If there is an application you use often, it might be a good investment to purchase a book written by someone other than the manufacturer. Books can range from very basic information to in-depth functions that you never knew existed. Ask office mates Your fellow workers can be a good resource. Someone might know exactly how to solve the problem having had experience with it. Keep in mind though that you don't want someone else mindlessly clicking around.
Many manufacturers have on-line help at their Web site.
You could also go to OIT's Web site and use the Get Help On-line tool. There are also newsgroups you can use to find help about various software applications. Ask the Help Desk The Help Desk can either help you directly with a specific problem or direct you to the appropriate area or resource. What you recently did while using your computer Information such as the application you used, when it worked last, etc. With a bit of common sense and preventive measures you can avoid viruses, or at least avoid the resulting fallout, and work through your problems.