Familial and Friend-Related Tech Support

It's begun. Again. Every year, around this time, my family members and friends (and friends and acquaintances of those family and friends) corner, call and email 'that guy who knows a lot about technology' for advice on potential holiday shopping purchases. And, invariably, beginning the late morning of the 25th, the 'I can't get this d*mn thing to work' tech support entreats follow. For a humourous take on the situation, take a look at this comic from Penny Arcade (direct link to the JPG is here). It's humbling, as well….remember, some day you might be on the other end of the tech support dialogue!