Computer Support Where and how to get it

Well, don't deny it-no matter how new or how well kept our teams are, we all find ourselves having computer problems sooner or later. The good news is we don't have to deal with them alone. There are plenty of resources available to walk through computer problems, but you can take some knowledge about how to access it. This article will show you how.

1. Remember the Help files. It's funny, but people seem to forget that every computer and program installed on a computer comes with its own Help file. Even the operating system of a computer has a help file and it really should be the first place to look for answers. The Help files are designed not only to guide the use of a computer, but they are also designed to solve problems. Within a Help file, look for a section called "Troubleshooting" (or something similar) when you need to resolve a problem. This section is reserved to solve specific problems of the software or hardware you are using.

2. Product Webs. If you have a problem with a software or a hardware part, try the manufacturer's Web page or your hardware. Most (if not all) of the reserve part of the manufacturer of cyberspace and dedicate it to support the products they build. The Microsoft help Desk is a good example.

Sites 3. Fan. Fan sites is probably not a good name for this resource, but you can find websites that are dedicated to supporting users of a particular software or a piece of hardware. We call them "Fan sites " Because the maintainers of these sites have no affiliation with the manufacturers they support! Call them as you like, but your free support is immeasurable and without it, we wouldn't have some of the wonderful and unique solutions of problem solving techniques we have today.

4. Usenet newsgroups. Another underutilized resource on the Internet, Usenet newsgroups have hundreds of newsgroups dedicated to some of the most popular computer systems, operating systems, individual hardware and software manufacturers. Sometimes the representatives of these companies participate, but most of the time, the support in this group is user-to-user, which is equally valid because you work with a team of experienced people.

5. Support lines. Another source of help we should not forget is the support systems of several manufacturers. You can reach these systems by calling the phone number associated with the product you are experiencing problems with. Calls can be free (1-800 or 1-877), or may cost a small fee (1-900).

6. PC support groups or user groups are another help option. They are groups that meet in libraries, computer stores or other local areas and discuss all kinds of issues related to a particular product. Even if you are not experiencing a computer or software problem, user groups are fun to participate in and can help the network in other interests such as job or teaching opportunities.

7. Surprisingly, you can even get a helping hand from vendors at your local computer store. We do not recommend that you make your first pit stop when you encounter a problem, but we do not recommend that you exclude this option very well. Computer vendors are hired for a reason-and that is their knowledge. Often, these kind people can help you solve a problem on the phone and prevent you from training to have to buy an expensive solution.

As you can see, help is easy to find-you just had to know where to look for it. Most of the contacts within these resources are extremely friendly and are willing to take the time to walk through a problem in little or no cost. From online newsgroups to files on your own computer, help is often just a click away.

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