topic Re: Computer Tech Support in Electronics

Computer Tech Support

jubilant — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 12:49:07 GMT

I am looking for reputable online tech support that is trustworthy enough to take over my computer if necessary. We used to have the Geek Squad through Best Buy and that worked for awhile but the last few times we were disappointed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also, we will be buying an new desk top computer this week. I have only had HP's. What is your preference? I mostly use a computer for email, forum, searching the web, shopping, youtube, and research. I am over 65 and want to keep it as simple as possible.

Re: Computer Tech Support

dex — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 13:28:40 GMT

I like apple products.Never used the computer much until my son recommended an iPad.He told me it was simp,e to navigate and was best for me...he was right.I don't know who you can trust for online support but there are quite a few posters that can help you with tec problems if you ask.

Re: Computer Tech Support

Krimpette — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 15:05:42 GMT

If you're looking to get a new computer with good tech support, I would also highly recommend Apple.

Re: Computer Tech Support

Mz iMac — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 15:08:49 GMT

Apple has "remote" tech support. It is done on a case by case basis w/your permission and only if you are the administrator of the comp.

Also, their Apple Stores have free workshops & learning centers. It is especially good for folks like you...seniors & switchers (Windows to Mac).

Free technical support forum/message board & chat.

Phone tech support is free for 3 yrs if you purchase AppleCare (highly recommended). Otherwise, under their standard 1 yr warranty, phone support is 90 days. Case by case basis for 1 yr under "Customer Relations."

Re: Computer Tech Support

chickenbutt — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 19:58:21 GMT

Just be careful! Make sure that wherever you go online that you are at EXACTLY where you think you are.

I only say this because I've searched around for different things and almost accidentally clicked on one that looked like what I was looking for. Maybe one letter off or something additional and you find yourself at a bad site that is going to burn you.

Best!

Re: Computer Tech Support

Cats3000 — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 20:27:49 GMT

We have Apple products. They are our preference. We have Apple Care on all of them, so we have access to Apple Tech Support at no extra charge for 3 years. The support starts with phone support, but you can give them permission to see your computer and work with it remotely. There are new iMac desktop computers just released. Look at the Apple website or find the nearest Apple Retail Store or Authorized Apple Reseller.

If you want to continue HP, I'd suggest that you go to the HP website and see what they have available in a desk top computer. Then, I'd suggest that you see what kind of product support they offer in lieu of somd 3rd party company. Most of the "PC" companies did offer extended service plans that they backed and that offered a range of services. I don't know if they still do, but it is worth a lood-see.

Re: Computer Tech Support

glb613 — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 22:10:12 GMT

@jubilant wrote:
I am looking for reputable online tech support that is trustworthy enough to take over my computer if necessary. We used to have the Geek Squad through Best Buy and that worked for awhile but the last few times we were disappointed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also, we will be buying an new desk top computer this week. I have only had HP's. What is your preference? I mostly use a computer for email, forum, searching the web, shopping, youtube, and research. I am over 65 and want to keep it as simple as possible.

My question is, why do you need so much tech support? If it's because of malware and viruses, get an iPad.

Re: Computer Tech Support

KLm — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 23:38:09 GMT

For windows I use a professional team and also microsoft support. I don't know anyone personally who works on home systems, but anytime any tech has worked remotely on my equipment I have gone to a website and started a session by entering a code they give me. I am able to watch everything they are doing, and I am on the phone with them while they are connected. I initiate the call, and the session. Sometimes I even "drive" if it's necessary.

And this is the only way I would permit remote access to my computers. My suggestion would be microsoft support.

Re: Computer Tech Support

jubilant — Thu, 08 Jun 2017 23:53:05 GMT

Thank you ladies for these ideas. So sorry it took so long to get back here. We had a medical emergency with my Dad at the nursing home today and I just got home. Was there most of the day. I will look into all these suggestions. I really appreciate the responses.

Re: Computer Tech Support

jubilant — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 00:00:34 GMT

@glb613 wrote:
@jubilant wrote:
I am looking for reputable online tech support that is trustworthy enough to take over my computer if necessary. We used to have the Geek Squad through Best Buy and that worked for awhile but the last few times we were disappointed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also, we will be buying an new desk top computer this week. I have only had HP's. What is your preference? I mostly use a computer for email, forum, searching the web, shopping, youtube, and research. I am over 65 and want to keep it as simple as possible.
My question is, why do you need so much tech support? If it's because of malware and viruses, get an iPad.

To answer your question as honestly as possible....when it comes to computers, I'm not the brightest bulb on the block! I pretty much have learned everything over these last few years by trial and error and I am just about brain dead and have considered throwing it out in the yard through my window many times!

Re: Computer Tech Support

dex — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 00:48:53 GMT

@jubilant Then you need Apple..it really is so much easier

Re: Computer Tech Support

KLm — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 04:44:14 GMT

@jubilant....if you are indeed ready to throw your computer into the yard, then I would agree with most everyone here that you try an ipad. They are intuitive, easily configured for just what you want and use, and highly secure. No worrying about antivirus, etc.

I love my ipad for all those reasons. But I work with windows systems, many the pitfalls there....but necessary.

I also find it so much easier to share pictures, music, etc between my apple devices than I ever did with windows based devices. Just my two cents worth....

Re: Computer Tech Support

glb613 — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 10:42:16 GMT

@jubilant wrote:
@glb613 wrote:
@jubilant wrote:
I am looking for reputable online tech support that is trustworthy enough to take over my computer if necessary. We used to have the Geek Squad through Best Buy and that worked for awhile but the last few times we were disappointed. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also, we will be buying an new desk top computer this week. I have only had HP's. What is your preference? I mostly use a computer for email, forum, searching the web, shopping, youtube, and research. I am over 65 and want to keep it as simple as possible.
My question is, why do you need so much tech support? If it's because of malware and viruses, get an iPad.
To answer your question as honestly as possible....when it comes to computers, I'm not the brightest bulb on the block! I pretty much have learned everything over these last few years by trial and error and I am just about brain dead and have considered throwing it out in the yard through my window many times!

I'd suggest an iPad. I have a sister who is as technically oriented as a brick and she uses an iPad. She took a couple of clases and is able to use hers without any problems. Another option, either an iMac or Macbook.

Re: Computer Tech Support

gardenman — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 11:41:59 GMT

It doesn't sound like you need technical support as much as knowledge on a more basic level of computer use. You might want to check with your local schools for any night school programs on computers. Books like the "For Dummies" series can also be very helpful. I'm not sure of your age, but many senior centers offer free computer classes also.

Modern computers, whether a Windows 10 based machine or an Apple based machine, work pretty much the same. You point, you click, and stuff happens.

I really like books over classes for most users. Classes tend to move a bit fast for some users who get left behind and everything should build off of what you've already learned, so if you don't "get" something early on in the class, everything that builds off of that, is then also lost and the user becomes more and more frustrated and confused. With a book you can reread the section multiple times until it sinks in.

There should be very, very few times when you truly need someone else to take the control of your computer to resolve an issue. (And truth be told, many times if the issue is that complicated, they can't fix it.) Viruses and malware can be kept at bay by a combination of good software and safe computing practices.

Trying to learn to use a computer by trial and error can work, but a good book, or series of books, is a much better, safer option. And ultimately far cheaper.

Re: Computer Tech Support

nomless — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 11:53:51 GMT

Perhaps you would be happier with a tablet. Either an iPad or any of the Android tablets could do the things you mentioned.