According to most surveys, computer manufacturers such as HP puts out reliable products, and computers in general are less troublesome than in the past. But personal computers are still prone to bugs, conflicts, viruses, spyware infestations, hacker and phishing attacks, and--most of all--user error. Unfortunately, technical support from computer and software companies can be time consuming to access, difficult to understand, and pricey to boot. In the light of these concerns, the author offers tips on things that one should do to avoid needing technical support in the first place.