No Knowledge

[compgirlfhredi]

I overheard a conversation between two people, both were approx. in the age range of 50 to perhaps 60. They were discussing:
1. Neither have ever had a computer
2. One only played games on his son's.
3. The other had used email once on his brothers.
The conversation mainly pertained to the fact that one of them had purchased a new computer with XP as the OS. He was telling his friend that he had "deleted" (not UN-INSTALLED, mind you) a lot of stuff that he thought he would never need. (couldn't help the shudder that ran down my spine)
When the other gentlman asked if he could come over and take a look at this computer as he too was considering buying a new computer, the one gentlman's response was "Well, its not working real good right now, but my son says to give it a couple days and it will fix itself".

FIX ITSELF??!!!

It is getting increasingly difficult for me NOT to intervene on discussions like this that I overhear in public, ie: "My ISP is no help", "My computer has 'some' error, when I start it", etc.

My question is this:
How does one NOT interfere with discussions as these involving the "elderly" ( I use that term loosely, as I am 54) that one "overhears' ?

 

[bcastner]

You do not see an MD jump in unless it is an emergency.

If it was a specific issue mentioned, perhaps you could volunteer help.

But in most cases it is best just to keep quiet.

There is a good Forum on this site to discuss issues like this. Look under "Trends and Ethics" for the "Information Technology in the Workplace" forum.

You have to respect the difference between an overheard discussion, and a question asked here. The latter presupposes a willingness to listen to you. The former suggests that your assistance is an intrusion, no matter how right you may be.

Bill.

 

[artharjar]

just think if you were talking to a friend regarding a tooth ache. do you want the dentist sitting next to you to throw in his two cents on what you should take for it. prob. not you would think he was crazy.