OK, some of them don't have that much to do with computers, but they make you laugh. Take a break and improve your mood.
Note: Have you seen videos that can top these? Send me a note (with URL) at david_ramel@computerworld.com
N1: The medieval help desk
YouTube title: Medieval helpdesk with English subtitles
YouTube description: Helpdesk support back in the day of the middle age with English subtitles. Original taken from the show "Řystein og jeg" on Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) in 2001. With Řystein Backe (helper)and Rune Gokstad (desperate monk). Written by Knut Nćrum.
My description: This video is flat-out funny -- like laugh-out-loud funny. If you click on nothing else, click on this! It depicts a "medieval help desk" staffer giving a few pointers to a user on handling a new technology.
No. 2: Steve Jobs & iPhone skewered
YouTube title: iPhone Mad TV
YouTube description: Funny clip from Mad TV. In this clip Steve Jobs the CEO of Apple Computer introduces the iPhone. This is just crazy. :)
My description: This clip from the MADtv comedy show is a great parody of the hype surrounding Steve Jobs and his big stage announcements.
No. 3: Taking the "call" out of call center help
YouTube title: Andy Blitz ... Visit to Indian Call center
YouTube description: A crazy guy who travels half the world to get his comp repaired.
My description: Late Night with Conan O'Brien writer Andy Blitz calls the NBC computer support number for a problem with pop-ups and ends up lugging his computer and monitor across the ocean for in-person help from the call center staffer. It gets really funny when he gets on the headphones and answers a few calls for her. A bit long at more than 8 minutes, but worth it.
No. 4: The Office (Brit original) meets help desk tech
YouTube title: The Office UK -- Computer Geek
YouTube description: Tim loses his computer
My description: Brits have their own brand of humor, but this sendup of an arrogant IT help desk type ignores borders and transcends comedy tastes.
No. 5: Internet tech support stand-up
YouTube title: Internet Tech Support
YouTube description: Anyone who has done Internet tech support will understand this.
My description: A stand-up routine on stage by Canadian comedian Wes Borg. Right on target, and very well done.
No. 6: Sick of smilies and LOLs
YouTube title: The "smiley" intervention
YouTube description: Do you over-use the smiley in e-mails? Do you know someone else who does? It's time to stage an intervention...
My description: Be careful with those smilies and LOLs -- you could end up owning a lot of cats in your old age. Comedian Mark Day has worked up a formula to predict it.
No. 7: Rogue remote user runs amok at Mac trade show
YouTube title: Fun with remotes...
YouTube description: Ever wondered if your MacBook Pro or iMac remote works on other people's computers? Sure it does. Ever wondered how much fun you could have at a tradeshow? Sure you have...
My description: This video, by pranksters David Jay, Kevin Swan and Nathan Holritz, almost has a Candid Camera feel to it. It's fun to watch the reactions of the show attendees as their Macs seem to act on their own.
No. 8: Scared witless and flipped over backward
YouTube title: Maze scare
YouTube description: Guy gets scared playing a maze game with a surprise scare.
My description: There are a lot of these types of videos on YouTube. One was funny until the kid who was the "victim" got terribly upset and started to cry -- then it got disturbing. This video from WeJustDontCare.com, on the other hand, is just plain funny, showing one of the more extreme reactions.
No. 9: Cubicle rage
YouTube title: How To Break Your Computer
YouTube description: How To Break Your Computer
My description: An oldie but goodie: a short, funny video of unknown origin showing extreme overreaction to a computer problem in cubicleland.
No. 10: How annoying can you get?
YouTube title: Prangstgrup Powerbook Start up Sound Prank!!
YouTube description: How long does the startup sound of a powerbook really last? Apparently for the people in this library...a little too long!
My description: Another Candid Camera-like video, this one from Prangstgrüp. Great reactions from the students gathered to study.
Bonus: The dangers of live TV
YouTube title: QVC -- I like my Dell prank call
YouTube description: Guy calls QVC to say he likes his Dell -- at 2am when he can have "alone" time with it.
My description: Mildly risqué, granted, but quite funny. It's from the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show. Don't watch if you're offended by the Internet "P" word. The live on-air reaction of the hosts is classic.
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