Well, there's no denying it - no matter how new or how well-maintained our PCs are, we all meet up with PC issues sometime or other. The bright side is that we don't have to tackle them alone. There are all sorts of helps available to walk us through computer issues, but it might require a little ingenuity in knowing how to locate them. This article will show you how to locate online PC support.
1. Vendor websites. When you're experiencing an issue with a software application or with a hardware part, look up the website of the software's or hardware's company. Most (if not all) vendors reserve a section of cyberspace and use it to support the products that they provide. Microsoft's help desk is a good example.
2. Remember help files. It's funny, but people often don't remember that every personal computer itself and every program installed on a personal computer comes with its own help file. Even the operating system of a personal computer has a help file, and it really ought to be the first place to look for solutions. Help files are designed not only to guide in how to use a PC, they're also written to fix difficulties. Inside a help file, look for a section called, "Troubleshooting" (or something similar) when you need to resolve an issue. This section is reserved for solving problems specific to the software or hardware that you're using.
3. Fan sites. Fan sites perhaps is not a good term for this resource, but one can find websites that are set up for supporting the users of a particular software program or piece of hardware. We call them "fan sites" since the maintainers of such websites have no affiliation with the manufacturers which they support! Call them however you want, but their free help is invaluable and without it, we would not have some of the wonderful workarounds and top-notch problem resolution resources which we possess today.
4. Usenet newsgroups. An often underutilized resource on the Internet, Usenet newsgroups include scores and scores of discussion groups focused on some of the most popular PC systems, operating systems, device suppliers, and various software programs. At times, the employees of these vendors take part, but usually, the help in these groups is user-to-user, and this is just as valuable since you are working with a bunch of experienced folks.
5. Help Lines. Another resource for help which we mustn't forget are the help systems of different manufacturers. You can access these systems by dialing the phone number associated with the product that you are experiencing difficulties with. Calling might be free (1-800 or 1-877 numbers), or they may cost a small fee (1-900).
6. Computer support groups or computer clubs are another option for help. These are groups that meet in libraries, computer stores, or similar local areas, and they talk about all kinds of issues dealing with a particular product. Even if you may not be experiencing a related PC or software problem, support groups are exciting to take part in, because they may help you make contacts for other interests such as work or teaching possibilities.
7. Also, you might even find a helping hand from the salespeople at a nearby personal computer store. We don't suggest that you make this your first pit stop if you experience a problem, but we don't think that you ought to ignore this alternative altogether either. PC salespersons are employed for a reason - and that is their knowledge. Often these kind people are able to help you to solve an issue over thetelephone and keep you from having to buy an expensive solution.
From this you can tell that help is easy to find - you simply have to know where to hunt for it. Most of the people within these resources are extremely friendly and willing to spend time to step you through an issue at little to no expense. From online discussion groups, to the help files on your own PC, to online PC support, assistance is often just a phone call away.
Best regards,
Robert Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"
Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has over 30 years of career work in software development. Beginning in his teens he has set up and headed many businesses and non-profit organizations. Download his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and find out the most efficient methods to use your PC at Online PC Support, see his Offsite Backups page, or write him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thanks!
1. Vendor websites. When you're experiencing an issue with a software application or with a hardware part, look up the website of the software's or hardware's company. Most (if not all) vendors reserve a section of cyberspace and use it to support the products that they provide. Microsoft's help desk is a good example.
2. Remember help files. It's funny, but people often don't remember that every personal computer itself and every program installed on a personal computer comes with its own help file. Even the operating system of a personal computer has a help file, and it really ought to be the first place to look for solutions. Help files are designed not only to guide in how to use a PC, they're also written to fix difficulties. Inside a help file, look for a section called, "Troubleshooting" (or something similar) when you need to resolve an issue. This section is reserved for solving problems specific to the software or hardware that you're using.
3. Fan sites. Fan sites perhaps is not a good term for this resource, but one can find websites that are set up for supporting the users of a particular software program or piece of hardware. We call them "fan sites" since the maintainers of such websites have no affiliation with the manufacturers which they support! Call them however you want, but their free help is invaluable and without it, we would not have some of the wonderful workarounds and top-notch problem resolution resources which we possess today.
4. Usenet newsgroups. An often underutilized resource on the Internet, Usenet newsgroups include scores and scores of discussion groups focused on some of the most popular PC systems, operating systems, device suppliers, and various software programs. At times, the employees of these vendors take part, but usually, the help in these groups is user-to-user, and this is just as valuable since you are working with a bunch of experienced folks.
5. Help Lines. Another resource for help which we mustn't forget are the help systems of different manufacturers. You can access these systems by dialing the phone number associated with the product that you are experiencing difficulties with. Calling might be free (1-800 or 1-877 numbers), or they may cost a small fee (1-900).
6. Computer support groups or computer clubs are another option for help. These are groups that meet in libraries, computer stores, or similar local areas, and they talk about all kinds of issues dealing with a particular product. Even if you may not be experiencing a related PC or software problem, support groups are exciting to take part in, because they may help you make contacts for other interests such as work or teaching possibilities.
7. Also, you might even find a helping hand from the salespeople at a nearby personal computer store. We don't suggest that you make this your first pit stop if you experience a problem, but we don't think that you ought to ignore this alternative altogether either. PC salespersons are employed for a reason - and that is their knowledge. Often these kind people are able to help you to solve an issue over thetelephone and keep you from having to buy an expensive solution.
From this you can tell that help is easy to find - you simply have to know where to hunt for it. Most of the people within these resources are extremely friendly and willing to spend time to step you through an issue at little to no expense. From online discussion groups, to the help files on your own PC, to online PC support, assistance is often just a phone call away.
Best regards,
Robert Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd"
Dr. Robert Hosken, the author, has over 30 years of career work in software development. Beginning in his teens he has set up and headed many businesses and non-profit organizations. Download his free e-Book "How To Maintain Your Computer" and find out the most efficient methods to use your PC at Online PC Support, see his Offsite Backups page, or write him at Robert@CompuNerds.Net - thanks!
