Before you shoot off an email to your PC Hardware / Reviews Guide (or any other Internet expert, for that matter), there are a few questions you should ask yourself:

1. If this is a question about a problem with your PC hardware, contact the manufacturer of the component in question or try searching the PC Support Guide site for answers.
2. If this is a question about PC components that are external to the computer (i.e. printers, scanners, mice, keyabords, etc), contact the manufacturer of the peripheral or try searching the PC Peripherals Guide site for answers.

Before You Write
Think about the question you want answered. Here are some tips to be sure you phrase your question in a way that will get answered quickly:

• don't send attachments
  I can't open them, and so it won't help your question.
• use a meaningful subject
  If your subject looks like spam, chances are it will be ignored until I'm not busy. As I work full time and then do the PC Hardware site, chances are that will be a long wait.
• be specific
  If you are referring to a specific type of component, include the brand and model number in question and try to use a subject line that refers to the product or component type in question.
• be polite
  I am much more likely to respond favorably to a politely worded request. And remember, all caps in email sounds like you're shouting at the recipient, and I don't like to be shouted at.
• saying thank you is always appreciated
  If your question is answered and was helpful, it's always nice to know.

For a more in-depth look at how to write good questions, read Eric S. Raymond's essay How to Ask Questions the Smart Way.

Where to Write
If all else fails, please feel free to send me email - compreviews.guide@about.com. Like all the Guides here at About, I am a real person. I work full-time plus maintain the About PC Hardware / Reviews site, but I do try to answer my mail as quickly as possible.