#techsupport — Public Fediverse posts

I think it's getting to a point where I really wanna move away from YouTube Music. Anyone have good recommendations on where I can go?

I wanna avoid Spotify and other platforms that are likely to enshittify in the next 10 years. Are there any possible actually good options that also have music on them?

Ideally, I shouldn't need to self-host anything.

#tech #techSupport #music #askFedi #spotify

I think it's getting to a point where I really wanna move away from YouTube Music. Anyone have good recommendations on where I can go?

I wanna avoid Spotify and other platforms that are likely to enshittify in the next 10 years. Are there any possible actually good options that also have music on them?

Ideally, I shouldn't need to self-host anything.

#tech #techSupport #music #askFedi #spotify

Alright folks it's that time again - my phone is starting to glitch out a bit and I've already replaced the battery and screen to try to stretch it, but I think it's time for a new phone. I have a Pixel 6a. I've had Pixels since the Pixel 1 and have always been an #Android user since my first smartphone. I have been pretty happy with the Pixels but I am getting kinda sick of Google's BS.

What I want in a new phone:
- Unlocked, full-price phone - manufacturer-refurbished maybe preferable
- Stock Android OS, or very close w/ google play store & services
- Extremely reliable
- Minimum 128 GB storage, 6GB RAM. a bit more would be better
- Runs full set of Google services including Google Pay checkout in web

Nice-to-haves:
- Back or side fingerprint reader - the under-screen one in the Pixel 6a sucks balls
- OS w/ future-proof support for unknown APK sources like F-Droid

1/ :boosts_ok_gay:

#AskMastodon #AskFedi #TechSupport

Alright folks it's that time again - my phone is starting to glitch out a bit and I've already replaced the battery and screen to try to stretch it, but I think it's time for a new phone. I have a Pixel 6a. I've had Pixels since the Pixel 1 and have always been an #Android user since my first smartphone. I have been pretty happy with the Pixels but I am getting kinda sick of Google's BS.

What I want in a new phone:
- Unlocked, full-price phone - manufacturer-refurbished maybe preferable
- Stock Android OS, or very close w/ google play store & services
- Extremely reliable
- Minimum 128 GB storage, 6GB RAM. a bit more would be better
- Runs full set of Google services including Google Pay checkout in web

Nice-to-haves:
- Back or side fingerprint reader - the under-screen one in the Pixel 6a sucks balls
- OS w/ future-proof support for unknown APK sources like F-Droid

1/ :boosts_ok_gay:

#AskMastodon #AskFedi #TechSupport

Apple has classified the iPhone X and 2018 MacBook Pro as obsolete, ending official hardware support. Users should seek third-party services for repairs, though genuine parts may be scarce.

#Apple #iPhoneX #MacBookPro #Obsolete #TechSupport #DeviceLongevity

https://thedailytechfeed.com/apple-declares-iphone-x-and-2018-macbook-pro-obsolete/

Today's #TechSupport #PetPeeve: when you describe in your bug report exactly what is going wrong, in excruciating detail, with all the steps necessary to reproduce the problem, and the rep responds, "Please send a screenshot or video recording demonstrating the problem." No, fuck you.
(This is doubly offensive when the problem you're reporting is that something is supposed to happen but isn't. How the fuck are you supposed to take a screenshot of nothing? 😡)

Today's #TechSupport #PetPeeve: when you describe in your bug report exactly what is going wrong, in excruciating detail, with all the steps necessary to reproduce the problem, and the rep responds, "Please send a screenshot or video recording demonstrating the problem." No, fuck you.
(This is doubly offensive when the problem you're reporting is that something is supposed to happen but isn't. How the fuck are you supposed to take a screenshot of nothing? 😡)

“That costs more than I thought it would.”

A residential client told me that she had talked to a friend who needed someone to restore her ability to print. She gave me the name and phone number of the prospect, with the woman’s permission. She also told me that the woman is about 90 years old. Her son had tried to get her printer working, but wasn’t able to, so she needed a tech support person.

Today I called. She said, “We have two printers, and I can’t get either one of them to work since I got a new router a couple of weeks ago.”

(Side note: wait, did she just mention her router? And did she say she and her husband have two printers? Yup, and it should come as no surprise. This is the new, common reality of working tech support with the elderly. They’re often more technically literate than you think. Do the math. Let’s say she’s a full 90 years old, and retired at the age of 65. That was in 2001. Computers were everywhere in 2001. If you know elderly people who don’t understand computers, it’s not because they’re old; it’s because they had a job that didn’t involve using computers. Today, there are 90-year-olds who were software engineers).

Back to the story... I told her yes, I could help her with that, and I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee. She was all set to have me do the work. Then I said, “First, I want to be transparent about the cost.” I told her my hourly rate.

[silence for over a second]... “Okay, I’ll talk to my husband and let you know.”

My rate is the same for residential service as for business service. Many years ago I charged less for residential. I learned my lesson. Now, if anything, I’d say (only half joking) that residential clients could legitimately be charged a premium.

I charge the same because my costs are the same, and because I’m running a for-profit business. There are several other reasons, too, but we’ll leave it at that for this post.

THE LESSON
If you’re doing residential tech support, give serious thought to your fee structure. If you try to sell it cheap, you can end up working your tail off and struggling to make ends meet. Find clients who can afford to pay you at the current competitive rates.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“That costs more than I thought it would.”

A residential client told me that she had talked to a friend who needed someone to restore her ability to print. She gave me the name and phone number of the prospect, with the woman’s permission. She also told me that the woman is about 90 years old. Her son had tried to get her printer working, but wasn’t able to, so she needed a tech support person.

Today I called. She said, “We have two printers, and I can’t get either one of them to work since I got a new router a couple of weeks ago.”

(Side note: wait, did she just mention her router? And did she say she and her husband have two printers? Yup, and it should come as no surprise. This is the new, common reality of working tech support with the elderly. They’re often more technically literate than you think. Do the math. Let’s say she’s a full 90 years old, and retired at the age of 65. That was in 2001. Computers were everywhere in 2001. If you know elderly people who don’t understand computers, it’s not because they’re old; it’s because they had a job that didn’t involve using computers. Today, there are 90-year-olds who were software engineers).

Back to the story... I told her yes, I could help her with that, and I have a “no fix, no charge” guarantee. She was all set to have me do the work. Then I said, “First, I want to be transparent about the cost.” I told her my hourly rate.

[silence for over a second]... “Okay, I’ll talk to my husband and let you know.”

My rate is the same for residential service as for business service. Many years ago I charged less for residential. I learned my lesson. Now, if anything, I’d say (only half joking) that residential clients could legitimately be charged a premium.

I charge the same because my costs are the same, and because I’m running a for-profit business. There are several other reasons, too, but we’ll leave it at that for this post.

THE LESSON
If you’re doing residential tech support, give serious thought to your fee structure. If you try to sell it cheap, you can end up working your tail off and struggling to make ends meet. Find clients who can afford to pay you at the current competitive rates.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

#BigTech #Billionaires #EatTheRich #Security #Win10 #TechSupport

So some press covered Zuckerberg's mega yacht not responding to a distress call and rightfully saying the Law Of the Sea requires aid to be rendered if possible.

Now, there's apparently a Win10 zero-day vulnerability in the wild. A vulnerability that Microsoft HAS A FIX FOR.

And yet they won't allow you to run it if you haven't paid up for support.

They should be REQUIRED TO RELEASE the fix to all.

#BigTech #Billionaires #EatTheRich #Security #Win10 #TechSupport

So some press covered Zuckerberg's mega yacht not responding to a distress call and rightfully saying the Law Of the Sea requires aid to be rendered if possible.

Now, there's apparently a Win10 zero-day vulnerability in the wild. A vulnerability that Microsoft HAS A FIX FOR.

And yet they won't allow you to run it if you haven't paid up for support.

They should be REQUIRED TO RELEASE the fix to all.

I posted about my printer going wrong a little while ago. This is also about a printer, but it's not mine.

My mum's got an HP LaserJet 5. It's so old that the casing's gone yellow. Recently, it's taken to turning itself off after printing a few pages. Always after a full page, so there's nothing stuck in the paper path.

Is this something that's likely to be diagnosable/repairable (say, at a repair cafe), or should it be sent to its final reward after a life well-printed?

#Repair #TechSupport

I posted about my printer going wrong a little while ago. This is also about a printer, but it's not mine.

My mum's got an HP LaserJet 5. It's so old that the casing's gone yellow. Recently, it's taken to turning itself off after printing a few pages. Always after a full page, so there's nothing stuck in the paper path.

Is this something that's likely to be diagnosable/repairable (say, at a repair cafe), or should it be sent to its final reward after a life well-printed?

#Repair #TechSupport

Free #TechSupport sessions at the South Burlington library in #Vermont today:

1. A patron wanted to get set up for online classes at Vermont State University. We walked through some of their orientation materials on Canvas.
2. A patron wanted to understand why their phone would not work as a hot spot. Turns out that's not included in their AT&T pre-paid plan and would cost $10/mo extra. Thieves!
3. Same patron wanted to know why their 2nd phone only used in China would not work as a hot spot. I have no idea but it was fun to try to navigate a budget cellular carrier app in Chinese. I guessed it was a similar problem to the above.
4. Transferring 3000 photos from iPad and iPhone to a Windows PC. Patron visited their home country for the first time in 25 years and took so many pics...
5. Windows basics, copy and paste text, install Windows updates, make the mouse pointer bigger, no, HUGE! Using web browsers and Copilot.

#Libraries

Free #TechSupport sessions at the South Burlington library in #Vermont today:

1. A patron wanted to get set up for online classes at Vermont State University. We walked through some of their orientation materials on Canvas.
2. A patron wanted to understand why their phone would not work as a hot spot. Turns out that's not included in their AT&T pre-paid plan and would cost $10/mo extra. Thieves!
3. Same patron wanted to know why their 2nd phone only used in China would not work as a hot spot. I have no idea but it was fun to try to navigate a budget cellular carrier app in Chinese. I guessed it was a similar problem to the above.
4. Transferring 3000 photos from iPad and iPhone to a Windows PC. Patron visited their home country for the first time in 25 years and took so many pics...
5. Windows basics, copy and paste text, install Windows updates, make the mouse pointer bigger, no, HUGE! Using web browsers and Copilot.

#Libraries

#PeerTube #MakerTube #Mastodon

Does anyone know why #Mastodon video preview shows the old title/thumbnail, and not the new title & thumbnail ?

#TechSupport #OBS

#PeerTube #MakerTube #Mastodon

Does anyone know why #Mastodon video preview shows the old title/thumbnail, and not the new title & thumbnail ?

#TechSupport #OBS

🌍💥 Oh, dear reader! A colossal 7.4 #earthquake just happened, but worry not—our website is really more concerned about your browser's #Javascript settings. 🚫🖥️ Forget about tectonic chaos; let's fix your tech before the aftershocks hit! 😅
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000tjl2/executive #techsupport #safety #browserfixes #HackerNews #ngated

🌍💥 Oh, dear reader! A colossal 7.4 #earthquake just happened, but worry not—our website is really more concerned about your browser's #Javascript settings. 🚫🖥️ Forget about tectonic chaos; let's fix your tech before the aftershocks hit! 😅
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us6000tjl2/executive #techsupport #safety #browserfixes #HackerNews #ngated

“Bob, when I tried to order a pizza I think my computer was infected with a virus.”

The infection was dramatic and instant. The client called me less than two hours after it happened.

THE SITUATION
This client in Nevada opened the web browser on his laptop and began typing the name of a popular pizza delivery service. If you’re in the USA, you’d recognize the name, they’re everywhere. He clicked on one of the search results – he thought it was the right one – and began selecting the pizza. Before he could complete the order, his laptop was unusable because of pop-ups telling him he had a virus. All of the "virus" alerts were fake.

WHAT THE CLIENT DID NEXT
He set the computer aside, used his phone to order the pizza, and after dinner he called me. While we talked on the phone, I connected remotely to his computer.

We were lucky. Some malware blocks remote connections.

Once I was connected, I was able to stop some malicious running processes to regain control of the computer and stop the pop-ups. But this is a temporary solution. The problem isn’t resolved until you eliminate the source file. I used System Restore to roll his Windows 11 configuration back a few days.

In a follow-up customer care check two days later, the client reported that his laptop is still working normally.

THE LESSON
If it’s a popular website, you can pretty much bet that a cybercriminal has created a look-alike site with a name that looks similar, but is spelled just a little different. Look carefully before you click on the search result. Then, it’s a good idea to bookmark a website that you’ll visit more than once. Instead of taking a risk every time you type the name, you can trust the bookmark (“favorite”) that you saved.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

“Bob, when I tried to order a pizza I think my computer was infected with a virus.”

The infection was dramatic and instant. The client called me less than two hours after it happened.

THE SITUATION
This client in Nevada opened the web browser on his laptop and began typing the name of a popular pizza delivery service. If you’re in the USA, you’d recognize the name, they’re everywhere. He clicked on one of the search results – he thought it was the right one – and began selecting the pizza. Before he could complete the order, his laptop was unusable because of pop-ups telling him he had a virus. All of the "virus" alerts were fake.

WHAT THE CLIENT DID NEXT
He set the computer aside, used his phone to order the pizza, and after dinner he called me. While we talked on the phone, I connected remotely to his computer.

We were lucky. Some malware blocks remote connections.

Once I was connected, I was able to stop some malicious running processes to regain control of the computer and stop the pop-ups. But this is a temporary solution. The problem isn’t resolved until you eliminate the source file. I used System Restore to roll his Windows 11 configuration back a few days.

In a follow-up customer care check two days later, the client reported that his laptop is still working normally.

THE LESSON
If it’s a popular website, you can pretty much bet that a cybercriminal has created a look-alike site with a name that looks similar, but is spelled just a little different. Look carefully before you click on the search result. Then, it’s a good idea to bookmark a website that you’ll visit more than once. Instead of taking a risk every time you type the name, you can trust the bookmark (“favorite”) that you saved.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks +1 206-465-2422

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Is there someone out there who is running #Ghost via #Podman quadlets?

I have been trying and trying and trying but I am unable even to start the systemd service. I would very much appreciate some guidance!

Next step is to migrate Ghost from another installation but Saint @EvanHahn from Chicago already offered me his invaluable help. I was hoping I could at least get the system running, but 😭

#systemd #quadlets #Linux #sysAd #sysadmin #systemAdministration #techSupport #help

Is there someone out there who is running #Ghost via #Podman quadlets?

I have been trying and trying and trying but I am unable even to start the systemd service. I would very much appreciate some guidance!

Next step is to migrate Ghost from another installation but Saint @EvanHahn from Chicago already offered me his invaluable help. I was hoping I could at least get the system running, but 😭

#systemd #quadlets #Linux #sysAd #sysadmin #systemAdministration #techSupport #help

If I were wanting an easy, cheap (preferably free, except the domain name) way to host a 1 page website, are there any recommended best services? I don't wanna mess around with self-hosting.

It's just gonna be something similar to those genres of sites about "you're doing asynchronous communication wrong" or whatever.

I know how to write HTML, so I just need a place to host it under a domain.

#techSupport #tech #askFedi

If I were wanting an easy, cheap (preferably free, except the domain name) way to host a 1 page website, are there any recommended best services? I don't wanna mess around with self-hosting.

It's just gonna be something similar to those genres of sites about "you're doing asynchronous communication wrong" or whatever.

I know how to write HTML, so I just need a place to host it under a domain.

#techSupport #tech #askFedi

I'm intentionally shifting my focus away from public utilities and jobs that require a lot of long distance travel, and marketing now toward residential and small business "help desk" work. "IT by the hour."

Today I tried something new. I used the "Contact Us" page at an upscale senior living community to send this message:

---
I provide computer tech support by the hour, on site or remote. I live in Renton. My business is licensed and insured. I’m 71 years old, but not retired. A lot of my work is with elderly residential clients. I taught computer repair and computer networks at Bellevue College and Everett Community College for 17 years. Is there any demand for “help desk” services among your residents? I’d love the opportunity to come to the office and have a no-cost “getting to know you” meeting in person. Then, if you approve, I can give you some business cards and a card holder to put on a counter or desk.
Thank you for your consideration.
--Bob Young
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fifonetworks/
Website: https://fifonetworks.com/
---

The Contact Us page has an advantage: they can't mark my email domain as spam.

I'm going to do some more of these. We'll see if it works.

#techsupport #helpdesk #seniors #residential

I'm intentionally shifting my focus away from public utilities and jobs that require a lot of long distance travel, and marketing now toward residential and small business "help desk" work. "IT by the hour."

Today I tried something new. I used the "Contact Us" page at an upscale senior living community to send this message:

---
I provide computer tech support by the hour, on site or remote. I live in Renton. My business is licensed and insured. I’m 71 years old, but not retired. A lot of my work is with elderly residential clients. I taught computer repair and computer networks at Bellevue College and Everett Community College for 17 years. Is there any demand for “help desk” services among your residents? I’d love the opportunity to come to the office and have a no-cost “getting to know you” meeting in person. Then, if you approve, I can give you some business cards and a card holder to put on a counter or desk.
Thank you for your consideration.
--Bob Young
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fifonetworks/
Website: https://fifonetworks.com/
---

The Contact Us page has an advantage: they can't mark my email domain as spam.

I'm going to do some more of these. We'll see if it works.

#techsupport #helpdesk #seniors #residential

Le sigh. I’ve got that sinking feeling again when you raise a support ticket, get an answer, and realise that you have more knowledge on the particular niche subject than the support tech.

#TechSupport #tech

Le sigh. I’ve got that sinking feeling again when you raise a support ticket, get an answer, and realise that you have more knowledge on the particular niche subject than the support tech.

#TechSupport #tech

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#MacBookRepair #MacBookRepairDubai #AppleRepair #MacBook #Dubai #LaptopRepair #TechSupport

Over the weekend a residential client asked, "Can I pay you with Zelle?" I said yes. Then, I immediately logged into my US Bank business checking account and enabled Zelle payment processing.
Years ago when I asked my CPA if I should start taking credit card payments, he said, "Bob, if someone wants to give you money, find a way to say yes."
Since then, in addition to credit cards, I've added PayPal, Venmo, and now Zelle.
#entrepreneurship #techsupport

Over the weekend a residential client asked, "Can I pay you with Zelle?" I said yes. Then, I immediately logged into my US Bank business checking account and enabled Zelle payment processing.
Years ago when I asked my CPA if I should start taking credit card payments, he said, "Bob, if someone wants to give you money, find a way to say yes."
Since then, in addition to credit cards, I've added PayPal, Venmo, and now Zelle.
#entrepreneurship #techsupport

@elementary Hi! I recently installed your OS on an old A1224 model iMac for the purposes of audio recording. I'm typing from it right now, and it's working well so far, but I have a couple questions. The two big ones are as follows:

• The external drives I use for saving project files and holding media don't mount automatically when the computer boots, and aren't even detected unless I unplug them and plug them back in, after which I still have to open them in Files to mount them properly. I have a feeling this is due to the external USB hub I'm using, which is large enough to require it's own power source. If detection of the SSDs is based around them powering on alongside the computer, that'd be an issue since the drives are constantly powered from the wall. I'll plug them in directly and restart the computer to test this if that works, but if I quit out now I'll lose what I've typed. lol

• I use a Behringer U-phoria UMC1820 interface for recording, and that causes issues that aren't unique to Elementary, but are harder to troubleshoot on it. Due to the way it informs Linux (PulseAudio or PipeWire, whichever part of the chain it directly talks to) of it's inputs and outputs, it causes oddly specific issues. I think it's best if I detail how this issue behaved on Linux Mint, the previous distro I used for recording, and then how Elementary differs slightly.
  Mint succeeds in detecting the UMC1820 and lets it be selected in it's sound settings. However, due to the interface itself labeling all of it's ins and outs as "auxiliary" something, the computer has no clear "left" and "right" channels to use as defaults. Mint assumes that the first two "aux" outs are the default left and right, which is correct, and aside from a couple bugs I couldn't get around in specific software, it still works as normal.
  Elementary detects the interface but doesn't list it as an option in it's sound settings, I can only imagine because there are technically no default outputs to… list. I was only able to make it output through the device by installing PulseAudio Volume Control and selecting it there, resulting in NO options being selected in the dedicated sound settings, and the options in the upper right corner of the screen incorrectly stating I was outputting through the built-in speakers.
  I was worried it would switch back once I rebooted, and thankfully this isn't the case, but I thought you should be made aware of this issue so that maybe, if nothing else, the weird interface could at least be shown under sound settings proper. I've given up on trying to "label" the correct outputs as "left" and "right" instead of aux 0 or 1 or whatever, that's likely a PulseAudio issue and a lost cause.

Daunting as that second one is to explain, I promise it's not a huge deal and I AM able to record and play back sound regardless. It just would have been really confused and concerned if I hadn't had prior experience with Mint, and knew that I could likely fix the issue by using other Pulse tools.

Thank you for making software that's ethical and anti-LLM. I thought the whole FOSS scene would be more against AI slop, but it's hard to find an OS that stands against that tech-bro garbage, let alone software to use on it. I appreciate it so very much.

@elementary Hi! I recently installed your OS on an old A1224 model iMac for the purposes of audio recording. I'm typing from it right now, and it's working well so far, but I have a couple questions. The two big ones are as follows:

• The external drives I use for saving project files and holding media don't mount automatically when the computer boots, and aren't even detected unless I unplug them and plug them back in, after which I still have to open them in Files to mount them properly. I have a feeling this is due to the external USB hub I'm using, which is large enough to require it's own power source. If detection of the SSDs is based around them powering on alongside the computer, that'd be an issue since the drives are constantly powered from the wall. I'll plug them in directly and restart the computer to test this if that works, but if I quit out now I'll lose what I've typed. lol

• I use a Behringer U-phoria UMC1820 interface for recording, and that causes issues that aren't unique to Elementary, but are harder to troubleshoot on it. Due to the way it informs Linux (PulseAudio or PipeWire, whichever part of the chain it directly talks to) of it's inputs and outputs, it causes oddly specific issues. I think it's best if I detail how this issue behaved on Linux Mint, the previous distro I used for recording, and then how Elementary differs slightly.
  Mint succeeds in detecting the UMC1820 and lets it be selected in it's sound settings. However, due to the interface itself labeling all of it's ins and outs as "auxiliary" something, the computer has no clear "left" and "right" channels to use as defaults. Mint assumes that the first two "aux" outs are the default left and right, which is correct, and aside from a couple bugs I couldn't get around in specific software, it still works as normal.
  Elementary detects the interface but doesn't list it as an option in it's sound settings, I can only imagine because there are technically no default outputs to… list. I was only able to make it output through the device by installing PulseAudio Volume Control and selecting it there, resulting in NO options being selected in the dedicated sound settings, and the options in the upper right corner of the screen incorrectly stating I was outputting through the built-in speakers.
  I was worried it would switch back once I rebooted, and thankfully this isn't the case, but I thought you should be made aware of this issue so that maybe, if nothing else, the weird interface could at least be shown under sound settings proper. I've given up on trying to "label" the correct outputs as "left" and "right" instead of aux 0 or 1 or whatever, that's likely a PulseAudio issue and a lost cause.

Daunting as that second one is to explain, I promise it's not a huge deal and I AM able to record and play back sound regardless. It just would have been really confused and concerned if I hadn't had prior experience with Mint, and knew that I could likely fix the issue by using other Pulse tools.

Thank you for making software that's ethical and anti-LLM. I thought the whole FOSS scene would be more against AI slop, but it's hard to find an OS that stands against that tech-bro garbage, let alone software to use on it. I appreciate it so very much.

Has anyone used this crate https://crates.io/crates/rusty_ffmpeg or something similar that interfaces with ffmpeg from rust?

How are they?

Is there anything obviously better than just invoking the commands from Rust?

I want to take screenshots and audio clips from mkv files.

#rustlang #tech #techsupport

(hashtags here so it's easier to mute posts about these things for those uninterested)

Has anyone used this crate https://crates.io/crates/rusty_ffmpeg or something similar that interfaces with ffmpeg from rust?

How are they?

Is there anything obviously better than just invoking the commands from Rust?

I want to take screenshots and audio clips from mkv files.

#rustlang #tech #techsupport

(hashtags here so it's easier to mute posts about these things for those uninterested)

Ah, the profound depths of existential philosophy, reduced to a browser error page. 🤦‍♂️ We can only imagine Camus’ absurdist take on trying to "enable JavaScript" to unveil the mysteries of life. 🔒🔒 Meanwhile, the Request ID feels like a secret code to enlightenment—or just tech support purgatory. 🤷‍♀️
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/portrait-author-historian/absurdity-albert-camus #existentialphilosophy #absurdism #JavaScript #techsupport #enlightenment #HackerNews #ngated

Ah, the profound depths of existential philosophy, reduced to a browser error page. 🤦‍♂️ We can only imagine Camus’ absurdist take on trying to "enable JavaScript" to unveil the mysteries of life. 🔒🔒 Meanwhile, the Request ID feels like a secret code to enlightenment—or just tech support purgatory. 🤷‍♀️
https://www.historytoday.com/archive/portrait-author-historian/absurdity-albert-camus #existentialphilosophy #absurdism #JavaScript #techsupport #enlightenment #HackerNews #ngated

How to handle QuickBooks Desktop updates without giving the users Administrator privilege level: a case study.

THE SCENARIO
A small business runs QB Desktop, not QB Online. The data files are on a local server. There are three computers in the server room for Remote Access. Each RA computer has QB installed. Employees can work from home a certain number of days per week. They remote into these computers and run QuickBooks from there.

THE PROBLEM
The remote workers don’t have Administrator privileges (of course). But... QuickBooks updates can’t be installed without Admin privileges. Periodically they get stuck and can’t work until someone logs into each RA computer and applies the QB updates. This wastes valuable time and occasionally puts deadlines at risk, like payroll.

THE SOLUTION
The business owner now pays me a monthly fee to login to each RA computer twice a month and apply all updates. I do this the first time shortly after “Patch Tuesday,” so I can apply all Microsoft updates at the same time. I do it again near the end of the month. I do this after hours so it doesn’t interfere with the workflow.

FIFO NETWORKS
I provide small business tech support, by the hour, for companies that are too small to need a full-time IT person on staff. It’s not automated. I’m a real human being who checks the logs, pays attention, applies the fixes, and verifies the fixes work. I taught IT and Cybersecurity at a couple of colleges for 17 years. Let’s talk, and find out if I can help you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

How to handle QuickBooks Desktop updates without giving the users Administrator privilege level: a case study.

THE SCENARIO
A small business runs QB Desktop, not QB Online. The data files are on a local server. There are three computers in the server room for Remote Access. Each RA computer has QB installed. Employees can work from home a certain number of days per week. They remote into these computers and run QuickBooks from there.

THE PROBLEM
The remote workers don’t have Administrator privileges (of course). But... QuickBooks updates can’t be installed without Admin privileges. Periodically they get stuck and can’t work until someone logs into each RA computer and applies the QB updates. This wastes valuable time and occasionally puts deadlines at risk, like payroll.

THE SOLUTION
The business owner now pays me a monthly fee to login to each RA computer twice a month and apply all updates. I do this the first time shortly after “Patch Tuesday,” so I can apply all Microsoft updates at the same time. I do it again near the end of the month. I do this after hours so it doesn’t interfere with the workflow.

FIFO NETWORKS
I provide small business tech support, by the hour, for companies that are too small to need a full-time IT person on staff. It’s not automated. I’m a real human being who checks the logs, pays attention, applies the fixes, and verifies the fixes work. I taught IT and Cybersecurity at a couple of colleges for 17 years. Let’s talk, and find out if I can help you.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Curious if anybody on here knows anything about this:

Are there any blogging apps for the fediverse, that allow a user to get the fulltext of their blog post to be posted as a thread? Not just a title with a link and maybe a preview. I want full syndication of the entire blog post, readable entirely within the fediverse without needing to follow any links. Is this something that I need to create?

#blogging #askFedi #techSupport

Curious if anybody on here knows anything about this:

Are there any blogging apps for the fediverse, that allow a user to get the fulltext of their blog post to be posted as a thread? Not just a title with a link and maybe a preview. I want full syndication of the entire blog post, readable entirely within the fediverse without needing to follow any links. Is this something that I need to create?

#blogging #askFedi #techSupport

Recently watched the latest Veronica Explains (@veronica) video about self-hosting an AOL Instant Messenger server.

I think it's really cool, but I don't know how I would be able to connect a client to it on a modern computer and OS. Pidgin used to support AIM, but recent versions no longer support it. I think there's plugins for it, but I can't find any comprehensive explanation for how to do it.

Anybody got any suggestions? Ideally, it should be something that works on Linux.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDQTuJWST4M

#techSupport #tech #AOL #AIM #retroComputing #askFedi #help #linux

Recently watched the latest Veronica Explains (@veronica) video about self-hosting an AOL Instant Messenger server.

I think it's really cool, but I don't know how I would be able to connect a client to it on a modern computer and OS. Pidgin used to support AIM, but recent versions no longer support it. I think there's plugins for it, but I can't find any comprehensive explanation for how to do it.

Anybody got any suggestions? Ideally, it should be something that works on Linux.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDQTuJWST4M

#techSupport #tech #AOL #AIM #retroComputing #askFedi #help #linux

Hey, I've been suffering from kernel panics at least 2-3 times each day for at months now, and I have no clue on how to debug this. Can anyone point me towards how to troubleshoot and fix this kind of problems?

What I've tried:
- Reinstalling the full system, either the same distribution or another (always debian based though). No effect. I considered installing Windows 10 to check if I get BSOD'd but I haven't tried
- I tried isolating which kind of activities trigger the panic, but to no avail

#linux #techsupport

Hey, I've been suffering from kernel panics at least 2-3 times each day for at months now, and I have no clue on how to debug this. Can anyone point me towards how to troubleshoot and fix this kind of problems?

What I've tried:
- Reinstalling the full system, either the same distribution or another (always debian based though). No effect. I considered installing Windows 10 to check if I get BSOD'd but I haven't tried
- I tried isolating which kind of activities trigger the panic, but to no avail

#linux #techsupport

My friend used her vet's online scheduling system to reserve an appointment today and when she and doggo showed up they told her the vet was in surgery today and her appointment was for tomorrow - so she went home, reproduced the problem where she selected "today" but the appt went to tomorrow, capturing step-by-step screenshots, and sent it all to their office.

My #IT #TechSupport #TroubleShooting little heart was never more proud.

Of course now my inner #SoftwareEngineer wants to do more testing and hack around in the code. 🤓

My friend used her vet's online scheduling system to reserve an appointment today and when she and doggo showed up they told her the vet was in surgery today and her appointment was for tomorrow - so she went home, reproduced the problem where she selected "today" but the appt went to tomorrow, capturing step-by-step screenshots, and sent it all to their office.

My #IT #TechSupport #TroubleShooting little heart was never more proud.

Of course now my inner #SoftwareEngineer wants to do more testing and hack around in the code. 🤓

my @jellyfin instance has been fucked beyond repair for weeks now and I've run out of ideas.

I've scanned my media folders, rescanned, replaced metadata, rescanned again, updated versions (running 10.11.11), uninstalled jellyfin from the server, wiped cache and config files, reinstalled, checked disk health (drives are good), and still no dice.

Jellyfin only finds like half of the things in there. And not always the same things, so I'm pretty sure it's not file naming it's getting tripped up on.

Any ideas, suggestions or #Jellyfin alternatives appreciated.

#techsupport #selfhost

my @jellyfin instance has been fucked beyond repair for weeks now and I've run out of ideas.

I've scanned my media folders, rescanned, replaced metadata, rescanned again, updated versions (running 10.11.11), uninstalled jellyfin from the server, wiped cache and config files, reinstalled, checked disk health (drives are good), and still no dice.

Jellyfin only finds like half of the things in there. And not always the same things, so I'm pretty sure it's not file naming it's getting tripped up on.

Any ideas, suggestions or #Jellyfin alternatives appreciated.

#techsupport #selfhost

Over the weekend a man in Oregon called for tech support (I’m in Washington). “Bob, I can’t get my printer to work.”

I connected remotely to his computer while we talked on the phone. He’s running Windows 11 Home, 25H2. I opened “Printers & Scanners” to see what’s up. He has one printer, and it had an error message. I started from the beginning: downloaded and installed the current driver package directly from the HP website, power cycled the printer, and rebooted the computer.

I tested printing from “Printers & Scanners” with the normal test page, then tested from Microsoft Word – oops! – it’s coming up in fax mode! I set the printer as default and tested again. Then I asked the client to try printing something, whatever it was that he couldn’t print before he called me.

He opened Outlook, opened an attachment, and printed it. Success.

You see, a lot of this isn’t hard. They just need a friend.

He’s a residential client. I looked in my records, and he’s been a client since May of 2019. This was the eighth invoice in seven years. The last invoice before this was in October, 2024 – 21 months ago! But he remembers me, and when he does need help, I get the call.

THE LESSON
Repeat business matters. But you also need to have a large, dynamic, growing customer base, because everyone doesn’t need your help every month.

Does this seem insecure? Never knowing if, or when, a client will call back? No. It’s not insecure at all, if you build your client base.

The beauty of this business model is that no one person can ever fire you. No one can take away your income.

You’ve got to do the work, though, of providing consistently good service, and always be marketing. Continually be about the business of nurturing and growing your customer base.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

Over the weekend a man in Oregon called for tech support (I’m in Washington). “Bob, I can’t get my printer to work.”

I connected remotely to his computer while we talked on the phone. He’s running Windows 11 Home, 25H2. I opened “Printers & Scanners” to see what’s up. He has one printer, and it had an error message. I started from the beginning: downloaded and installed the current driver package directly from the HP website, power cycled the printer, and rebooted the computer.

I tested printing from “Printers & Scanners” with the normal test page, then tested from Microsoft Word – oops! – it’s coming up in fax mode! I set the printer as default and tested again. Then I asked the client to try printing something, whatever it was that he couldn’t print before he called me.

He opened Outlook, opened an attachment, and printed it. Success.

You see, a lot of this isn’t hard. They just need a friend.

He’s a residential client. I looked in my records, and he’s been a client since May of 2019. This was the eighth invoice in seven years. The last invoice before this was in October, 2024 – 21 months ago! But he remembers me, and when he does need help, I get the call.

THE LESSON
Repeat business matters. But you also need to have a large, dynamic, growing customer base, because everyone doesn’t need your help every month.

Does this seem insecure? Never knowing if, or when, a client will call back? No. It’s not insecure at all, if you build your client base.

The beauty of this business model is that no one person can ever fire you. No one can take away your income.

You’ve got to do the work, though, of providing consistently good service, and always be marketing. Continually be about the business of nurturing and growing your customer base.

#CallMeIfYouNeedMe #FIFONetworks

#RemoteSupport #TechSupport #HelpDesk

What remote desktop tool do you all use if you are doing family tech support?

I'm using linux (CachyOS/Arch), my family mostly uses windows, so it needs to be a tool which is available on both platforms.
(bonus if it is available on macOS, android or iOS)

🔄 boost welcome

#linux #windows #remoteDesktop #boost #techSupport

What remote desktop tool do you all use if you are doing family tech support?

I'm using linux (CachyOS/Arch), my family mostly uses windows, so it needs to be a tool which is available on both platforms.
(bonus if it is available on macOS, android or iOS)

Edit: there were a couple of suggestions for RustDesk, so I will look into it. If you have any suggestion, feel free to add that.

🔄 boost welcome

#linux #windows #remoteDesktop #boost #techSupport

🚀 Ah, the modern web! Where even the simplest task, like exploring your favorite decentralized chat app, turns into a tech support call to your 90s modem. 🤦‍♂️ Welcome to the future, where the only radical thing about #Radicle is the hope that maybe, just maybe, your #JavaScript will work. 😂
https://radicle.network/nodes/rosa.radicle.network/rad%3Az2v9tRJz1oknFAqCSY5W5c76nVvm6 #modernweb #decentralizedchat #techsupport #HackerNews #ngated

🚀 Ah, the modern web! Where even the simplest task, like exploring your favorite decentralized chat app, turns into a tech support call to your 90s modem. 🤦‍♂️ Welcome to the future, where the only radical thing about #Radicle is the hope that maybe, just maybe, your #JavaScript will work. 😂
https://radicle.network/nodes/rosa.radicle.network/rad%3Az2v9tRJz1oknFAqCSY5W5c76nVvm6 #modernweb #decentralizedchat #techsupport #HackerNews #ngated