Join Ed and Cal as we talk about ways and things to avoid when trying to get technical support for your tech gear during these Covid-19 times. Also we will be talking with Mike Brennen of Mi-Tech News as well.
Show Notes:
How to get Tech Support in this Quarantined World.
If the tech product is still under warranty or service contract:
Make sure if you can to backup any and all data or media (pictures, music) before shipping device.
Contact the manufacturer or supplier for instructions.
Will most likely be shipping it through mail or carrier.
If dealing with local merchant, ask if there is curbside drop off and pickup.
Ask how long the process will take. Be patient in these times.
If the tech product is not under warranty or service contract:
Make sure if you can to backup any and all data or media (pictures, music) before shipping device.
Check with family and associates for whom they trust to repair their tech devices.
Verify with BBB and other consumer agencies on the company’s reputation for service before selecting them.
Get a written (emailed) estimate of what the charges maybe before hand to make a judgement to use service.
Pay with a credit card if possible. If there are any issues, you will have a better chance at resolution with a credit card to use against any disputes. Remember, you may not be able to challenge the issue in person till quarantine is over.
Ask whatever warranty will be available with the repair.
Find out who pays shipping costs if any. Do they offer curbside drop off or pickup if they are local?
Ask how long the process will take. Once again, be patient in these times.
Online Technical Support Services
Sometimes the piece of technology can be fixed over the phone or online. Things you want to keep in mind.
If the service comes to you via a popup while you are working just fine and it says you have some sort of critical problem and call this phone number now, this is not the service for you.Most likely a hoax or scam. Do not use it unless it comes from manufacturer and verify separately with manufacturer before proceeding. Use phone number from manufacture’s website or packaging that came with tech device.
Before using, find out:
What are the charges? Is it flat rate or by the hour? Is it a one-time charge? If the “fix” is not successful, is there an additional charge when I contact again for support. How long is the service warranted for?
Again, pay with a credit card if possible. If there are any issues, you will have a better chance at resolution with a credit card to use against any disputes.
If an online service connects to you computer directly for tech support, only provide information needed to perform that connection. Close down any programs displaying personal or financial information BEFORE ALLOWING tech support to connect to your device.
If you feel tech savvy and you can still get to the internet via your device or with another computer use some of the websites listed for support answers.
These companies do not sponsor us but they are recognized sources for support. Some may charge and some may not.
Your Tech Manufacturer – Most people are using products by these firms and their websites will have a support link and also they may have forums you can research you question for possible solutions. Always make sure you have backed up you data before trying any solution on your own
Apple – www.apple.com
Dell – www.dell.com
HP – www.hp.com
Acer – www.acer.com
Best Buy – www.bestbuy.com
The sites that do not have a product will have forums you can submit questions or research for answers to common problems. This is generally for the more advanced tech user trying to solve their problem and not for someone looking for tech help. If you do decide to try and “fix it yourself, be careful when using some of these sites for they may have lots of advertisements so click only on what you are searching for and not an ad to sell you something you may not want or need.
Again. Always make sure you have backed up you data before trying any solution on your own
Bleeping Computer https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/
Major Geeks https://forums.majorgeeks.com
OS X Daily – Mac https://osxdaily.com/category/troubleshooting/
MacRumors – Mac https://forums.macrumors.com
Search Engines www.google.com
Finally this site is great if you want step by step guides on how to fix some of your technology if you are the capable do it yourself type. Always follow proper safety precautions when you are attempting any repair and be advised that some manufacturers will void the warranty if you do self-repair.
Ifixit https://www.ifixit.com
Click on the “Fix You Stuff” link at the top for a wealth of information.