for really problomatic P.C. questions there are many computer-related bulletin boards that are their professional equivalent to PPRuNe
Yes, but there are also a lot of us IT people who frequent PPRuNe because we fly for a hobby. I'll help out when I can because I get a lot of good advice elsewhere on this board.
Regarding the nature of the advice, if you're paying the £950/day that my company would charge for my time then you've got an idea of what you are getting and right to expect that the advice is worth it. However, when it come free and anonymous then you've got no such guarantee - so
think it through. Don't like the sound of what FL310 - or anyone else - says, then don't do it! You're getting what you pay for, so caveat emptor!