Everyday Tips from the ComputerMom 

March 2015
 
Join Our Mailing List
Happy March all - Spring is almost here! Here's hoping we finally get some warm weather and a reduction in the giant snow piles and the problems they cause.

Speaking of problems, I see a lot of problems caused by people calling the wrong number for tech support, so I am addressing that in this issue. I'm also including a neat trick to keep Java from installing junkware with its updates. Following my suggestions should help keep your systems trouble free.

Finally, while I was trapped in my home by the unending snow, I entertained myself by redoing my website. Please check it out as I would love any feedback. Also, if you care to add to the testimonials just drop me a line!

Regards,
 
Julie Marto 

508-359-8176
508-333-8176 (cell)
www.thecomputermom.com
www.facebook.com/thecomputermom 

P.S. Don't forget to check out my archive of past issues!
Contacting Tech Support Part I -
Getting to the Right Place 
 
Much as I would love it if you would all call me the moment anything goes wrong with your systems, it's often correct to do some troubleshooting on your own first. Especially if your system is new or still under warranty, contacting the manufacturer for support is often your best first step. Also, calling Comcast or Verizon for support is your best bet if you have an issue with your internet service.

Unfortunately, just as I find myself cleaning up messes causes by fraudulent inbound calls from "Microsoft", I also often find myself cleaning up messes caused by internet searches for tech support. Search engines are supported by advertising, and very often the first, second, third, and even deeper results are not from the company you want to contact at all - but from third party tech support firms of dubious reputation that will try to scam you.

So - what should you do instead? The best way to reach almost any company's website is to type its web address directly into your browser's address bar. And almost any large firm's web address is www.companyname.com.  So start there - open your browser and type in www.dell.com or www.hp.com or www.comcast.com  - that should take you directly to the company's home page.  Then look at their home page and find the "contact us" link - it will always be there somewhere! At that point you can confidently use the phone number listed to call them.
Contacting Tech Support Part II - Using the Chat Option 
 
Although I often contact tech support for my clients, I almost never use the phone if I can help it. Why not? Well, first of all there are often long hold times. Secondly there are sometimes communications issues due to international call centers. And finally, when you speak on the phone you have no record of the conversation, what was tried and what was promised to you. So what do I do instead? I choose the "online chat" option and type my questions to the tech support specialists. That way I have a written record of everything discussed.

So, next time you need to contact tech support, follow these simple steps:
  • Type the web address of the company directly into the address bar on your browser
  • Look on the home page for the contact links
  • If you see a chat option, use it to ensure you have a written record of what was tried and what was promised


Stop Java from installing Ask
(or other junk)

Here's a neat trick I posted on my Facebook page. Everybody should know by now that you need to install updates to any programs that are used to access the internet - I've written about it many times. However, Java often bundles in "sponsored offers" - junk you don't want, and that I end up cleaning off of your computer.

After years of complaints, Java has finally included a way to eliminate the sponsored offers for good. You need to have Java installed to follow these steps, but it's easy and everybody should do it!
  • click on "start" and type Java in the search box
  • choose "configure Java" - the Java Control Panel should open up
  • click on "advanced" - the last tab on the Java Control Panel
  • scroll all the way to the bottom and check the box next to "Suppress oponsor offers when installing or updating Java"
  • click "apply", "yes" and "ok"
Done! Java should never try to install Ask again!