Online Tech Support: Support.com
As I discussed in an earlier blog post, I installed Norton Internet Security 2011, CCleaner, and Smart Defrag 2 on my computers to keep my machines virus-free and running fast. Last week, however, my laptop began to suffer from a pretty serious problem that I could not repair by using the methodology I previously used to remedy computer performance issues (i.e., running Norton, CCleaner, and Smart Defrag 2). Specifically, Windows Explorer would crash every time I tried to add or modify a folder, which had a profoundly negative impact on my practice given that I use Windows Explorer folders to manage the vast amount of digital documents that comprise my paperless law office. Accordingly, I needed a quick, effective fix.
I was reluctant to drop my laptop off at the Geek Squad because I had a bad experience with them before; specifically, they took four days to “fix” my issue, the problem reappeared within a couple weeks, and they charged me more than $200. Instead, I took the advice Michael Tonsing dispensed via his column, The Federal Lawyer in Cyberia, and signed up for an account on www.support.com.
Support.com is an online tech support provider. When you call Support.com, you’ll speak with a tech expert who will diagnose and fix your computer problem. You’ll be asked to download Support.com’s safe, secure and proprietary technology that allows the tech expert to connect to your computer remotely. During this time, you can watch and stay on the phone while the tech expert fixes your computer or hang up and let the tech expert call you back when finished. My tech expert—who spoke perfect English–fixed my problem in about an hour while I read a magazine. My laptop’s overall performance is now better than ever.
Support.com offers one-time fixes for about $85, but I went ahead and paid for a subscription for about $20 per month. The monthly subscription includes tech support 24/7, 365 days a year, and gives me the peace of mind that I am covered if I encounter another issue with my laptop. Finally, Support.com provides support for PCs running Windows operating systems and devices, and comes with a money-back guarantee.
Support.com is a great resource for solos because it basically provides us with a full-time IT person for $20 a month.