Leave It To The Experts Computer crashes, corrupted disks, scary signs flashing on your screen--you're probably missing that MIS guy from the office right about now. We show you how to hire a tech support consultant ... without getting ripped off.

A homebased business is usually a one-person show. In exchangefor the freedom of running a business out of your home, you have towear a number of hats: CEO, CFO, human resources guy, even officemanager. But when it comes to purchasing new computer hardware,wiring small networks or troubleshooting printer jams, youdon't have to go it alone. An Information Technology Consultant(ITC) can serve as a "virtual MIS department" for yourbusiness, evaluating technology needs, implementing solutions andmaintaining systems already in place.

Even if you are tech-savvy enough to do it all by yourself,hiring an ITC to look after your technology needs can free you upto pursue other interests, like building a successful business orhaving a family life.

So how does a homebased business owner with a layperson'sknowledge of computers hire, pay and intelligently discuss problemswith an ITC? Read on to figure out exactly what you need, when youneed it, how to get the most from your ITC and how to get the mostfor your money.