There are many issues with computers that need support. The way we can receive that support is what computer support technology is all about. Since support is part of computing
life and there are always bugs, problems, guidance, etc… that need to be given by some sort of a support entity, we can expect ways that will help us receive that much-needed support.

The ways that we have today for giving support
are either making a phone call for a support member at the service center or contact him by online chat, and just chat with him about your problems, exactly as if you were chatting with your friends on a messenger software, describe your problem and get the instructions to your solution from the tech guy on the other side. Another option is to get someone to log in to your computer and see what you see and solve your problems. You can decide just to open a support case, on the company’s support page on the web, and you will get your solution via e-mail.

So, to summarize what I just mentioned, there are these types of support ways:

1. Calling a support tech, talking on the phone to describe the problem and get solution options.
2. Opening an online chat, write your problem description and read the answers given by the tech support person to get solution options.
3. Opening a support case, describe the problem, and wait for the solution via e-mail. Unless you have registered to get full support, then maybe you will get a call from the support person and get the solution options on the phone.
4. Ask someone to login to your computer with your permission and let him fix your problems online. (web-based shares – or programs that enable control).

•    The telephone, Cell-Phones: Well this technology is one of the oldest, as the first telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in the year 1876. Using phones is the quickest way of getting the information exactly when you need it. Many use cell phones today since it’s available, quick and efficient to get the information you need ASAP. If you get lost in a city and need to find a place you can call a friend with an internet connection, that can quickly check on an online map, to find you the address you need and direct you to it, so the Phone technology is one of the more common ways to get support.

You have to remember that every website – usually has the “contact” section, where you can usually contact the company, by either phone call, sending an e-mail request by filling out a form, etc… The contact ways will be detailed there.

•    Since most of us use the Internet today, there are options to browse online and seek a solution to your problem. You can address the company that gives the support, and if they have an online chat option, you can use that to talk to someone online and get the answers you need immediately.

i.    (the downfall of that is that most of those online chats are really busy, and you might spend some time waiting for the tech support person to be available to you.)

Some Examples:
a)    Live Person – This company has some solutions, for placing a live support chat on your website, check it out.
b)    Provide Support – This is another solution to place a live chat on your website.
c)    Mioot – Another live chat software – check it out.
d)    SightMax – This is a live chat software – that also fits a smart mobile phone.

•    Opening a Support Case: There are websites that enable their clients to open a support case. Mostly the support case might be available only for registered users, or it might enable you to enter the contact information, during the process of opening the support case, since they have to know how to contact you when they have the solution, which e-mail to contact or the phone number to give you a support call back.

Some Examples of Support Case websites:

• Citrix – Explanation on opening a support case.
• Automation Anywhere – This shows how does an online contact information form look like.
• Cisco – This shows a login screen for returning registered clients – by Cisco.
• SugarCRM – This website shows on the left menu – the options given for customer support.

•    Remote Desktop Sharing: There are ways to get the support you need by just allowing someone to access your computer, with your permission (you have to allow them to go in, following their instructions) so they could see your screen, and do the problem solving for you. They can see the problem you are experiencing and help you solve it. You can even see them do it.

Some Examples of such solutions:

• The top 6 remote desktop sharing programs – You can see some of the remote desktop sharing solutions out there, which enable a support person to access your computer, see your desktop and give you support.
• Mikogo – This website enables you to share your desktop, and other solutions like online meetings, conference and remote support.
• SkyFex – A web solution that enables remote desktop support.
• NetViewer – This website enables online support, online meetings, and presentations, etc…