Problem analysis of a node computer with assistance from a central site

A computer network for analyzing a problem with a first computer, said network comprising:

• a second computer coupled to said first computer, said second computer including a processor and means for receiving error signals of different types from said first computer;
• a third computer remote to said first computer;
• and
• means for communicating between said third and second computers;
• and wherein
• said second computer further comprises problem analysis means for generating alerts corresponding to the types of error signals received from said first computer and transmitting said alerts to said third computer, each of said alerts including a probable cause category encompassing said problem and a recommendation, said recommendation being to contact a service engineer if the problem requires expertise or resources of the service engineer to correct, and being to establish remote access to said second computer to obtain additional information relating to the cause of said problem if at least a reasonable chance exists that said problem can be corrected by a person at said first computer which person not having service engineering expertise or resources;
• said second computer includes means for providing said additional information;
• and said third computer includes means for remotely controlling said second computer to obtain said additional information relating to the cause of said problem if there is at least a resonable chance that said problem can be corrected by a person at said first computer which person not having service engineering expertise or resources.