Working in the IT department is often a thankless job.

Youre like the invisible behind-the-scenes worker who is only noticed when something breaksand then youre blamed for it.

Were including many of their answers here, as well as info from other sources.

Were Not Magicians or Mind Readers

Lifehacker readers tend to be their families tech support person.

Now you have dozens or possibly hundreds of employees expecting a quick fix to an infinite number of problems.

Also, be honest.

Lifehacker commenterecho125488 says:

I work in customer support for a software company.

I dont care why you deleted your database and Im not going to rat you out to your boss.

Heck, I dont even know your boss.

Just be honest, and be as detailed as possible when stating your issue.

I dont have psychic abilities, I cant read minds, and I dont have a mind reading app.

Plugging and unplugging the machine?

Clear your internet cache?

Try another online window and incognito mode?

Get a PC like a normal person.

)but its not always easy or possible for the IT department to make everything work for everybody.

Sometimes promises of a pizza or a small payment would be suggested, but even then it seemed inappropriate.

If the person has a side business repairing PCs, by all means, ask.

But otherwise, look for personal tech support advice or repair work elsewhere.

(Seriously, it is time tomove on.)

Thats the extreme example, but I dont think its uncommon.

Remember the resistance to the Ribbon in Microsoft Office?

Me: Yes, I see gray horizontal lines

CS: The lines are gray?

Me: Yes, as I said.

Me: c’mon shoot me.

IT Policies Arent Arbitrary Rules

Turn ontwo-factor authentication.Use a VPNwhen you travel.Make your password secure.

The IT department isnt trying to torture you.

But even when theyre not legally required, these policies help protect all of us.

The software and hardware were all working with makes us pull our hair also.

This is not to say that the IT department doesnt make mistakes or that the system couldnt be improved.

Illustration by Tina Mailhot-Roberge.