Most computer users understand that you need an operating system to use a computer practically, even if it is not clear why. But many users don’t.
- Tech Support: “May I ask what operating system you are running today?”
- Customer: “A computer.”
A girl walked into the computer center where I work. She said she was having problems with her Mac. I asked what kind of Mac she had. In an indignant voice, she replied, “Duh, Intosh.”
- Tech Support: “What operating system are you running? Windows 95?”
- Customer: (a little too excited) “95, 97, 98, I’ve got them all!”
After conferring with her husband, it turned out she owned a Macintosh with System 8.1.
- Tech Support: “What version of Windows are you running?”
- Customer: “I got the computer in 2003, so I think it’s a Windows 2003. Or maybe it’s a Windows 2004? I got it late in the year.”
- Tech Support: “Um, ok.”
- Customer: “Is that wrong?”
- Tech Support: “No, no, that sounds about right. Tell me, would you know what service pack you have for that?”
- Customer: “Well, when I got to the register, the young man who rang me up said was about the 5th person to buy it. So it might be service pack 5.”
- Tech Support: “Do you know what operating system you’re on?”
- Customer: “Hmmm…what would be a good answer?”
- Customer: “I don’t use DOS. What would happen if I deleted that directory?”