How and Where to Get Some Personal Computer Assistance - Online PC Support

You know, it can't be denied - it doesn't matter how new or how well-supported our PCs are, we all encounter computer problems sooner or later. The good news is that you do not have to deal with them alone. There are lots of helps on hand to assist us with personal computer issues, but it might take a little ingenuity in knowing how to locate them. This little tale will show you how to find online PC support.

1. Supplier websites. If you are having an issue with a program or with a hardware device, try the website of that software's or hardware's vendor. Most (if not all) suppliers set aside a section of cyberspace and use it to maintain the goods that they manufacture. Microsoft's help desk is a good example.

2. Don't forget help files. It's funny, but people often don't remember that every computer itself and every program loaded on a personal computer includes its own help file. Even the operating system of a computer has a help file, and that really ought to be the starting point to begin for answers. Help files are designed not only to guide in how to use a computer, they are also put together to answer 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 the best name for this resource, but you can find websites which are dedicated to assisting the users of a particular software program or piece of equipment. We call them "fan sites" since the maintainers of such websites don't have any direct ties with the manufacturers that they support! Name them what you want, but this free help is invaluable and without it, we would not have many of the excellent workarounds and top-notch problem solving resources which we possess at present.

4. Usenet newsgroups. Another underused resource on the WWW, Usenet newsgroups have hundreds of discussion groups focused on some of the most well-known personal computer systems, operating systems, device vendors, and different software applications. Sometimes, the representatives of these vendors participate, but most often, the support in such groups is user-to-user, and this is just as valuable because you are dealing with a bunch of informed users.

5. Help Lines. Another source for assistance that we mustn't forget are the support lines of different vendors. You may contact these lines by calling the phone number connected with the product that you are experiencing trouble with. Calls might be toll-free (1-800 or 1-877 numbers), or they might cost a small amount (1-900).

6. PC support groups or computer clubs are another resource for help. These are clubs that meet in libraries, PC stores, or similar local areas, and they discuss all sorts of problems dealing with a certain product. Even if you aren't experiencing a similar computer or software problem, support groups are interesting to participate in, and they may help you network into other interests, for example, job or educational possibilities.

7. Surprisingly, you could even get a helping hand from the salespersons at a nearby computer business. We do not recommend that you make this your initial resource if you encounter difficulty, but we don't recommend that you ought to rule out this possibility totally either. PC salespeople are hired for a reason - and that is their skills. Often these kind people may help you to resolve an issue over the telephone and prevent you from needing to buy a costly solution.

As you can tell that help is not hard to find - you've just got to know where to hunt for it. The majority of the people at these resources are extremely friendly and glad to spend time to walk you through an issue at little to no cost. 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,

Bob Hosken
"Dr. Bob the CompuNerd