#1046 – So You Want to Work a Helpdesk

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#1046 - So You Want to Work a Helpdesk
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I posted this on a few of my social accounts recently:

This platform does not show you what you ask for.
It shows you what its algorithm thinks will keep you here.

Don't be held hostage.
To truly support the creators you care about, visit their websites, subscribe to their newsletters, and just generally interact with them directly.
You'll get everything you ask for without the attention grabbing click- and rage-bait.

You're already here, and I appreciate that. But it applies to just about any creator whose content you want to see. Don't rely on social media.

(Side note: BlueSky, which has grown tremendously in recent weeks, appears to be algorithm-free.)

Helping others is all about ...

Got a very interesting question about advice I might give to someone considering taking on a technical helpdesk role.

My advice might not be what you'd expect.

So You Want to Work a Helpdesk

Also this week

  • Email delays.
  • 2FA is very good, but not perfect.
  • Don't count on your downloads sticking around.
  • No, you've not been hacked.

As always, links below.

TEH Podcast

Between power outages and Thanksgiving here in the United States, we took the week off.

Take care,

Leo

Featured Article

So You Want to Work a Helpdesk

So You Want to Work a Helpdesk
You could make a huge difference in someone's life... or not.

What's most important when trying to help people struggling with technology?
Read: So You Want to Work a Helpdesk

Also This Week on Ask Leo!

Why Am I Getting a "Delivery Status Notification (Delay)" on an Email I Sent?
Sometimes things take time.

Why Am I Getting a "Delivery Status Notification (Delay)" on an Email I Sent?
Delays happen for many reasons; it's the nature of the email infrastructure. If you get a "Delivery Status Notification (Delay)" message, your options are limited.
Read: Why Am I Getting a "Delivery Status Notification (Delay)" on an Email I Sent?

-

Think 2FA Is Bulletproof? Here's Why You're Still Vulnerable
Don't let your guard down.

Think 2FA Is Bulletproof? Here
Two-factor authentication is one of the most important ways you can secure your online accounts. But that doesn't mean you're done.
Read: Think 2FA Is Bulletproof? Here's Why You're Still Vulnerable

-

My Downloaded Files are Missing. How Do I Get Them Back?
It's possible you're doing Downloads wrong.

My Downloaded Files are Missing. How Do I Get Them Back?
The Downloads folder isn't meant for long-term storage. Here's how to avoid losing files you downloaded and want to keep.
Read: My Downloaded Files are Missing. How Do I Get Them Back?

-

Why Your Computer Has Probably Not Been Hacked
It's a knee-jerk assumption that is most often wrong.

Why Your Computer Has Probably Not Been Hacked
I regularly hear from people who believe their computer has been hacked and is under someone else's control. It's very rarely the case.
Read: Why Your Computer Has Probably Not Been Hacked

Ask Leo! on YouTube

Subscribe to Ask Leo! on YouTube to get the latest on YouTube.com. Your subscription (and "Likes") help others find Ask Leo!, and the answers they're looking for.

Why Your Computer Has Probably Not Been Hacked

It?s a knee-jerk assumption that is most often wrong.
Watch: Why Your Computer Has Probably Not Been Hacked

-

My Downloaded Files are Missing. How Do I Get Them Back?

??The Downloads folder isn't meant for long-term storage. Here's how to avoid losing files you downloaded and want to keep.
Watch: My Downloaded Files are Missing. How Do I Get Them Back?

-

Think 2FA Is Bulletproof? Here's Why You're Still Vulnerable

Two-factor authentication is one of the most important ways you can secure your online accounts. But that doesn't mean you're done.
Watch: Think 2FA Is Bulletproof? Here's Why You're Still Vulnerable

-

So You Want to Work a Helpdesk

What's most important when trying to help people struggling with technology?
Watch: So You Want to Work a Helpdesk

-

Why Am I Getting a "Delivery Status Notification (Delay)" on an Email I Sent?

Delays happen for many reasons; it's the nature of the email infrastructure. If you get a "Delivery Status Notification (Delay)" message, your options are limited.
Watch: Why Am I Getting a "Delivery Status Notification (Delay)" on an Email I Sent?

All About OneDrive - Online Course

All About OneDrive - Online Course

OneDrive is both incredibly powerful and at times incredibly confusing. It includes a bucket-load of features to help you back up, share, collaborate, stay safe, and more.

All About OneDrive covers OneDrive's features and its peculiarities so you can use it to the fullest.

(Silver level patrons and above: All About OneDrive is included in your patronage. If you don't see it in your My Account page, just ask.)

More details in the Ask Leo! store: All About OneDrive - Online Course


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Posted: December 3, 2024 in: 2024
Shortlink: https://newsletter.askleo.com/9175
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I'm Leo Notenboom and I've been playing with computers since I took a required programming class in 1976. I spent over 18 years as a software engineer at Microsoft, and after "retiring" in 2001 I started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place to help you find answers and become more confident using this amazing technology at our fingertips. More about Leo.