Have you ever wished you were a real computer geek or at least knew one personally, so that every time something went wrong with your computer, it would be fixed instantly?

Instead, many computer-reliant people often feel frustrated and confused, trying to deal with an ever-proliferating assortment of hardware and software problems and conflicts, even as the concept of "tech support" seems more and more like a cyberspace myth.

Our crack Net Listings' researchers think they've found the solution and have nominated SpeakWithAGeek.com as the October hot tool of the month. It's not quite like having your very own tech guy sitting at your side, but it just may be the closest thing to it. SpeakWithAGeek , aka SWAG, came up with a simple yet brilliant concept: fill the tech support vacuum by providing live human assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

How do they do that, you may ask. Well, according to SWAG, they have assembled a group of IT professionals with years of education and experience, and a diverse array of expertise, to ensure that they always have an expert on hand to help with your particular problem. That means they offer a whole lot more than, for example, any warranty. Warranties can (sometimes) help replace a certain piece of hardware if it stops functioning. But in today's world, your computer hooks up with your digital camera, your printer, your fax machine, and numerous other devices, while also running hundreds of software programs at the same time. SpeakWithAGeek.com understands all about connectivity and interactivity, and can provide help in every area.

Another benefit for people who join SpeakWithAGeek.com is that their experts speak to you in plain English, not techno-jargon and computer error codes. That means you never wind up feeling more confused after being assisted than you did before. But you're right; we did say "join." SWAG charges a flat, affordable rate ($34.95 per month or $239 per year) for unlimited phone, e-mail or online chat support for Windows, Macs, Linux and peripherals such as Palm Pilots and digital cameras.

Of course, SWAG is not without its minor shortcomings. Although they have received numerous awards for the quality of their personal service, and high praise in the national media, including the Wall Street Journal, their Mac support is still limited to certain hours, and they should probably beef up their incoming phone lines. Nevertheless, it is a solution whose time has definitely come, especially considering the major cut-backs in tech support that companies from Gateway to Hewlett-Packard have been forced to implement.

So, whether a virus has attacked your hard drive, or you don't know where to insert your new CD, just contact SpeakWithAGeek.com and shout, "HELP!"