Technology frustration

This week Outlook Express on the lap top decided to retire! This is not the only software to do this. Firefox and Thunderbird have previously ceased to function. Then Windows Wireless Manager on the PC decided now would be a good time to trash the connection. No reason given. In the case of the lap top a highly unintelligible reason is given - a complete non answer. Telecom weren't much more help making suggestions that clearly showed that the person answering had either not read and understood my message or randomly chose an irrelevant stock answer. Of course when I replied seeking further assistance, no response! Typical. How computer phobes or those with little interest ever get on is beyond me. I've now got about 10 pages of Microsoft tech support help, found on Internet to work through to try and sort it out for myself.