The Geek Squad, Geeks on Call and other companies can help personal computer users configure software and remedy problems. But do-it-yourself types may balk at the idea of paying the pros for PC troubleshooting.
It’s possible to serve as your own PC support guru if you are willing to devote the time, energy and brain power to learn the ins and outs of the various tasks associated with PC maintenance.
Most people already handle quite a few tasks associated with managing the complexities of owning a PC.
Installing software, downloading program updates and organizing a digital photo library are all tasks familiar to casual computer users.
Sure, some people may pay a professional to install Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop, but most people choose to go it alone.
Other, more complicated chores fall into a hazy area between what is easily accomplished by a relative neophyte (checking cable connections between a printer and PC) and what is almost always a job for the pros (a hard drive that’s kaput).
These sorts of tasks include setting up a wireless network, ridding a PC of spyware, establishing a backup plan, and fixing countless PC glitches, from printer driver woes to Internet access problems.
With knowledge gleaned from manuals, books, Web sites and other resources, the do-it-yourself computer user is more than able to handle these sorts of jobs.
These are among the best resources for learning how to maintain and troubleshoot your own PC:
Manuals: Maintain a library of product manuals, as these can be the only resource you need when something goes wrong with a program or device. At the least, the manual should connect you with the product support phone number.
Books: Invest in several computer books. The Missing Manuals series, for either Macintosh OS X or Windows XP, would be a smart choice to start, providing tips and advice for all sorts of glitches you will likely encounter. Even when your computer isn’t working, the book is.
Online search: I have solved countless problems simply by typing a query into Google. You don’t have to be a genius to craft a smart query. When I needed a driver for my printer, I typed “Canon i560 printer driver” and was just clicks away from what I needed. The more specific the query, the better. If you can write down the exact wording of an error message, you may be able to locate a quick answer to your problem.
Product knowledge databases: Many companies – including Apple, Microsoft, and vendors of printers, cameras and other devices – now have searchable online databases with solutions to both common and not-so-common problems. These can be a mixed bag, as the “solutions” may themselves be complex, but you can often find guidance to typical snafus.
Web sites: Beyond the well-known online hubs, such as Macworld and PC Magazine, you will find spots like the Elder Geek on Windows XP (www.theeldergeek.com) and MacFixIt (www.macfixit.com) with scads of advice on computer maintenance and repair. Message boards are handy when you want to post a question about a specific concern or question.
Community education: Continuing education programs and community colleges often offer courses on PC troubleshooting.
Local groups: If you want to connect with other diehard users, seek out a local PC user group. Contact your library and ask about computer clubs or PC user groups.
In the end, you would be wise to consult at least some of these resources, even if you have no plans to become anything close to a PC guru. One book could easily save you hundreds of dollars in service fees.
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