Before Asking For Help, Help Us Help You
Imagine something is wrong with your vehicle and it does not start. You call a mechanic on the phone and say to him, “My car doesn’t start, tell me how to fix my problem?” It could be related to the transmission, alternator, battery, exhaust or maybe you ran out of gas. It doesn’t matter how great or experienced this mechanic is, if you do not give him enough details he will have no clue what your problem is and how to fix it since he is not in front of your vehicle. The same applies to computer technicians attempting to solve a computer problem without having that computer or device in front of them. They need as much information as possible in order help solve your problem. The following is a short list of information we need from your computer or electronic device that will help us help you.
* What version of Windows are you using (2000, XP, Vista, etc.)? Maybe it is Linux or a specific cell phone operating system?
* What CPU do you have, how fast is it?
* How much RAM do you have on your computer?
* If it is a software program you need help with, what specific program is in question and what is the version?
* If it is a website you need help with, What specific website do you need help with and give us a specific web address that is in question.
* What Internet Browser are you using (Internet Explorer, Firefoxi, etc.)?
* If it is a piece of hardware you need help with, what is the manufacturer name and give us the specific model number.
* If you need help with a portable media player like an iPod, What is the manufacturer name and give the specific model number.
* If you receive an error message what is the specific error message?
** What specifically is your problem? When does it happen? When did it start to happen (after you installed a program, went to a website, dropped your device, etc.)?
*** You cannot give us too much information, the more the better we will be equipped to help you solve your problem.
*** Please be aware that this is a free website. The techs on this site have full-time jobs and volunteer their free time to help you solve your problem. The techs may know a lot but are not all-knowing gods and might not be able to answer every question.
When you gather the required information post your question on our forums. Be sure to post the question in the appropriate forum (ebay goes in, “Internet”, iPods go in, “Portable Media Players”, etc.).
Last but not least there is no need to be shy or think your question is too stupid to ask. Remember we specialize in helping beginners. "The only stupid question is the question you don't ask."
Here is the link to our Computers and Technology Help and Advice forums. Post All Your Questions There:
http://www.cleartechinfo.com/forum/index.php
- ClearTechInfo Staff
