| We all deal with them, those little computer problems | | | | is this way though. |
| that aren't quite big enough to warrant a call to the | | | | I've said it before and I'll say it again. Your best way to |
| Computer Guy. You know, like every once in a while | | | | help maintain your computer is by staying informed and |
| your camera won't transfer its pictures the right way. | | | | educated. I'm not suggesting everyone run out and get |
| Or like the times when all of a sudden your computer | | | | a Computer Science degree, but I am suggesting you |
| shuts down for no apparent reason and with no | | | | use some of the top notch free resources that are |
| warning whatsoever. Don't forget those odd "Run | | | | available to you. The largest these days is of course |
| Time Errors" with the crazy numbers in them. I love | | | | the internet. |
| those. | | | | Don't get nervous yet, I'm not suggesting you look up |
| The worst part is, you could probably fix some of | | | | some super hi-tech article and study it until you know it |
| these things yourself if you just had a little help or | | | | inside and out. You don't have to. The net is full of |
| guidance. Calling a professional, while sometimes | | | | people who already understand these things and are |
| necessary, can be both a greater inconvenience and | | | | more than willing to pass some of that understanding |
| of course a greater cost. It may take forever to | | | | on to you. They do this in forums. |
| contact them, and when you do get in touch with the | | | | Forums are a wonderful thing. A lot of forums are |
| help desk, they always make you reboot the thing | | | | actual cyber communities of people who love to talk |
| twelve times before you get any real advice. | | | | about various topics. They have people of varying skill |
| Let me be clear on a couple things before we | | | | sets, all interacting in a friendly supportive way. I know |
| continue. First, I am a professional computer technician | | | | there's a free computer support forum out there with |
| and have been working in the industry for over 15 | | | | people in it just waiting to answer some of your |
| years. There are numerous occasions where a | | | | questions. |
| professional is needed to help with or repair your PC. It | | | | So next time those pop ups are driving you crazy, and |
| is often my advice to have your system evaluated at | | | | you can't reach your favorite help desk, stop by a |
| least one every three months. On top of that, there | | | | computer support forum. You'll be surprised at how |
| are many things a novice should not try on their PC for | | | | good an experience it can be. |
| fear of causing more harm than good. Not everything | | | | |