Survey: Computer Needs and Who to Call for Help

  • Thread starter Thread starter david90
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Survey
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the various computer needs individuals experience and the sources they turn to for assistance. Participants share personal anecdotes about their computer issues, ranging from hardware failures like GPU malfunctions in HP dv9000 series laptops to software challenges such as virus removal. Many contributors emphasize self-reliance and the use of online resources like Google for troubleshooting. The conversation also touches on the potential market for computer support services, particularly targeting home users and small businesses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of common computer hardware issues, such as GPU failures and motherboard breakdowns.
  • Familiarity with software troubleshooting techniques, including virus removal and driver updates.
  • Knowledge of online resources for tech support, particularly search engines like Google.
  • Awareness of the computer service market, including business models like Geek Squad.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research common hardware issues in laptops, focusing on HP dv9000 series failures.
  • Learn effective virus removal techniques and tools for restoring systems to a clean state.
  • Explore the business models of successful computer support services, particularly for small businesses.
  • Investigate best practices for troubleshooting software issues across different operating systems.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for aspiring computer service entrepreneurs, IT support professionals, and anyone interested in understanding common computer problems and effective troubleshooting methods.

  • #31
Twice I have taken my office laptop to my company's IT dept., after my kid pulled all the keys out. Third time when it happened, I learned to fix it myself. The computer key mechanism was more complex than I thought initially.
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
  • #32
I need a spreadsheet program capable of charting at least as many data points as I can count on my fingers and toes.

More and more, I come to the conclusion that Microsoft just plain sucks - especially their Office 2007 package.

(STK has some real crappy graphs, so the data really has to be exported into something else to really create the charts I want.)

I'm also really starting to stress about the year 2038, so I could use a computer therapist.
 
  • #33
BobG said:
I need a spreadsheet program capable of charting at least as many data points as I can count on my fingers and toes.

More and more, I come to the conclusion that Microsoft just plain sucks - especially their Office 2007 package.
Office 2007 is the spawn of Satan! I have been using it since pretty soon after it came out (just happened to have a new computer at the time, and figured it wouldn't be long before I'd be forced to upgrade anyway...I just didn't know how awful it would be before I installed it). I'm now the person others ask for help with it since the entire campus has just been forced to upgrade due to a change in our email system, but I can't say I'm very helpful. After about 2 years of using it...or has it been 3 now?...I'm STILL hunting for features that previous versions had in nice, logical, easily accessible places. And I think Excel is missing features that used to exist in previous versions...I end up having to import graphs into PowerPoint and then drawing in content by hand.

I'm also really starting to stress about the year 2038, so I could use a computer therapist.

What's special about 2038?
 
  • #34
Moonbear said:
What's special about 2038?

The UNIX version of Y2K.

You can't import equations from Equation Editor or MathType into Power Point the way you used to, either.
 
  • #35
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

Need advice on a computer monitor that goes dark
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
962
How can a quantum computer be faster than a classic computer?
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
3K
Ratio of Computation power over time: Consumer PCs vs. Supercomputers?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
What are underlying "system hardware devices" in computer systems?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Seeing a mobile phone screen remotely
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How to simulate feelings and instinct in computers
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
I want to learn about Quantum Computing
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Computer repair guy wants "48-bit encryption code" for HDD
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
Using Tablets & Phones instead of a PC for data storage
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Is My New Windows 11 Laptop Infected with Malware?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K