The scoop: Support.com online PC repair service, by SupportSoft, prices range from $39 to $200.

What it is: This service lets PC users who might be having difficulties with their systems talk with an expert and resolve the problem quickly. The company offers several services, ranging from a $29 Windows Vista assessment to network setup and troubleshooting, as well as Google Apps setup and migration. A phone call to a support technician can determine the next steps (as well as the cost for the service), at which point they will install a remote control application on the user's PC, so they can take over and diagnose the user's problem.

Why it's cool: For most PC problems, IT managers can handle the problems without too much worry – but there are times when a problem stumps even the best of us, and instead of trying to pinpoint the problem through lots of Google searches or other message board items, a quick call to Support.com may save more time. In addition, this can be a great service to recommend to family and friends who constantly seem to bother us to help them fix their particular problem.

In testing this service, I talked with a friendly service rep who didn't talk down to me (he didn't ask if the system was plugged in correctly, for example), and we were able to quickly solve my LAN problem (a tricky personal firewall was preventing access to a network-attached storage device).

Bottom line: This service may not be for everyone, but should make a good gift for friends/family members who get a lot of new technology over the holidays.