Nothing is worse than having a computer or software meltdown, and not being able to reach technical support for help. Often, the technical support divisions for many big companies are notoriously difficult to reach, or you end up on hold waiting to speak to a tech support rep for an hour or more. One obvious problem is that if your computer or internet service is inaccessible, you won't be able to contact technical support via the web or email. So its a good idea to write down the tech support phone numbers for your computer, your ISP, and any other hardware you have for your computer. Keep an index card in your desk with those key phone numbers (toll free hopefully) so you can reach anyone by phone, even if your computer is out of service.
Getting Help from Technical Support for your computer
If you don't mind paying for help in fixing your computer, you can try Best Buy's Geek Squad, at 1-800-GEEK-SQUAD. They make housecalls, or you can take your PC into them, and they can fix virus problems, Windows problems, and much more. They also do computer upgrades and help configure networks. You can reach them online at GeekSquad.com. ComputerHelpSOS.com also provides online or telephone support to fix most computer problems - they do charge $1.99 per minute. But sometimes, lets face it, it's worth a lot more then $20 bucks to get your PC working again. Their phone number is 1-866-603-2667. They can help with just about any problem: "We do our best to support the wide variety of popular products across the entire spectrum of PC and laptop computers, software and attached peripherals. This includes but is not limited to: Networking, Wireless Networks, PC Hardware, Laptops, Software Installation, Printers, Digital Cameras and Photo Printing, DVD, CD Burner, MP3 Players, Hard Drive, File Backups, Driver Download, DSL, Modem, Internet Browser, Email, Computer Viruses, Firewalls, Windows 98, XP, ME, 2000, NT, 2003."
Finally, there is PCLiveHelp.com, another tech support company that provides telephone support to fix about any computer problem. Their top support issues are: Windows tech support, virus removal, worm removal, browser hijackers, video/sound problems, printer issues, hardware installation, startup issues, and home networking help. All of their technicians are computer experts and most are Microsoft Certified Engineers, and all are located in the US. Cost is $1.70 per minute.
Free Technical Support
So those are tech support companies you can call if you are willing to pay for a solution. If you want free support from the companies you bought your computer or services from, you need to contact them directly.
Microsoft: Support.Microsoft.com is their main support website. They have a large searchable knowledge base to find answers to most questions. They also offer assisted support for all their products (Windows XP, Office, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visual Studio, Money 2005, Xbox, Internet Explorer, SQL, etc.). You can get 2 free email helps, after that it is $35. They also offer online chat support, again with 2 free incidents and then $35 per additional incident. Microsoft phone support is available for Windows XP at (866) 234-6020 (2 free incidents), or for $35 call (800) 936-5700.
For technical support on Apple Computer products, start at Apple.com/support. They offer free online chat support for all their products. Some popular topics include: forgotten passwords, troubleshooting an internet connection, printing problems, burning CDs, resetting PRAM and NVRAM.
For technical support for Dell Computer products, start at Support.Dell.com. They have a searchable database of common problems and solutions, as well as a paid telephone support service that can answer questions about internet security, spyware removal, parental controls, burning a CD, internet and email setup, help with digital cameras, network setup, etc. Dell On Call, available at 1-888-236-3355, costs $99 and up.
Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.