Computer geeks used to be just that…computer geeks. Now, thanks to our complete dependence on technology, computer geeks can be super heroes and knights in shining armor or whatever brings to mind something or someone coming to the rescue.

Even the most outdated, stereotypical misconception of a geek is quite a beautiful site when those computers start malfunctioning, or email goes down. When I can't access the Internet, I'll take a greasy haired, pocket- protector- wearing nerd staring at me through a pair of taped up Coke- bottle glasses any day over a muscle bound, cape- wearing guy from the planet Krypton. Superman may be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but if he can't bring up Google on my Mac, then he ain't much use to me. Of course, Superman works for free, and he's not real.

Computer guys aren't free, and their invoices are all too real. Fortunately, for me, I've got Mr. Mac. He understands when it comes to computers, I don't need him to speak to me in incomprehensible techno- lingo. I just need him to come fix the problem and he does, unlike a major Internet provider in the area that shall remain nameless. This group would rather put me on hold for a day or two and then speak to me as if I designed the computers myself.

Why do they think they're helping Steve Jobs when I call? I didn't invent the iPhone. Heck, I wouldn't even know where to buy one. These guys start talking to me about modems and Ethernets, and my eyes glaze over faster than a Krispy Kreme doughnut.

What in the world is an Ethernet? And why do they want me to fix it?

My mechanic doesn't show me how to change the oil in my car. He just takes care of it for me. When I call the doctor, he doesn't tell me how to give myself a prostate exam. What makes these guys think I can fix a network and restore email like some technological virtuoso? Isn't that what we're paying them for?

If the solution isn't re- booting, then I need help, not some guy repeating the word Ethernet over and over again. He can say it to me 42 times, I'm still not going to know what an Ethernet is, and I'm certainly not going to know how to fix it.

Technology is a wonderful thing as long as it's working. When it goes down, technology gets awfully frustrating and very expensive. I'm not quite sure what's worse…wasting hours on the phone trying to comprehend a technician's explanation of the inner workings of a server and its Ethernet or paying hefty fees to someone to re- boot my computer. Either way, some person is getting a good laugh and a new pocket protector.