Web Hosting Forums: The Best Technical Support Team Around

In the internet, virtually thousands of web hosting companies offer different attractive packages for the worldwide market. Because of this, searching for the best web-hosting provider can be overwhelming and confusing.

Although there are some websites that give reviews on certain web hosting providers, you can never be sure if the content of the reviews are unbiased or just another paid advertisement.

The best way to receive unbiased information about web hosting and the best providers around is to ask around different web hosting forums. Searching through web hosting forums not only gives you the best leads for hosting companies, but also gives you information, answers about technical issues and other concerns about web hosting.

Ask the Web Gurus in Web Hosting Forums

Imaging this scenario: You’re having trouble with your web hosting and the company that hosts your website is not available. An important client relies on your website to transact business and you have no idea how to fix the problem. Where do you go? What do you do?

Web hosting forums can be a great help. Since most members that post in web hosting forums are just like you, who have their own websites, you could relate to them easily and ask them questions.

When you experience a hosting problem, it is possible that someone else has experienced the same problem before. Web hosting forums allow webmasters to unite in one place and discuss issues about web hosting, applications, hosting features and other concerns about web hosting.

Web hosting forums will benefit both beginners and advanced webmasters because they share techniques, tested methods, marketing strategies and other information pertaining to the success of a website.

Not only can web hosting forums help you solve your problem and improve your website, it could also inform you about the latest products and news about information technology, the world wide web and new software to make your job easier.

Since members of a web hosting forum share the same goal of creating websites, improving business and providing quality websites on the internet, you can also meet many people that could help your website become successful. In addition, you could also look for other professionals who are interested in starting up their own web hosting service.

With web hosting forums, you can expect unbiased information, advice, troubleshooting and other important information about web hosting from different webmasters worldwide.

Hyun Kim is a freelance writer who writes about home audio and website related topics. He loves Branica.com since it offers quality web hosting as well has free website counters and has a nice video review of Seo Elite.

Microsoft Great Plains Technical Support : Typical Questions and Answers

Technical support offered by MBS depends on the region. For North America (NA), support is available to both partners and customers who availed of the support plan. In Asia Pacific (AP), Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) though, support is only available to partners.

Unfortunately, not every customer in North America can avail of support from their vendor. Some who opted not to renew their annual enhancement plans are orphaned from their vendors and do not receive free upgrades. If they need immediate support, they can contact the MBS Support Team directly but they are charged a higher premium. In this case, it is best to get support from partners such as Alba Spectrum Technologies or the like instead of directly from MBS.

Below are some questions and answers that the MBS Support Team (Asia and EMEA) receive:

Q1. Will Microsoft Great Plains run on operating systems other than Microsoft Windows?

A1. Microsoft Great Plains was first developed to support both Microsoft and Mac operating systems. However, later versions of Great Plains do not support Mac specially when Microsoft acquired the company (Great Plains Software).

Q2. What database platforms are supported by Microsoft Great Plains?

A2. Version 8 and above of Microsoft Great Plains supports only SQL Server and MSDE. Versions lower than 8 support SQL Server, MSDE (version 7.5), Ctree (for Great Plains Standard), and Pervasive SQL (formerly Btrieve).

Q3. We are currently using a different ERP system but we’re interested in migrating to Great Plains (GP). Is this possible?

A3. This is very much possible depending on the ERP system being used. Migrations have been done from Peoplesoft to GP as well as JD Edwards to GP. If interested, we will conduct studies for possible migration between your ERP system to GP.

Q4. Is integration possible between Microsoft CRM and Microsoft Great Plains? A4. This is definitely possible but it will either rely heavily on MS Biztalk Server (if you follow the MS CRM to GP Integration document) or on Dexterity customizations.

Q5. Can Microsoft Great Plains be accessed via the internet using an internet browser?

A5. There are some eProducts for Great Plains which will allow the company to create an online store. However, this only pertains to the Sales Order Processing side of Great Plains. To access Great Plains remotely, you would need to have Citrix (http://www.citrix.com) installed. If you want to access Great Plains on the browser itself, you need to configure the web server component of Citrix into the web server that you’re going to use GP from.

Q6. What if I am having some problems with Great Plains or if I want to satisfy my curiosity on certain aspects of the ERP system without bothering my vendor?

A6. All Microsoft Great Plains customers have access to CustomerSource. This is an area in the MBS website specifically catered to MBS Customers. Here, you can search the extensive KnowledgeBase relating to any MBS products as well as download service packs and patches for your GP install.

Happy computing! If you’re interested on how Great Plains can help your business, don’t hesitate to contact us. 1-630-961-5918 or 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com

Vincent is formerly a Technical Support Engineer for the MBS Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa support team based in Manila, Philippines. Currently, he is a Great Plains specialist in Alba Spectrum Technologies (http://www.albaspectrum.com) – USA nationwide Great Plains, Microsoft CRM customization company, serving clients in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Miami, New Orleans, Toronto, Montreal and having locations in multiple states and internationally.

Computer Help Desk Stupid Questions Brought To You By Computer Service Now

Computer Help Desk Stupid Questions brought to you by Computer Service Now (CSN) CSN Helps desk technicians know first hand that the phrase 'there are no stupid questions' is untrue. It's understandable that people are nervous about computer technology, but everyday computer technicians are asked to help people out of problems that leave them asking...
...how do you get to work?
 

Here is some proof from the help desk stupid questions archives at CSN:

A customer was enraged because his computer had told him he was "Bad and an invalid." The tech explained that the computer's "bad command" and "invalid" responses shouldn't be taken personally. Another customer called tech support to say her brand new computer wouldn't work. She said she unpacked the unit, plugged it in and sat there for 20 minutes waiting for something to happen. When asked what happened when she pressed the power switch, she asked, "What power switch?"

Computer companies have change the text to their manuals from "Press Any Key" to "Press Return Key" because of the question where is the "Any Key"?

A confused caller was having trouble printing documents. He told the technician that the computer had said it "couldn't find the printer." The user had also tried turning the computer screen to face the printer-but that his computer still couldn't "see" the printer.

A woman called with a problem with her printer. The tech asked her if she was "running it under windows." The woman responded, "No, my desk is next to the door. But that is a good point. The man sitting in the cubicle next to me is under a window and his printer is working fine."

And last but not least:
TECH SUPPORT: "O.K. Bob, let's press the control and escape keys at the same time. That brings up a task list in the middle of the screen. Now type the letter "P" to bring up the Program Manager."

CUSTOMER: "I don't have a 'P'".
TECH SUPPORT: "On your keyboard, Bob."
CUSTOMER: "What do you mean?"
TECH SUPPORT: " 'P' on your keyboard, Bob."
CUSTOMER: "I'm not going to do that!
 

CSN specializes in nationwide multi-location computer support.

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About CSN: A nationwide business to business computer service company, Computer Service Now, the CSN website can be found at Computer Service Now and can be reached toll free at 877-422-1907.
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How To break Free of the Help Desk

In today's saturated IT industry, there are many capable employees who find themselves stuck in a help desk position. Many of these people have college degrees and even some more advanced certifications to their credit. Still, for many of these people, they are unable to find a way to break out of this entry-level IT position and avoid career stagnation.

I am going to share with you five key strategies that have allowed me to stand out in this sea of similarly qualified IT candidates and further my career. Like many of you, my first job was supporting software for customers in my company's help desk. I knew from day 1 that I could not let myself become complacent in that job. Here are five things I did to work towards getting out of that help desk:

1. DO work towards the more popular industry certifications.

Computer certifications such as Microsoft's MCSE and Cisco's CCNA may be more popular and widespread than ever, but that doesn't mean you should dismiss working towards and obtaining them. In fact, it should be the exact reason you WANT to obtain them. They've almost become prerequisites in many IT positions beyond the help desk. Employers EXPECT to see that you've taken the time to earn these popular industry certifications. There may be many candidates out there with them, but be certain you're not one of the candidates without them.

2. DO make your current employer aware of your desire to advance.

Don't wait for your boss to talk with you about more specialized positions in the company. You need to take the initiative and let them know that you're eager to be considered for positions that open up. If you don't show them that, then they will most likely be happy letting you stay at the help desk. After all, if you're doing a good job there and seem to be content...they have no reason to consider you. Make them consider you.

3. DO create an account and resume on the major IT job sites.

Tech job employers put many of their job openings on the major job search sites, such as Monster.com and Dice.com. Both of these sites allow you to create an account and resume that includes your skills and certifications. Often, just having your resume on those sites will draw employers to YOU if they are looking for certain skills. They may be looking to fill a position for a junior network admin and putting in "CCNA" as a keyword search. If your profile/resume contains "CCNA"...they may contact you to interview.

4. DON'T make yourself into something you aren't.

The IT industry is the wrong field to try and fake your way through an interview. If a job posting puts emphasis on SQL Server database administration for example, don't assume you can read a book on it and you're suddenly qualified. If you were to squeak by in an interview, you would certainly be found out while on the job. Shoot straight with employers. Let them know what you're really strong in and that you're willing to learn quickly in areas you're less qualified in. Honesty and enthusiasm in an interview are a much better policy than fluffing yourself up.

5. DO build up your skill set

The most important thing to employers in the IT industry is EXPERIENCE. They want to see that you have verifiable experience in the skills they're looking for. Education is important and can help in advancing, but an impressive skill set is worth so much more. Do you have experience administering Microsoft Exchange Server? How many years experience can you show them that you were a network administrator? Emphasize your skills and experience above everything.

Chris Baker is a systems administrator for a Hispanic Business 500 company in central Florida. Reviews and news about affiliate marketing programs - http://www.affiliatereviewblog.com

Help Desk Support to the Rescue

Think what the world would be without modern technologies. Everything would be simple, you can say. But with all its simplicity comes things in complexity. Tasks that can be done in short minutes today can be doubled or even tripled. Think also about the hassles of getting and sharing information. That would be too hard and the process long and difficult. What about if communications are not developed? There would be something close to a chaos, for sure. What would it be like being able to pick up your telephone or going online to ask for the speedy assistance that you need? Imagine not having help desk support to help in basic services that people require in a push of the button.

It cannot be denied that together with the innovations of the modern world came the need for people to rely on other people to do the work for them. With time, many companies have turned their minds into being of service to the people while marketing what they have to offer in the process. Help desk support are not only there to answer queries that people may have. They are also there to document data and statistics that may be difficult if they are not in existence. Receiving and answering a call in a day is not the main purpose for this help desk support companies. There are other more comprehensive functions that these calls give to these support systems. Things like the content of the call, how many received for the day and the usefulness that people find within their system. Sometimes quotas are put up with these personnel to better maximize the time spent per day. Talk about pressure.

It all boils down to giving customer satisfaction. Embedding into the mind that the customer is the one always right and therefore should be given what they deserve. It would be an ordinary setting for these help desk support staff to be shouted upon and blamed on something that they have no idea about. That is how it works. This is the field where doing your best is not doing it better enough. As long as you satisfy what the clients wants from you, then you can call it successful, no matter how the process went about.

The documents that help desk support can acquire for the company is one of the most accurate and efficient these companies can have. With these people basically being on the front line of servicing for the company, there are the most reliable source of good information and statistics that the company may need on its records. Since records are the one that help in the future dealings and strategies that help desk support company needs in advancing, the accurateness of the documents would make up for the service it lacks in the present. There is always the need for growth and advancement in the world today. The proper information and data to go about it becomes as vital and important in a company to stay as successful as it wanted to be.

Fulfilling the needs of its customers. That is the basis for help desk support system. Even though there are other reasons why these support systems are put up, the main thing is that they give customer satisfaction the best they can. However this process is done, the customer is the one who will decide if their needs have been satisfied or not.

Online entrepreneur Sara Jenkins, is dedicated to helping others and their needs to succeed in life by offering free tips everyday. To learn more about her free tips program, and to sign up for her FREE how-to articles and FREE bonus how-to books and resources, visit http://www.HelpDesksWare.com

The Benefits of Web-Based Help Desk Software

Web-based help desk software has become the most popular way to manage technical inquiries and issues. The ability to access your help desk from any PC in the world is a very convenient tool. These programs offer flexibility and accessibility that was unavailable in former product versions.

Like other help desk software products, web based products offer the ability for customers to create their own trouble tickets. Effectively managing trouble tickets can save your business both time and money. In some cases, having an informative F.A.Q. menu allows the customer to troubleshoot his or her problem without contacting the technical support department. Customers enjoy finding the answers to their problems quickly, without the traditional wait times.

Companies waste valuable resources when they do not effectively manage their customer issues. Web-based help desk software is much more productive than having multiple email addresses for customer messages. By offering a web based help desk, companies can manage their tickets by directing them to the appropriately trained personnel. Using this type of product can save thousands of dollars every month and prevent employees from becoming overworked and burnt out. Many companies also praise the flexibility of working with a web-based system. Customer and technical support can be managed from anywhere in the world. The web-based option overall is much more flexible than stationary help desk programs.

When researching your options for web based help desk software, please be aware that some companies may have hidden charges. Constant updates can become troublesome and costly – it is wise to know what updates are expected and how frequently prior to purchasing a software package. Some software providers require additional purchases of database software components, web-servers and/or middleware. Know exactly what you are buying and what the future expectations are to ensure your satisfaction with your software.

Help Desk Software Info provides detailed information on help desk software solutions, including IT help desk software, web-based help desk software, free help desk software, help desk tracking, help desk support software, and reviews of help desk software programs. Help Desk Software Info is the sister site of Recruiting Software Web

How I Got Rid of Customer Support and Saved 8 Hours a Day

You may not be aware of this, but customer support can very easily be your main time consumer. Yes, those emails that you get, and answer one by one, they end up taking a LOT of your time.

Now, how would I know that?

The reason I know that is because this happened to me. Except doing my company’s customer support got to a point where I was spending around 8 hours a day doing it. Every SINGLE day.

But even if you are not spending 8 full hours a day doing support, let’s pretend that you’re only getting 25% of the support I was getting, that would mean you’d still be spending 2 hours a day doing support. That’s 10 hours a week, and if you work on the weekends (and which online business owner doesn’t these days) you’d be spending 14 hours a day. Almost two full business days just on supporting your client base.

Now, on the other hand, imagine that you'd have to do NO support at all. Imagine that all your customers are satisfied with your product and all the emails you get are the ones from all the sales that are coming through.

What if this was possible?

The way I turned this whole thing around was by getting smart and deciding to install a brand new customer support software in my website. At first the whole thing seem like I was trying to speak alien, but after a while I realized using a script definitely has a lot of value.

For example, most people don't know this, but some scripts will have a function that will allow you to present all the answers in front of your customers, EVEN BEFORE THEY ASK FOR IT.

How does this work?

Simple, all you do is fill out your databases with the questions that you get answered over and over (there's always a pattern to the questions you get). After you fill that database, your customer selects the topic he wants to ask the question about, he will see a list of possible answers. If you did your homework right, that's as far as your customers will go. They now get their answer in front of them.

Well, this is how I did it. Trust me, it's way simpler than you think, it will clear out a lot of your time, and like people say "Time is Money", so in this way this will pay off in a big way.

Discover the Support Ticket System that I used to reduce my support workload... down to almost zero!