technical support
IT problem solving
Technical support is assistance with technology problems—getting software to work, troubleshooting hardware failures, recovering lost data.
Often shortened to tech support.
The term typically refers to a service department or help desk: I spent an hour on hold with technical support.
It can also describe the people who provide such help: Technical support says the server is down.
Issuing entry passes
- call centerTelephone support facility
- hotlineDirect emergency phone connection
- live chatReal-time text exchange
- remote accessConnecting to systems elsewhere
escalation · response time · knowledge base · FAQ · customer care · queue · agent · callback
Methods identifying problems
- debuggingError removal from programs
- error messageSoftware's complaint about problems
- crashSudden violent impact
- malfunctionFailure to operate properly
reboot · restore · recovery · workaround · fix · resolution · root cause · symptoms
Metal goods and fittings
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- firmwareHardware's permanent programming
- driverVehicle operator
server · router · firewall · cloud · database · virtualization · operating system · peripheral
New version or information
- patchMaterial covering damage
- upgradeRaise to higher standard
- installationProcess of putting in
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
optimization · configuration · calibration · scheduled downtime · disk cleanup · defragmentation · antivirus · security scan
Guide for operating something
- guidebookReference for travelers
- instructionsGuidance on how to proceed
- tutorialInstructional step-by-step guide
- FAQCommon queries document
knowledge base · release notes · readme · walkthrough · how-to · quick start · reference card · online help
ticketing
Issuing entry passes
- call centerTelephone support facility
- hotlineDirect emergency phone connection
- live chatReal-time text exchange
remote access · escalation · response time · knowledge base · FAQ · customer care · queue · agent · callback · wait time
diagnostics
Methods identifying problems
- debuggingError removal from programs
- error messageSoftware's complaint about problems
- crashSudden violent impact
malfunction · reboot · restore · recovery · workaround · fix · resolution · root cause · symptoms · logs
hardware
Metal goods and fittings
- softwarePrograms directing computer operations
- networkingBuilding professional relationships
- firmwareHardware's permanent programming
driver · server · router · firewall · cloud · database · virtualization · operating system · peripheral · motherboard
update
New version or information
- patchMaterial covering damage
- upgradeRaise to higher standard
- installationProcess of putting in
backup · optimization · configuration · calibration · scheduled downtime · disk cleanup · defragmentation · antivirus · security scan · license renewal
user manual
Guide for operating something
- guidebookReference for travelers
- instructionsGuidance on how to proceed
- tutorialInstructional step-by-step guide
FAQ · knowledge base · release notes · readme · walkthrough · how-to · quick start · reference card · online help · video tutorial
- IT Jobssysadmin, IT director, IT consultant, network engineer, help desk
- customer servicecustomer service, service, apology, patience, callback
- Customer Service Topicsquestions, queries, requests, complaints, feedback
- IT servicesIT services, IT consulting, help desk, cloud computing, system administration
- call centerscold call, inbound call, outbound, call volume, queue
- developer resourcesSDK, APIs, tutorials, developer portal, documentation
technical supportend user
Ultimate product recipient
self-service · self-help · customer · client · trial and error
technical supportsabotage
Deliberate disruption of operations
hacking · cyberattack · malware · denial of service · abandonment
technical supportemotional support
Compassionate help during distress
moral support · customer service · pastoral care · counseling · hand-holding
support, supporter, technique, technical, supporting, supportive, technology, supports, techniques