Working with Your Computer Consultant

Many people feel frustrated and intimidated when they need to have a computer problem fixed. Here are some tips to help make the process as smooth as possible:

Like a lawyer or accountant, it's best to select a computer consultant before you need one! Take the time to find a computer consultant who makes you feel comfortable. Your consultant should not only be able to solve your problem efficiently, but also be willing and able to explain, in understandable terms, what went wrong, why it happened, and what you can do to avoid the same problem in the future.

Talk to your friends, family, and business associates. Do they have a consultant that they like and trust? Here are some points to consider in your search:

• Does the consultant come to you, or do you need to take your computer to them?
• How long will it normally take for them to get to your computer?
• Do they have emergency service (if you have critical systems)?
• What do they charge? Is there a minimum charge?
• Will they take the time to explain things to you?
• Do they sell computers, or do they provide only service and repairs?
• Do they guarantee their work?

Once you have chosen a person or company, here are some ways to help your consultant give you the best possible service:

• Know what hardware, operating system, and software you have. If you don't know, ask the consultant to write it down for you at your first meeting.
• Keep all the documentation that came with your system, including CD's, receipts, manuals, and so on.
• Have all your software CD's or disks available.
• Be able to describe the problem in detail. If you are getting an error message, copy down exactly what the message says. Try to remember what you were doing before the problem occurred: Were you trying to save or print a file, connect to the internet, or send email? Have you installed new software or hardware recently? Can you duplicate the problem consistently?
• Keep all your critical data backed up.
• If you have lost data, and it's not in your recycle bin, stop using the computer right away, and call your consultant. Often, erased data can be restored if the loss is noticed soon enough.
• If you think your computer may have a virus, stop using it immediately, and call your consultant.

Providing your consultant with as much information as possible will speed up the process of diagnosing and fixing your computer problem. Once the problem has been rectified, ask your consultant what you can do to prevent the problem in the future.

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By: Diane Henders, Bright Ideas Personalized Learning Inc. For more information or computer training services, please call Bright Ideas Personalized Learning at (403) 692-2255.

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