General

How to get better responses in Tech

[*][link=link01][b]Tips for getting better responses[/b][/link]
[*][link=link03][b]Requesting recommendations for a new notebook computer (laptop)[/b][/link]
[*][link=link04][b]Requesting recommendations for a new desktop computer[/b][/link]

[link=0]Click here to see comments[/link]

[h=link01]Tips for getting better responses[/h]

1. State your problem as clearly as you can. For example, "My computer won't boot" isn't very clear. There are thousands of possible things that could cause this. You should provide any error messages you get and mention everything you've done before the problem first occurred that may be the cause.

2. Give details of your computer when needed. Always state your OS (XP, Vista, 7, 8, etc) and when appropriate give your computer's specs. If a specific piece of hardware or software could be causing a problem, state what it is and don't just say, "my browser" - say the specific program, "Opera 12.02".

3. Give the thread title a short description of the problem. Do not call it "Help me, please" or similar. Your thread is more likely to be ignored.

4. Attempt to solve the problem yourself before you make a thread. If you've installed new software just before the problem first happened, then try uninstalling it first. Are you getting a specific error message? Google that error message. Someone else probably had the same problem too.

5. Be patient. Non-MS Tech can move slowly and not everyone who posts knows what he or she is talking about. Wait for some other responses to figure out if there's an incompetent poster or a troll in the thread. In addition, detailed advice is more valuable than a flood of mundane posts.

6. Do not abandon and remake an active thread. Split discussions are distracting and lead to disorganization. Duplicate threads may be locked.

[h=link02]Requesting recommendations for a new computer[/h]

The computer market is constantly in a state of change and flux. Experienced tech contributors are keenly aware of deals that you may never knew existed and computers you may have never heard of. It is for this reason that when posting a request for new computer, a set of personal requirements for a new computer is preferred.

Listed below are some questions that when answered will help posters narrow down their recommendations.

[h2=link03]Requesting a notebook computer (laptop)[/h2]

Answer as many questions as you are willing.

1. What country/state do you live in?
2. What is your budget?
3. Would you like to save money or do you want to spend as much of your budget as possible?
4. Can you order online? If you cannot order online, what stores are around you?

5. How much hard drive space do you want?
6. What games do you play or want to play?
7. Are there any other games you play or want to play?
8. What other programs do you use?

9. Do you have a preferred laptop weight?
10. Do you have a preferred screen size?
11. Is battery life important?
12. Why do you need a laptop? To where and how often will it be moved?

Mention any other special requests you may have. Be detailed.

[h2=link04]Requesting a desktop computer[/h2]

Answer as many questions as you are willing.

1. What country/state do you live in?
2. What is your budget?
3. Would you like to save money or do you want to spend as much of your budget as possible?
4. Would you like it pre-built or will you assemble it yourself?
5. Can you order online? If you cannot order online, what stores are around you?

6. Do you already have a monitor, keyboard, and/or mouse?
7. How much hard drive space do you want?
8. What games do you play or want to play?
9. Are there any other games you play or want to play?
10. What other programs do you use?

Mention any other special requests you may have. Be detailed.
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