BT's new Internet repair man

BT has launched a range of home service options that will enable customers to troubleshoot IT problems.

The BT Home IT visit scheme will see engineers visiting broadband customers to put right any queries or concerns about their home PC use -- at a cost of £75 for the first hour, £25 for each subsequent half hour.

Despite the cost, BT is expecting the service to be in demand.

Alternatively customers can choose a remote service option that will see BT helpdesk staff take control of a user's home PC.

The visiting engineer can set up Internet connections, help with IT-related problems and show confused customers how to back up data.

Development on the new home visit system began in July, following the launch of BT's Home IT Advisor service in March, which creates 'virtual engineers' who can securely log on to home computers and right any IT wrongs.

Dell launched its own remote-control technology support service earlier this week.