pat on back* for doing this for 7-8 years already!

As far as waivers.... well, there's no guarantee that even with one you will stop liability. Still, it sounds to me like you have a good sense of people to do it for this long with no complaints, so continue with whatever direction you fell comfortable.

If you have some spare time and learn (or already know) to write code you might want to get into open source. It is built on these same principles. You can help people all over the world afford to use computers with it. Don't let the naysayers get you down. It is NOT unpatriotic or wrong to help and love your fellow humans all over the world. If anything, sharing builds relationships and improves our countries ability to prosper too.

I guess I see your question as a small version of the current open source debates, so excuse me if I get tearry-eyed :)

by zlitocook

But you are right! All things learned should be free! That is what the USA is built on! But the people in the areas that we dont see are being missed, like the floor sweeper and the garbage guy. They can not just login and get their email.

by admin

I'll validate that it is real. If you ever get a chance, read Player Piano by Kurt Vonnegut. I really like the engineer in it that travels to the government supported side of town and hangs out with the people there. He also likes to disable the auto-player in the piano provided for their amusement and play it manually for fun.....

At any rate, I for one think it's cool your keeping up computers for the masses. I work for an agency that provides services for people with disabilities, and it's so cool seeing people formerly intimidated or thinking they will never be able to use a computer start surfing and e-mailing :)

In our day and age "Power to the People" means getting them in the flow of information. We have never had such a great equalizer as the internet available. Getting everyone access to the information always redristributes the power in the end. Look at the fall of the "High Priest" cultures with the advent of science and just imagine what is possible with everyone being able to access whatever info they need, no middlemen, no single government in control. :)

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