Tec Thoughts

Are all web developers geeks? I am not sure. My friend works in web development for a leading internet provider and I find it very hard to have a conversation with him for more than five minutes without him mentioning networking, or telling me about issues with a server!

I tend to switch off after a while. As long as my Internet connection works, I have no interest in networking, or hearing about a linux server, or any other Internet provider speak! He even tells jokes about web developers! The only server who matters to me on a night out, is the one who works in the bar and is bringing my food and drink!

Don't misunderstand me, my friend, Winston, is a great guy - it is just that he really meets every stereotype of web developers imaginable. He works for an Internet provider, and when he is not working he is either playing online games, or is on a social networking site. I enjoy online gaming too, and I am a member of a couple of social networking sites, but I don't let technology rule my life. This guy cant go to the bar with us, without checking his iPhone every few minutes to see if he has any messages, or update his status. Why he feels the need to set his status to "in the bar", when the people most likely to see it are in the bar with him, I don't understand - but that is what makes him the resident "techie" of our group.

Having a tech geek as a friend does have some advantages though. As I said, I know little, and care even less about technical stuff, so when I do get a problem with my computer, or I want to buy a new phone, it is useful to have an expert I can talk to.

Winston has probably saved me thousands over the past few years, by helping me choose hardware, removing a virus I got, and setting up my wireless network at home. All he ever asks in return is a beer or two when we go out!

I'm not sure if Winston's technical knowledge helps him with the ladies, but he seems happy enough, and I've heard women ask him to pop round and "check their settings" before, which certainly sounds like a euphemism to me!

I guess we are all different, and life would be very dull if everyone had the same interests and hobbies. Knowing web developers can certainly make life a richer experience.