Guide to Tech Support Services for Small Business

Locate a qualified IT technician quickly

You can find local tech pros by category or location easily online.

I recommend: A great place to find a qualified local tech pro who can help your business is OnForce, an online marketplace for IT and consumer electronics service professionals. From software and hardware installations, to ongoing IT support, PC or printer repair, POS service and VoIP support, OnForce offers access to some 11,000 IT professionals operating in virtually every zip code in America, encompassing more than 200 certifications. As an added benefit, the site lists recently completed work orders, including location and service fee.

Sign up for quick and easy subscription support service

For a flat fee, your business can get all the tech support it needs.

I recommend: Ask Dr. Tech, one of the leaders, offers 24/7 tech support by phone, live chat or e-mail for PCs, Macs and peripherals of all kinds, plus onsite repair. Special support plans for business are available. TekOnline, Speak with a Geek and Support Freaks also offer tech support services.

Call in the Geek Squad

They are focused solely on computer and network support, with flat rate pricing for carry-in, on-site or emergency service for everything from setups to upgrades.

I recommend: Geek Squad offers online support and also makes on-site calls in certain cities. Geek Squad's 24 Hour Computer Support Task Force was established to protect society from the assault of computer technology gone awry. (That, and to give them something to do, since they can't land dates.)

Get instant technology relief

One of the newest online computer support entries promises "instant technology relief" and claims to have patented remote access software that's been proven and deployed to millions of PCs at companies such as ADP, Bank of America, BellSouth and others.

I recommend: Support.com's goal is to help small business and home office users fix any computer problem simply and easily, including software or operating system bugs, network trouble, spyware and virus elimination and general troubleshooting. You can also call (800) PC-SUPPORT.

Hire your own IT consultant

Services that help small businesses locate IT support have blossomed.

I recommend: The Independent Computer Consultants Association (ICCA) is a national not-for-profit group with a free feature that lets you search for tech consultants in your area or by special skills. Or post contract opportunities on the site. Rent a Geek is an online clearinghouse for locating freelance computer consultants and consulting companies.

See if Bill Gates can help

Microsoft has a traveling tech support road show for small business.

I recommend: Microsoft has created a series of free IT solutions events for small business that it puts on in cities across the country.

Offer online tech training to employees (and yourself)

The e-learning field is electric with good tutorials you can order or view online. Some basic help is available free, though you can expect to pay $20 to $100 or more for the best training courses.

I recommend: Tutorials.com is a specialist in desktop and Web-based tutorials for learning Microsoft Office, plus a variety of business skills, such as sales, writing and human resources. World Wide Learn is a massive Web-based directory of online training courses, including many for small business, offered by educational institutions, companies and individuals worldwide.