Tips on Using Online Tech Support

After hitting a snag with a new piece of hardware or software, the last thing you want to do is sit on the phone waiting for tech support to answer your call. Besides, tech support has become increasingly expensive -- even if your computer is under warranty, you could spend a lot of money on long

Fortunately, the Internet is a great tool for finding quick answers to tech support questions. A plethora of Web sites provide technical support resources — some through e-mail, chat rooms, or message boards, others through Web sites devoted to expert information and advice. Many tech support sites that were once free now charge for their services, but they still provide an alternative to phone-based help desks that charge by the minute and keep you waiting for hours.

Caveat Emptor
Remember, not everyone who provides advice over the Web is an expert, and some sites might provide incorrect advice, especially if they don't have all the facts about your particular situation. If you need support for a specific hardware or software product, your best option might be to contact the manufacturer directly, either through its Web site or by telephone.

CNet How-To. CNet.com features tens of thousands of fully searchable tech-related questions and answers covering a huge variety of topics. If you don't find what you need, you can post questions in a public forum where other users provide free advice. In addition, CNet will post your question to the appropriate Usenet newsgroups, where thousands of other computer users can see it.