You "ruined" my computer - give me a free one!

[PepperElf]

When I first dealt with this couple it was fun... I always get along well with geeks, and they were just oozing it.

The problem was when they came back after picking up their computer. Another tech got to deal with them ... (and in a way I'm glad cos they didn't smell too good that day... I mean I don't mind socially awkward geekiness, but I do like deodorant)

Cast:
Geek Guy GG
Coworker CW
Another Tech AT


GG: You sent my computer off and now it's even worse. That means I get a free computer!

CW: um. no it doesn't.

GG: Yes it does!

CW: we can look at it to see what's wrong but you're not just going to get a free computer out of it.


Apparently this somehow was enough to make GG happy... ish. and my coworker looked at it... And, in the back, told AT what she thought had *really* happened.

CW: It looks like they tried using a bootleg version of windows and it's not working for them. Yeah that's nothing we can do about that.


Not sure what happened after that tho, cos I was off.

[Varewulf]

And here I thought geeks were supposed to have brains. :P

[Kristev]

Oh my word. I'm going to have to say that word one day.

[thansal]

And here I thought geeks were supposed to have brains. :P

That's nerds.

Us geeks just have a strong fascination with something(s). Now, that doesn't mean we are smart, or even all the knowledgeable about our chosen field(s), just that we like them, a lot. It also doesn't mean that we can't be smart/knowledgeable, it's just not assured :P

(note, these are my definitions of Geek/Nerd, they may not hold true for everyone)

[thehuckster]

See, this is why I avoid fixing people's computers like the plague. You'll do something, anything, and if something else (software update, power surge, installation of malware, etc.) happens within a month, it's automatically your fault and you have to fix it.

[Gravekeeper]

GG: You sent my computer off and now it's even worse. That means I get a free computer!

I'd love to shop at the place that had that gurantee.

(note, these are my definitions of Geek/Nerd, they may not hold true for everyone)

My definition of Geek/Nerd is that they are pretty much one in the same, but a Geek can actually percieve social situations and keep his geekiness to himself when appropriate. While a Nerd cannot and will ramble incessantly about their obsession regardless of whether anyone actually cares.

Hence you can hang out with a geek without any problems, but a nerd will drive you crazy. Even if they share the exact same hobby. The Geek won't bring up their fixations unless its appropriate, and they grasp that the layman may not understand or care about their love of a certain topic. A Nerd will bring up their fixation constantly, and talk about it at a level no one else in the conversation could possibly be expected to understand.

It is the difference between "Oh yeah, Star Trek is pretty cool" and speaking Klingon to a 7/11 clerk.

[MoonCat]

Hence you can hang out with a geek without any problems, but a nerd will drive you crazy. Even if they share the exact same hobby. The Geek won't bring up their fixations unless its appropriate, and they grasp that the layman may not understand or care about their love of a certain topic. A Nerd will bring up their fixation constantly, and talk about it at a level no one else in the conversation could possibly be expected to understand.

It is the difference between "Oh yeah, Star Trek is pretty cool" and speaking Klingon to a 7/11 clerk.

Would that include the woman who wore a Star Fleet uniform to jury duty because "it would show how seriously she took her civic duty", since Star Fleet was (presumably) all about justice and other good stuff?

Yeah, that really happened. I remember reading a news story about it a few years ago.

[drunkenwildmage]

My Difinenation


Geek: an Individual who shows an extreme interest in something, but is still able to achieve a resemblance of a normal life, and not allow the interest to consume them 24/7

Nerd: An individual who shows an extreme interest in something, to the point that it prevents them from achieving a resemblance of a normal life. The individual typically consumes all waking moments to their life to follow such interest.

Examples:

If you are interviewed on the PM newscast because you are an "Expert" in Star Trek Fandom You may be a geek.

If The Discovery Channel, A&E, or TLC dedicates a full 60 minute program on you and your "Interest" , which includes the the recreation of the bridge from the Starship Enterprise that you built in your your parents basement, at age 35, you may be a nerd.

[Moirae]

I wouldn't call them geeks. I'd call them stupid. Geeks are brighter than that.

[PepperElf]

I usually just say "geek" cos to me that's a compliment, while "nerd" just seems derogatory.

but even being a geek, doesn't mean someone wouldn't try some shady shit... like trying to make the computer store pony up a new laptop because their bootlegged copy of windows crapped out on them.

[Moirae]

hehe, no, I'm a geek and not above some minor shady stuff, though I haven't done that in years. I mean brighter than trying to claim that you guys made the mistake when it was so obvious that they screwed up their own computer.

Its really dumb that they didn't just try to install a valid version of windows again over top. Its not that hard. Illegal OS's are generally a very dumb idea.

[Ironclad Alibi]

In keeping the the geek/nerd definitions proffered:

A geek will be able to get that bootlegged copy of Windows to work if they so desire.

A nerd will just complaint about it not working, even if it is a legit copy.