What is a Computer Geek??
If you search for these words on Google, you’ll find an incredible variety of definitions of this set of terms, including surveys to test how “geeky” you are, etc. Truth is, a lot of people have their own ideas of what kind of person qualifies as a computer geek. However, throughout my many years of loitering around the interwebs, I’ve seen quite a few individuals claiming to be computer geeks but in reality they couldn’t be further from falling in that category regardless of any dictionary definitions of the word geek.
There are many characteristics that separate a computer geek from the average person and they are not to be confused with other similar yet entirely different groups of people.
Computer geeks generally have or pursue higher education; they’re not just empirical although they have the ability to teach themselves. More often than not, they win computer science contests and have the highest grades and honors in math.
Computer geeks seek challenge, they like to configure stuff, program, develop something from scratch, and fix things; they don’t just drive to Best Buy and spend thousands of dollars on the latest gadgets and brag about that. They are not afraid of running on old stuff and in many cases they even love it. Most regular people prefer consumer electronics that just work out of the box and never have to deal with them or even try to think how or why it does what it does. We have to keep in mind that tech enthusiasts are not necessarily considered computer geeks.
A computer geek will grab an old useless machine sitting in a basement and convert it into something useful such as a server o a homemade modem using all kinds of tricks and knowhow, whereas a tech enthusiast or a wannabe would just purchase a $200.00 networked external drive, install it, and call himself a geek. Where is the “geeky” on that?
I don’t consider myself a geek, as a matter of fact I don’t think I’ll ever earn the title. Although I’ve been called one a couple of times by a buddy of mine, I think this post will very well serve as a response to why I can not be called a geek. I prefer to be called a geek admirer though. After all, most of what I know and do is inspired by them.
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Comments
Now, would you say that a computer Geek drives a car that reads "Geek Squad" on the side panels... or are they just trying a wee bit too hard to be labeled?
As a young, single woman, I can attest to the allure of a self-acclaimed computer geek. Are they under the umbrella of the general "nerd," or are they in a class of their own?
To me they don't belong to a class really, they can be anywhere. They can be the stereotypical nerdy little guy with very thick glasses or look and act like any other person you might know. It's just their deep deep knowledge and passion what sets them appart from the rest. At least that's how I see it.
Beauty is the eye of the beholder- and I think a little bit in all of us is part "geek." Just because someone understands a computer more then someone else, doesn't deem them a "geek." When will the stereotypes stop?
I agree 100% I'm not saying being a geek is something negative though, just the opposite :)
Computer geeks are those who help me everytime I call a remote computer repair :D
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