The graphic (way below) really does represent the truth behind tech support. Although this is hilarious and strangely true, I figured I’d help you folks out with 5 common sense computer tips before you contact tech support.
1. Reboot Your Computer
Yes, it sounds silly but 95% of all computer issues can be resolved with a simple restart of your computer. And this goes for both Apple and Windows.
Just like people computers get confused and sometimes a swift kick in the er… power down and restart fixes it. The technical reasoning is that you are clearing the system of errant programs or services, clears out the memory of anything resident causing the initial issue, and resets windows back to a (hopefully) consistent/stable state.
2. Check Your Power and Cables
If your computer suddenly cuts out and you are unable to restart it? Check to see if you have Power. I cannot tell you how many time’s I have actually had this type of call.
Me – “Yes, How can I help you?”
User – “Um, My computer won’t start.”
Me – “Ok, is it plugged in?”
User – “Uh… Let Me Check” *Windows Startup Sound in the Background*
User – “The cleaning crew must’ve unplugged it on accident last night”
Me – “Very good, Have a nice day.”
Remember Keep It Simple Silly (K.I.S.S)
As a side note – if you have a laptop that will not boot? Unplug it, remove the battery, then hold down the Power Button for a few seconds while it is unplugged. Then pop the battery back in and plug in the power and *poof* magic your laptop will boot (hopefully lol.)
3. Clear Out Your Cookies and Temp Files
If you are unable to access a specific page on the internet and you are able to access others? Clear out your Cookies and Temp files in your browser. Most likely a bad cookie will prevent you from accessing the site. Mind you this will only work if the website is actually up and working to begin with. Also you might want to check out my favorite free utilities I posted recently to easily assist with this!
How To Clear Your Cookies and Temp Files
Internet Explorer
Click on Tools -> Internet Options -> Under Browsing History select Delete -> Delete All
Firefox
Click on the Firefox bar -> Tools -> Clear Private Data Now *I’ll need to confirm this!
Chrome
Click on the Wrench icon -> Options -> Under the Hood -> Clear Browsing History -> Check the First 4 Boxes in the List and then click on the Clear Browsing Data button.
4. Lost Internet Connection?
For me this usually means my son has pulled the power to the wireless router again. Yes, he knows how to do this at age two already! It is really fun when he does this during a Call of Duty match online when Mommy was supposed to be watching him!
Sorry- getting off topic here. But it does make a valid point.
The first things you should do besides rebooting your computer if you lose your Internet Connection are:
- Unplug your ISP Modem (Cable/DSL provided to you by your Telephone Company or Cable Company)
- Unplug your Home Wireless Router (if you have one – Nowadays you can’t live without one! ) Otherwise skip to the next step.
- Shutdown Your Computer(s)
So Everything is Shutdown? Good!
Give it about 30 seconds then plug everything back in the following order (It is IMPORTANT to do it the way I’ve written:
Modem (wait for blinky lights), Home Router (again blinky lights!), then your Computer(s)
And of course.. check those Cables!
If this doesn’t fix it.. contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) – NOT Your Computer Manufacturer.
5. Check Google
The real truth behind Tech Support is REVEALED – We search Google for your solution a lot of the time as there is no way to remember every nuance of everything that can go wrong with computers and software. So try a simple search (Remember K.I.S.S?) before contacting Tech Support!
The Truth Behind Tech Support Revealed!
But – if you don’t wish to do any of the above – please feel free to contact tech support – they are going to make you do all of the same things I’ve mentioned anyways! :-p
And remember this isn’t Rocket Surgery – just Tech Support!
Make sure to share your tips, tricks, or funny tech support stories below!
