There are obviously hundreds and thousands of places to go for your tech support needs. Some are free message board systems, while others are premium subscription systems. Here is my list of the top ten. This list was compiled by considering the various needs of our readers. Some are technologically challenged and may need someone else to do the work for them, while others may only need the answer and can go on from there.

1. Tech 24 (tech24.com) offers support for both Mac and PC users. Billing is $1.99 per minute which starts only once you have begun speaking to a tech support rep. Call them at 1-800-238-1326. Another alternative is to call their toll number at 1-900-226-4335 which adds an additional $1 per hour but bills the entire charge directly to your telephone bill.
2. Virtual Doctor (virtualdr.com) offers free tech support for PC/Mac?Linux via message boards and free newsletters.
3. Ask Dr. Tech (askdrtech.com) supports primarily Windows based systems via phone, email, online, or chat. They charge $149 for an annual contract, $39 per month, or $19 per incident and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
4. Help 2 Go (help2go.com) is a free person-to-person support site offering free support and tutorials for Windows PC users. Registration is required.
5. Windows User Group Networks (wugnet.com) offers free forums, tips, shareware, newsletters, and tutorials. This is a great site for Windows users who feel confident about handling their own tech support, but may just need some pointers or friendly peer assistance.
6. Live Repair (liverepair.com) offers four different levels of support. TekOnline for consumers, TekOffice for small businesses, TekSource for enterprise assistance, and DevTeam for large scale development services. Their TekOnline services have various subscriptions, starting at $99.95 a year, $24.95 per month, or a pay-per-call service of $19.95.
7. PC Webopaedia (webopedia.com) is primarily business focused, but offers an online dictionary and search engine. Offers a free newsletter, tech related jobs, and price comparisons.
8. iTOK (itokhelp.com) bills itself as an online alternative to the Geek Squad. They offer similar services, but provide their help online. Call for by-service quotes.
9. AT&T Tech Support 360 (tech360.att.com) offers 24/7 support based on a subscription plan ranging from $19 per month to $28 per month - per computer - with a one-time $89 service fee that includes your first month and a PC Tune-up. This is obviously one of the most expensive services, but if you own a small business and can’t afford any down-time, this may be for you.
10. Geek Squad (geeksquad.com) is Best Buy’s answer to tech support. Here you must either take your technology equipment into their store, or they send someone out to you. This is a great service if you need help setting up your home entertainment system, or a home network, but they are rather pricey. Their website does include a “self-help” area.Do you have other websites you would recommend instead? Tell us about them and why you would recommend your suggested site over those listed above. 

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Entry was posted on Saturday, November 8th, 2008 at 2:36 pm under Lists, Technology, Tips and advice.  Print This Post

Read more entries by Todd Eastman.
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