How to Ask for Help with Technology

We've all had problems with technology in the past that required us to get help. The problem could be with your printer, computer, or who knows, maybe even your cell phone. When it's time to look for tech support, here are some tips on what to do when submitting requests or even just doing a quick web search.
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Be More Specific

The main one is this one. If someone said, "My computer doesn't work. How do I fix it?" I was not able to help them. This is too general of a request. It doesn't say anything at all. I can already start asking questions like, "What does it show you?" When did this happen? During that time, what were you doing? These are just a few questions I might ask the person who wants my help with technology. You have to tell me exactly what's wrong. 

After I find out the answers to these questions, I'll have to ask more, like what operating system it uses. When did you get it? What computer manufacturer made it? Obviously, if you are trying to get tech support for something other than a computer, you will need to change the questions you need to answer to fit that piece of tech. 

The computer's specs would be another good thing to put here. Tech support will want to know things like how much RAM you have and what kind of CPU your computer has. All of these are important in case another person has had the same problem with that RAM company or something similar. If someone else had the same problem, tech support would be able to fix it much faster.

Add model numbers to your request for tech support.

This can help tech support a lot if they can get the model number of the computer, printer, etc. that you need help with. In fact, if you put this in, they might not even need to ask about the computer's specs. 

They can look up your model number and find out all of this and more about your computer. This is also a great thing to use when looking for tech support on Google or another search engine. You can get help or advice from people who are familiar with your technology and may have dealt with this problem before and learned how to fix it.

Don't be afraid to put down a few words.

If you post your question on a Q&A site or support forum, for example, don't be afraid to write a paragraph or two about what's wrong with the technology you need help with. If there are some good people on the site, they will read it and be able to help you much more because they know what is going on.

Screenshots or a video can help.

If you can, try to send screenshots or pictures along with your requests. If the error happens in a certain order, you could put a video of it on YouTube so people can see what's going on. People can always understand something better if they can see it, so they don't have to make their own picture in their heads. 

If you can't get a screenshot, don't be afraid to just use a camera to take a picture of the screen if you have to. If you go this route, the quality won't be as good, but at least people who try to help you with tech support will be able to see what's going on.

Overall, the main point is details, details, and more details. If you can remember this, you'll be able to send better requests for tech support that will get you the answers you need faster.

Everyone wants the problem to be fixed now, after all. I really think that if you follow these tips, you can get closer to that goal. Still, if you can talk to someone on the phone, do it! That's a great thing. 

With phone support, you can use the power of your voice to explain in real time. So, if you can do that, do it! Do you know anything? Leave a comment with them!