Posts Tagged ‘Computer’
Where To Get Computer Help
OK, let’s face it, no matter how new or how well serviced our computers are, we all encounter operational issues sooner or later. The good news is that we don’t have to face them by ourselves. There are many resources available to walk us through computer problems but it may take a little insight in finding out how to access them. This blog will show you how.
Help files. It’s funny, but people seem to forget that every PC or laptop and every software package installed on them comes with its own help file. Even the operating system of a PC has a help file and it really should be the first place to look for assistance. Help files are designed not only to guide the usage of a PC, they’re also designed to solve problems. 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.
Product websites. If you’re having a problem with a piece of software or with a hardware component, try the website of that software’s or hardware’s producer. Most (if not all) manufacturer’s reserve a portion of cyberspace and dedicate it to support the products that they build. Microsoft’s help desk is a good example
Fan sites. Fan site probably isn’t a good name for this resource, but you can find websites that are dedicated toward supporting the users of a particular software program or piece of hardware. We’ve called them “fan sites” because the maintainers of these sites have no affiliation with the manufacturers that they support! Call them what you will, but their free help is so very valuable and without it, we wouldn’t have some of the wonderful workarounds and unique problem solving techniques that we have today.
Usenet newsgroups. Another under-used resource on the internet, Usenet newsgroups have tons of discussion groups dedicated to some of the most popular computer systems, operating systems, hardware manufacturers, and individual software programs. Sometimes, the associates of these companies participate, but most of the time, the support in this group is user-to-user, which is just as valid because you’re working with a team of knowledgeable people.
Support lines. Another source for help that we shouldn’t forget is the support programs of various manufacturers. You can reach these groups by calling the phone number associated with the product that you’re having trouble with. Calls may be free (1-800 or 1-877 number), or they may cost a small fee (1-900).
PC support groups or user groups. These are groups that meet in libraries, computer stores and departments, or other local areas and they discuss all sorts of issues related with a particular product. Even if you aren’t experiencing a computer or software problem, user groups are fun to participate in and they can help you migrate into other interests such as employment or teaching opportunities.
Computer salespeople. Amazingly, you may even get a helping hand from the salespersons at your local computer store. We don’t recommend that you make this your initial stop when you experience a problem, but we don’t recommend that you rule this option out completely, either. Computer salespeople are hired for a reason – and that’s their knowledge. Often, these informed folks can help you resolve an issue over the phone and prevent you from having to buy a costly solution.
As you can see, help is pretty easy to find. You’ve just got to know where to look for it. Most of the contacts within these resources are extremely friendly and willing to take the time to walk you through a problem at little to no cost. From online discussion groups to the files on your own computer, help is often just a click away.
Invariably, though, you’re going to find that as you seek help for your computer problems and concerns, you’re going to encounter advise that is harmful, or becomes part of your problem, rather than a viable source of a solution. There are many reasons for this occurring, but the bottom line is, at some point, your computer is going to slow down, due to a combination of how much “help” and “harm” it has received.
When that happens, I recommend you check out the “PC Secret Formula” video review that we have posted on our website and blog at http://www.jujamvideoreview.com/pcsecretformula.html. The plain truth is that when you want and need to improve PC speed, when you want and need to improve PC performance, and eventually you will, “PC Secret Formula” will deliver.
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