Self-Help Answers

As a computer tech, I'm always looking for help in resolving problems. Searching the web for self-help answers is usually my first choice, rather than wait on hold for tech support. Results vary widely, depending on the issue, the product and the company. But looking for answers yourself is a good bet and always worthy of the effort.

Here's some of my favorites that I hope you may find useful as well:

www.cnet.com
I like their mission statement at CNET:

"We create richer, more authentic brand experiences by building on the collective wisdom and passion of users, marketers, and our own people."

www.computerhope.com
Computer Hope also has a large active computer forum with a wide variety of topics like hardware, software, internet and networking, and vendors like Microsoft, Creative and Apple, plus an FAQ solution database.

Searching the user forums is also a great way to find your answers, usually from someone who has already worked their way through the same problem. Another useful way to search Google is to enter in the exact part number, if you have it.

There's also an engineering search engine by GlobalSpec at www.globalspec.com.