#tech-support
#tech-support

2 days ago

Gadgets

Google is pulling the plug on your old Nest - but offers nearly 50% off a new thermostat

Older Google Nest thermostats will lose smart features and updates after October 2025.

5 days ago

Tech industry

Techie diagnosed fault by checking the customer's coffee

Old technology presents unique challenges for tech support, particularly with power supply issues affecting performance.

#linux

1 week ago

Tech industry

Need a Linux admin? Ask a worried mother for help

Talent can surface from unexpected backgrounds, leading to positive outcomes.

Miscellaneous

Tired techie botched preventative maintenance

Dave accidentally overwrote a critical hard drive due to exhaustion, but managed to save the system using a backup in a different office.

1 week ago

Tech industry

Need a Linux admin? Ask a worried mother for help

Talent can surface from unexpected backgrounds, leading to positive outcomes.

Miscellaneous

Tired techie botched preventative maintenance

Dave accidentally overwrote a critical hard drive due to exhaustion, but managed to save the system using a backup in a different office.

Microsoft won't support Office apps on Windows 10 after October 14th

Essentially, Microsoft 365 apps will stop being supported on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, requiring users to switch to Windows 11.

2 weeks ago

Women in technology

How to upgrade your 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 now

Microsoft will stop security updates for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, requiring a subscription for Extended Security Updates.

3 weeks ago

Women in technology

How to troubleshoot and reset Windows Update

Troubleshooting Windows Update issues in Windows 10 and 11 involves trying specific techniques in an orderly manner.

Microsoft won't support Office apps on Windows 10 after October 14th

Essentially, Microsoft 365 apps will stop being supported on Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, requiring users to switch to Windows 11.

2 weeks ago

Women in technology

How to upgrade your 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 now

Microsoft will stop security updates for Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, requiring a subscription for Extended Security Updates.

3 weeks ago

Women in technology

How to troubleshoot and reset Windows Update

Troubleshooting Windows Update issues in Windows 10 and 11 involves trying specific techniques in an orderly manner.

PIRG post parade of devices doomed by end of support

PIRG's "Electronic Waste Graveyard" reveals the significant problem of discarded tech after manufacturer support ends.

User said his mouse was broken, but he wasn't using a mouse

Tech support encounters can be surprisingly bizarre and humorous, showcasing human behavior in unexpected contexts.

Tech industry

Tech support session saved files, probably ended a marriage

Terry, a tech support specialist, faced challenging situations due to an overambitious manager's unrealistic expectations and poor management practices.

User said his mouse was broken, but he wasn't using a mouse

Tech support encounters can be surprisingly bizarre and humorous, showcasing human behavior in unexpected contexts.

Tech industry

Tech support session saved files, probably ended a marriage

Terry, a tech support specialist, faced challenging situations due to an overambitious manager's unrealistic expectations and poor management practices.

more#workplace-stories

One stupid keystroke exposed techie to sensitive information

Misnaming a data utility caused significant tech support issues in the 1980s, leading to wiped disks instead of file conversions.

Startup companies

Coding whiz had another talent: inappropriate insults

Nate's tech support tale illustrates the importance of user preferences and camaraderie in tech environments, even in government agencies.

Tech industry

Engineer with little tech experience asked to fix mainframe

An inexperienced engineer faced a challenging tech support situation while pressured to fix a mainframe system with minimal knowledge.

Miscellaneous

Hide the keyboard. It's the only way to save this software

Mysterious software crashes in an industrial setting can have unconventional causes, often requiring creative problem-solving beyond standard troubleshooting.

Information security

One stupid keystroke exposed techie to sensitive information

Misnaming a data utility caused significant tech support issues in the 1980s, leading to wiped disks instead of file conversions.

Startup companies

Coding whiz had another talent: inappropriate insults

Nate's tech support tale illustrates the importance of user preferences and camaraderie in tech environments, even in government agencies.

Tech industry

Engineer with little tech experience asked to fix mainframe

An inexperienced engineer faced a challenging tech support situation while pressured to fix a mainframe system with minimal knowledge.

Miscellaneous

Hide the keyboard. It's the only way to save this software

Mysterious software crashes in an industrial setting can have unconventional causes, often requiring creative problem-solving beyond standard troubleshooting.

more#1980s-technology

Google is rolling out a fix for broken Chromecasts

Google is addressing Chromecast casting issues caused by untrusted device errors via a rollout fix for affected devices.

Gadgets

Some Chromecasts are giving 'Untrusted device' errors today

Second-generation Chromecasts and Chromecast Audios may be nearing the end of support from Google, displaying errors suggesting lack of verification.

Gadgets

Google has a fix for all of the broken Chromecasts

Google has rolled out a fix for Chromecasts that lost casting capabilities and those that were bricked after factory resets.

Gadgets

Is your Chromecast still throwing errors? This fix will get you streaming again

Google is rolling out a fix for Chromecast devices facing casting issues, but users may encounter problems if they reset their devices.

Gadgets

Google is rolling out a fix for broken Chromecasts

Google is addressing Chromecast casting issues caused by untrusted device errors via a rollout fix for affected devices.

Gadgets

Some Chromecasts are giving 'Untrusted device' errors today

Second-generation Chromecasts and Chromecast Audios may be nearing the end of support from Google, displaying errors suggesting lack of verification.

Gadgets

Google has a fix for all of the broken Chromecasts

Google has rolled out a fix for Chromecasts that lost casting capabilities and those that were bricked after factory resets.

Gadgets

Is your Chromecast still throwing errors? This fix will get you streaming again

Google is rolling out a fix for Chromecast devices facing casting issues, but users may encounter problems if they reset their devices.

Glitchy taxi tech blew cover on steamy dispatch dalliance

The RF Guy uncovered unexpected communications in a taxi dispatch system while investigating a technical glitch.

Miscellaneous

User had no idea why PC was dead. Maybe the new motherboard?

Navigating tech support among family can lead to humorous yet frustrating experiences, illustrating the complexities and misunderstandings related to technology.

Michael's story highlights the challenges of tech support, especially when informal settings and family dynamics are involved.

Remote teams

Glitchy taxi tech blew cover on steamy dispatch dalliance

The RF Guy uncovered unexpected communications in a taxi dispatch system while investigating a technical glitch.

Miscellaneous

User had no idea why PC was dead. Maybe the new motherboard?

Navigating tech support among family can lead to humorous yet frustrating experiences, illustrating the complexities and misunderstandings related to technology.

Michael's story highlights the challenges of tech support, especially when informal settings and family dynamics are involved.

How to clean and organize your Mac

Regular maintenance can keep your Mac operational and organized.

Simple tools and techniques can enhance your Mac's appearance and functionality.

#hp

fromArs Technica

Tech industry

HP realizes that mandatory 15-minute support call wait times isn't good support

HP implemented mandatory 15-minute wait times for tech support calls to encourage use of digital self-service options.

Remote teams

HP's new remote support service can even resurrect unbootable PCs

HP's new remote diagnostics service enables technicians to fix unbootable PCs remotely, improving support for remote workers.

fromArs Technica

HP realizes that mandatory 15-minute support call wait times isn't good support

HP implemented mandatory 15-minute wait times for tech support calls to encourage use of digital self-service options.

Remote teams

HP's new remote support service can even resurrect unbootable PCs

HP's new remote diagnostics service enables technicians to fix unbootable PCs remotely, improving support for remote workers.

DIMM techies kept in office to prove memory wasn't 'missing'

In tech support, proactive measures can uncover discrepancies and ensure accountability in resource management.

Miscellaneous

Windows 11 update breaks File Explorer - among other glitches

Microsoft's February Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 caused significant File Explorer issues, impacting user experience and installation reliability.

#family

fromFast Company

Digital life

Try these tips to help your parents stay safe online

Support parents and loved ones in navigating technology by providing guidance on security and user-friendly tools.

fromwww.ocregister.com

Information security

Home for the holidays? Show relatives you care with some tech support

During holiday visits, tech-savvy family members should educate relatives about tech maintenance and security, especially with the rise of AI-driven scams.

fromFast Company

Digital life

Try these tips to help your parents stay safe online

Support parents and loved ones in navigating technology by providing guidance on security and user-friendly tools.

fromwww.ocregister.com

Information security

Home for the holidays? Show relatives you care with some tech support

During holiday visits, tech-savvy family members should educate relatives about tech maintenance and security, especially with the rise of AI-driven scams.

AppleCare+ becomes subscription-only, prepaid models are no more

AppleCare+ transitions to subscription-only, eliminating fixed-term plans.

Apple

Is this the end of multi-year AppleCare+ plans? What's replacing them and why

Apple is limiting multi-year AppleCare+ plans to online options only, pushing customers towards monthly subscriptions.

Mobile UX

fromGSMArena.com

AppleCare+ becomes subscription-only, prepaid models are no more

AppleCare+ transitions to subscription-only, eliminating fixed-term plans.

Apple

Is this the end of multi-year AppleCare+ plans? What's replacing them and why

Apple is limiting multi-year AppleCare+ plans to online options only, pushing customers towards monthly subscriptions.

NYC real estate

You're not leaving until this printer is working

Tom's job in an African nation was complicated by a communication issue that led to travel restrictions and unexpected challenges.

Miscellaneous

Tech support chap arrived at work with knife and marlinspike

Tech support professionals can navigate between their unique hobbies and on-call responsibilities, highlighting their versatility.

8 months ago

NYC real estate

You're not leaving until this printer is working

Tom's job in an African nation was complicated by a communication issue that led to travel restrictions and unexpected challenges.

Miscellaneous

Tech support chap arrived at work with knife and marlinspike

Tech support professionals can navigate between their unique hobbies and on-call responsibilities, highlighting their versatility.

Apple

Apple halts iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro after bricking reports

Apple has paused iPadOS 18 rollout for M4 iPad Pro due to bricking issues affecting some devices.

Apple

Now Apple tells us how to update AirPods

Apple has enhanced the AirPods firmware update guide, emphasizing the importance of automatic updates and proper charging procedures.

fromMail Online

Miscellaneous

Why is Safari crashing? Users complain Apple's browser stops working

Safari is experiencing widespread issues with random crashes, frustrating users globally.

Apple

Apple reveals the secret to updating every AirPods model - and it's easier than you think

Apple now offers clear steps for updating AirPods, eliminating previous confusion.

Apple

If your iPhone alarm has gone quiet, Apple says it's working on a fix

Apple is working on a fix for iPhone alarms triggering silently.

fromEngadget

Apple

Apple halts iPadOS 18 update for M4 iPad Pro after bricking reports

Apple has paused iPadOS 18 rollout for M4 iPad Pro due to bricking issues affecting some devices.

Apple

Now Apple tells us how to update AirPods

Apple has enhanced the AirPods firmware update guide, emphasizing the importance of automatic updates and proper charging procedures.

fromMail Online

Miscellaneous

Why is Safari crashing? Users complain Apple's browser stops working

Safari is experiencing widespread issues with random crashes, frustrating users globally.

Apple

Apple reveals the secret to updating every AirPods model - and it's easier than you think

Apple now offers clear steps for updating AirPods, eliminating previous confusion.

Apple

If your iPhone alarm has gone quiet, Apple says it's working on a fix

Apple is working on a fix for iPhone alarms triggering silently.

more#apple

Information security

Zyxel firewalls borked by buggy update

Zyxel's update caused reboot loops and access issues in certain firewall models, not linked to security vulnerabilities.

Miscellaneous

Developers sent into security panic by 'useful feature'

Investigation often reveals simple errors rather than complex problems during tech support calls.

#work-culture

Miscellaneous

Boss couldn't learn how to use a browser after a year

Tech support in the 1990s relied on informal communication and quick fixes rather than structured approaches.

Miscellaneous

Tech support warrior left cosplay battle, Trekked to work

Tech support can lead to unexpected and humorous situations, especially when combining fandom with professional responsibilities.

Miscellaneous

Boss couldn't learn how to use a browser after a year

Tech support in the 1990s relied on informal communication and quick fixes rather than structured approaches.

Miscellaneous

Tech support warrior left cosplay battle, Trekked to work

Tech support can lead to unexpected and humorous situations, especially when combining fandom with professional responsibilities.

Miscellaneous

Tech support world record? 8.5 seconds from seeing to fixing

Tech support often requires simple solutions to resolve complex problems quickly.

Miscellaneous

User thought cursor meant their computer was cactus

Tech support can lead to rapid resolutions, sometimes in seconds, showcasing the nuances of user issues during busy periods.

Miscellaneous

Tech support world record? 8.5 seconds from seeing to fixing

Tech support often requires simple solutions to resolve complex problems quickly.

Miscellaneous

User thought cursor meant their computer was cactus

Tech support can lead to rapid resolutions, sometimes in seconds, showcasing the nuances of user issues during busy periods.

more#problem-solving

Miscellaneous

Backup failed but the boss didn't mind -his kid caused it

Ray's dual internet connections provided failover but were compromised by an external DDoS attack.

Miscellaneous

No, I can't help. This is the wrong helpdesk

Miscommunication and time zone ignorance in tech support roles can lead to frustrating experiences, especially when management fails to take corrective action.

#gog

Miscellaneous

GOG's preservation program lets you keep playing games after they're delisted

GOG's Preservation Program guarantees support for delisted games, maintaining compatibility and providing a seamless gaming experience for players.

fromVG247

Video games

GOG is launching a new preservation program, and it looks like good news for PC folks who love playing classics without having to mess around

GOG launches a preservation program to ensure classic games run on modern hardware.

Miscellaneous

GOG's preservation program lets you keep playing games after they're delisted

GOG's Preservation Program guarantees support for delisted games, maintaining compatibility and providing a seamless gaming experience for players.

fromVG247

Video games

GOG is launching a new preservation program, and it looks like good news for PC folks who love playing classics without having to mess around

GOG launches a preservation program to ensure classic games run on modern hardware.

more#gog

Information security

QNAP NAS users locked out after firmware update snafu

The recent QTS firmware update has rendered many QNAP NAS users unable to access their devices, causing widespread frustration and confusion.

Miscellaneous

Network engineer's great escape in the dead of night

Erik's oversight in leaving keys behind led to a significant operational issue during a late-night tech support task.

Miscellaneous

'For support, contact me' sign responded to after 20 years

Tech support often goes unrecognized despite being essential to operational success.

#user-error

fromBuzzFeed

Digital life

People Are Sharing The Most "Elementary" Things They Had To Explain To An Adult

Tech support often reveals surprising gaps in basic tech knowledge among users, leading to confusion and frustration for both parties.

Miscellaneous

Hardware works better when you don't stab it all day

Improper usage of technology can lead to hardware failures, regardless of thorough prior testing.

fromBuzzFeed

Digital life

People Are Sharing The Most "Elementary" Things They Had To Explain To An Adult

Tech support often reveals surprising gaps in basic tech knowledge among users, leading to confusion and frustration for both parties.

Miscellaneous

Hardware works better when you don't stab it all day

Improper usage of technology can lead to hardware failures, regardless of thorough prior testing.

Miscellaneous

Relocation is a complete success - until the last minute

David's story emphasizes the critical importance of redundancy in tech support and system operations.

Miscellaneous

The sad tale of the Alpha massacre

Gandalf and his team encountered humorous yet instructive tech support challenges while ensuring proper QA tool utilization for software testing.

Miscellaneous

Relocation is a complete success - until the last minute

David's story emphasizes the critical importance of redundancy in tech support and system operations.

Miscellaneous

The sad tale of the Alpha massacre

Gandalf and his team encountered humorous yet instructive tech support challenges while ensuring proper QA tool utilization for software testing.

more#database-management

#software-issues

Apple

Did your Apple Notes vanish from your iPhone? Here's how to find them

Many iPhone users are experiencing issues with disappearing Apple Notes after accepting iCloud terms, but there are solutions to recover them.

Tech industry

Adobe couldn't fix issue in two weeks. Techie took 5 minutes

A simple restart can often resolve complex software issues, demonstrating the importance of basic troubleshooting steps.

Apple

Did your Apple Notes vanish from your iPhone? Here's how to find them

Many iPhone users are experiencing issues with disappearing Apple Notes after accepting iCloud terms, but there are solutions to recover them.

Tech industry

Adobe couldn't fix issue in two weeks. Techie took 5 minutes

A simple restart can often resolve complex software issues, demonstrating the importance of basic troubleshooting steps.

more#software-issues

fromBloomberg

JavaScript

Bloomberg

Unusual activity detection protects user security by verifying human access to the site.

Miscellaneous

Yes, your network is down. We crashed it as punishment

Customer reluctance to pay invoices can lead to urgent tech support situations, revealing deeper issues within client relationships.

Miscellaneous

Compression? What's that? Also, why is the network so slow?

Vivien's attempt to share office relocation options via email caused a network crash due to uncompressed BMP image files.

fromTESLARATI

Alternative transportation

Fisker's bankruptcy plans approved on $2.5M tech support deal

Fisker has received bankruptcy court approval to sell its remaining EV inventory, securing tech support for current owners through American Lease.

fromEngadget

Wearables

Samsung's latest software update may be bricking older phones

Older Samsung Galaxy updates may brick devices, particularly Galaxy S10 and Note 10 models.

Affected users can perform a factory reset, but risk losing unsaved data.

Delay downloading updates on older devices until more information is provided from Samsung.

#verizon

fromwww.nytimes.com

Tech industry

Verizon Mobile Users Report Outages Across the U.S.

Verizon experienced a significant service outage affecting thousands of users across major U.S. cities on Monday morning.

Wearables

Apple Watch owners frustrated by Verizon activation glitches - here's why

Many Apple Watch users face activation issues with Verizon, especially for watches not purchased directly from the carrier.

fromwww.nytimes.com

Verizon Mobile Users Report Outages Across the U.S.

Verizon experienced a significant service outage affecting thousands of users across major U.S. cities on Monday morning.

Wearables

Apple Watch owners frustrated by Verizon activation glitches - here's why

Many Apple Watch users face activation issues with Verizon, especially for watches not purchased directly from the carrier.

JavaScript

OS/2 expert channeled a higher power to dispel doom loop

Understanding OS/2 system behavior is crucial for troubleshooting persistent issues.

Configuration file adjustments can resolve loops caused by system defaults.

8 months ago

Tech industry

5 steps to repair Microsoft Office

Repairing Office apps can often resolve common issues with ease.

The most extreme repair method consists of a cleanup tool followed by a clean installation.

JavaScript

OS/2 expert channeled a higher power to dispel doom loop

Understanding OS/2 system behavior is crucial for troubleshooting persistent issues.

Configuration file adjustments can resolve loops caused by system defaults.

8 months ago

Tech industry

5 steps to repair Microsoft Office

Repairing Office apps can often resolve common issues with ease.

The most extreme repair method consists of a cleanup tool followed by a clean installation.

more#troubleshooting

Media industry

Thank you, Reg Readers: On Call has turned 500!

The On-Call column celebrates the diverse and humorous tech support stories shared by readers, creating a richer community for IT professionals.

Tech industry

A nice cup of tea rewired the datacenter

Electrical faults from improper upgrades caused tech failures, exemplifying the importance of quality in electrical infrastructure for computer systems.

fromwww.cbc.ca

9 months ago

Information security

Watch out for phishing schemes, malicious actors in wake of CrowdStrike-linked global tech outage | CBC News

Beware of phishing schemes posing as tech specialists in the aftermath of the global tech outage.

DevOps

Abused screwdriver skewered a server

Readers can find solace in sharing tech support horror stories, like Mel's experience with upgrading an old NEC machine.

fromGOBankingRates

Marketing

8 Remote Jobs You Can Do From Your Phone

More people prefer remote work post-pandemic, facilitated by apps like Slack and Discord.