What it's like being the technical one in your extended family, part no. 348...

Actual conversation tonight:

Me: Do you have anything in the dryer right now?

Partner: No, why?

Me: Because there's a bag leaning up against the dryer door that contains a partially-disassembled laptop that would really rather be on fire right now, so I was going to say if you have to move it, do so gingerly.

#technical #TechSupport #TechnicalSupport #FamilyTechSupport #family

Dear Mastodon, I'm looking for an easy to use (preferably open source) mail app on android phone, and I'm sure you're the best set of people to ask for this kind of advice.

It should be usable for IMAP account, the configuration can be technical, but the daily use should be user friendly, and the app should not export data from the phone.

#FamilyTechSupport #degafamisation

Breaking rocks in the [thud] hot sun!
I fought the Microsoft Login screen and the [thud] Microsoft Login Screen won.
I fought the Microsoft Login screen and the [thud] Microsoft Login Screen won.

I needed money cause...I had none!
I fought the Microsoft Login screen and the [thud] Microsoft Login Screen won.
I fought the Microsoft Login screen and the [thud] Microsoft Login Screen won.

I left my baby and it feels so bad
I guess my race is run
She's the best girl that I ever had

I fought the Microsoft Login screen and the [thud] Microsoft Login Screen won.
I fought the Microsoft Login screen and the [thud] Microsoft Login Screen won.

#FamilyTechSupport #WhyAmIEvenTrying #WasteOfTime

When you finally win the argument and get a family member to give up their addiction to fucking Outlook.

#FamilyTechSupport

Ugh .. trying to unravel the mess my Mama's laptop is in. Microsoft really have designed office tools to bamboozle everyone into using OneDrive and fuck them very much for that.   

(Yes I know I should try to move her to Linux, but she's doing her best and we're still working on getting off facey. 🤦)

#FamilyTechSupport

Family tech support tasks:
1. Undo the layering of multiple tools that do the same thing, e.g. password managers, and explain why just one thing to do a job is a better choice.
2. Ensure *good* or *better* tools are the choice for defaults where possible, e.g. browsers, plugins, office tools, and explain why the choice you prefer is better.
3. Guide cleanups and explain what is happening and why.
4. Set up automated rules to improve management of mail and explain why.
5. Undo installations of objectively bad apps and explain why and offer alternatives (see 2 above).
6. Over time, encourage migration to apps that do not support billionaires, fascists, and surveillance capitalists and explain why.
7. Encourage some kind of backups and explain why.
8. Explain enshittification and how it can be avoided.
9. Teach them to fish.

"Use Linux on the desktop” is not an answer to any of these as a *first* step. Nor is “just use Signal/LibreOffice/Fastmail/Proton/other things we know are better” because that's a demand, not an encouragement. Show, don't tell or demand.

#techsupport #familytechsupport

I have to go and help my Mum sort out her smartphone later and it's going to involve calling up her service provider.

Wish me luck.

#FamilyTechSupport

When your remote hands to connect up the car battery charger are your 78 year old mother's...

#familytechsupport