Three Steps to Becoming Your Own Tech Support

1. "Did you try turning it off and turning it back on again?"

This is THE go to quote and is ALWAYS step #1, because it almost always works.  

No one is really sure why, maybe it is because way deep inside the device some 1's and 0's got flipped around, who knows.  But regardless, removing power from the device and then turning it back on is step numero uno. 

This step includes powering down, removing the battery/batteries or unplugging it completely.  It is important to do this because many times there are capacitors that can retain charge, and they need to fully discharge, and cannot do so unless power is completely removed. 

2.  RTFM
This is an acronym that hackers use ALOT. It means "Read The F*ing Manual". 

Yes, that. That boring thing that comes with your device, read that.  

Think of the manual as a map. If you wouldn't start a trip without checking out a map to figure out how to get where you want to go, why would you start troubleshooting without consulting the device's "map"? 

Channel your inner hacker. Grab a Mountain Dew and RTFM.

3.  Take notes as you try things. 
If restarting it has not worked, and you have read the manual and have yet to figure it out, it is time to check out some online resources.  

The trick here is to keep track of the different things you're trying as you troubleshoot.  Not only will this keep you from changing something that shouldn't get changed (i.e. forgetting to switch a setting back to what it was) but it will also help you more quickly navigate the online resources you are searching through (i.e. write down keywords you find people using) and that will ultimately help you figure it out.  

If you still can't figure it out and do call tech support, you can relay your notes to the tech so they know what you tried that did not work, and they can continue troubleshooting with you.  This also ensures that the time you spent troubleshooting is not wasted.

Today tech is everywhere. It is untenable to say things like "I'm just not tech savvy" in the workplace or at home.   

You are tech savvy, you just don't know it yet.  

The next time something breaks, get excited, because it is your time to shine!  Put on your best customer service voice and be the tech support you've always needed.  I believe in you!

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D & H