(no subject)

[zig-mover.livejournal.com]

Which operating system are you on?

A futile attempt at begining every tech support diagnosis, 95% of the customers don't understand what this means. When this happens, I try asking what version of Windows they're running.

It's probably been discussed in here before, the kind of ridiculous answers people give to this question. Windows 97, Dell, Microsoft, and DSL are all common answers.

The point of this post: when I fail on my first query to find out the operating system, and try asking what version of Windows they're running, you wouldn't believe how upset people get at my assuming they're running Windows. I'm on a Mac, they'll scoff, it's much better than Windows. Alright, so what version of the Mac OS are you running? Umm.. err.. iMac.

Even worse are the people who say, Windows? M$ sucks! I run Linux! It's free, stable, and is going to put M$ out of business! Alright, so what flavor of Linux are you running? Umm. err. I don't know. Well, do you have Redhat, Slackware, Debian? Any of those ringing a bell? Err, I don't know, I don't really know how to use it

Maybe you should go back to Windows.

OK, so here's the point: What's the best way to find out what OS the asshat is running, without offending anyone? It seems to be the Mac users that have the biggest problem, but the Linux users who only use it to be hip are a close second.

What do you guys think?

Comments

[methedras.livejournal.com]

You're running Windows 97?
Well I'm sorry, I've never heard of that product. It's not on our support scope, so unfortunately, I'll be unable to support you in that.

[masonstone.livejournal.com]

I gave up asking the operating system long ago. I find it easier to ask what type of computer they have first. 90% of them will answer either Dell, Gateway, HP, Compaq, etc... Or if they are on a mac they will answer Imac, G4, G5, ibook etc... That usually has an indication of the type of operating system and you can narrow it down from there by asking the version of windows or for a clueless mac user you can ask what colour the apple in the corner is (Multicolour for 9 and below, blue for OSX). Tends to make it a bit easier and helps avoid pissing them off.

Don't lie to a support tech to make yourself look smarter. It always fails and besides, we always assume you are idiots in the first place

[kyndig.livejournal.com]

I've always used "Ok, are you running Windows, Mac OS, or Linux?" (most people have some concept of that at least, though they don't understand what "operating system" means)

[punkygoat.livejournal.com]

I'll automatically default to What Version Windows normally unless I judge that they're savvy. But on the bad ones, even asking what it says on the left bar on the start menu can be horror. Goes something like:
"Click the start button and tell me what it says running along the left side"
"Programs, Settings..."
"No no. Should say Windows something"
"It doesn't"
"Ok, you see the grey part?"
"Yeah"
"and to the left is a blue strip?"
"Yeah"
"Now tilt your head to the left and read what it says"
"Windows ME. Oh..."

Yeah, I normally have them turn their heads first. Now stand on one foot...
And now with XP you gotta be even trickier and ask the color of the start button. It'll be green unless they've switched to classic mode, in which case I'm pretty sure it won't have the OS on the left strip either. But all else fails; right-click My Computer, left-click properties, General Tab.
As for not offending people, I've never been big on not stepping on toes. Just explain that Windows is be far the most common OS you receive. Make up some stats if you have to. I can easily say of the thousands of calls, I've had maybe 7 Linux and 40 Macs.

[gaymafiakingpin.livejournal.com]

Most of our callers are Windows users; few Mac people; and we don't support any other OS so that saves from some of the hassle.

I usually assume a caller is using Windows and will ask, "Are you using Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP?" since that's all we support as far as Windows goes. Usually they can answer. If not, I have them go to the Run command and have them type 'winver' and hit OK. It pops up a window that plainly displays what OS they are using. It's much easier than looking at the Properties of My Computer.

For Mac users it's a little more difficult. Assuming they are on the Finder I just have them click on the Apple menu, then "About this Computer" or "About this Macintosh", and it will show the OS in the window that pops up.

Anyone using Linux better know which flavor they are using or they have no right using it. :-)

At any rate, I tend to steer away from using the words "Operating System" as no one has any clue what that means. I'll just say "Version" instead and list off the various versions. Multiple choice is easier for some customers.

[tjernobyl.livejournal.com]

I had someone call in once saying they ran Linux. I was excited because there was noone around to tell me I couldn't support it, and I was up for a challenge. After a few moments, my heart sank. He would be having trouble even if he was in Windows. "What distro are you running?" "What's a distro?"

[zig-mover.livejournal.com]

Ugh, yeah I got that once too, I was excited because I had just built a Linux box here so I figured I'd be able to help him, except he kept saying "i don't know what distro I'm running, it's just LINUX. nothign else."

I told him we don't support it. bastard.

It kind of makes me laugh that we have OS/2 as an OS option when signing people up. No customers we have ever even heard of it. hahha

[hugeus.livejournal.com]

Apart from the things already posted, another couple of ways are:
- right-click on My Computer on the desktop (or in start menu for winXP), and left-click properties - under "system" it's listed at the top usually.
- ask about the startup/shutdown splash screens (i.e. it says "Windows version is shutting down")
- ask if the task bar is green (which usually indicates winXP)