This past Saturday I was trimming some bushes outside when I received a frantic phone call from a friend in need. The caller feared he was the victim of a computer virus. I held the phone to my ear while I went through the standard question and answer process to see if it was a virus, malware or simply a corrupted file system (he was using Vista after all).

Turns out it was in fact a corrupted boot file. For the next few minutes we ran through his options: Repair his OS… Reinstall the OS… Upgrade the OS (again, its Vista)… Purchase a new laptop… Or make the jump to an iPad or similar tablet computer.

I’m sad to say I get these sort of calls much too often. Not that I mind helping those in need, but rather I don’t like how so many get intimidated by computers and embarrassed when they hit a wall. And often the callers are VP’s, professionals, managers, and/or highly skilled tradesmen and women. So before I hung up, I tried to put it all into perspective by passing along the same thing I’ve been saying for 20 years now;

“Listen Bob, I can guarantee you that if you put me in your job starting tomorrow morning, I wouldn’t have the foggiest clue as to how to proceed… And I mean that!”

And I do. What many see as being technologically challenged, is simply them having other priorities and goals. We are each placed on this earth with a mission in life. Techno-geeks are just the same as doctors, surgeons, accountants, lawyers, plumbers, electricians and the like.

So the next time you start your computer and see some ominous message about something can’t start or a file is corrupted, don’t feel intimidated when you call your technology buddy, brother, niece and/or nephew. Remember what Emerson said; “Every man I meet is in some way my superior.” AND that includes you! I’m 100% positive that you  possess certain skills of which we tech people stand in awe, and that in your special ways you are superior to all of us, and we are better for knowing you!