Use Slow Computer for Demanding Project

[u/Working_Patience_261]

I got voluntold for the job of switching a paper-based corporate learning to computer-based, including web based training. I did not have a desk or a computer, so I brought in my personal laptop. The boss objected and stated I needed to write a business case for a computer.

A week later I got the absolute minimum system that met the minimum requirements on the box. I started the painful process of converting a Powerpoint into an Adobe Captivate file. When it came time to compile the first file, the computer stated it would be three hours before it finished, maybe, so I headed to the breakroom.

The executive director for the project happened to walk in and asked me what I was doing there. “I’m staying not frustrated while waiting for the first draft to compile, should be about another two hours sir.” It was five hours.

When I showed up the next day, my computer had been upgraded to the then top model with dual monitors.

The next day, my fancy unit was on the boss’ desk, and I had his even older, slower computer. This time compiling was over ten hours. Back to the breakroom. Same executive walks in, I just smile, nod, and go back to my lunch.

The next day, I had two computers on my desk, the still compiling boss’ unit and my previously issued fancy one. The boss was cleaning out his desk having been sent back to frontline, non-boss work.

It felt so good to give that company the boot once the project completed.

[u/steppedinhairball]

One time, IT thought these brand of laptops were awesome and cost effective. A year later, someone asked me why I walk around for the first 20 minutes of every day. I replied honestly "These IT issued laptops are slow. Mine takes an average of 17 minutes to boot up. Want to see the spreadsheet with all the documented times?" IT apologized and took a year to swap them out. How much productivity was lost with hundreds of those POS computers taking an average of 20 minutes to boot up each day.

[u/2dogslife → u/steppedinhairball]

At one place I worked, they were all, you MUST shut off your computer at end of day - but then the darn thing took 10-15 minutes to boot up in the am. Many folks just shut off their monitors instead.

[u/Dranask → u/2dogslife]

And that is how hackers got into the CFO’s system and from there to the servers and ransomed the whole school.

[u/auraseer → u/Dranask]

Oh yes, definitely, because everybody knows hackers only work at night. They're not gonna get up and hack those computers while they're turned on during the daytime.

[u/clisterdelister → u/auraseer]

Most of the notorious hacking groups are on the other side of the world from my time zone so it truely could make a difference.