The Consumerist has an excellent tip on helping computer manufacturers improve their technical support. Instead of calling the number listed on your computer, dial one of these instead:
Apple: 800-894-3218
Dell Technical Support: 800-894-3639
Gateway Technical Support: 800-894-3552
HP Technical Support: 800-871-4439
Everything will seem normal until cameras start taping you in the shower Vocal Laboratories calls you back with a survey an hour after you’ve completed your call. Then they’ll slap around the faceless corporations for you, hopefully getting company policies/nterfaces updated and thereby ensuring that your problem will actually be solved the next time your computer goes to crap.