I partly agree and partly disagree with you. I think researching a problem is a great idea. However, I think that forums such as this one are a good place to begin that research. I also think that a little research is a good idea before calling tech support. An educated idea of what is causing the problem can help a tech person narrow it down and solve it and can at very least help the customer understand what the tech is telling them.
People learn by the errors come up from their computer and the mistake they make.
Personally I learn my lesson through a lot of stupid mistake I made and through a lot of books and internet forum like this. Without all these problems we would never pay any attention to our computer system. They never have to worry about compatibility, driver s version, graphic card s ability, and finally the Operating System issue. But Richard, you do have to remember that not many people have the luxury of time to go through all those questions in this forum and dwell themselves in a mountain of computer reference books and magazines. All they want to do is just fix the problem that they are facing and get on with their life.