Preparing For Your First Google Helpout

Google Helpouts provide a live interactive platform allowing you to get help from a real person on a wide variety of topics.  Some sessions are free, and some are paid (either a fixed amount or based on the length of the session).  But they all give you the opportunity to speak directly with a subject-matter expert.  If this is your first time using the Helpouts platform there are a number of things you need to do first to prepare.  You don't want any last-minute technical problems getting in the way of the help you desire.

Verify your computer setup

You will need to have a computer with sufficient speed and memory to support a video chat session.  You will also need a broadband internet connection.  And since it will be a video chat, the computer will need to have both working speakers and a microphone.  Most people find a headset mic works best.  The exact setup isn't important just as long as you can hear, and be heard clearly.

For more help on the minimum requirements for a helpout, see the help center article:  https://support.google.com/helpouts/answer/3164686?hl=en&ref_topic=14126

Install the Helpout Plugin

Next you will need to install the Google Hangouts plugin which is the platform used by Google Helpouts.  Start by going to https://www.google.com/tools/dlpage/hangoutplugin?authuser=0 and click the blue download button.

This will down an executable installer (probably called GoogleVoiceAndVideoSetup.exe) which you need to run.  It only takes a few moments.

For more help with the requirements to participate in a helpout, see the help center article:  https://support.google.com/helpouts/answer/3497783?hl=en&ref_topic=14126

Have a practice Helpout

With the above steps completed, the next thing you will want to do is have a free practice helpoutwith a member of the Google Helpouts team.  This will allow you to:

• Test your setup to make sure everything works OK.
• Experience how you schedule and start a Helpout session.
• Play with any of the available tools.
• Ask any questions you have about Helpouts to a Google employee.
• Completing a practice session will make your first real Helpout session go much smoother.

For more general help with Google helpouts, see the help center article:  https://support.google.com/helpouts/#topic=14126

Setup Google Wallet

If you are going to use a paid Helpout provider, you will need to have Google Wallet setup in the Google account you will use for the session.  Again, this should be done before the session so no time is wasted with payment issues when you are trying to get started.

Start by going to the Google Wallet page and create an account.   https://wallet.google.com/

For more help with Google Wallet, see the help center article:  https://support.google.com/wallet/?hl=en#topic=3209987

Other considerations

Some Helpout topics will require the host to be able to see documents or setting on your computer.  This is especially true of topics related to computer problems or help with a computer application you use.  This will require you to use the screen-sharing tool in Helpouts.  For the best results you will want to close any unneeded windows or programs before starting the Helpout session.  You may also want to further prepare by opening anything you know you will be sharing during the Helpout so it's available without delay when you need it.

There are a variety of other tools available during a Helpout which you or the host may want to use.

Your first Helpout

So after doing all of the above to get ready, now what?  If you haven't already done so, go to theGoogle Helpouts site and search or browser for a Helpout you would like to attend. Once you've found a Helpout, there will be several options available: 

The host is available now.  Click the button to start the session.

The host is available now, but there's a line.  Click the button to join the queue until your turn.

Click the button to view the calendar of available times to schedule a session.

Click the button to send a message to the host and suggest some potential times to schedule a session.



And don't forget to have fun.

Hopefully this article has provided you with the information you need to prepare for and have a successful Helpout session.  Once you've completed one, feel free to browse the topics available and have more sessions.