How Do I Get Help?
Help Screens

Most programs (also called applications) come with built in Help files that contain a list of topics (often called an index), common errors, and their solutions. This is the best way to get help without spending too much time flipping through manuals or asking coworkers. And, unlike your coworkers, the computer doesn't keep track of how many times you ask for help!

Most Microsoft Office programs come with an "Office Assistant" that lets you type in a question and look at the index of related things. If this assistant doesn't appear automatically, you can hit the F1 button at the top of your key board to bring it up or go to the Help menu and choose Show Office Assistant. Try to be as specific as possible when wording your question. Avoid using too many words and put the most important part first. Example: how do i create a border. (Notice you do not have to worry about punctuation or capitalization.) At this point it will show you a list of topics. If the answer to your question is not there, try rewording it or ask a related question. *Note: in some new Microsoft programs, this will pop up a new window on your screen. Depending on how your options are set up, this screen may be minimized (i.e. very small until you click on the box in the right-hand corner). If a large help screen doesn't pop up, look for this small minimized box somewhere on your screen or on your taskbar at the bottom of the screen.

In the past, some frustrated users have found software manuals to be as intimidating as the computers. Luckily, manuals have started to become more easy to use and read, even for the beginner. The answers to your questions are in there. Start by looking in the table of contents and then go to the Index at the back of the book. However, the best software manuals are usually not the ones written by the software manufacturer, (which can be too technical), but the ones written by independent publishers and writers.

Next time you go to a book store, flip through some of these books. They'll be easy to use if the style is light, not too technical, and if the topics are well indexed and easy to pinpoint. Also, pictures are highly recommended. Sometimes a few pictures will help where a detailed explanation only serves to create more confusion. Also there are many books specifically made for beginners, such as "Computers for Dummies". Don't be put off by the titles. They are often used as reference guides even by more advanced users. There are also many tutorials that are available online. (There is a list of various tutorials on this web page to get you started. Or see the section on Using the Internet and conducting Internet searches if you would like to learn how to find more of these tutorials on your own.)

Most software companies provide technical support phone numbers for their products that are listed in their manuals. Before you call try to find out whether or not you're being charged for this support. Most software companies provide free support for a limited time period, and then start charging when that time has expired. You will need to know the software's version number, the serial number off the box, and what you were doing when the problem occurred. Also, remember to write down any error messages that the program gave you and tell this to the support person. Try to stay calm. Many people get so flustered and upset when things are going wrong that it is difficult for them to follow the support persons instructions. Most of the time it will be a problem they have heard many times before and they already have the answer to your problem.

Online Tutorials

Many books available in libraries or bookstores give overviews on how to use computers, various programs, and the Internet. However, there are several worthwhile web sites that offer free tutorials for the person who prefers hands on learning. These sites provide "how-to" information on a range of topics. To help you get started, we have provided a list of some potentially useful, free tutorials available online. Click here or go back to the top of this page to see a list of tutorials topics to choose from.

Other Chapters Things To Know Before You Get Started What Is A PC? How Do I Get Help? What Does That Computer Term Mean? What Should I Do If My Mouse Doesn't Seem To Work Properly? What Should I Do If My Computer Is Slow And Freezes Up On Me? Back To Tutorials Home Page