 Number 263 - April 2005 |
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| Toward a Better Computing Experience HELP! | |
| By Vic Laurie, PPCUG | |
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They may not be as certain as death or taxes but computer problems are something we are all likely to encounter sooner or later. I have previously discussed things that PC users should do to forestall trouble as much as possible in the articles
www.vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/clean.htm www.vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/basics.htm www.vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/refresh.htm www.vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/backup.htm If trouble comes anyway there are some troubleshooting suggestions at www.vlaurie.com/computers2/Articles/trouble.htm Although following the suggestions in the articles above can help you to prevent or to take care of your problems, there may come a time when you have a situation where you have no idea what to do next. Where do you turn for help? Before you go for assistance from some precocious 12 year old kid that you know, you might consider a little additional research. There is an enormous amount of support on the Internet and in this article I will suggest some places to find information or people that can help. If you have Windows XP and you haven't already looked in the Help function, try it. It includes an Internet search and can actually be useful (You can skip it in Windows 98/Me.) Otherwise, try tapping into the Microsoft resources on the Internet. The Microsoft Knowledge Base is an enormous collection, containing much useful information. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find things, and when you do find it, you have to wade through the Microsoft-speak that is used for writing the articles. Nonetheless, this is the ultimate source for answers about many problems. Go to the link http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;[ln];kbhowto Another Microsoft site is the Microsoft Windows XP support center at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=fh;en-us;winxp Searching Searching the Microsoft knowledge base is often easier if you use Google. Go to the Google Advanced Search, enter your search criteria and add site:microsoft.com at the end. For example, to search registry editor use registry editor site: microsoft.com Another way is go to the Domain line and specify Only return results from the site or domain microsoft.com. Google can also be a great way to find information about computer problems on the Internet in general, but you need to know how to narrow down your search. Otherwise, you will be overwhelmed with the number of links that turn up. Some tips on how to use Google are given by Steve Bass at www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,110970,00.asp I have found the Microsoft Newsgroups to be very useful, and here too, Google is the way to find things. Use the Advanced Groups Search and specify "Return only messages from the newsgroup microsoft.public.*" The wildcard asterisk will allow a search of all the Microsoft groups. If you can narrow the search even more, that will simplify the search. For example, for Windows 98 questions try just the groups "microsoft.public.win98.* For Windows XP questions try "microsoft.public.windowsxp.*" If you know how to use a Newsgroup reader, you can submit your question to a particular group and see if one of the many experts who frequent the groups will answer. You can also use the new Microsoft Newsgroups Web site at http://communities.microsoft.com/newsgroups/default.asp |
Another way to search for answers to your problem is to use the Windows Tips Search Engine provided by Brian Livingston at Help forums There are large numbers of help forums on the Web. These are of varying quality but many have knowledgeable regulars who will try to answer questions that you submit. Most require some sort of registration and sign-in but are generally free. I personally stick with the Microsoft newsgroups but here are a few you might try (in no particular order). If you are willing to pay for help, Steve Bass of PC World has recommendations at www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,aid,110970,00.asp I haven't tried it but a subscription help site that some people might like is Ask-Dr-Tech www.askdrtech.com/ Vendor Sites Some of the bigger vendors maintain sites where questions can be asked about problems relating to their products. Most require a password. Some are more useful than others. Unfortunately, many vendors only offer generalized FAQs and don't pay much attention to individual questions. The general trend is to cut down on customer support. For example, Symantec used to have some good newsgroups but not any more. Sometimes the FAQs or canned answers do help to solve problems due to documented bugs, so it may be worth trying. Some software companies have support forums where users can exchange experiences and these can be worthwhile. To conclude, let me make an editorial comment (also known as an opinionated remark).You may note that I have not suggested phoning vendor tech support lines. Personally, I would rather go to the dentist before calling up any vendor for what passes as tech support these days. The industry as a whole has seen a marked decline in the quality of customer help and support. You can read all about it in the PC World article Don't forget about your fellow user group members. |
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Number 263 - April 2005
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