Over the years, I've managed to develop several pet peeves while working for Humble ISP. At the top of the list is being asked if 'there's a problem with the server.' Grrr....

A distanct second is a customer's careless disregard and almost intentional ignorance of their machine. When I say intentional, I mean the customer has not bothered to learn anything about their computer at all.

Me: So what version of Windows are you running?
Customer: I don't know.
Me: You don't know?
Customer: No, I'm not very computer savvy.
Me: How long have you had the computer?
Customer: Two years.
Me: .....
Customer: Hello?
Me: So... Windows XP perhaps?
Customer: I don't know....uh, maybe. Yeah! XP. That sounds right. Oh wait, maybe its Windows 98....

Two years is a considerable length of time. How can someone fail to notice "Windows 98" or "Windows XP" dashed across the screen upon bootup for that long!? Imagine a similar analogy with automobiles:

Some guy: So, you drive a Honda? What model?
Me: I don't know.
Some guy: You don't know what kind of car you drive!?
Me: No, I'm not a mechanic. I can't even check my oil.

When you need to get a point across, computer to car comparisons can be pretty effective with many people. Like the time I refused a lady who called for help with Word Perfect.

Lady: You guys are my ISP and you're supposed to help me with my computer!
Me: Ma'am, our service does not include assistance with office software.
Lady: (Sharp intake of breath) Well, what exactly do you help with!?
Me: Internet related issues. Problems with connectivity, email and websites. We are, after all, an Internet Service Provider.
Lady: I don't understand.
Me: Okay, I'll put it this way. Would you go to Les Schwab for help with your car stereo?
Lady: No, I wouldn't. Oh...

Ah, the woes of tech support. Sigh.