The Internet also helps Dell provide better and cheaper technical support with technology that allows buyers to log on to a Web site for instant answers and software fixes (see box, opposite).

FORBES: PCs for the masses

However, some website owners who make use of the Facebook Connect service - which allows people to log into external sites by using their Facebook account - were left frustrated by the technical issues.

BBC: Facebook hit by technical problem across Europe

We have a technical ('smart') phoning system in place where people have their own personal numbers which they log in against their desk...but many people have problems with this, or forget to log out.

BBC: The pleasures and perils of the open-plan office