| For example on Yahoo, if you report a problem, by default it asks some details and sometimes may be able to know what browser and operating system you use. But they may need more info, so what to add? Keep in mind the bug report is supposed to help the programmer FIX the problem, not just for you to whine and moan. So start with the basics, check the website for known bugs and issues, for example, don't email Deep about voice in Yahelite, it says its dead on the site. If the programs site does not have a known issue page, look around, someone else may have details ( a forum, a help site, or a newsletter ) THEN compose that report for the programmer: I was running THIS program on a computer with XXX in RAM and WindowsXXX operating system. I also had these programs open too; x, x, x. Include info about the last time you scan disked/defragged, and even add when winupdates done. Finally, I suggest you include your screen size setting. Believe it or not, there are some issues that may cause a program to be buggy at 800x600, but the program purrs on 1024x768. If there are error NUMBERS >>COPY THEM paste them to notepad if you can. Include them in your bug report too. The goal here is to give the programmer enough details to see the problem and DUPLICATE it, so they can fix it. The good thing is that a good bug report can help the program be better, a bad bug report can leave a programmer frustrated. So the quick version? BE SPECIFIC, add all the details you can think of, even if you do not think it is important, Double check what you wrote before you send it. Make sure you add all the steps, programs and little items you can think of. And save a copy to refer to later, and in case you get no response and need to look elsewhere for help. |
