#627: Tech Support Cheat Sheet explain

Dear various parents, grandparents, co-workers, and other “not computer people.”

We don’t magically know how to do everything in every program. When we help you, we’re usually just doing this:

[There is a flowchart there. Numbers are included to improve clarity, and do not appear in the original.]

Rectangle: Start.

[Go to 1.]

[1. Diamond] Find a menu item or button which looks related to what you want to do.

[I can’t find one - go to 2.]

[Ok - go to 3.]

[2. Diamond] Pick one at random.

[I’ve tried them all - go to 4.]

[Ok - go to 3.]

[3. Rectangle] Click it.

[Go to 5.]

[4. Rectangle] Google the name of the program plus a few words related to what you want to do. Follow any instructions.

[Go to 5.]

[5. Diamond] Did it work?

[Yes - go to 8.]

[No - go to 6.]

[6. Diamond] Have you been trying this for over half an hour?

[Yes - go to 7.]

[No - go to 1.]

[7. Rectangle] Ask someone for help or give up.

[End of flowchart.]

[8. Rectangle] You’re done!

[End of flowchart.]

Please print this flowchart out and tape it near your screen. Congratulations; you’re now the local computer expert!