what should I have done?

[knittinggoddess.livejournal.com]

I work at the computer help desk at a small college. The other day, I get a phone call from a telemarketer.
Me: Computer user services, this is [me]
Telemarketer: Hi, can I speak to the person in charge of laptops and purchasing?
Me: *with telemarketer-o-meter going off* May I ask what about?
Telemarketer: I have a laptop security product he would be interested in.
Me: Let me put you on hold.
I do so, and tell the nearest full time staffer that I have a telemarketer on the line selling laptop security.
Full timer: *shouts to our boss* Do we need any laptop security products?
Boss: What? No? What?
Most of us at the desk are in favor of just keeping the guy on hold until he gives up and goes away. Instead, I tell the guy that nobody around is authorized to make any purchases and since he wants to know, tell him that he can call back later, and write a ticket warning those who have the later shifts.

So. Telemarketers. Ever gotten one at work? How did you handle it?


Also, to the girl who wanted her password changed: you need ID. I don't care if it's your school ID, expired high school ID, passport or driver's license, I just need something that shows who you are. No, I don't recognize you, why would I? Are you that famous?

To the people who stroll into the labs, sit down at an already logged in computer and start working (including printing): what is going through your head? Don't you realize that someone else's email inbox is right there? That the print screen does not say your name? Seriously, people. You've been here for a month now, at the very least, and you don't understand that every single public computer on campus requires a login?

Comments

[canthlian.livejournal.com]

You've been here for a month now, at the very least, and you don't understand that every single public computer on campus requires a login?

Oh, they understand. Their reasoning? "But it's EASIER! They won't mind! Why are you making such a fuss about it?"

"So, can I use your login?"

"Hell no! Respect my privacy, you freak."

[knittinggoddess.livejournal.com]

At least one guy realized his error after he printed (which costs $) and told us what happened. But we usually only find out once someone complains that they can't log onto their home server or do other things which Kerberos automatically authenticates.

But oh! Login is soooo sloow, so of course it's okay to just use an empty computer. Jesus. I knew operating primarily on the honor principle doesn't work, but I'd like to think that it does.