TECH PEOPLE

I went to my computer this morning, thinking that I'd make a quick circuit through my business email before going out into the "field." The first thing I checked came up a "cropper." There was the grey, somber notice that "Internet Explorer" could not find the website. I tried other "favorites" from Verizon Business to MSN to eBay to Google, always resulting in the same grey notice. What gives?

I checked my modem lights, and they all indicated that I was connected to the internet. I decided to reboot the computer. After going through the restart process, I again hit the favorites line-up. Darn! There was that same grey notice that Internet Explorer just coudn't connect.

Now, my "thing" is not deep study of computer science--no, not even shallow study. I'm sort of a "toe in the water" type. Therefore, I knew that I wasn't going to solve the problem myself. Still, male aggression exerted itself just enough for me too scan the Internet Options setting on my Tools dropdown button. Looked ok to me.

I knew it was time to turn to a "pro." I dialed up Verizon Business. A woman's taped voice welcomed me into the mysteries of--of--sex? Of course not! I was asked to verify this and choose that, finally ending up at the DSL tech-support niche. After about 7-8 minutes of waiting, at which time I whiled away my time observing my messy office and wondering how it could have gotten to this state of absurd clutter, I was awakened, so to speak, by a woman who identified herself as "Laurie."

That name always brings into my mind the actress, Piper Laurie, and then, soon after, the movie, CARRIE, also starring Sissy Spacek. Still, although a little apprehensive, I got a "grip" on myself, using such thought support as "Steady lad!"

Well, as things turned out, this Laurie was a most excellent representative of the Verizon techie team. After describing my problem and stating the attempts I had made to overcome the problem, she calmly went through the steps needed to check out the problem, beginning with the modem. I must say that Laurie used clear instructions as to the things that I should do to help her help me. Nevertheless, even step-by-step and color-coded guidance can engender in me the "duh" response, or the utter non sequitur response, followed by a wildly impulsive, primitive-male attempt at repair work.

I will say this much: Laurie never lost her calm, reasonable explication of what should be done and why. Except perhaps that one time. It was a sort of inborn female trait, which allows mothers to usually keep their children from disastrous steps, which caused a certain up-tempo exclamation: "No, don't do that!" Fortunately, I had shared with her my intention, and she was able to cause a quick cessation.

Well, the upshot was that my techie guide was able to get the old computer "rocking" again, and I was left thinking, once again, that Verizon has a good group of tech support people. [This was not my first cry for "help" by any means.] This is something worthy of comment.

Behold! Here it is: A blog salute to the tech support people at Verizon. Well done, people.