Perceived Computer Virus vs. Reality

[Kevin]

I recently experienced this one when somebody asked for help with an issue they were having with their machine. It was a browser issue (IE10 vs. FireFox) but they insisted it was a virus. No, no... I demonstrated what the issue was & tried explaining about IE's "compatibility mode" and other settings. No matter what I said they were convinced it was a virus. They thanked me for my time and said they'll take it to Best Buy to have their "Geek Squad" remove the virus.

 

[Biker]

Well, if you stop and think about it, many would consider IE a virus that needs to be removed.

 

[Kevin]

Well, if you stop and think about it, many would consider IE a virus that needs to be removed.

Until recently I would've agreed but that last couple of versions of IE have been more stable than FF.

For most stuff I prefer Chrome but will still use FF for stuff like Firebug.

 

[Biker]

Chrome still has to many issues for my liking. And their habit of prohibiting older Linux versions from installing it really chaps my hide. There are a lot of stable versions out there with some pretty old kernels, they run like the Rock of Gibraltar, but Google says it's too old for Chrome.

 

[Jetshroom]

Your mistake was trying to explain something to the user. I've been working in support for 7 years now, and the only way to maintain ANY sanity is to just fix the issue, and send the user on their way. Me: "Oh you have a virus? Okay, let's take a look." After "Here you go, all fixed." And, for the few that ask what was wrong, (usually they won't if they think it was a virus), just throw around jargon until they go away.