Where to go for computer tech support

When you need a little assist with your computer, should you go to the producer or a store?


If you want an army of geeks you can depend on to tame a rowdy computer system, you 'd much better buy a Macintosh: Apple tech assistance is without a doubt the most efficient of any computer brand name's. With most Windows PCs, there's just a 50-50 chance that a manufacturer's tech assistance will do the trick.

That's what more than 3,200 computer system owners told us when Consumer Reports National Research Center surveyed them earlier this year. Mac users gave Apple's phone and online assistance radiant reviews, and 4 out of 5 stated tech assistance had the ability to resolve their issue.

It's not a surprise that Apple had the greatest score for overall user satisfaction. In fact, the business has been premier every year since we first asked consumers about tech support back in 2007-- even though Apple provides just 90 days of totally free phone and online tech assistance, compared with one year for many Windows PC business.

When you're shopping for a brand-new computer, remember that tech support matters: Check our Ratings of producer tech support and our in-store tech support.

The assistance desks at Windows PC business typically didn't measure up to that name. For four of the 6 PC brands in the survey, tech assistance fixed only half of the problems consumers brought to them. Even the best of them-- Lenovo and Dell-- came through just 61 percent of the time.

Tip: Though online tech assistance (through chat, site, or e-mail) was the option most used by our survey takers, consumers who got the phone to call were more satisfied with the outcomes. Next time you require help, think about telephoning tech assistance rather than going to the site.

The store can be your hero

Merchants might be a better resource for PC owners looking for help. Users who went to a walk-in retail store for aid were usually pretty delighted, whether they had a PC or a Mac. The Genius Bars in Apple stores were amongst the best-rated choices, and independent stores were rated basically even with Apple. Finest Buy's Geek Squad and Staples' EasyTech were an action behind Apple and the independents however did a good task.

There's one substantial difference amongst them: The Genius Bars in Apple retail stores use totally free lifetime support. With the other services, you usually have to pay for help. Prices vary significantly depending upon the service you need and by retailer, so get a price quote before you devote.

Staples, for example, will repair a problem and diagnose by means of online support for $80 or in shop for $160. Microsoft's Answer Desk (which didn't receive adequate evaluations to be included in the survey) provides complimentary in-store assessments and repairs for software-related problems, plus support by chat and phone.
When you're not utilizing them, close all those apps.
Easy DIY fixes

When problem strikes, it's simple to forget the basics. Prior to you look for aid, try to resolve the issue yourself.

Close apps you're not using. That will keep them not straining system resources.

Restart. This will clear out digital detritus (such as short-lived files) and maximize system memory and other resources.

Enter your issue into a search engine. You might find a quick fix at a user online forum or a specialist website. In many cases you can publish an issue to get feedback from other users.

If a virus scan is running, pause it till you're completed working. Scans hog system resources, slowing everything down. Set car scans for times you're not using the computer system. Do not skip anti-viruses software entirely, since malware can truly mess with your system. Likewise set Windows for automatic updates so that you get the latest security spots.

Restore your system. Use the built-in utilities on your Windows PC or Mac.


For four of the 6 PC brands in the survey, tech assistance solved only half of the problems consumers brought to them. There's one big distinction among them: The Genius Bars in Apple retail shops use free life time support. Staples, for example, will diagnose and fix an issue through online support for $80 or in shop for $160. Microsoft's Answer Desk (which didn't get enough evaluations to be consisted of in the survey) provides totally free in-store assessments and repairs for software-related issues, plus assistance by chat and phone. Set vehicle scans for times you're not utilizing the computer system.

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