~ Search Internet for technical support sites for your hardware where your support questions may be answered.

Computer Software Problems:

~ Be as specific and detailed as you can. Try to isolate problem. What exact piece of software is not working and under what circumstance.

~ Know what's installed on your computer, at least in terms of major pieces of software. Occasionally, there are known conflicts that tech support rep will know about. Try to remember if you've installed something new in past couple of days. Even new hardware might cause software application to stop performing as it should.

~ Know what operating system you have installed (Windows XP, Windows 98, etc.) and what version. Often that makes a great deal of difference as to whether a piece of software functions or not.

~ Search Internet online for technical support sites for your hardware where your questions may be answered.

~ Don't try to get support for a piece of software you don't own. If you have installed a pirated copy of "xyz" word processing software, don't expect "xyz" technical support call center to help you with your problems running their software that you have not paid for.

~ Be prepared to create a report of your problem (the technical support representative will talk you through this) so that it can be sent email to software's technical support center for deeper diagnoses and an email reply.

After You Get Through to a Technical Support Rep ("Tech Rep"):

~ No matter how long you hold to wait on hold on phone, be ready to jump into troubleshooting your problem. The individual tech rep is not responsible for your hold time (no matter how long it has been). Many technical support call centers have an "acceptable hold time range". The centers want to channel their customers into other support options before you call into their center to talk to a tech rep. Thus, encouraging you to check their provide users manual, a web site info-base, an online news group, or inquire via email; before you call into their technical center. In other words, your first impulse when you have a problem, "to call someone" for help, is contrary to technical call center's view that it should be your last option.

~ Be specific regarding your problem and circumstance under which it occurs. If your problem relates to a specific hardware device or software package, don't say your computer system is "acting up" or "blown up". If your problem relates to a specific hardware device or software package, state that clearly to tech rep. Save your opinions about overall operation of your computer system for another call.

~ Don't exaggerate problem. Don't say this is "always" happening to you, when in reality it's only happened once or twice.

~ Do what tech rep ask you to do in troubleshooting your problem. Don't interrupt their troubleshooting steps. Something that you think has no point in trying, may actually solve problem.

~ Lastly, as stated above, be prepared to create a written report so that it can be sent email to software's technical support center. You may have discovered sometime that they are not aware of about their software.

Keep these tips handy for next time that you have trouble with your office computer and have urge to "call someone"!

Copyright Steven Presar

In addition, you can get a quick pulse on your PC's basic security readiness with Microsoft Personal Security Advisor.

Disgruntled Employees

There is also another potential threat to your data -- a disgruntled employee. Employees should be included in any data security policy.

Research has shown greatest threat to a business's security is from its own staff. Some businesses forget to ensure that policy and procedures are set up to protect against potential threats such as e-mail viruses, internet misuse and mishandling of personal and private data, which can all lead to an attack on company's security, not to mention a mark on its reputation.

The key is to be able to protect your data without alienating your staff.

On this point, if you have not done so, include an external security audit to your security plan. The audit is an ongoing process and should be undertaken annually or biannually or following significant change within your business that may affect security (a disgruntled key employee leaving, office break-in, etc.).

Legal and Insurance

People also need to be audited as well. It is also important to make an audit of each user's authorization and privilege level so confidentiality of business information is secured and maintained. If this policy is adhered to, then security risks will be greatly reduced.

Computer and internet use policies have become popular to various businesses. Many such policies are written into employment contract of employee, and you may be wise to seek legal advice on this subject.

There is legislation that covers data and information security, including Data Protection Act. The act requires you to provide adequate protection for data you hold on your computers. Every situation is different, and it's vital to get appropriate legal advice, as there are several laws that cover computer use that may be relevant to your situation.

Lastly, become aware of what is covered by your commercial business insurance. At very least, make sure that you are in some way covered.

Whatever your business situation, data security are a complex issue potential for disruption, to both to you and your business may be alarming.

If you're at all unsure about whether your office computer security is up job, talk to a computer consultant or data-security consultant.

Copyright Steven Presar