Your employer

For many people an IT department at work is a good source of trustworthy security advice and support. They are also likely to make sure that any company equipment is properly protected and maintained to begin with.

Of course, consumers and the self-employed tend not to have this kind of help. You are not alone. The rest of this article has some suggestions about where to get support from human beings when you have a security problem.

Knowledgeable friends and family

After work, the next most common source of advice is knowledgeable friends and family. While this has the benefit of being cheap, there are risks.

It is difficult to judge whether someone really knows their worms from their trojans and there is a risk of getting a half-baked solution or incomplete defences. Choose your help carefully and if you aren’t sure you’re getting good advice, go to a professional.

Getting a better understanding of the problem yourself from this website can help and it can also be a resource for your computer helper when they go to work on your computer.

Help yourself

In many ways, the ideal solution is to become a security guru yourself. This website is a great place to start. It isn’t rocket science even if it does take a little time. Understand the risks, educate yourself and take action to protect your computer.

Dedicated technical support company

There is no shortage of expert help in local firms.

• Search for “IT Support” in your area in the Yellow Pages.
• Search for a Microsoft Certified partner.

Software companies

For security information relating to Microsoft products and services please call 0870 60 10 100. Lines are open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday. For all general support enquiries please visit http://support.microsoft.com.

You can usually get technical support from software manufacturers for issues like installation problems but you are unlikely to get free support for security issues.

However, company websites are a good source of advice and help. Also, companies that sell anti-virus and other security software usually have a fee-based telephone support service.

Retailers and hardware manufacturers

Retailers and hardware manufacturers should give free technical support on hardware failures during your warranty period but they are unlikely to provide support for preventable security issues like virus infections.

However, many online retailers and some bricks and mortar stores have chargeable technical support phone lines and drop-in repair centres. For example, many PC World stores have an in-house technical support and repairs department that charge by the hour.