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Computing
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Online tech guides

By CNN Interactive Writer Elizabeth Knefel

April 3, 1998
Web posted at: 5:04 PM EST (1704 GMT)

We've all been there - some new software hangs up the PC, the modem isn't compatible with the Internet service provider or the computer just stops working. Tech problems happen every day, and finding the solution is almost never easy.

Intel recently launched AnswerExpress Support Suite, a virtual help desk, but it's not free. It includes a callback service via e-mail, a reference library, a virus protection service and an online backup service. Before you contact Intel or throw your PC (or yourself) out the window, check out these free online tech support sites.

Head first to PC Help Online . It's a one-stop, online clearinghouse with information about vendors, software and hardware. Visit the "PC-Resource" section to find dictionaries, download sites, FAQ's, newsgroups, computer history, links, tips, online magazines and information for Internet newbies. You can post a problem on the Mac, PC and Unix forums and get answers from people who have already been through your same frustrations. The "PC-Hardware" section boasts direct links to drivers, patches and updates. The "PC-Software" area contains a detailed list of contact information for software companies. But if you really want to save time, use the search feature. My search for Microsoft came up with contact information, software downloads, sales and product information, technical support and even employment opportunities all in one place.

Free Help includes "Ask the Experts," a message board and chat area that includes a free banner-making feature. More than 30 experts are available to answer your computer problems or critique your Web site. The message board and chat areas allow direct contact with the experts or other users who might be able to solve your problem. This site also offers tutorials and help topics in the "Specialty" area. There is also a "Web Tools" section with valuable references for webmasters. It lets you look up domain names from the interNIC database and register your site with 20 of the leading search engines.

PC Mechanic is for users who don't mind getting their hands dirty. Here you'll find tech support, a discussion forum, book section, downloads and links. The tech support and forum are similar to other sites, and most sections provide background information before guiding you to a solution. Optimization and plug & play areas have overviews and tips to increase your confidence level. The "Build Your Own PC" section features a detailed tutorial from purchasing the components to installing the operating system. The "Troubleshooting" area features solutions ranging from common Windows 95 errors to the meaning of beep error codes. Don't forget to check out PC Mechanic's "Tip of the Day," and you can even download the contents of this site for offline reference for five dollars.

A good technical reference site for "wireheads" is Computer Tips. This site features technology news, technical information, diagrams, a bookstore and numerous links. The "Forum" section lists software, hardware, windows, driver and general topics. Here you can post your problems and be assured someone out there will have a solution. This technical site includes sections on I/O ports, I/O devices, motherboards, displays and storage devices. Advanced users will benefit most from Computer Tips.

Windows 95 boasts a plug and play feature, but adding hardware can still be less than fun. If you aren't having a good time, go to Plug and Pray . This site offers diagnostic programs to examine your hardware components and links to manufacturers. Plug and Pray is also a good place to visit if you are a Linux user. The most interesting area is the Plug & Pray "X-Files," where strange and mysterious occurrences are shared and average PC users are promised "the truth is out there." Even if you don't have such unique problems, the postings are very interesting.

If after visiting all these sites and you still don't have an answer to your PC problems, then it's probably time for you to join a computer user group or even take your machine to a repair shop. I don't know of any Web sites to help you in your dealings with repair shops but praying might be a good start.

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