Published in InfoAlert.

Have you ever been right in the middle of a project, only to have your computer or the program you're using begin to malfunction? Honestly, there's nothing worse than trying to solve a seemingly unsolvable computer problem, especially when lack of time is an issue.

In this article, we'll look for technical support sites that can help you the next time you consider tossing your computer out the window.

Let's begin with Help-Site Computer Manuals, which provides links to over 600 computer-related documents and 44 websites. Categories include DOS, Windows 95, OS/2, Windows NT, Mac, Network, and more. If you're looking for FAQ's, tutorials, online manuals, or support sites, this is the place to begin.

What about a site that has cataloged *all* computer hardware manufacturers present on the Web? HW Companies: The Web List offers a whopping 921 different manufacturers, which you can find in alphabetical order or by product category. You'll find categories for Controllers and I/O Boards, Memory, Chips, BIOS, Printers & Plotters, Motherboards, and more.

Believe it or not, No Wonder Computer Supportoffers free 24-hour technical assistance for computer hardware and software. They offer personal help from one of their experts, or group help on their message boards. You simply select your operating system and you're off and running. You'll also find support for basic web design, such as CGI setup, animated GIF's, dealing with frames, and HTML code.

Out of the goodness of their heart, an Internet software company, Software.Net provides a vendor directory of over 800 hardware and software companies. You'll find toll free numbers, email addresses, direct technical support lines, URL's, and more.

Let's pause for a minute and talk about the easiest way to hunt for a particular vendor. In both Netscape and Internet Explorer, if what you're looking for has its own domain, the browser will take you directly to that site. For example, let's try Microsoft. Type microsoft in your browser, and you'll be taken to Microsoft's website. You don't have to type in or even know the complete URL (http://www.microsoft.com)--just type in the name.

This works for companies like Claris, Corel, Quark, IBM, Gateway, Dell, Adobe, Symantec, Lotus, Apple, and many more. Try it--it sure beats typing in the complete URL.

If you need to update your drivers, DriversHQ.comprovides a well-organized, easy-to-use site that offers the latest drivers in categories such as video adapters and monitors, fax modems, SCSI controllers, printers, and more. A unique feature of the site is their Driver Detective, a downloadable program that will show you all the hardware drivers used by Windows on your system, as well as retrieving all the vital information on them. Then, you can determine if you have the latest drivers.

Another helpful site is SupportHelp.Com, where you can search by company, product, or keyword. The site also features discussion support forums where you can post questions, as well as links to Usenet newsgroups where you can find assistance for hardware and software problems.

Visit ZDNet's HealthyPC.com for online PC care, maintenance, and trouble shooting. Their experts are ready to answer your toughest questions about Windows 95, Windows NT, Office 95/97, Java and ActiveX, and more. The site offers loads of tips in categories such as Networking, Peripherals, and PC's. The service finder will help you find a local service technician in your area, and the support finder will search for online technical support.

Last, Yahoo! offers a nice listing of websites for companies that offer technical support.

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

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