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.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carAddressing a D2X Digital SLRCoolpix 8800 search, this article provides... Read More
About mail-mergingMail-merging is the process of merging variable data and... Read More
On 21 August 2003 Symantec Security Response upgraded the W32.SOBIG.F... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
MMC and SDFlash memory is available in so many formats... Read More
Having two operating systems is not as difficult as many... Read More
If you have a computer for home use or for... Read More
Selecting a TV isn't as easy as it used to... Read More
The first step is: Start > My DocumentsSo you have... Read More
Digital cameras ratings are great tools for deciding which camera... Read More
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer... Read More
I'm eighty-one years old and I bought my first computer... Read More
Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After... Read More
The Internet can be a dangerous place.While you're enjoying the... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
Step 1:Open WinRAR and browse to the folder with your... Read More
Tip #1 -- Rebates: A rebate is not always a... Read More
Has This Ever Happened To You? OK.. it's Friday night,... Read More
This is not your typical lost data story. I was... Read More
Apache, MysQL and PHP for Windows could be a nice... Read More
ASR (Automated System Recovery) is a feature available on the... Read More
Most people download and save so much information on their... Read More
I recently got an e-mail asking about virtual memory. The... Read More
There are plenty of articles out there about how to... Read More
This is the third in a series of articles highlighting... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..One of the most common questions computer users ask is,... Read More
I would like to tell you about a magic home.... Read More
CCNA FAQQ. What exams do I have to take to... Read More
I met an entrepreneur who hole heartedly disagree with an... Read More
Time is money. And when you constantly have to divide... Read More
I got my eyes set on a iPod mini, as... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
Has This Ever Happened To You? OK.. it's Friday night,... Read More
Do you use Windows standard uninstall feature? How do you... Read More
Confused by EDTV vs HDTV? We don't blame you. The... Read More
When I first started studying for my CCNP, some of... Read More
You have your television and home theater receiver; you just... Read More
Spyware is the software that collects information about your online... Read More
When you turn on your computer, does it act like... Read More
If you utilize a computer at home or work it... Read More
If you've been kicking around the idea of building your... Read More
Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After... Read More
The first step is: Start > My DocumentsSo you have... Read More
Enhanced Definition Television ? also known as EDTV ? is... Read More
Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've... Read More
On 21 August 2003 Symantec Security Response upgraded the W32.SOBIG.F... Read More
MMC and SDFlash memory is available in so many formats... Read More
In the early days, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were not... Read More
The following practice, if done regularly, may help you to... Read More
Save money. Save 10-15% on utility bills per month. Work... Read More
Personal Technology |