You may not realize it, but YouTube has more to offer than stupid kids hurting themselves in stupid stunts and talent skits of questionable talent. In fact, it seems to have just about everything else -- including hilarious parodies, spoofs and jokes related to IT and computers.
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.
No. 1: The medieval help desk
YouTube title: Medieval helpdesk with English subtitles
From: the Norwegian TV show Øystein og jeg
YouTube description: Helpdesk support back in the day of the middle age with English subtitles. Original taken from the show "Øystein og jeg" on Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) in 2001. With Øystein Backe (helper)and Rune Gokstad (desperate monk). Written by Knut Nærum.
My description: This video is flat-out funny -- like laugh-out-loud funny. It depicts a "medieval help desk" staffer giving a few pointers to a user on handling a new technology.
No. 2: Steve Jobs and iPhone skewered
YouTube title: iPhone Mad TV
From: MADtv
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
From: Late Night with Conan O'Brien
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
From: the original British version of The Office
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 The dangers of live TV
YouTube title: QVC - I like my Dell prank call
From: Jimmy Kimmel Live!
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 humorous. It's from the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show, which reportedly added the caller's voice to real QVC footage. Don't watch if you're offended by the Internet "P" word.
No. 6: Sick of smilies and LOLs
YouTube title: The "smiley" intervention
From: Mark Day
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...
From: David Jay, Kevin Swan and Nathan Holritz
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
From: WeJustDontCare.com
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
From: Cyclops32
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!!
From: Prangstgrüp
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.