Alright that’s it! I am going to let off some steam with an old school Matt’s Rant today since there is a subject that I am just dieing to share with you folks. What could possibly get me so wound up you ask? Well, let’s just say that it is related to a specific operating system. No, it is not Windows XP or even the much hated Millennium Edition. The little bugger that has me in knots is Windows 98. Actually to be more accurate, it would be people that use 98 with the attitude that all of the newer technologies should work for their tired old OS.

Now don’t get me wrong. I don’t mind having a client come to me that is running with this 7 year old OS on their home computer. If they find that 98 has what they need, then more power to them. But to seriously walk into an establishment and expect that insanely cheesy wireless utility (designed for 98/Me machines) that comes with Linksys wireless cards to work as well as wireless does with XP or Linux is just nuts!

First off, if and I say IF it works at all; thank Linksys. Since Windows 98 has no native support for this ‘newer technology’, the OS is not really at fault here. But those people that use 98 who feel that the world some how owes them something because they are still living in the delusion that this operating system still has value; well let’s just say it’s time to ‘wake up and smell the Folgers’!

So what’s my point to all of this? Simple:

1) If someone is going to persist in using this OS. Don’t you dare cop and attitude about having periodic issues with USB devices, Wi-Fi, etc. Granted, not all people are aware of this. But after this has been explained to them and they still persist on getting all nasty about it; well, lets just say that they’re more than welcome to find someone else that is willing to explain the limitations of this OS to them in my place.

2) After explaining the point above to them, you take time to trying to help out only to have them come back a week later having the same sort of issues all over again. Rather than accepting the point you brought up to them in the first place, they instead opt to point the finger at you claiming that ‘you are some how in the wrong’. Good grief people, this is not a gap in technology understanding here! This is people not wanting to accept the realistic expectations of their older equipment.

OK, so I am left with two choices here. I can either continue to put up with this sort of stupidity from these types of clients that refuse to listen to reality; or better yet, I could tell them to take a hike! Want to guess which one I chose? ;o)

I suppose the moral of the story is that it has little to do with the OS that people are choosing to use. It more less comes down to how we wish to deal with the people we have as our clients. Being sick and crabby, I have a sneaking suspicion my list might just a little shorter than what I had originally anticipated.

This is OK though. This may not be as pleasant as full retirement from the PC repair game, but is sure a good way to clean out the people that are just not easy to work with. After all, I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason. So heads up people, Matt is on the war path! :o)~