Why should you turn to a proven Fort Lauderdale computer repair service and not to your machine's manufacturer? Because support for Windows-based PCs remains disappointing across the board from their creators.

Computer manufacturers say improvements are coming, but for now, a Broward County computer service is your best bet. For now, though, regardless of where you are with your manufacturer, start with these steps:

-- Verify the support you have. Before calling for on-site support, check out whether your warranty covers only the hardware or includes diagnostics as well.

-- Organize your information. Before calling, write down important information about your computer, such as the serial number, basic specifications, and anything you’ve installed.

-- Record what happened that has you in need of computer repair. That way, you will able to tell a technician - wherever you go - what the problem is and when it started.

-- Decide how to reach support. Not all companies are effective at providing computer support by phone, e-mail, chat, online knowledge bases, or remote access.

The best ways to get results from those computer makers themselves, rather than a local Ft. Lauderdale computer service, are:

APPLE

Best reached: By any means. Users are reasonably satisfied overall, whether they used phone, Web site, e-mail, or chat for contacting the company. But phone support is free for only 90 days, so consider buying a three-year AppleCare plan ($169 for iMacs; $249 to $349 for laptops).

COMPAQ/HP

Best reached: By online chat for both brands, which share ownership, tech-support agents, and policies. Reviews are mixed from users.

DELL

Best reached: By phone or they can be reached via online chat. Recently simplified hardware-warranty telephone network support. Web-based support pages, including forums, have been organized by system, and a remote-access assistance program has been launched.

GATEWAY

Best reached: Calling is better than contacting through the Web site. All support has been based in North America since June 2006, but at the same time, Fort Lauderdale network support is likely to get you more hands-on, experienced assistance.

LENOVO/IBM

Best reached: By phone. Consider buying an extended warranty on a Lenovo laptop. Lenovo is second only to Apply as a viable alternative to third-party support, so if your warranty has been extended, you may be able to opt for free support.

Otherwise, consult a Broward computer service or network support provider.

SONY or TOSHIBA

Best reached: Calling is better than contacting through the Web site, but survey data reports even that is laden with mixed results.