Comments on: (strip) parental tech support

By: Oskar

Oskar — Sat, 17 May 2008 16:08:27 +0000

My dad’s really an idiot when it comes to computers, but he does know, like, the basic stuff. Opening windows, clicking things, etc, so if I go slowly, at least he gets what to do.

Still, I used to rip out my hair in frustration every once in a while, so when I was there recently I installed VNC and Hamachi (which is a VPN-product, so I can always reach his computer easily without having MSN or knowing his IP), and Jesus Christ, that made everything so much easier. I’m like “Ok, dad, STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER!”. Then I hang up and five minutes later everything works like dandy!

By: Amanda Nicole

Amanda Nicole — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:36:03 +0000

Parental technical support is definitely one of the biggest stresses I can think of. I tried to help my mom purchase something online once. I swear clumps of my hair just fell right out.

By: annlucille

annlucille — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:50:46 +0000

Been there! Great strip!

By: Keith

Keith — Fri, 16 May 2008 09:54:30 +0000

Ahh. If you use windows, you could try crossloop.com It involves less parental interaction. Everything is in big writing. Basically a wrapper around VNC.

By: local girl

local girl — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:29:53 +0000

Yes thats what this is about, I was trying to get him to load MSN - that’s what I use to remote.

By: Keith

Keith — Fri, 16 May 2008 07:33:57 +0000

Oh god, Yes. Just reading this strip made me anxious. I’ve never had to control my irritation levels so much as when doing phone support for my dad. I heavily recommend setting up some flavour of remote control software.