There's Just No Pleasing Some People

September 24, 2008

Spare a thought today for the IT help desk folks. Robert Half Technology, a market research firm, just released the results of a unique little survey. The company polled some 1,400 Chief Information Officers (CIOs) from companies across the United States. The question: "What is the strangest or most unusal request you or a member of your help desk or technical support team has ever received?"

A loaded question, doubtless, and the results either beggar belief, or are truly the stuff of urban legend passed on to unsuspecting pollsters. Among my personal favorites:

1) How do I get my computer's coffee-cup holder (CD ROM drive, supposedly) to come out again?

2) Why isn't my wireless mouse connected to the computer?

and for you Windows fans...

3) My computer is telling me to press any key to continue. Where is the 'any' key?

And then there were a few gems that went beyond technical glitches:

1) Can I open the bank safe using my computer?

2) Can you install cable TV on my PC?

3) Where can I get software to track UFOs?

Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology, admitted these responses make for good comic relief, but said "these unusual requests highlight the need for technical support personnel to also demonstrate patience, empathy and a sense of humor."

I'll keep that in mind the next time I ask the help desk to reset the Internet for me, and they tell me yep, just press any key.

(Photo by tdenham via stock.xchang)