Computer support is the process of providing diagnostic, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair services to a computer or similar device. It allows end users to seek and receive specialized computer maintenance and management services, either locally from their home/office or remotely via the Internet.

Computer support differs from technical support, which is a general term for IT-based support services.

Computer support is provided by a computer repair/support technician or similar service provider. Assistance ranges from general operations of a computer and its related software, hardware or network issues. Local computer support resolves problems by physically operating the computer, while remote support generally requires logging into an end user’s computer to analyze the query or problem.

Troubleshooting is the process of identifying, planning and resolving a problem, error or fault within a software or computer system. It enables the repair and restoration of a computer or software when it becomes faulty, unresponsive or acts in an abnormal way.

Troubleshooting is primarily done to keep a system or software in desired condition, specifically when it encounters or exhibits a problem. It is a systematic approach done within one or more phases depending on the complexity of a problem. Typically, the first step involves identifying what the problem is followed by coming up with a solution to counteract the problem and then implementing that solution. However, there can be more than one reason for the problem, which will require a more complex solution. An individual troubleshooting such a problem might test for different solutions to eliminate the problem or fault.

Technical support (tech support) refers to a range services companies provide to their customers for products such as software, mobile phones, printers, and other electronic, mechanical or electromechanical products. Technical support services usually provide users with help in solving some common problems rather than providing training on how to use the product.

Technical support is usually delivered over telephone, via email, over chat (IM) or using special software or software extensions that the user can employ to directly contact tech support. Technical support representatives are very familiar with the ins and outs of the products for which they provide support. If there is a problem that cannot be solved by the tech support, it is escalated to the development team and logged as a bug that should be fixed by a future product update or the next product iteration.