Web comes to the rescue

Question: In a recent column you mentioned that ZDNet is "... one of the first three (Web) sites I use to look for solutions ..." I, too find ZDNet indispensable, and as someone who can always use sound computer advice and fixes, I was wondering what your other favourites were.

-- KJS

Answer: People occasionally ask me how I know so much about computers and technology and what it takes to become an expert.

The truth is I'm no expert. I have no computer training or certification. I have no magic manual that I can look into for answers.

What I do know how to do is search for answers. And, while I do get a lot of helpful solutions from my trusty panel of advisers, I also rely on the Internet for a lot of research.

I also defer to my cat, which sits on my desk as I work. She's not much good for problem solving, but she's fluffier (in most cases) than my advisers and, other than the odd furball, doesn't give me any 404 File Not Found errors.

The exciting truth is that most of the tools available to me are available to everyone with an Internet connection.

So, in response to KJS's question, here are seven must-see Internet sites that I go to right away when I need answers. The first three I use frequently, the last four I use for specific problems or in the event that I run into dead ends.

ZDNet

ZDNET is one of the best sites on the Net for computer aficionados. The search feature is very powerful and I use it often, but I tend to start on PC magazine's home page at http://www.zdnet.com/pcmag/. Check out the "Best of" lists and the "Win 95 Solution pack" page.

PC World Online

This is the Web presence for the computer trade magazine of the same name. This site is full of computer tips, news and features. I'll often use the search area to find keywords that I'm looking for. But I'll typically go to the "Here's How" section, which you can get to by clicking the reference to it on the black bar below the advertising banner at the top of the page. Once you get there, check out the "Upgrade Guide" and "Bugs and Fixes" section. "Tipworld" and "Computers Made Easy" sections are often indispensable.

PC WEBOPAEDIA

I love love love this site. It uses clear definitions and offers related links to the terms it defines.

MICROSOFT SUPPORT

Microsoft's support area is invaluable if you're looking to fix an odd bug or looking for a way to get something done on any version of Windows. It requires a five-minute on-line registration, which is free.

FOLDOC

I'll never forget the folks at FOLDOC -- that's the Free On-line Computing Dictionary. They helped me figure out the plural of computer mouse (mice and mouses are both acceptable) when a curious reader wanted to know. I often use FOLDOC to bust acronyms and to humanize some of the more esoteric techno-jargon that gets thrown at the unsuspecting public. FOLDOC sometimes spits back more technical terms, but it's cross-referenced so well that I usually figure it out.

CNET's Shareware.com

This site contains links to thousands of pieces of software. When a reader is looking for a software solution, I'll often search the archive. It also contains software patches and Windows utilities.

Yahoo! Canada

I like Yahoo! Canada's simplicity. It's not technology specific, but if I'm looking for an esoteric term or phrase, I search for it here and answers pop up on the strangest sites. Type in phrases between quotation marks for exact matches. And be sure to read advanced search instructions by clicking on "Options" next to the search box. Failing Yahoo! Canada I used HotBot at http://www.hotbot.com/.

If this column still doesn't fully help you with your tech problems or answer questions that you may have, you should see our Emergency Help page for personalized help.