Have you ever been in the middle of something important when your whole computer shuts down for no reason? Of course you have. We have all experienced computers freezing or the screen going blank. When these things happen, we have to call in the IT professionals at our job to help and this can sometimes cause stress.

It can be difficult to communicate with your IT department. It can seem like they speak a different language, and trying to explain the problem you encountered with your limited knowledge could make you feel ignorant. Particularly if the solution is “Turn it off, wait a minute, and turn it back on again.” For whatever reason, this seems to be the solution much too often.

Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to make sure that your IT department clearly understands your problem. Once clear communication is established, your IT pros can quickly and effectively repair your troubled computer.

No Reason to be Intimidated

Just because they are extremely knowledgeable in the realm of computers doesn’t mean you should stumble your way through your description of the issue. You could be using the correct lingo, but if you are too intimidated to explain it well, the issue won’t get fixed. You might even learn something about computers if you keep the communication going.

Screenshots

Screenshots are a blessing for IT professionals. Take screenshots of what is happening. This includes any error messages you receive, or everything that pops up that is unusual. If you can’t take screenshots, try to duplicate the problem for them after they reach your desk. Let them watch the actions you take that cause the issue. The more information you can provide them with the better.

A Written Report

Finally, keep a written report of your difficulties. If you notice that the same issues are taking place if you check your messages, write this down in a notebook. Make a new entry each time the issue reappears. This, too, will help you communicate your computing difficulties with your IT personnel.

Communicating with your IT department doesn’t have to be an intimidating or disheartening experience. Just follow these basic rules, and you’ll be computing at full strength in no time.