idiot filter
The first level of technical support at just about any company. If you have a real problem with a product, you have to prove you're not an idiot just so you can talk to the next level of support where someone may actually be able to address the problem.
Caller: I bought a RAM module that doesn't seem to work.
Tech Sup: Did you try plugging it in the computer first?
Caller: Are you seriously asking me that? Yes. I plugged it into each slot separately, trying various memory configurations and even tried it in a second PC I have. The memory check always fails.
Tech Sup: Did you try unplugging your computer?
Caller: Dude, can I get past the idiot filter? If two different computers in multiple slots say the RAM is bad, then it's bad.
Tech Sup: Did you try plugging it in the computer first?
Caller: Are you seriously asking me that? Yes. I plugged it into each slot separately, trying various memory configurations and even tried it in a second PC I have. The memory check always fails.
Tech Sup: Did you try unplugging your computer?
Caller: Dude, can I get past the idiot filter? If two different computers in multiple slots say the RAM is bad, then it's bad.