Advanced Beginning Tech Support (or What The Hell Does This Button Do?)
By: Cory Threatt
Somehow, I’ve managed to become the I.T. Department for the company I work for. Not bad for a guy who’s basically a hack. From time to time I find myself getting assigned jobs that I have NO BUSINESS doing. More often than not I’m thinking to myself as I do said job…well this seems logical…I’ll try this. I cross my mental fingers and away I go.
I decided to write a book on how to do this. Just in case anyone else wants to be the “Not Really” I.T. person where you work.
I’m going to call it…Here Goes Nothing 101
Here Goes Nothing 101
Chapter 1: Let’s try this
As I stated before, I have no formal training when it comes to computers…or any other electronic device for that matter. So when it comes time for me to fix something…I turn to my old friend Logic. Most of the time Logic is pretty good to me…other times, not so much. Fortunately, most of the things I get called to fix are pretty simple. Other times it’s not quite so easy.
Other Person: "Hey, Cory. I went to this website and now my monitor’s on fire. I think I may have a virus. Can you fix it?”
Me: "Um…sure? What website were you on when you got the virus that set your monitor on fire?"
Other Person: "Ida know."
Me: "OK. Let’s try this…"
Chapter 2: That didn’t work – what now?
Sometimes, completely random keystrokes and mouse clicks (both left AND right) won’t solve the problem at hand. Evasive thinking is now your priority. Further clicking and head scratching might begin to take its toll on your credibility.
“So how do I know what to do next?” you might ask.
Easy. Start asking questions. Asking questions not only makes it look like there’s some sort of logical thought process going on in your head but also gives you time to set up your approach to Chapter 3.
Chapter 3: Maybe it’s in the settings
*COMING SOON*
Soon to also be released:
Chapter 4: What are “settings” and where to find them
Chapter 5: Powering off – the ins and outs of “trial and error tech support”
Chapter 6: Maybe if we reinstall…
Chapter 7: Maybe it’s a virus
Chapter 8: Things to consider when purchasing a new computer
I decided to write a book on how to do this. Just in case anyone else wants to be the “Not Really” I.T. person where you work.
I’m going to call it…Here Goes Nothing 101
Here Goes Nothing 101
Chapter 1: Let’s try this
As I stated before, I have no formal training when it comes to computers…or any other electronic device for that matter. So when it comes time for me to fix something…I turn to my old friend Logic. Most of the time Logic is pretty good to me…other times, not so much. Fortunately, most of the things I get called to fix are pretty simple. Other times it’s not quite so easy.
Other Person: "Hey, Cory. I went to this website and now my monitor’s on fire. I think I may have a virus. Can you fix it?”
Me: "Um…sure? What website were you on when you got the virus that set your monitor on fire?"
Other Person: "Ida know."
Me: "OK. Let’s try this…"
Chapter 2: That didn’t work – what now?
Sometimes, completely random keystrokes and mouse clicks (both left AND right) won’t solve the problem at hand. Evasive thinking is now your priority. Further clicking and head scratching might begin to take its toll on your credibility.
“So how do I know what to do next?” you might ask.
Easy. Start asking questions. Asking questions not only makes it look like there’s some sort of logical thought process going on in your head but also gives you time to set up your approach to Chapter 3.
Chapter 3: Maybe it’s in the settings
*COMING SOON*
Soon to also be released:
Chapter 4: What are “settings” and where to find them
Chapter 5: Powering off – the ins and outs of “trial and error tech support”
Chapter 6: Maybe if we reinstall…
Chapter 7: Maybe it’s a virus
Chapter 8: Things to consider when purchasing a new computer