When friends call you with computer trouble, you try to help. But no matter how much you know about PCs, correcting a problem can be a challenge when you're talking to someone who doesn't know a taskbar from a USB port. So we've put together the definitive guide to providing IT support for those closest to you. We'll show you the tweaks, the tricks and the freebies that will make you the most popular geek in town.
Get in with the IT crowd, the easy way
First, we'll tell you how to help local loved ones - those who live close enough for you to sit down at their PCs. Then we'll offer advice for long-distance support over the phone and via the internet.
1. Be a tech-support hero
First, you don't know everything. If you can't figure out the problem, say so. It's better not to help than to make things worse.
Second, you have a life. You're not obliged to drop everything you're doing to help figure out why Auntie Vivian's antivirus conflicts with Final Catastrophe IV: Attack of the Dentists. Let people know when it's not a good time.
When you sit down at someone's computer, start by checking the basics. Are the security programs up to date? Check msconfig to find out what programs are loading with every boot.
If there's a working internet connection, run a free, online malware scanner, such as this one at Kaspersky Lab and this one - Trend Micro HouseCall.
Put shortcuts to your favourite scanners on a flash drive so you can take them to different computers.
Comments
Josh said: Being the only technical one in my group of friends I am often assailed with tech support emails I do find that it is usually easy if the other person is online to use either Crossloop as ScorpionUK mentioned or TeamViewer The best part about the second is that it does not need to actually be installed the setup asks you whether to install or just run so it helps with more careful readparanoid friends as well as one friend who habitually fills up his hard drive This article has actually helped me to get some new programs though and they are now safely installed on my flash drive
WOW said: You havent found a simple to download and install app yet Then might I politely suggest you havent been looking - and no Im not about to do your job and tell you what
Scorpionuk said: I found the best remote tool is called CrossLoop - simple to download and install all it requires is for the host to give you a 12 digit verification number which is generated new by the program each time There is no need to mess around with router settings etc I believe the program runs off the back of UltraVNCs code
Kylde said: Ive found the simplest remote solution is to intitiate a remote desktop connection using windowsmsn messenger Alternatively logmeincom is pretty straightforward or theres UltraVNCs SC singleclick tool