A Comparative Study : Computer Support

Computers are electronic devices, which can store and process large volumes of data, with great speed and accuracy. All of us are pretty well acquainted with this definition of computer. But many do not know that this definition tends to vary with the passage of time. It might sound a little bit bizarre, but a deeper analysis will show that it is true.

A computer is a delicate and sophisticated electronic device, which needs regular care and maintenance in order to perform as per the above definition. 'Speed' and 'accuracy' are the prime virtues of a computer. But a computer tends to lose its prime virtues if its share of care and maintenance is neglected by the owner. But it is difficult for an amateur user to maintain and upkeep his /her computer on his/her own, as they require technical knowledge. Therefore, it is advisable that such an user should avail computer support service.

Importance of Computer Support

Most users are not aware of the importance of computer support. They treat it as an extra financial burden, which comes with the huge cost of buying a computer. Moreover, the warranty period served by the brand owners, gives them a false sense of security, due to which they do not bother to avail any sort of the same. But it is indeed more than just a necessity. It deals with, and resolves a lot of issues related to computers and its peripherals. Its versatile range of services include speeding up slow PCs, healing computers from virus and spyware threats, solving problems related to sending emails or attaching files with emails, issues with configuring internet setup, MS Office Support, XP Installation, Windows Vista Upgrade, Windows Vista Installation, Printer and Scanner issues, Parental Control, Data Backup, Wi-Fi Support, Windows 7 Support, and many more.

Types of Computer Support

In general, there are two types of computer support which users mostly avail, namely- Onsite Support and Remote Support/Online Support. For those who are not acquainted with these two terms, Onsite Support is the conventional support which is provided to the customer by the service provider, by physically paying a visit to the house of the same. Whereas, in case of Remote Support/Online Support, the service provider gets to share the customer's computer via the internet, and all the queries of the latter are solved through the same medium.

Advantages of Onsite Support

> Customer gets to converse with, and explain the problem to, the technician face to face.
> The technician also gets to resolve the issue more conveniently as he/she physically pays a visit to the customer's house.

Disadvantages of Onsite Support

> It is highly time consuming, as the customer needs to fix a date which is convenient to both the customer and the technician.
> As the technician pays a visit to the customer's house, the cost of servicing increases.

Advantages of Remote Support

> Customer gets instant solutions to all kind of technical problems. It also saves lot of valuable time.
> Services available 24X7
> Much cheaper than Onsite Support

Disadvantages of Remote Support

> Customer doesn't get to converse with the technician face to face. As a result, the customer may not be able to explain the problem properly.

Therefore, it may be concluded that if you are looking for instant, economic solutions, go for remote support. If money or time is not an issue, go for onsite support.

Article Source: EzineArticles

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Computer Help On Defragmenting Computer

In Windows Operating System the files are placed in the free space of the hard drive. The files are stored not in one physical place. As a result a file can be stored in a fragmented way. With the passing of time a computer could have hundreds of fragmented files. These files can be stored broken up in different locations in the hard drive which slow down the performance of the PC. The reason behind this slow performance is the fact that when the PC becomes fragmented with hundreds of files the response time of the computer increases because it takes more time to access information from the fragmented locations. As a result using a defrag program for you computer helps speeding up your computer.

If you defrag your computer with some computer help from experts the process can help your computer to place all pats of a file together on a same place. It organizes and places all the directories and files in a way how you use them. So after the defragmentation program it is certain that your computer will run faster than before.

Before defragmenting your PC you need to make sure you have back up of everything. Computer help experts suggest that you need to check your hard drive health too. They suggest using CHKDSK to scan and to fix any problem in the hard drive.

Now you need to close all the programs that are open. Computer help experts suggest that you need to make sure a constant power supply. If there is any possibility of power outrage you must use the battery backup. Your computer can crash or the operating system can corrupt or both of these can happen at a single time if in the middle of a defragmenatation process the power supply is broken.

Computer help exerts now want you to open the Defrag program. Now you need to click on the button ‘Start’. You will need to locate the Disk Defragmentation program. You need to open the program and click on the program icon. Then you should go to Accessories icon and click it. You must click on System Tools icon and then click on System Tools icon.

Now you must click the Analyze button and analyze the hard drive whether it needs defragmentaion or not. The result screen will tell you whether you should carry on a defragmentation or not. If the result says that your hard drive does not need it then you must not be benefited much by doing it. Otherwise, you should go on to defrag your hard drive.

If the analyze program result suggest that your hard drive needs defragmentation you can go ahead with it. Click on the button Defragment. Now you will have to give time to run the program. The program will take some time. The time can vary from 30 minutes to several hours depending on the issues like the speed of the processor, the memory, the fragmentation process etc. When the process complete, you will need to close the program.

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Computer Support Specialist

The most important requirement to become a C S(computer support) specialist is to have a good analytical and communication skills. Usually a degree is important but work experience and certification goes down well with some companies. A bachelor's degree is required to move higher up the ladder. There are a lot of skills required to become a computer expert, so there are multiple ways to become a specialist. Training requirements for specialist posts differ from company to company but some formal college education is always a boon. A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems is preferred and the minimum qualification for some jobs. But some jobs may need only a computer-related associate degree. While for some, good work experience in the specific field with certificates may substitute for formal education.

Instructions

1. Consider the area of computer support you want to ultimately be in and begin preparing early. Computer support specialists can be involved in a wide range of support roles, such as troubleshooting hardware problems, resetting forgotten passwords, assisting in building new computer networks, or even administering various databases. Learning these skills in a lower end job can be a good springboard for getting into a higher paying or more specialized computer support field.

2. Take computer related classes as early as high school, if possible. Many schools now offer classes specifically for training in computer programming, troubleshooting, or even networking.

3. Obtain the appropriate certifications for the support role you are trying to get into. Most computer support specialist positions will require a minimum of the "A+" Certification, which covers the basics of how computers work and how to troubleshoot hardware problems. There are numerous books and websites dedicated to preparing people for the A+ test and many colleges and universities offer the A+ certification test for small fee. Other certifications, such as the Cisco "CCNA" or CompTIA "Network+", may also be required depending on the type of job you are applying for.

4. Earn a degree in an appropriate computer related field. In addition to certifications, many positions will also require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or an equivalent degree. Some companies are willing to overlook formal education if you have previous experience working in a computer related position for at least two years.

5. Keep up to date on the newest changes in operating systems and hardware advancements. This may be as simple as reading monthly computer periodicals or as extensive as taking new computer classes in a community college every few years.

6. Prepare and maintain an appropriate resume to maximize your chances of getting hired for the job you want. Be sure to focus on the computer experience and certifications you have.

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Importance of Computer Support Services

In the recent years, more and more online computer support services have arisen to address the needs of PC users who experience issues with their computers. There is a wide range of computer troubles encountered by computer users. Malicious viruses and spyware are a constant threat to PC security and at times, it can be difficult to deal with them, especially if it's your first time. Hardware problems are also quite common. You may be getting frustrated trying to fix your keyboard or internet connection to no avail. In this case, seeking help from a reliable computer support is quite helpful.

Computer support professionals can help you solve most of your pc problems. Most of them have had years of experiencing dealing with computer problems so they can advice you with proper troubleshooting techniques. With their PC support techniques, they can assess your computer's problem and come up with an appropriate solution to it.

Here are some common problems solved by computer support services:

. Upgrading your operating system including the latest Windows 7
. Installing anti-virus and anti-spyware and optimizing your computer security
. Setting up new internet connection, fixing faulty internet, improving internet speed
. Support with laser jet printer set up, scanner, digital camera, etc.
. Troubleshooting software and hardware problems

There are other PC issues that can be addressed by an expert technician through computer support. Generally, they can provide support 24/7 which means that they are available all throughout the week, even on weekends and late night hours. Some providers even have Microsoft techies who are certainly knowledgeable when it comes to PC repair. They are customer friendly and very helpful in providing a step-by-step solution to each customer.

There are different service plans provided by computer support firms for home users and business owners as well. It's up to you to decide whether you'll be needing their service for long term. Select a reliable and reputable company that can offer the best services at a reasonable rate. Check if they have Microsoft certified technicians who are quite skillful in repairing computer glitches.

If you're not an expert in repairing PC troubles, it could be a good option to seek professional help from online support whenever you deal with such problems. It can save you from causing more damages and incurring more expenses. However, if your problem involves serious hardware problem that needs replacement of certain components, you can send it back to the manufacturer if it's still under warranty.

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Computer Support for Network

There are few things as valuable in life as a solid support network. In good times or bad, a support network gives you a feeling of stability and a safety net. A support network takes time, dedication and a correct approach to properly build. Follow these steps to build a solid support network.



Mediums used by computer networks:

For communication between two devices, a medium is must. There are several mediums, such as electrical cable, optical fiber and radio waves which are used for networking. Electrical and optical fiber are used in wired technology while radio waves are employed in wireless technology.



Wired Networks:

In the wired technology, twisted pair cable is the most commonly used medium for communication. Twisted pair wire is made of metal wire that are twisted into pairs. Computer networking wire contains 4 pairs of metal wires, which are used for data as well as voice transmission. The purpose of using twisted wires is to minimize noise which is caused by electromagnetic induction and crosstalk. There are two pairs of twisted wires, namely Unshielded Twisted Pair and Shielded Twisted Pair. The speed range of twisted pair cable is 2 million bits per second to 10 billion bits per second.



Another widely used medium in wired technology is coaxial cable. It is mostly used for local area networks, cable television systems, etc. It is made of metal wire, covered with insulating layer of a flexible material with a high dielectric constant, all of which are wrapped by a conductive layer. The purpose of using insulating layer is to minimize noise and signal distortion.



Optical fiber is the another communication medium, invented in the second half of twentieth century. Its components are filaments of glass fiber covered in protective layers that transmits data by means of pulses of light. It carries light signals over long distances. Electromagnetic interferences cannot affect the signals carried by it. Its maximum transmission speed could touch trillions of bits per second.



For all types of cable malfunctioning, network support is provided by many service providers.



Wireless Networks:

There are several widely used wireless technologies, such as Wireless LAN Technology, Communication Satellite Technology, Infrared Communication Technology, Terrestrial Microwave Technology, etc.



Wireless LAN Technology employs hi frequency technology, which is akin to digital cellular and low frequency radio technology. This spread spectrum technology connects multiple devices in a limited area. Wireless LAN in an office or home could be easily set up with the help of numerous PC support providers.



Communication satellites utilizes microwave radio signals as communication medium because microwave radio signals are least affected by earth's atmosphere. Data, voice and TV signals are transmitted and received using microwave radio technology.



Infrared Communication Technology is used to transmit signals between devices within short distance. The maximum distance covered by this technology is typically 10 meters.



Terrestrial Microwave Technology employs low gigahertz signal range, that restricts transmissions to line of sight. The maximum distance between microwave signal relay stations is 48km.



Wireless computer network is the backbone of business and technological processes, which could be immensely damaged if the networking system breaks down. In that eventuality, online PC support should be used to set the networking system right.

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Thriving Computer Support Services

These days, most businesses and home computer users are fast embracing online computer support services to handle their computer repair and support requirements. These services are certainly better than hauling yourself in the hassles associated with bringing a computer to a repair center.



Technicians offering the online support are masters in their profession and can do more than just fix computer problems. They work with the customers, listen to their computer problems, offer effective fixes, design as well as implement solutions to improve the efficiency of their computers.



Online technical support is gaining in popularity among tech consumers. One of the main reasons is increasing complexities in technology usage. And another reason is convenience. The customer gets the quality support at his/her own premises. The technicians make this possible with the help of remote desktop connection. This is known as remote support.



A remote computer technician watches everything on his/her computer screen while working on your problem. With advancements in technology, you can even control the actions taken on your PC while availing the remote support, just in case you feel that there is a breach of security. You can also ask for the support over phone. Here, you are given the instructions from a remote location over phone and you follow those instructions to fix your computer error.



Although the entire method is popular, it is always preferable that you take good references for online tech support companies from your friends and family. You may also search for good computer support resources on the Internet. Use keywords such as Computer Repair, Computer Support, Online Technical Support, and PC Repair Services to refine your search and narrow down on the best.



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Make a Computer Support Surround Sound

Surround sound support is typically done through the computer's sound card. Computer owners who do not currently have a surround sound compatible sound card need to upgrade to a surround sound card. Surround sound cards can be internal or external. External cards are easier to install as they simply plug into the computer's USB drive. Internal cards are slightly trickier to install but are still not that complex. External sound cards are ideal for laptop users who do can not replace the internal sound card easily.



Instructions



Turn off and unplug the computer.



Locate the sound card on the back of the computer's tower.



Unscrew the casing for the tower. Typically screws for the tower are at the back of the computer.



Remove the casing.



Locate the sound card inside the computer. The ports (speaker, microphone) are at the back of the tower and the actual card extends into the tower behind those ports and connect to the mother board.



Remove the sound card. Unscrew any screws holding the sound card in place. Pull the sound card gently from the PC. It should pop out without much trouble. There may be clasps holding the sound card in place, unclasp them.



Insert the new surround sound card into the computer where the old one was. Make sure it is inserted correctly exactly like the old one was. Screw it in, if necessary.



Plug in and turn on the computer.



Insert the install disk that came with the new surround sound card.



Install the drivers and software from the install disk.



Reboot the computer and test the setup.





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