A Step In The Wrong Direction

Years ago, I worked in tech support. The caller was having issues navigating Windows 95, a new release at the time.

Me: “Okay, go ahead and right click.”

Caller: “Okay… you mean with the mouse thing? I don’t get why they made that so small.”

I’m supportive. Computers are still new to a lot of people, and you never know if a caller has a disability.

Me: “Yeah, I know, sometimes it can be hard, try just using the tip of your finger so you hit the correct one.”

Caller: “My gosh! You want me to bend down there and use my fingers?!”

Me: *Completely and utterly confused.* “Uh, well, I don’t…”

Caller: “Why would they make something for your feet so small!?”

Me: “Feet?!”

Turns out, it was this guy’s first computer, and he thought the mouse was a foot pedal, like a piano. After I explained it’s proper usage:

Me: “How long have you been using… your foot?”

Caller: “About a month. No wonder I couldn’t get anything done. I kept thinking it shouldn’t be this hard. Well, this is much easier now! I don’t think I need you anymore. Thanks!” *Click.*