Build Computer Like My Super PC
Build Computer Help And Support
The best build computer help is to use quality computer hardware like what I recommend at Build A Computer Like My Super PC - Cost To Build A Computer. It won't even cost you more to do so if you use the resellers I mention!
The next best build computer help is to follow the assembly instructions like those given at Build A Computer Like My Super PC - Assemble carefully and patiently.
Build Computer Help And Support - Troubleshooting Problems
Here are the steps I normally take to troubleshoot problems.
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For any software problem, the first thing to do is visit the manufacturer's web-site and download the latest patchset. Viturally any software product will have patches available. Also, scout around the support section of the web-site for a Frequently Asked Questions section or Knowledge Database section that may be helpful.
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Check the Frequently Ask Questions (FAQ) relevant to the component or problem.
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If the FAQ don't do the trick, try these Message Boards, Discussion Boards, And Forums. I've used these message boards and forums myself and they are all very good. Along with a detailed description of the problem and the steps that cause it, include details regarding your PC configuration such as the processor brand and speed, video card type and drivers version, amount of RAM, and version of Windows. Keep your question as clear and concise as possible. Be polite and gracious. Use proper grammar and punctuation. Try each message board and forum, one at a time. You should get a response fairly quickly - within 24 hours. If the problem is something you can live with or work-around and you don't have any luck the first time, try again in a couple of months.
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After giving the message boards and forums a try, the next step is to get a little desparate and call the manufacturer relevant to the problem. Actually, they can be quite helpful. It's not that they provide bad support, it's just that the FAQ's and message boards I've given you are so good! At least once the manufacturer has serviced my call by E-mailing text that had been cut-and-pasted from a FAQ site I've mentioned! You should check the manufacturer's web-site to see what online suppor they already provide, such as their own FAQ and Knowledge Base. Get nice and comfy before you call and be prepared to be put on hold. Hopefully they have a toll-free number. As with the message boards and forums, have all the details ready and be patient, polite and cooperative while the service representative tries to understand and solve the problem. If he's not having any luck and he's running out of plausible options then don't be afraid to ask if there's a senior representative with whom you can consult.
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If you still need help, try searching the internet using keywords appropriate for your problem. Try putting appropriate keywords in quotes since "boot error" with quotes (meaning they have to appear together and in that order) narrows it down a lot more than without quotes.
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If still no luck then you're just about at the end of your help-for-free rope. Time to seriously consider if this is a problem you can live with, workaround, or fix through replacement.
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Build Computer Help And Support - Books On How To Build A Computer
I didn't use any books to build My Super PC. I got all of my information from the web and from talking to friends. I'm not suggesting a book describing how to build a computer is a waste of time or anything like that. On the contrary, I think a good book would be very informative and helpful. A good book will tell you a lot of what you need to know in a well-organized and relatively small, convenient package. As you may have already noticed, information gets out of date pretty fast on the internet. Search engines are fantastic, but many of them don't seem to care that a site has not been updated in 18 months and is badly out of date. A site on "How To Build a Computer" that hasn't been updated in even six months is already showing its age. Books on "Building A Computer" are not too much different in this regard.
So I'm glad I've been able to get published. Now not only are all of my latest component recommendations and all of my other computer building information available on this MySuperPC web-site, but you can also get the my own comprehensive assembly instructions in an easy-to-use book format.
The book contains the same information as my assembly web-pages. It contains over 175 pictures, with many pictures enlarged for the book. The cost is less than any computer component, $29.95. And no sales tax for most (sorry, New York and North Carolina). It is a soft-cover, full-size 8.5 x 11 version that is up-to-date with the web version. It takes you from parts list and component breakdown, through step-by-step detailed assembly, entering the BIOS settings, installing the operating system, installing each hardware driver, testing performance, and trouble-shooting common problems. The book is spiral-bound so it will lay flat when you have it out next to you as you work. Now you don't need a computer to read the tutorial! MySuperPC - The Book!
Build Computer Help And Support - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where can I get learn about the different types and characteristics of random access memory (RAM)?
I have my own FAQ page for computer memory at Computer Memory Upgrade - How To Add Or Upgrade System Memory (RAM) For Your Computer - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)s.
Where can I get help if I'm having a problem with my GeForce, GeForce2, GeForce3, GeForce4 drivers and/or video card?
Try looking for your problem at GeForce FAQ - For NVIDIA GeForce, GeForce2, GeForce3 and GeForce4 Video Cards, which covers all the different types of GeForce boards.
Where can I get help for my problems with sound?
If you have the speakers connected and powered on, but you're not getting any sound or you're having other sound problems such as cutting out, sounding scratchy or sounding faint then this How To Trouble-Shoot Sound Related Issues from Microsoft Technical Support may help.
Where can I get help for my problems with Windows, or other Microsoft products?
The Microsoft Support Page is quite extensive and comprehensive. It includes, for example, a search bar where you can enter your question to search for relevant solutions.
Build Computer Help And Support - Message Boards, Discussion Boards, And Forums
For detailed questions and troubleshooting help, I have found the message boards, discussion boards and forums listed below very helpful. Along with a detailed description of the problem and the steps that cause it, include details regarding your computer configuration such as the processor brand and speed, video card type and drivers version, amount of RAM, and version of Windows. Keep your question as clear and concise as possible. Be polite and gracious. Use proper grammar and punctuation. Try each message board, one at a time. You should get a response fairly quickly - within 24 hours. If the problem is something you can live with or work-around and you don't have any luck the first time, try again in a couple of months.
© 2001-2015, Rob Williams, all rights reserved.
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