Signs of a drive failure

Here are some signs of a problem before the drive dies on you:

1. Computer freezes often. When it happens, the mouse cursor is unmovable and keyboard is ignored. Nothing works and a restart is required to recover the computer.
2. Files mysterious disappearing.
3. Frequent lock-up during booting. I say “frequent” because all computers will freeze every now and then and it doesn’t necessarily mean the drive is failing. You’re looking for a pattern here.
4. File access mysteriously slows to a turtle’s pace. Saving files or open files simply takes forever.

You might need data recovery. First try some data recovery software. It could provide a quick fix for you. Otherwise talk to a professional.

7 steps for a good tech support experience.

1. Don’t complain.

2. Listen and follow my directions.

3. Don’t tell me you work in IT.

4. Write down the error message.

5. Be in front of your computer during the call.

6. This is tech support not refunds.

7. There isn’t a ‘magic button’ so don’t expect immediate results.

IBM: free office suite software

Multiple users from business, academic, government and consumer segments can download the enterprise-grade software from the company’s website (www.ibm.com) under “Lotus Symphony“, according a statement released by IBM India.

“The software tools can be used to extend a business process or custom application to create dynamic composite applications. The tools, which support Windows and Linux desktops, are designed to handle majority of office productivity tasks,” the statement said.

Professional Data Recovery Software

CBL has just launched Pro-V their advanced data recovery software. This is a nice edition to their basic data recovery software. It’s a great option for those do-it-yourself situations where spending $1000 is not an option. Free to download and try. Also a very nice tool for erasing old hard drives, data shredder.

Well I knew that!

Caller: “My computer isn’t booting.”

Me: “Ok, let’s check a few things -”

C: “I already checked the cables, the power, and monitor works fine. It’s a Windows problem.”

M: “Ok, what kind of error does it give you?”

C: “It says insert a valid boot disk, but the disk booted fine yesterday.”

M: “Can you check -”

C: “I ALREADY CHECKED THE CABLES, the power works fine, the monitor works on another computer they aren’t the problem.”

M: “I know but could you check -”

C: “It’s definitely a Windows problem! Just tell me how to get into the system so I can correct it.”

M: (pause, waiting for them to finish) “O. K. Does your computer have a floppy drive?”

C: “What does that have to do with anything? Yes, it has a floppy drive. I told you it’s a Windows problem!”

M: (coolly and calmly) “Does the drive have a disk in it?”

C: “- but” (checks) “Yes, it does.”

M: “Eject the disk and reboot the computer.”

C: “…” (ejecting disk and rebooting) “Well I knew that!”

I want this but I’m not doing that.

Caller: “My product is defective and I want a refund”

Me: “No problem, fill out the RMA form on our web site and return the unit to us.”

C: “It has sensitive data on it, I’m not going to return it until the data’s been securely wiped from it.”

M: “Can you access the drive?”

C: “No.”

M: “Then neither can we. As soon as we receive the unit I’ll have your refund processed.”

C: “I’m not shipping this drive with my information on it, but you can refund my money.”

M: “I can’t refund your purchase unless I receive the defective unit back. The unit will be disassembled and destroyed once we get it, we’re not going to try to access your personal information.”

C: “It still has sensitive data on it, and I’m not comfortable sending my drive to anyone. So when can I expect my refund?”

Dangers of working in tech support

1. You will be the villain one day and the hero the next (but mostly the villain)

2. Users will take offense when you use tech terminology.

3. Users will take offense when you dumb down tech terminology.

4. A solution is expected immediately and failure to do so equates you to being totally useless.

5. Simply solutions will produce the comment “Well I could have done that myself!”

6. You are expected to know what “that thing” is and how to fix it.

8 Most Dangerous Consumer Technologies

Here are 8 technologies posing threats to your company’s data security.

1. Instant Messaging

2. Web Mail

3. Portable Storage Devices

4. PDA’s and Pocket PC’s

5. Smart Phones and Camera Phones

6. VOIP

7. Downloadable Apps/Widgets/Content

8. Online Social Networks (virtual worlds)

(ComputerWorld)