I've had this call SOOOO many times now... I end up laughing at them...

For one thing: I actualy DO have an Amiga A1200 in working order (it's ancient now, poor little thing)
I also have a C=64, (even more ancient)
I also use Linux instead of Windows on my main computer at times...

(Yes, I'm a geek, and I'm not afraid to admit it :lol)

One time they rang up, my Amiga monitor had gone bust, so I couldn't get a picture on the screen whatsoever. I told this to the guy, and he said to call them back when I had a new monitor. I never said what computer the monitor was connected to, just that it was broke and I couldn't see what I was doing.

Another time, there was a girl/woman calling. I booted the Amiga and asked why I couldn't see any folders anywhere when I typed "dir c:\windows" and I acted really confused like. After about ten minutes the girl gave and finally asked what operating system I used. I said, "Why, I'm using the AmigaOS of course, it's the only computer I have, and I thought I had to get a better accelerator in order to speed it up but then you called and I hoped you could fix it" The girl hung up.

Another time, I booted the ancient Commodore 64. I did everything the person on the phone said, and replied "But I only get a syntax error, are you SURE this works when I only use my old Commodore 64 with the tapedeck? Why can't I change the folder or even get to see the contents by typing DIR? And you're absolutely sure that there's a folder called "windows backslash system32 on the C=64?"

Funniest time was when I was using Linux... "But just type into the command window "cd c:" he said... i said "I've done that so many times now, and it's not working, I'm sure you're having a laugh at my expense, not MY fualt I can't get c: to work. Maybe it would help if I said "cd slash u s r slash b i n and see if the hosts.txt is there?"
"No, it's definately c:\windows\system32"
me: What is this "windows" you're talking about anyways? is anything alike to XORG's XWindows server?
him: no it's an operating sytem
me: Does it work under linux?
him: no you ahve to reboot the computer and press F8 and select normal mode
me: (fiddling around with rebooting the linux box) F8 doesn't help, Slackware are still booting as it should, and there's no kernel panic either.... should I use startx?
him: Are you using the windows operating system?
me: Well, you called me and claimed there was an issue, you should know what system I'm using
him: according to my papers, you are using windows
me: which version
him Windows
me: Yes, I heard that. But which version? 3.11 for Workgroups?
him: No Windosws XP
me: Strange. Never heard of that one. I'm using Slackware Linux
Him: Did you know that all linux is illegally isntalled?
me: Strange. If Linux is illegally installed, how come they encourage people to download and install in magazines like PCPro and PCWorld?
him: They are trying to scam you
me: You mean, unlike you, who's just an honest worker who doesn't even know my name, the operating system I'm using or when I suposebly made the "support" request
him: <click>

Oh yeah. I've had plenty of laughs on their behalf. Of course, it DOES help being fairly savvy and knowing all the technogeek talk. It also helps being a little of an actor. And it sure helps if you have a NON-windows computer in workable condition to really play havoc with their "support" :lol