How To Be Kind To Your Friends In Business It Support

By Author: Melanie River
Total Articles: 222
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We've all heard the jokes that have found their way out of tech support forums about how stupid the average computer user is. And, it is entirely possible that if you work in business IT support, you could come to the conclusion that the world is populated with idiots. It doesn't have to be that way though. In fact, before you call up your computer network support team, make sure that you've got everything straight and have done everything you can do on your end to solve the problem. That doesn't mean trying to fix it yourself, if you don't know how, but rather, make sure that it isn't a UTS error. UTS, by the way, stands for "user too stupid."

If your computer is not functioning properly, try restarting it. That works mysteriously well with computers, modems, routers, fax machines, telephones and just about anything that plugs into the wall. If it isn't turning on at all, go ahead and make sure it's plugged in- no really. There is a reason why computer networking services have that question at the very beginning of their scripts- it happens more often than you might think. You never know- it might have gotten ...
... unplugged accidentally by someone trying to clean, and you'll get to save face by not calling somebody up for help when the problem has such a simple and obvious solution.

If you have restarted your computer (or other device) and still need help, take a moment to assess the situation. What were you doing when the problem started? What program were you running (if applicable)? What were you trying to accomplish? What did you do after the problem occurred? Once you have clear answers to those questions, you are ready to call your computer network support services. Be calm, clear and patient with them.

The calm part should be obvious- if there is urgency to your situation, state that as fact, rather than trying to impress upon them the importance of your problem (over someone else's or their time schedule). Be very clear with them, providing as many details as you can, explaining your actions as well as what occurred at the time. Even if you aren't completely sure about what occurred, the more information you give them, the more they will have to work with. Lastly, be patient. Remember that the person you're speaking with was not there with you, didn't see what you saw, and is having to put this all together in their head. Answer their questions and try to be as helpful as you can.
Written by Melanie River. Remote and local business IT support provided by Computer Answers computer networking services. Get computer network support for your business on http://www.computer-answers.com