Sometimes your PC will start acting strange for no apparent reason or a program which you use regularly will all of a sudden stop working as it should. This can be a frustrating experience especially if you have no idea where to go for help. If this happens to you, don't panic! Here are some simple tips which may turn your frown upside down.
1. Don't assume that your problem is unique. The chances are that someone else has had that problem and it has already been solved. Google is a great place for getting technical support help believe it or not. You may have to experiment with wording your problem and refining your search, but it's worth a try. For example my Outlook email client stopped showing me the 'Subject' field when I was composing new email. As a result all of my email was going out without a subject. After a bit of experimenting with wording the problem I found the answer by searching on the phrase "Outlook subject field missing". Someone in an online discussion group had the same problem and the answer was provided. When you find good discussions groups bookmark them for future use. I have a bookmark I call Technical Support Help and it's full of great web sites.
2. The Google trick is good for lots of software but you should always try the web site of the program's manufacturer as well. Sometimes your problem is really a bug and there may be a new release or work around available. Many software web sites have FAQs, discussion lists, and help desks available that provide free support. Sometimes there is a telephone number that you can call but you may have to pay for live help.
3. There are companies that offer free general help for simple questions and then charge a sliding scale for more complicated ones. Support Freaks (www.supportfreaks.com) is a good one to try. Even if you have to pay, the rates are reasonable. Click on the "Freebies" link, under the "Quick Links" menu to see if your question is eligible for free help.
4. There are probably any number of local PC support groups that meet in libraries and other locations near your home. Some of these groups are very specific in nature and some are general. Try searching Google for "PC Support Group" or "PC User group" and the name of your town. Also check with your local librarian and computer stores. They often know of these groups.
5. Speaking of computer stores, you can often pick the brains of the more knowledgeable salespeople if you are lucky enough to find any. Many times these employees love computers so much that they will act as your big brother or sister if you need some quick help. Sometimes they moonlight as consultants at a good rate.
This ought to be enough information to get you started on the road to solving your next PC or software problem. If you are having Internet connectivity problems then your ISP is the first place to start. If you can't get online at all, and you don't think you know their phone number, think again. I'll bet that it's printed on every bill that they send you. You'll also need your account number and you can bet that it's printed on the bill as well.
Remember -- When it comes to getting technical support help, the first rule is: Don't Panic!
About The Author
Copyright ? 2004 Cavyl Stewart. Discover 52 Ways To Do More With Software by signing up for my exclusive Free ecourse. Get tutorials, tips, reviews and recommendations you can use right now to help you achieve more, easier, and cheaper! 100% Original content. Visit: http://www.find-small-business-software.com/52ways.html.
Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..Wouldn't you be shocked to find that your personal sensitive... Read More
If you are a building a website or a forum,... Read More
MP3 players are Hot! Playing music has come a long... Read More
iPod users start to get the picture and it's turning... Read More
Simone is exasperated. She has to work on her university... Read More
Plasma and LCD TVs are the latest trend in home... Read More
While most small businesses really do need to find a... Read More
There are soooo many choices. With all the styles and... Read More
When you think of a help desk, what do you... Read More
As the owner of a Country Mall and Top Site... Read More
We have just entered the time of year that most... Read More
I recently got an e-mail asking about virtual memory. The... Read More
1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. To do this, make... Read More
Most of the web applications have a lot of images... Read More
Music lovers have been carrying around radios and other bulky... Read More
Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take... Read More
For many people the computer industry is a seeming unsolvable... Read More
Below you will find some useful information and comments about... Read More
Are you stymied by the vast offerings in cheap mp3... Read More
File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a protocol that is part... Read More
If you've been kicking around the idea of building your... Read More
Do you know how many fonts are currently installed on... Read More
Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After... Read More
Nothing is worse than having to negotiate all kinds of... Read More
Upgrading your processor will always speed up your computer, but... Read More
Western Springs shuttle limo ..What led them to this choice, as all four studios... Read More
Have you ever thought about building your own computer system?... Read More
"Aaaaaahhhhhh! I've been invaded by a virus!" Getting a virus... Read More
Projectors have come a long way in the past few... Read More
Saving Lives With A Pocket PCFree medical downloads can be... Read More
Although there are many things that can affect the performance... Read More
I'm eighty-one years old and I bought my first computer... Read More
Not sure what Windows registry is or how it works?... Read More
OK, so you caught a computer virus and your system... Read More
In the 1950's and 1960's Polaroid's instant cameras were all... Read More
Those small USB drives have so many names, pocket drives,... Read More
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Certification is meant for... Read More
How can you compare mp3 players to be sure you're... Read More
Introduction In this article I will clearly spell out the... Read More
Most of the web applications have a lot of images... Read More
Nothing is worse than having to negotiate all kinds of... Read More
Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After... Read More
Step 1:Open WinRAR and browse to the folder with your... Read More
If you are a building a website or a forum,... Read More
I recently got an e-mail asking about virtual memory. The... Read More
As the Web grows more crowded and just plain "noisy"... Read More
Flash mp3 players come with an exciting array of features,... Read More
Here are some tips on how to use screensavers:First of... Read More
What is a Refurbished Computer?Refurbished Computers. Remanufactured Computers. Reconditioned Computers.... Read More
Freezing is also known as crashing or hanging. It's frustrating.... Read More
Personal Technology |