As many of you may know, "Windows Helpdesk" was the name of my reader Q&A column for CNet.com from 1999-2002. I've also been known as the "Windows Advisor" through Computer Currents and Computer User magazines from 1995-1998. Between those two columns I've handled thousands of e-mail messages - only a small percentage of which made it "into print." I will be unearthing and posting all of them in some form as the site grows.
While I'm building up the archives of previous content for the site, I will be taking in new requests for help and posting solutions more or less in "real-time", or the time in which I can respond, formulate answers and write-up the postings. This may come in the form of a forum, a blog or an FAQ list, but the e-mail will always get answered.
My goal with this site is to bring you "the best of the best" of PC support resources above and beyond what your PC and software vendors may be able to tell you about the nuances of PC technology and software interoperability working with your operating system - DOS or Windows-anything.
As you may know, Microsoft announced in December 2003 that they are dropping their support for Windows 98. Windows 95, 98, 98SE and Me are some of "hot topics" you'll see covered here, as well as what can and is supported by various vendors and why you may not be getting the straight answer to your problems.
I've been involved with PCs since 1986. Along the way I have learned and done a lot with many PC vendors and user communities on both the marketing/development and the user-support side of the issues. If it can, or cannot, be done with a PC, I've probably been there and done that, and will freely discuss any relevant issue that comes along.
You wouldn't believe the things people will say about PCs. There are a LOT of myths and assertions about PC and software that have been floating around for years, and new ones created every month. Besides topical issues I'll provide some editorial/pundit material for your consideration - from WiFi to firewalls, the dumbing down of most utility software and how some of it is almost useless and a waste of your time, money and computer's resources.
Mixed in with curiosity and knowledge will be product reviews and yes, even a few product recommendations and some ads posted here and there. Those recommendations and ads will probably not come from the mainstream, high-profile, "household name" vendors you are used to in this business. Instead you will hear about products that actually work and will not mess up your PC!