Computer Spot

Have you ever found that your hardware was not working properly? Or may be you installed software but the software was not working? You feel that you have done the instruction from the manual but it still had a problem.

Well, there’s no denying on it – No matter how new or how well maintained our computers are, we all encounter computer problems sooner or later.

The good news is that we don’t have to face them alone. There are a ton of resources available to walk us through computer help but it may take a little knowledge in knowing how to access them.

This article will show you how you find your computer help.

1. Remember the help files ?

It sounds funny, but people seem to forget that every computer and every 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 computer help.

Help files are designed not only to guide the usage of a computer, 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.

2. Product websites

If you’re having a problem with a piece of software or with a hardware part, try the website of that software’s or hardware’s manufacturer.

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 good example.

3. Fan sites

Fan sites probably aren’t a good name for this resource, but you can find websites that are dedicated to supporting the users of a particular software program or piece of hardware.

We call 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 immeasurable and without it, we wouldn’t have some of the wonderful workarounds and unique problem solving techniques that we have today.

4. Forum or Community
   

You can join an online forum that is related to computers so that you can ask any computer related question you have.

You can search sites such as Google or Yahoo to find computer forums. Usually, computer forums are dedicated to the most popular topics, such as: computer systems, operating systems, hardware manufactures, and individual software programs.

Sometimes, the representatives of these companies participate, but most of the time, the support in these groups are user to user, which is just as valid because you’re working with a team of experienced people.

Beside forums, there are communities where you can ask a question about your problem. One of it is yahoo answer. All you need to do is click on the computer category and post your question. The people who have experience with your problem will then be able to help you solve it.

5. Support Lines

Another source for computer help that we shouldn’t forget is the support systems of various manufacturers. You can reach these systems by calling the phone number associated with the product that is causing you trouble. Calls may be free (1-800 or 1-877 number), or they may cost a small fee (1-900).

6. PC support groups or user groups

There are computer support or user groups that meet regularly in libraries, computer stores or other local areas. They come together to discuss all sorts of issues related to a particular product.

Even if you aren’t experiencing a computer or software problems, user groups are fun to participate in and they can help you network into other interests such as job or teaching opportunities.

7. Sales Person at your local computer store

Surprisingly, you may even get a helping hand from the salesperson at your local computer store. We don’t recommend that you make this your first pit stop when you experience a problem; however, don’t rule this option out altogether.

Computer salespersons are hired for a reason – their knowledge. Often, these kind folks will help you resolve an issue over the phone and prevent you form having to buy a costly solution.

As you can see, finding computer help is easy to find – provided you 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.