Times come that require help, perhaps answering hardware questions or software issues. I recently sent an email out to my list of "Mac Using Friends" [a list I send to from time to time some helpful information] which discussed this and I thought it might also be helpful to note what I have found helpful in dealing with various Apple products:
First, an excellent ebook series is put out as downloadable pdfs: http://www.takecontrolbooks.com/. If you are a member of a MUG [Macintosh Users Group] there are frequent sales, but the pricing isn't too high anyway.
Also, when I have an issue I frequently check directly with the Apple site, through AppleCare, an inquiry to an expert and with the Community Discussion Forums. My general advice was:
Support at Apple - in lower left corner is area to "Speak to an Apple Expert" [particularly for those either within the 90 days warranty or with Apple Care] - you can click thru and put in the notes area all the information that may be helpful and set up for you to call at a certain day/time OR for Apple to call you back [I use the latter].
And, if you go to the Communities area [Discussion forums] you can search them for issues and answers or if you want to post and have an Apple ID, you can post your own questions.
I find the Apple Support site, with video tutorials etc., excellent. Another video resource is ScreencastsOnline.com, where there are tons of tools and free tutorials, and there's a free podcast as well.
Finally, if you're using Leopard you can use iChat's "Share my Screen" ability to let a knowledgeable friend or service provider to come in via the internet to 'see' your screen [not to have access to it] and walk you through issues and answers. Jon Thompson here in Des Moines [Evolve] uses it all the time [excellent Mac service, fee is reasonable] and has assisted me with various issues.
I hope this is of some help.
