"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Not my words, they're the words of Arthur C Clarke, and how wonderfully true they are. Let me set the scene. It's approximately 8.55am, and there are around 6 people in the office. Some people would say there was exactly six people, but this is not the kind of office where people like to be too specific about anything, so there was around 6 people. Two people are having a conversation, and the conversation goes something like this:
"Is your internet working?"
"No, is your's?"
"No. My e-mail's not working either."
"Neither is mine. Do you know why?"
"No."
"mmm..."
Both parties then go quiet for a moment, as if contemplating what the logical next step in this conversation should be.
"Have they got the internet in the office next door?"
"Don't know. Shall I go and check."
"Definately. Good idea."
One of them heads out to the corridor and is gone for a moment. He comes back 20 seconds later.
"They've got the internet next door."
"Have they got email?"
"Yes, internet, email, everything."
"mmm..."
A pause.
"Do you think it's the network?"
"Could be. Or the server."
"Yeah, it's probably the server."
"mmm..."
Both parties go quiet for a moment.
It is important to realise at this juncture that neither party has the faintest idea what the problem is, and even less of a clue how to fix it.
"Should we call the IT guy?"
"Definately."
"Have you got his number?"
"No, thought you had it."
"No."
"mmm..."
Both parties go quiet once more.
"It must be the server."
"Must be."
"Have you tried switching it off, and switching it on again?"
"No. Have you?"
"No. Does that usually fix it?"
"Usually."
"Shall we try it?"
"Definately."
One party then switches it off, and then indeed on again, whilst the other stands over him stroking his chin and frowning in a knowledgeable way, before heading back to his desk.
"It's worked. I've got the internet."
"Have you got email?"
"Internet, email, everything."
"Fantastic. I knew that would do it."
"Beautiful."
