If anyone can figure out a way to explain web development, design, or anything IT related to their parents, you have my respect. I try all the time to explain it to my parents and they just dont get it, nor do they respect it very much (probably goes along with not understanding it).

I think its just the generation gap, but I’m ok with being the tech support guy for my parents if it means installing FireFox on their machine before I leave

Is that the version of Firefox you install by default when you also install Ubuntu at the same time?

I’m the odd man out in this conversation I think. My mom is in her mid 70′s and regularly hacks around in the registry and uninstalls software. She’s not an IT geek per se, just a smart person who isn’t intimidated by technology and dives right in, albeit cautiously.

I don’t think this is an issue related solely to IT however. All sectors progress and change and along with that change comes new job descriptions. I work for a company that is heavily involved with manufacturing companies. Talk about misconceptions as to what someone who works for a manufacturing company does! Sure there are still lots of assembly jobs, but modern manufacturing these days involves CAD/CAM computer engineering, rapid prototyping, etc. etc.

Back when I was moving up the ladder in IT and my parents asked me what I did, I just told them I told other people what to do then took the blame when it didn’t work. They both seemed to understand that.

@Dave – give me your mom’s number in case I need to recompile my Linux kernel Sounds like a great attitude to have towards technology! Your last point is something my parents understand too – the penny dropped with my dad when I told him I give people orders and they do what I say. I wish sometimes it was so easy!