tech-support

Why is it next to impossible to give tech support to your parents, even if you’re using remote viewing software? :) Love ‘em, but…

MikeQuinn: Hey, I am working on a project for a company called CentraStage they hope to make the remote support for parents a bit easier

about 22 hours ago

Thu Feb 12 13:44:33 +0000 2009

mgwolf13: My parents wait for our visit to cram 1 yr of tech support into our visit. I'm a gadget & sw geek and husband is microsoft.

about 22 hours ago

Thu Feb 12 13:13:55 +0000 2009

hdunnett: @chrispirillo: Helping parents with IT challenges. Got that T'shirt!

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 09:02:02 +0000 2009

techcom: I rememeber years ago trying to coach my Grandma over the phone to use a mouse; she held it up to the screen!

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 07:35:57 +0000 2009

electronicmusic: there is a biz model a parental tech support ….

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 06:07:19 +0000 2009

dev_random: generatinal divide to the digital power

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 05:10:16 +0000 2009

sufferfest: cuz they do stupid shit. My dad trashed his entire applications folder. Why? He couldn't tell me…

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 05:10:14 +0000 2009

kevinlcc: for my parents, it's not so much support as “Hi, we have a problem, please fix it while we watch tv.”

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 05:08:06 +0000 2009

djbruce: because they just don't get it. i got my mom on google chat and that took 2 days.

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 05:06:05 +0000 2009

DonRoberts: It's not impossible, but I find being Tech Support for my remote family members requires the patience of a saint…

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 05:00:46 +0000 2009

The_Creeper: Same story here, so I tend to just fix whatever needs it for 'em instead of trying to talk them through it =P

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:58:58 +0000 2009

stephenfisher: Oh man. I hear you. The problem is so many companies give realy bad support and we're often the better option.

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:56:04 +0000 2009

PassTheBoll: Giving tech support to them period is impossible,actually.

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:52:47 +0000 2009

whatmakesexpert: @CaliLewis @Pistachio @ijustine So, Tell us.. What Makes YOU an Expert? in 140 characters or less..

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:50:49 +0000 2009

susiehk: Too true! RT: @chrispirillo: Why is it next to impossible to give tech support to your parents, even if you're using remote viewing software

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:50:30 +0000 2009

RelevantMom: I hear a fair amount of sighing and colorful language when my husband has to perform this service.My que to head for the hills

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:44:38 +0000 2009

TreyRust: I KNOW!!

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:43:46 +0000 2009

Obscura: A few years back I suggested my parents go to the local small town computer store and hire a geek to come out and fix things.

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:43:08 +0000 2009

EdibleApple: no kidding! I think parents in general are the only people who use a quintuple click when trying to open something

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:42:38 +0000 2009

anthonyryan: HA! Been there far too much. Parents won't ever understand our generation apparently

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:41:59 +0000 2009

alfredtwo: No kidding! Doing tech support for my Dad remotely has me looking to buy a plane ticket to do it in person.

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:41:38 +0000 2009

rajtilak: I believe that parents are born technologically challanged. They don't acquire it, it's their birthright.

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:41:37 +0000 2009

tamegoeswild: with you on that. I usually have to pop a few blood pressure pills afterwards.

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:41:30 +0000 2009

IrrationalArt: do you know a mac app that works like Afloat (window transparency) only for non Cocoa applications?

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:40:59 +0000 2009

ZoliErdos: C'mon. I can't do it in the same room:-(

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:40:54 +0000 2009

simpso1ja: Funny you would say that. Just last night, I shut down remote desktop app and port on mom's machine. Local support only…

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:40:53 +0000 2009

JasonLandals: It's even worse when my mom calls me at work for tech support. I work corporate IT and she gets the work version of her son…

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:40:33 +0000 2009

charlyjl: the term Patience takes on new meaning when helping parents (and siblings) with tech problems.

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:40:02 +0000 2009

wmcleanw: I've been there.

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:39:50 +0000 2009

divinjohn: second that!

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:39:45 +0000 2009

alliecine: lol it will never be easy

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:39:35 +0000 2009

chrispowell: that is why i am glad that my dad is a geek

about a day ago

Thu Feb 12 04:39:04 +0000 2009

Read more on Tech Support to Parents…

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I never thought I’d say this again – but I’m looking forward to the next version of Windows. In playing with Windows 7, I’ve discovered features that will prove very useful. You’ll definitely fall in love with this particular feature. The Problem Steps Recorder will come in quite handy and be something you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.

Read more on Windows 7: Problem Steps Recorder…

This is Gord’s submission for the HP Magic Giveaway. Feel free to leave comments for this article as you see fit – your feedback is certainly welcomed! If you’d like to submit your own how-to, what-is, or top-five list, you can send it to me. Views and opinions of this writer are not necessarily my own:

Read more on Things to Remember When Calling Tech Support…

I received this email from “Helen” earlier today, and I wasn’t really sure where to being dispensing advice – since it seems she’s starting at ground zero. It was a bit overwhelming, so I thought you might be able to pick your favorite question(s) from her list and answer with your own opinion(s). You should know that the original message came in ALL CAPS, so I had to do some converting to make this more presentable:

Read more on PC Questions and Answers…

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When something goes wrong with your computer, how do you diagnose it? Do you start with making sure cables are plugged in properly, and then test components one-by-one? Why not do it the easy way from now on? Just roll the dice and let them tell you the problem.

Read more on Is PC Tech Support a Gamble?…

Here are some excellent tips to help you the next time you need to call Technical Support for your computer, sent in by a community member who works for Dell XPS Premium Support.

Read more on Top 5 Tips for Calling Computer Tech Support…

Let’s try this email from Paul:

hi Chris happy holidays to you and your family. I’m a big fan of yours I’ve been watching you since the early days of tech TV call for help. I enjoy your streams , here is my question I am considering doing a live video stream myself and I was just wondering what kind of a web cam should I use or get and what kind of microphone to use and if you can give me any pointers and suggestions thanks Chris

Read more on The Kind of Tech Questions I Get Every Day…

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

http://live.pirillo.com/ – As every night, I opened up the phone lines to 888-pirillo.

Our first caller tonight wants to know if it’s ok to use software to try and overclock his processor, instead of going through BIOS. Well, I guess. If it’s working for you, then go with it. However, to truly overclock, you’re going to have to use the BIOS settings. You can always go to the manufacturer’s website, and see if there are any BIOS updates available. Keep in mind if you’re going to overclock, you’re going to heat up the processor. Make sure you use some type of cooling.

Read more on Video Recording Software, Overclocking, Free Hosting, PC Brands…

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

http://live.pirillo.com/ – Opening up the phone lines to 888-pirillo.

I want to make this a part of our regular routine. I haven’t decided yet if this will be done on a daily or weekly basis. Tonight, I thought I’d do a few videos of FREE live tech support calls. You can call and leave me a voice mail at 1-888-pirillo. That’s 1-888-747-4556. Remember to add the country access code if you are calling from outside the United States.

Read more on Free Tech Support by Phone…

Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

http://live.pirillo.com/ – Opening up the phone lines to 888-pirillo.

I want to make this a part of our regular routine. I haven’t decided yet if this will be done on a daily or weekly basis. Tonight, I thought I’d do a few videos of FREE live tech support calls. You can call and leave me a voice mail at 1-888-pirillo. That’s 1-888-747-4556. Remember to add the country access code if you are calling from outside the United States.

Read more on Call Tech Support Free…

Step one: Blame the user. Step two: See step one.

Welcome to Gateway Chat. My name and badge number are Diana_GWPR###. I am looking at your account and the information you submitted. I will begin troubleshooting with you in just a moment.

Read more on Gateway Tech Support Problem…

This episode is starring…

• Aaron
• Steve
• Kosso
• Charlie
• Christine
• John
• Andrew
• …you?

Directly from the virtual pages of http://chris.pirillo.com/media/ comes the latest installment of Lockergnome’s Connections. Deleting stubborn icons from the desktop, fixing hard drive errors, learning about Nokia’s new device, watching an MP3-playing watch, discovering how to create an interactive podcast, and… what the heck is up with my eyebrows!?

Read more on Making Connections: Icons, Errors, and Eyebrows…

Vonage doesn’t live up to the hype – end of story. Hussey’s getting huffy about it, too. Tris is dropping Vonage and having to incur a $150 disconnection fee in the process! It’s as easy to get out of the contract as it is to get motherf*cking snakes off a motherf*cking plane:

Read more on Vonage Sucks…