Ten rules to keep tech support sane

by Jack Wallen  |  August 31, 2011, 6:51am PDT  |  Image 1 of 10

Patience

Help desk work requires far more than just knowing how to sort out a user's computer problems. If you think you have what it takes to succeed as a remote support specialist, see how you stack up against the 10 tenets that I list here. They are designed to help you understand exactly what it takes to enjoy a long career in this field.

Patience
If you've done any remote support, you'll know that users can really tax your patience. I have actually had users seize control of the mouse from me while I am trying to solve their problem - just so they could compose an email.

Many users seem to think their problem is the only one you have to deal with and prevent you from working efficiently. Some of them struggle with the terminology needed to communicate their problem to you. It is essential to have patience in reserve when dealing with these types of people. Not only will your patience help them, it will keep your blood pressure down.

Photo credit: programwitch/Flickr

For more read 10 tenets that will help remote support techs succeed (and stay sane) by TechRepublic's Jack Wallen. This gallery was republished from ZDNet UK.

Patience - Image 1 of 10

Jack Wallen

About Jack Wallen

A writer for over 12 years, Jack's primary focus is on the Linux operating system and its effects on the open source and non-open source communities.

Jack Wallen

Jack Wallen

Jack Wallen is an award-winning writer for Techrepublic and Linux.com. As an avid promoter/user of the Linux OS, Jack tries to convert as many users to open source as possible. His current favorite flavor of Linux is Bodhi Linux (a melding of Ubuntu and Enlightenment).

When Jack isn't writing about Linux he is hard at work on his other writing career -- writing about zombies, various killers, super heroes, and just about everything else he can manipulate between the folds of reality. You can find Jack's books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords.

Outnumbered in his house one male to two females and three humans to six felines, Jack maintains his sanity by riding his mountain bike and working on his next books. For more news about Jack Wallen, visit his website Get Jack'd.

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