Computer helplines evaluated - sort of

[jupiter]

A journalist has been looking at 4 of the sources of help available to home PC users.  The growth of such sources has accelerated since broadband went 'mass market' and PC ownership has extended.

His report, at:
http://money.guardian.co.uk/consumernews/story/0,,2041331,00.html
looks at BT Home Adviser, The TechGuys, PCIQ and Low Cost Computer Help.

Maybe surprisingly, in the main they performed well, though only a small number of problems was used to test them.

[Rik]

Interesting post, Jupiter. It would be nice if Which? or someone similar could run an in-depth test. £120pa for BT is a bit steep though.

The interesting thing is that most of the information could be found in forums like this, but the people who most need the help are the people least likely to visit forums like this. That's an issue I'd like to solve...

[jupiter]

The interesting thing is that most of the information could be found in forums like this, but the people who most need the help are the people least likely to visit forums like this. That's an issue I'd like to solve...

In all sorts of spheres it is evident that people can have info put under their noses, but will not use it.  Certainly will not go out of their way to hunt for it. Picking up the phone and asking has an obvious appeal.

Even in forums such as this there are lots of threads where advice given is then ignored in preference to asking another, slightly different question.

Solving this must come close to rewriting the 'script' of the human brain!  So I expect a fully worked answer by tea time please.

[Rik]

Sorry, it's rugby this afternoon - will breakfast do?