Dealing With Those Geeky Computer Tech Support People
Ranked #12,500 in Tech & Geek, #260,927 overall
How To Deal With Tech Support People
I cringe at the thought of having to call in for tech support on anything; it never fails that after they ask for my name and phone number everything goes south. If you share my frustration, here are some tips on how to handle those annoying tech support people.
I know those that have read my bio are probably wandering - The IT guy calls tech support? Unfortunatly all of the time!
Anyway: . . . . .
I know those that have read my bio are probably wandering - The IT guy calls tech support? Unfortunatly all of the time!
Anyway: . . . . .
Preparation Is The Best Defense!
When you have a problem and need to call tech support, your first weapon is that of preparedness. Make sure you have all pertinent information handy: the make and model of the device you are calling about, the exact error message or problem you are having, when it started, and possibly even what you did before it happened; what programs you have recently installed, or which ones you have recently removed. If you don't think it's important to the situation, they will, and that is the first trap they set. Don't fall for it. Be prepared.
Be prepared to deal with the frustration of long hold times on the phone. Combat this fatigue by using a speaker phone, or a hands-free headset. This will free you up to pace mercilessly throughout your living room while on hold waiting for that fast, unintelligible voice to pick up at the other end. A hand held squeeze ball is another secret weapon against telephone-hold frustration. These tactics will enable you to be calm, cool, and collected when they finally answer the line.
Be prepared to deal with the frustration of long hold times on the phone. Combat this fatigue by using a speaker phone, or a hands-free headset. This will free you up to pace mercilessly throughout your living room while on hold waiting for that fast, unintelligible voice to pick up at the other end. A hand held squeeze ball is another secret weapon against telephone-hold frustration. These tactics will enable you to be calm, cool, and collected when they finally answer the line.
"Tech Support ... How May I help You?"
When tech support answers the phone, have your name and phone number handy. After being on hold for what seems like seven years there IS a chance you could forget this information. Have it written down just in case. :-)In all seriousness, people do not call tech support because they are having a good time with their computer equipment; they call because something has gone wrong. The representative on the other hand does recognize your frustration, and yelling at or getting upset with them does not solve anything. Do your best to answer their questions because, believe it or not, any information you can give them will help them solve your problem.
But I Don't Speak GEEK!
Most technical support representatives recognize that you are not a computer guru; if you were, you wouldn't need to call them. Therefore, it is O.K. explain your situation in laymen's terms. For example, if you are receiving the blue screen of death on boot up, it is O.K. to tell them, "I'm getting the blue screen of death when I turn on my computer!" They will understand. However, there are certain individuals who take it for granted that you know all about the motherboard circuitry, zapping the PRAM, or pinging a server. If you are unclear as to what language they are speaking, it is perfectly fine to ask them to clarify or repeat themselves. They get paid no matter how long it takes them to fix your problem, so there is no rush. Make sure you get all of your questions answered.
Patience Is The Key --- Seriously!
Having technical problems is an incredibly stressful experience. By keeping your temper, being prepared, and making sure you understand the situation fully, you can get through this very trying time.
Oh and one last thing --- GOOD LUCK!!! :-)
Oh and one last thing --- GOOD LUCK!!! :-)
New YouTube vids
Tech Support Runaround
A guy calls tech support to help him with his internet problem and gets a ridiculous runaround instead.
Runtime: 10:57 | 21162 views | 53 Comments
automatically generated by YouTube
Great Stuff on eBay
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Great Stuff on Amazon
From Camera to Computer: How to Make Fine Photographs Through Examples, Tips, and Techniques
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 12/28/2009) 
Building A PC For Beginners
Amazon Price: $13.45 (as of 12/28/2009)
How to Use Computers (2nd Edition)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/28/2009)
Reader Feedback
Tell Us What You Think!
submit
-
Reply
- Jimmie Jimmie May 16, 2008 @ 7:56 am
- Cute! This made me laugh. :-)
by frustratedcomputeruser
My real name is FD Musser - self proclaimed "Computer Geek"
I have nine years in the IT Industry and have achieved IT Certifications from Comptia, CI... (more)
I have nine years in the IT Industry and have achieved IT Certifications from Comptia, CI... (more)
Explore related pages
Netbook Comparison - Features, Options and Prices- A comparison of 7 brands and 14 models of netbooks. Even though cellphones have...
LAMAN WEB BAHASA MELAYU UNTUK INFO KOMPUTER DAN I.T.- Senarai Laman Web Berbahasa Melayu Mengenai Informasi Terkini Mengenai Komputer...
Computer Magazines Subscriptions- Computer Magazines Subscriptions - The technology of both software and hardware...
Lenovo Laptops - Best Price Best Buying
- Lenovo laptop is really has a great in style, has a high value and no much effor...
Choose The Best Portable And Laptop USB Computer Speakers- Eliminate a tangle of wires with a USB computer speaker system. One cable can pr...
