4. Forward copies of any Pfishing email to actual company or bank that is being imitated by scammers. You can usually send any email to postmaster@ and then bank or company name.

5. If a Pfishing e-mail seems particularly threatening or worrisome to you, report it to Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ifccfbi.gov), a partnership between FBI and National White Collar Crime Center.

6. If it's too late and you already provided any of your personal information, account numbers, or PINs then you should immediately contact your banks and credit card companies to make arrangements with them to protect your financial interests. These companies and institutions are familiar with these scams and they know what needs to be done.

7. If you receive evidence of identity theft, such as unauthorized charges on your credit card bills, or unexplained transactions in your bank account, contact police and file a report. Be sure to get a copy of report for your own records and to send to companies that are involved in transactions. You also need to contact all three major credit bureaus (Equifax at 800-525-6285, Experian at 888-397-3742 and TransUnion at 800-680-7289) and tell them that you need a fraud alert placed on your credit file.

8. You can get information on ID theft and Pfishing at Federal Trade Commission Web site at www.ftc.gov or calling toll-free 877-382-4357.

3. There are companies that offer free general help for simple questions and then charge a sliding scale for more complicated ones. Support Freaks (www.supportfreaks.com) is a good one to try. Even if you have to pay, rates are reasonable. Click on "Freebies" link, under "Quick Links" menu to see if your question is eligible for free help.

4. There are probably any number of local PC support groups that meet in libraries and other locations near your home. Some of these groups are very specific in nature and some are general. Try searching Google for "PC Support Group" or "PC User group" and name of your town. Also check with your local librarian and computer stores. They often know of these groups.

5. Speaking of computer stores, you can often pick brains of more knowledgeable salespeople if you are lucky enough to find any. Many times these employees love computers so much that they will act as your big brother or sister if you need some quick help. Sometimes they moonlight as consultants at a good rate.

This ought to be enough information to get you started on road to solving your next PC or software problem. If you are having Internet connectivity problems then your ISP is first place to start. If you can't get online at all, and you don't think you know their phone number, think again. I'll bet that it's printed on every bill that they send you. You'll also need your account number and you can bet that it's printed on bill as well.

Remember -- When it comes to getting technical support help, first rule is: Don't Panic!