Whether it's because of the hours spent on hold, endless escalations, or incomprehensible representatives, phone-based tech support can be downright maddening. Sure, you can try your luck with online FAQ pages, Google searches, or Web-based chats offered by some product vendors, but in many cases traditional Web-based alternatives aren't much help, either. The good news is that there's a better way to put your broadband connection to good use-assuming that it's still working.

 

A variety of online support services offer instant help, 24/7, where the technician can easily take control of your PC via remote desktop software and (if you're lucky) quickly resolve your issue. To evaluate the top services, we asked each one to make our home network as secure as possible using our Netgear Wireless-G router, a Lenovo ThinkPad T41, and one custom-made desktop with a Linksys Wireless-G USB Network Adapter. We then evaluated the services' pricing and interface, as well as the technicians' speed, knowledge, and friendliness.