DD> Being a sysop does not prepare one in any great way
 DD> in the field of PC support.  He would be better off
 DD> doing a Computer course at a TAFE or such.
KV>If you think running a BBS doesn't give you a great of experience in the
KV>area of computers then that is your problem not mine, but then again ask
KV>any SYSOP what computer skills would you need to run a BBS.

Hehehe,
I quite agree, I've found that running a BBS has forced me to learn a hell
of a lot about the internal mechanics of my PC.

As for TAFE courses, the level of instruction is, from what I've seen, pretty lame.
I often fix the screwups made by "Qualified" technicians on other
peoples PCs.

Want some examples?

1) One of my BBS users offers to pay me to fix their system. Floppy drives not
   working since they had their new HD installed a few months before by
   Technician in computer  upgrades/sales outlet.
   I pull the case off and find they've left both floppy-drive connector
   cables off.

2) User tells me he's disappointed by his systems performance since he had a
   new motherboard & CPU installed 12 months ago.
   He brings the PC over to my place for me to have alook at it.
   I have a look at the CMOS and find that both the Internal & External cache
   has been disabled. He's rather impressed by the speed difference after I
   change this setting, to say the least.

3) User calls me up for a game of Doom, we connect but game runs very slowly.
   I chat with him on the phone, and he tells me his PC (486 DX/66) doesn't
   seem to run as fast as it should since he paid for an upgrade 6 months ago.
   This sounds vaguely familiar to me (see above example), so over the phone I
   explain to him how to check his CMOS settings, and guess what......?

4) User has been having modem problems and calls service technician.
   University qualified technician goes to his house, spends three hours
   trying to rectify the problem, finally gives up. User phones me, and I
   explain to technician over the phone how to fix problem.
   Modem working fine 5 minutes later.
   Technician still has the hide to charge user $50 for call-out.
   User silly enough to pay it.

These are just a few, there's been plenty of other amusing incidents,
including being recently asked how to install a modem by a guy who had
recently Graduated from University with a degree in Computer Engineering.

Better off doing a course at TAFE?
I dont think so.
B-)

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 brujo{at}gc.design.net.au
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